The Ultimate List of Money-Saving Tips for Your Disney Vacation
A Disney vacation is a dream for many, but the costs can add up quickly. However, with a bit of savvy planning and some insider tricks, you can enjoy a magical trip without emptying your wallet. Here's the ultimate list of money-saving tips to help you make the most of your Disney vacation. (P.S. This list is constantly growing. Whenever I see a new tip, I add it to this blog!)
Pack Your Own Snacks and Meals
Disney allows guests to bring their food and drinks into the parks. Packing snacks and even full meals can save you a lot of money. Consider packing a picnic lunch and finding a scenic spot in the park to enjoy it. This saves money and gives you a break from the crowds and a chance to relax.
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Use Grocery Delivery Services
Instead of buying food at the parks or dining out every meal, take advantage of the convenience of grocery delivery services like Instacart or Amazon Fresh. Have your groceries delivered to your hotel, and if your room has a kitchenette, you can prepare simple meals or stock up on snacks and drinks to take to the parks.
Buy Souvenirs in Advance
Instead of purchasing souvenirs at the parks, which can be pretty expensive, buy Disney-themed merchandise in advance from stores like Target and Walmart or online retailers like Amazon. For instance, bubble wands are a fantastic souvenir that keeps kids entertained while waiting in lines. These are often more expensive at the parks, but you can find them on sale at the Disney Store online or in stores. Also, consider purchasing mouse ears online before your trip, as these iconic accessories are often less expensive outside the parks.
Take Advantage of Freebies & Free Activities
Disney offers many free activities that are often overlooked. For example, you can watch the Electrical Water Pageant from the shores of the Magic Kingdom resorts, explore the interactive exhibits at Epcot's Innoventions, or take a free tour of Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge to see the animals and learn about African culture. Disney resorts offer free activities such as s’mores making and outdoor movies at night. Additionally, take advantage of free things in the park like celebration buttons, ice water, pixie dusting at the Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique, stickers and character autographs.
Plan Your Trip During Off-Peak Times
Traveling during off-peak times can save you significant money on everything from airfare to hotel rates. Disney typically has lower prices and fewer crowds during the fall (excluding holidays), late winter, and early spring. Plus, you'll spend less time waiting in lines, giving you more time to enjoy the parks.
Buy Park Essentials in Advance
Items like rain ponchos ($10+ each at the park if you find yourself needing one when it (inevitably) rains), phone chargers (Fuel Rods are portable phone chargers that can be used until they run out of battery. When your charge runs out, you can exchange your old battery at a Fuelrod kiosk for free; there is no charge associated with swapping out for a new one. You can purchase a Fuel Rod starter kit before your trip, including the battery pack and a selection of cables for any device you might have), sunscreen, comfortable walking shoes, and hats are essential for a comfortable park experience but come at a premium if bought inside the parks. Consider purchasing these items in advance from local stores or online to avoid inflated prices. This prep can include items like water bottles, first aid supplies, and even glow sticks for nighttime events.
Use Disney Gift Cards for Budgeting
Purchase Disney gift cards in advance and use them as your spending money during the trip. This can help you stick to a budget and avoid overspending. You can save 5% on Disney Gift Cards at Target with your Target Circle card (this can be a Target Debit Card, not just a Target Credit Card).
Book a Package Deal
Look for package deals that include park tickets, hotel stays, and dining plans. Sometimes, these packages offer discounts compared to booking everything separately. Keep an eye on Disney's special offers page for deals on vacation packages. A Travel Agent specializing in Disney Vacations can help ensure you get the best deal possible, offering personalized tips and assistance throughout the booking process.
Split Your Stay Between Resorts
To maximize your experience and budget, consider splitting your stay between different resort categories. For example, you could spend the first few days at a value resort like Disney's Pop Century Resort, then move to a moderate resort like Disney's Port Orleans Resort, and finish at a deluxe resort like Disney's Grand Floridian Resort & Spa on days when there are Extra Magic Hours in the parks. This strategy allows you to enjoy upgraded amenities and closer proximity to the parks during the busiest part of your trip while saving money on the days when you might just need a place to rest.
Avoid Parking Fees
Parking at Disney parks typically costs around $25 per day. However, you can avoid this fee by using the complimentary Disney transportation system at a Disney resort. Guests of Disney resorts have access to various transportation options, including buses, monorails, ferries, and, at some locations, the Disney Skyliner gondola system. These transport services connect all Disney resorts with theme parks and other attractions, offering a convenient and cost-effective way to navigate the vast Disney property without the need for a car.
Don't Spend Money on a Magic Band
While Magic Bands are fun and feature unique Disney designs, they are not required to enjoy the parks or manage your plans. You can use your park admission card, smartphone, or even Apple Watch to tap into the parks, manage Lightning Lane entries, and link PhotoPass images. This can save you from spending on something that is more of a luxury rather than a necessity.
Buy a Refillable Popcorn Bucket
Purchasing a refillable popcorn bucket in the park is an excellent investment. As of this writing, refills are $2.25, and the bucket is refillable for life (at Disney World only), so you can bring it on your next trip. HOT TIP: the bucket can be repurposed to take home fragile snacks, like cookies from Gideon's Bakehouse, which fit perfectly in the bucket.
Book Flights on a Tuesday or Wednesday
Booking flights on a Tuesday or Wednesday can often result in lower airfare prices. Airlines tend to release sales and discounts early in the week, making these the best days to find deals.
Split Meals and Snacks
Portion sizes at Disney can be pretty large, making it easy to split meals and snacks. This saves money and allows you to try more of Disney's delicious offerings. Sharing meals can be a fun way to sample a variety of dishes without overspending.
Order Kids' Meals
Disney's kids' meals tend to be good portion sizes for lower prices and often come with a drink. They can be a great option for adults who want a smaller meal or want to save money.
Bring Your Own Reusable Water Bottle
Staying hydrated is essential, but buying bottled water in the parks can add up. Bring a reusable water bottle and refill it at water fountains, or ask for free cups of ice water at any counter-service restaurant. Bonus tip: Bring a white or light-colored water bottle and use it as your autograph item to have characters in the park autograph to bring home as a souvenir.
Buy a Resort Refillable Mug
Consider purchasing a resort refillable mug, which gives you unlimited refills of coffee, tea, soda, and hot cocoa during your stay at the resorts. These drinks typically cost around $4 each without the mug, but the mugs are approximately $25 at purchase. Note that you can only refill these mugs at the hotels, not the theme parks, and they are only valid during your Disney stay (up to 14 days). If you enjoy multiple cups of coffee in the morning or other drinks while at your hotel, this could be a significant cost saving.
Use a Travel Agent Who Specializes in Disney Vacations
Booking your Disney vacation through a travel agent specializing in Disney destinations can be incredibly beneficial. You can book in advance and then make payments up until your trip, which needs to be paid off 30 days before your check-in day. Disney doesn't charge any interest on packages. Additionally, you can use the discounted Disney Gift Cards you purchased (from tip #7) to make payments. Booking with a Disney Travel Planner gives you the benefit of the planner's expertise on all things Disney, ensuring you get the best possible price/deal available. Moreover, their services are at no additional cost to you.
By incorporating these money-saving tips, you can enjoy a fantastic Disney vacation without breaking the bank. Happy planning, and may your trip be filled with magic and memories!
Some other guides to help with your Disney Planning:
Walt Disney World 101: A Beginner's Guide (Part 1)
Walt Disney World 101: A Beginner's Guide (Part 2)
Stress Free Disney: Ultimate Disney Packing List
Everything You Need to Know About Disney's New Lightning Lane System
5 Tips for Planning the Perfect Disney Vacation
Stay magical, and I'll see you at the park!
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