101 Ways to Save Money at Disney World

This blog post is about how to save money at Disney World.

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Hello, fellow Disney lovers! Living in Orlando, Florida, as an annual passholder, I’ve become quite the expert at navigating the magic of Disney World without letting it break the bank. Visiting the parks about once a week has turned me into a seasoned pro at spotting those special money-saving opportunities that I can pass along to you if you too want to save money at Disney World.

I’m excited to share my expertise with all of you moms and women out there who dream of experiencing the Disney magic while keeping a close eye on the budget. Whether you’re planning your first trip or your hundredth, these tips are sure to help you make the most out of every Disney dollar. So, let’s get started and turn those dreams into affordable, unforgettable memories!

101 Ways to Save Money at Disney World

How to Save Money at Disney World

1 Book During Off-Peak Times: Prices are lower when schools are in session. Disney World’s ticket prices vary depending on the time of year. You can often find lower prices on weekdays, typically from Monday to Thursday, excluding holidays. When purchasing tickets, check Disney’s pricing calendar to identify the most cost-effective days to visit each park. This strategy can lead to significant savings, especially if you’re flexible with your travel dates.

2. Compare Hotel Prices: Look at both Disney and non-Disney hotels for the best deals.

3. Use a Travel Agent: They often have access to exclusive deals.

4. Pack a Reusable Water Bottle: There are really cute Disney designs that you can find on Amazon and then you can just refill it for free at water fountains.

5. Bring Your Own Snacks: Disney allows food, so pack sandwiches and snacks.

6. Set a Souvenir Budget: Decide on a set amount before you go.

7. Pre-Buy Disney Gift Cards: Sometimes you can get them at a discount. I like to buy mine at Target with my Red Card and I receive 5% off of my Disney gift cards.

Walt Disney World Value Resorts

8. Choose a Lesser-Known Hotel: Some are cheaper but still offer great amenities. Disney Value Resorts are a category of hotels at the Walt Disney World Resort in Orlando, Florida, known for offering comfortable accommodations at more affordable prices compared to their moderate and deluxe counterparts. They are ideal for guests looking for the Disney experience on a budget, without skimping on the fun and excitement that come with staying at a Disney property. Each resort has its own unique theme, large outdoor pools, food courts, and complimentary transportation to the Disney parks. Here’s a rundown of the Disney Value Resorts that will help you save money at Disney World:

More Disney World Money Saving Tips

9. Skip Park Hopper Tickets: When it comes to budget considerations, single-day park passes are generally the better choice compared to Park Hopper tickets at Walt Disney World. Here’s why:

Lower Cost: Single-day park passes are less expensive than Park Hopper tickets. Park Hopper tickets include an additional fee on top of the standard ticket price, allowing you to visit more than one park in a single day.

Focused Experience: With a single-day pass, you’ll likely spend the entire day in one park, which encourages a more relaxed pace. This can reduce the temptation to rush from park to park, potentially leading to fewer impulse buys and less spending on quick, often more expensive meals.

Less Transportation Time: Staying in one park for the day eliminates the time spent in transit between parks. This maximizes your time enjoying the attractions, shows, and experiences in that park.

Simplified Planning: Planning your day around a single park can be simpler and less overwhelming, especially for those visiting Disney World for the first time or traveling with young children. This simplicity can translate into more budget-friendly choices, as you’re less likely to make hasty decisions.

However, it’s also important to consider your travel style and preferences. If you enjoy the flexibility to hop between parks or have specific attractions in different parks that you don’t want to miss, the extra cost of a Park Hopper might be worth it for you. Park Hopper tickets can offer a richer experience for those who have a clear plan to take full advantage of the hopping option.

Saving Money at Disney World

10. Look for Ticket Discounts: AAA and military discounts are available.

11. Use Disney’s Free Transportation: Buses, monorails, and boats are free

12. Order a Kids’ Meal at Quick Service Restaurants: Not only are these meals often more than enough in terms of portion size, but they also come with extra perks like a drink and sides included in the price. This can be a smart way to enjoy a satisfying meal at Disney without overspending. Plus, the kids’ meal options are not just limited to traditional ‘kid-friendly’ foods; they often include a variety of choices that can appeal to adults too. This tip is especially useful for those with smaller appetites or anyone looking to save money on dining during their Disney World vacation.

13. Share Meals: Disney portions are often big enough to share.

14. Bring a Stroller: Renting one at the park is expensive.

15. Visit Disney’s BoardWalk, a charming quarter-mile promenade that draws inspiration from Coney Island and Atlantic City at the turn of the century. It’s free to explore and offers a delightful array of shops, restaurants, and street performers. The BoardWalk is an excellent spot for a stroll, people-watching, and enjoying the beautiful lakeside view. In the evening, the area comes alive with vibrant nightlife, making it a perfect place to unwind after a day in the parks.

Save Money on a Disney Vacation

16. Stay On-Site for Extra Perks: Like extra Magic Hours.

17. Take Advantage of Free Activities: Like the campfire at Fort Wilderness.

18. Take Advantage of Free Resort Tours: Many Disney resorts offer complimentary tours that showcase the resort’s theme, history, and unique features. These tours are a great way to enjoy an enriching Disney experience without spending extra money. You’ll get to explore different resorts, learn about Disney’s incredible attention to detail, and maybe even discover some hidden secrets. This is an excellent activity for a rest day or for those times when you want a break from the parks. Plus, it’s a wonderful opportunity to see what the various Disney resorts have to offer for your future stays.

19. Purchase Souvenirs Beforehand: Bring Disney-themed items, like a Mickey bubble wand, from home.

20. Avoid Peak Season: Christmas, Thanksgiving, Spring Break (Easter) and summer are the most expensive times.

21. Look for Free Dining Plan Promotions: These can save you a lot on food.

22. Use Cashback and Reward Credit Cards: For bookings and purchases.

23. Plan a Budget-Friendly Itinerary: Focus on free shows and parades.

Sharing Ideas to Save Money at Disney World

24. Consider evaluating the Disney Dining Plans: For potential savings on meals, check out the dining plans. These plans are designed to provide various options for dining at Disney World, including quick-service meals, table-service meals, and snacks. By pre-purchasing a dining plan, you can manage your food budget more effectively and potentially save money compared to paying out of pocket for each meal. It’s important to assess your family’s eating habits and preferences to choose the most suitable plan. For detailed information on the different dining plans offered, you can visit Disney’s official website.

25. Skip Expensive Photo Packages: Take your own photos, or hand your phone to a cast member to snap a few shots of you and your family.

26. Rent DVC Points for Deluxe Stays: A cheaper way to stay at deluxe resorts. There are Facebook groups specifically dedicated to this, and you don’t need to be a DVC member to take advantage of the savings.

27. Take Advantage of Birthday Freebies: If celebrating, mention it for possible perks, like a free celebration button.

28. Bring Your Own Glow Toys: Much cheaper than buying in the parks.

29. Stay Hydrated with Free Ice Water: Available at most quick-service locations.

30. Plan a Non-Park Day: Relax at the hotel pool or visit Disney Springs.

31. Buy Disney Apparel Beforehand: Cheaper than in the parks.

32. Eat Breakfast in Your Room: Save time and money. We usually stock up on muffins, donuts, and cereal at a local grocery store when staying on property.

33. Look for Hotel Deals on Third-Party Sites: Sometimes they offer better rates.

More Tips for Your Trip

34. Attend Free Character Meet-and-Greets at Disney Resorts: If you’re looking to meet some of your favorite Disney characters without spending extra on character dining experiences or waiting in long lines at the parks, check out the free character meet-and-greet opportunities at various Disney resorts. These events, often held in hotel lobbies or common areas, allow you and your family to interact with Disney characters in a more relaxed setting, while still allowing you to save money at Disney World. It’s a fantastic way to create memorable experiences with beloved characters without the additional cost or the need for a park ticket. Keep an eye on the resort activity schedules or ask the concierge for information about these special appearances during your stay.

35. Purchase Multi-Day Tickets: Opting for multi-day tickets at Walt Disney World can lead to significant savings, especially for longer stays. Here’s a breakdown of how these tickets can be more cost-effective:

Decreased Daily Rate: The per-day cost of Disney tickets decreases significantly as you add more days. For example, while a single-day ticket might be quite expensive, the average cost per day can drop substantially when you purchase a ticket for four or more days. This pricing structure is designed to encourage longer stays.

Flexibility: Multi-day tickets offer the flexibility to visit the parks on any days during a specified window, usually 14 days from the first use. This allows you to plan rest days or visit other attractions in Orlando without feeling like you’re wasting a day of your Disney ticket.

Maximize Your Experience: With more days in the parks, you have the opportunity to explore more thoroughly. You can visit all the parks, revisit your favorite attractions, and discover hidden gems without feeling rushed.

Money-Saving Tricks for Disney

Less Pressure: Knowing you have multiple days to enjoy the parks reduces the pressure to cram everything into one day. This can lead to a more relaxed, enjoyable vacation and can also save money in indirect ways, such as reducing the need for convenience purchases or impulse buys driven by the feeling of being rushed.

Planning Ahead: By committing to multiple days, you can plan your itinerary more effectively. You can schedule which days to visit each park based on crowd predictions, park hours, and Extra Magic Hours (for those staying at Disney hotels), making the most of your time and money.

Park Reservations: With the current park reservation system, having a multi-day ticket allows you to secure your reservations for each day of your visit, ensuring access to the parks you want to see most. (I will say that the reservation system is constantly changing the rules, so double-check this before your trip.)

36. Avoid Souvenir Shops at Park Closing: When it’s the busiest and most tempting.

37. Create a Daily Spending Limit: And stick to it.

38. Plan Your Meals: Know where and when you’ll eat to avoid pricey impulse buys.

39. Visit During Special Events: Food & Wine Festival offers unique, affordable dishes.

40. Utilize Mobile Order Service at Quick Service Restaurants: Disney World’s Mobile Order service, available through the My Disney Experience app, is a convenient way to save both time and potentially money at quick-service dining locations throughout the parks and some resorts.

How to Save Big at Disney

Avoid Impulse Buys: By ordering ahead on your phone, you can carefully choose and review your order, helping to avoid impulse decisions that often happen when you’re standing in line and quickly ordering at the counter.

Plan and Budget Meals in Advance: Mobile ordering allows you to see all menu options and prices upfront. As a result, you can make decisions about what to eat and how much to spend before hunger strikes or the aromas and sights of the food influence you.

Save Time: Using mobile ordering can save a significant amount of time, especially during peak meal times. Less time in line means more time enjoying the parks and attractions, making your visit more efficient.

Explore Wider Food Options: The My Disney Experience app gives you an overview of all the available dining options. This can lead to discovering more cost-effective dining choices that you might not have been aware of.

Special Deals and Notifications: Occasionally, the app may offer special promotions or notify you of lesser-known dining options that can save money.

41. Bring Your Own Camera: Professional photos are pricey, even with the photo packages offered.

Savings Tips for Disney

42. Watch Street Performers: Free and fun entertainment. My two favorite locations are both at Epcot and are the bands in Germany and Mexico.

43. Skip the Park One Day: Visit Disney Springs or BoardWalk instead.

44. Use a Refillable Popcorn Bucket: Refills are cheap and make a great snack, plus the buckets themselves make great souvenirs, making this an inventive way to save money at Disney World and score yourself a cool take-home item at the same time.

45. Use Free Wi-Fi in the Parks: To save on data usage.

46. Check for Seasonal Discounts: Especially in the fall and winter.

47. Split a Rental Car with Friends: If you’re traveling in a group.

More Ways to Save Money at Disney World

49. Stay Off-Site with a Kitchen: To cook your meals.

50. Use Points for Flights or Hotels: If you have a rewards program.

51. Tour the Gingerbread Displays at Disney Resorts Using the Monorail: During the holiday season, several of the Disney World resorts showcase spectacular gingerbread houses and holiday decorations. You can enjoy this festive display for free, and one of the best ways to do it is by using the Disney Monorail.

Start Your Tour: A great starting point is the Magic Kingdom, where you can hop on the Monorail.

Visit the Resorts: The Monorail conveniently stops at Disney’s Contemporary Resort, the Grand Floridian Resort & Spa, and the Polynesian Village Resort. Each of these resorts features stunning holiday decorations, with the Grand Floridian being renowned for its life-size gingerbread house.

Free Entertainment: This self-guided tour doesn’t cost anything. You can spend as much time as you like admiring the intricate details of the gingerbread creations and the beautiful holiday decor.

Photography Opportunities: These displays provide fantastic photo opportunities, and are also perfect for holiday cards or capturing special memories with your family.

Seasonal Treats: While the tour itself is free, you’ll often find seasonal treats and gingerbread for sale near the displays. This can be a delightful way to taste the holiday season without a significant expense.

Ideas to Make Your Trip More Affordable to Disney

Relaxed Pace: This activity offers a more relaxed alternative to the busy parks, allowing you and your family to soak up the holiday spirit at your own pace.

52. Bring a Portable Charger: Buying one in the park is expensive.

53. Eat Big Lunches and Small Dinners: Lunch prices are sometimes cheaper.

54. Buy Trading Pins Beforehand: Trade with cast members in the park.

55. Choose a Late Flight Home: To enjoy a full last day, without having to spend the money for an additional night at the hotel. The bellhop will hold your luggage safely for you while you enjoy the parks that day, even though you are checked out.

56. Use a Gas Station Near the Airport: Rental car gas is pricier on Disney property.

57. Military Discount: The Disney Military Discount offers significant savings on park tickets and hotel stays for eligible service members and their families. This discount is available for active and retired U.S. military personnel, including the National Guard, Reservists, and the U.S. Coast Guard. The savings can be quite substantial compared to regular ticket prices, providing an excellent opportunity for military families to enjoy Disney World at a more affordable cost. It’s important to check eligibility requirements and to purchase these tickets through authorized military sales outlets. For detailed information and specific discount rates, it’s best to visit the official Disney website or contact a military sales outlet.

Easy Ways to Save at Disney

58. Get a Free Cup of Water with Meals: Instead of buying bottled water.

59. Bring Your Own Medication: Pharmacies in the park are expensive.

60. Use a Grocery Delivery Service: For snacks and quick meals.

61. Check for Resident Discounts: If you live in Florida.

62. Make Use of the Resort’s Amenities: Many have great pools and activities.

63. Avoid Expensive Breakfast Buffets: Unless it’s a special treat. If you want to splurge on this, make the latest breakfast reservation they offer, so it’s more of a brunch, and you can count it as two meals.

64. Pack a First Aid Kit: Band-Aids and pain relievers are pricey in the parks.

65. Check for Annual Pass Discounts: If you plan to visit multiple times.

66. Watch Parades from Less-Crowded Areas: To avoid getting stuck in expensive shops.

Save Money at Disney World (the easy way)

67. Use a Fan or Mister: Florida can be hot. A lot of people pass out each year at the parks due to the summer heat. A ride to the hospital in an ambulance is not very budget-friendly, so try to keep cool, and hydrated.

68. Stay Cool to Avoid Heat-Related Purchases: Like hats and fans.

69. Look for Last-Minute Cruise Deals: If you’re adding a Disney cruise.

70. Avoid Upgraded Room Views: You’re rarely in the room anyway.

71. Skip One of the Main Parks: If there’s a particular Disney park that doesn’t interest you or your family, consider skipping it. This can save you the cost of a day’s park ticket. For example, some families with young children might find less for the little ones to enjoy at Epcot. By focusing on the parks that most appeal to you and your group, you can optimize both your budget and your enjoyment of the trip.

72. Join Disney Facebook Groups: For tips and tricks from seasoned visitors.

73. Book a Basic Room: It must be remembered, deluxe isn’t necessary to have a great time.

74. Avoid Mid-Day Heat: Go back to the hotel to rest and avoid impulse buys of overpriced sodas and ice cream.

75. Book a Room with a Fridge: To store snacks and drinks.

Best Ways to Save Money at Disney World

76. Use a Reusable Shopping Bag: To carry snacks and water.

77. Skip Expensive Character Meals: Unless it’s a must-do.

78. Plan Your Route to Minimize Backtracking: Saves time and energy.

79. Eat at Off-Peak Times: To avoid long lines.

80. Wear Comfortable Shoes: To avoid having to buy new ones.

81. Bring a Lightweight Backpack: For carrying snacks and water.

82. Avoid ATM Fees in the Park: Bring cash or use a card.

83. Look for Happy Hour Specials: At Disney Springs and hotels.

84. Have a Picnic at Your Hotel: Relaxing and saves money.

Insider Disney Tips

85. Watch Fireworks from the Beaches: Polynesian Village Resort has a great view.

86. Use a Poncho Instead of an Umbrella: Cheaper and easier to pack.

87. Check for Group Discounts: If you’re traveling with a large party.

88. Purchase Annual Passholder Merchandise Discounts: If you’re an annual passholder, take advantage of the merchandise discounts offered exclusively to you. This can lead to substantial savings on souvenirs, clothing, and other Disney merchandise throughout the parks and resorts. Always carry your passholder card and inquire about discounts when making purchases.

89. Use Disney’s Baby Care Centers: Great for families with little ones.

90. Attend Free Resort Activities: Many Disney resorts offer free activities, like movie nights, campfires, and arts and crafts. These are great ways to enjoy Disney magic without spending extra money in the parks. Check the activity schedule at your resort or nearby ones to plan some fun, cost-effective entertainment during your stay. This is one of my favorite ways to save money at Disney World.

91. Look for Combo Deals at Restaurants: Sometimes they offer savings.

92. Bring a Hat and Sunscreen: Sunburns are no fun, treatment is costly if needed, and sunscreen is pricey once you enter the park gates.

93. Use the Single Rider Line: If you don’t mind splitting up, it’s faster. How does this save you money? You can avoid paying extra for the Lightning Lane service that Disney offers.

Tips and Tricks for Visiting the Mouse

94. Eat at Outdoor Kiosks: Provided that they often have unique, cheaper options. Many sit-down Disney restaurants with a server can charge you $35 per person for lunch.

95. Bring a Change of Clothes to the Park: For water rides or chilly weather. You don’t want to end up spending $80 on a Disney hoodie that you had no intention of buying because your daughter is freezing watching the parade.

96. Check for Hotel Loyalty Program Points: They can sometimes be used for Disney hotels.

97. Take Breaks to Avoid Overwhelm: And spending on unplanned items.

98. Research Before You Go: Know what’s worth your time and money.

99. Have a Rain Plan: Don’t let bad weather push you into expensive activities. You should also bring disposable ponchos with you for water rides (like Kali River Rapids) or for rainy afternoons. Disney ponchos can run you about $11 per poncho. If you have a large family, this can end up being a large unexpected expense.

100. Enjoy the Free Wildlife: Like the ducks and birds around the parks. Better yet, Animal Kingdom has an awesome safari ride that’s included in the price of admission.

101. Opt for Refillable Mugs at Disney Resorts: If you’re staying at a Disney resort, consider purchasing a refillable mug. These mugs can be used for unlimited refills of coffee, tea, and soft drinks at any of the resort’s self-service drink stations throughout your stay. This one-time purchase can save you a lot compared to buying individual drinks every day, especially for families or coffee and soda enthusiasts.

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Final Thoughts on How to Save Money at Disney World

Summing up, remember that a trip to Disney World doesn’t have to mean emptying your wallet. With these savvy tips, you can sprinkle a little budget-friendly magic on your vacation, making those precious memories even sweeter. From one Disney enthusiast to another, I hope these ideas help you enjoy the parks to the fullest while also keeping your finances in check. Here’s to many magical visits to the Happiest Place on Earth, where the only thing you’ll spend more on is fun and laughter!