Top 10 Ways to Save Money on a Disney World Vacation
Walt Disney World is a magical place that every family dreams of visiting. However, with ticket prices, accommodations, and dining costs, it can quickly become an expensive vacation. Fortunately, there are ways to save money on your trip without sacrificing any of the fun. In this article, we'll go over the top 10 ways to save money on a Disney World vacation.
Travel during the off-season: Visiting Disney World during the off-season can be a great way to save money. Since 2020, it has been trickier to determine the crowd levels. However, typically, the off-season is during the fall and winter months (excluding the holidays) and during weekdays. Many report lower crowds right before holidays and during the school year. During this time, hotel and ticket prices tend to be lower, and the parks are less crowded, making it easier to get on rides and enjoy the attractions.
Use a travel agent: A Disney travel agent can be a great resource for finding the best deals on tickets, accommodations, and dining packages. They can also help you plan your itinerary and make recommendations for how to save money during your trip. Your Disney travel agent should be no cost to you, so if you are looking into a company that will be charging you please look elsewhere!
Stay off-site: While staying at a Disney World hotel has its perks, such as early entry to the parks and transportation to and from the parks, it can also be expensive. Consider staying at a hotel or vacation rental off-site to save money on accommodations. Many off-site hotels offer shuttle service to the parks and may even have lower rates. You can also search for Disney World Good Neighbor hotels that offer some extra perks for your Disney vacation without the high price tag.
Bring your own food and drinks: Dining at Disney World can be expensive, so bringing your own snacks and drinks into the parks can save you a lot of money. Pack a cooler with sandwiches, fruit, and other snacks to enjoy throughout the day. You can also bring refillable water bottles and fill up at the water fountains throughout the parks. You can have just as much fun eating your own snacks in the Disney atmosphere as the over-priced goodies they sell!
Use a refillable water bottle: Disney World offers free water at its quick-service locations. Bring a refillable water bottle and fill up throughout the day to save money on drinks. You can also purchase drinks from outside the park and bring them in with you.
Buy souvenirs off-site: Souvenirs can be expensive in the parks. Consider buying Disney merchandise at a store off-site or online before your trip. Nearby Walmart and Target stores often sell Disney merch at a much lower cost. You can also find discounted merchandise at the outlet stores near Disney World. These are locations that sell merch that comes straight from the parks but had to be phased out to allow more room for new goods. Just search Google maps for Disney's Character Warehouse for two locations not far from the parks.
Use a grocery delivery service: Many grocery stores, as well as Walmart and Amazon, offer delivery to Disney World hotels. Order groceries and snacks to be delivered to your hotel room and save money on dining. This is especially helpful if you have dietary restrictions or picky eaters in your group.
Purchase multi-day tickets: Disney World offers discounts on multi-day tickets, so consider purchasing a ticket for the number of days you'll be in the parks. This can save you money in the long run and allows you to take advantage of all the parks have to offer.
Use free transportation: While it might be tempting to call up an Uber or Lyft after a long day, those fees add up fast. Try to plan your days so that you can catch the free transportation Disney resorts and Good Neighbor Hotels provide guests.
Consider an annual pass: If you plan on visiting Disney World more than once in a year, an annual pass may be a money-saving option. The pass includes park admission for a year, as well as discounts on dining, merchandise, and accommodations. This can be a great option for Florida residents or frequent visitors to the parks. Typically, if you plan on visiting more than 10 days in a year, it is a savings! Do the math for yourself to find out.
Following these top 10 money-saving tips can help you enjoy a magical Disney World vacation without breaking the bank. By planning ahead and being flexible, you can save money on accommodations, dining, and park tickets, allowing you to have a memorable trip within your budget!