A little planning can help you save money at Disney World. There are so many ways to save, so try to choose the ones that you're happy to compromise on.
Visiting Disney World is a bucket list item for a lot of people. Thankfully there are some great ways to save and visit Disney World on a budget. It might take a little more planning, but most of these savings tips are pretty easy and you really won't feel like you're missing out.
Disney World tickets are cheaper on some days and more expensive on others. If your time is flexible, then try to avoid weekends and holidays which are usually more expensive.
Going for longer obviously isn't cheaper, but it is better value for money. Single-day tickets are the most expensive. If you buy Disney World packages for more than one day, the price per day becomes less and keeps dropping as you add more days.
Decide how long you need to enjoy the park. The price per day is less if you buy tickets for more days, but each day you spend at Disney World is also expensive. You might not get as good value for money, but you'll save by taking a shorter vacation.
Before you book your tickets, look for Disney World discounts. Undercover Tourist often has some great deals and there are usually a variety of military discounts available on tickets and also inside the park.
It's likey to be hot and you're going to be walking and standing a lot. You're going to get thirsty. Choose free ice water from Quick Service restaurants. It'll not only do a better job of quenching your thirst, the savings will really add up over a few thirsty days. If you can't resist the sodas, then deciding in advance how many sodas you'll buy each day is a good compromise to cut costs and keep the experience enjoyable.
There are also water bottle filling stations all throughout the park, so if you bring your own water bottle, it's easy to fill. Don't like water? Bring your own juice concentrate or powder to add to your water.
There are so many things you're going to want to buy! Save at Disney World by buying some items before you go. Get t-shirts, ears, pins, princess dresses, and autograph books for cheap before you leave. You can usually find great deals on Amazon, dollar stores, and even Etsy.
It's obviously a little more effort, but it can make a big difference, especially if you're going with the kids. If you really had your heart set on buying a souvenir from Disney World, then compromise and set yourself a budget before you leave. That way you won't end up making emotional purchases.
Taking your own food is a great way to do Disney World on a budget. Taking homemade food and snacks is cheap and healthy. Pack sandwiches and snacks or go all out and pack a picnic for the day. If trying out the park food is part of the experience for you, then compromise and choose some meals to buy at the park and pack food for others.
Food can be expensive at Disney World. Sharing meals can help cut costs. The portions are generally big, so sharing a meal is definitely possible. Pack your own snacks to keep your bellies full between meals.
Disney World gift cards can help you keep track of how much you're spending. If you're taking kids, it's a great idea to get them each a gift card so that they can budget and decide what they would like to spend their money on.
If you plan your trip far in advance, you can even ask friends and family to contribute towards your gift cards for birthday or Christmas presents.
There are so many great offsite options available. Apart from the traditional accommodation offerings, there are also some really great Airbnb options to choose from. Staying offsite can also help keep your food costs down because you'll have access to cheaper food options.
If you're staying somewhere that includes breakfast, it's a great idea to make the most of it. Eating a hearty breakfast will help cut costs on other meals throughout the day.
Disney Value Resorts are the cheapest of all the Disney World hotels. Their standards are still good and the accommodation is fun and comfortable. If staying in the park is on your bucket list, then choosing a value resort is the perfect way to save money and still have a great time.
You might have a few items that you really want to splurge on. If your splurge items are outside your budget, then start saving before your trip, so that you'll have extra money to spend on your Disney World experience. Save is a great website that can help you find the best ways to start freeing up room in your budget. They offer some great savings and coupons, which can help you meet your savings goals and make the most of your trip.
Before you head off on your trip, decide what you're hoping to get out of the experience. Do you want to see as much as possible? Taste all the food? Is convenience high on your list? What about souvenirs and shopping? There are so many great ways to save at Disney World, so look for ways to save that don't take away from the experience for you. A few little compromises can add up to some big savings.
