How to Save Money at Disney World
I used to think that writing a whole post about saving money at Disney World would be challenging because, let's face it - Disney trips can be pretty expensive. However, I've discovered fantastic ways to maximize every penny and stretch your budget. Here are a few helpful tips I'd love to share with you. If you're considering me as your Disney Travel planner, I'd be thrilled to offer personalized suggestions for your family!
Park for Free
Disney World parks and resorts have four ways to park for free.
Stay at a Disney resort. Previously, you had to pay for parking, even if you were staying at a resort, but they have recently changed this rule, so this is the easiest way to park for free!
Become a pass holder, or become friends with one. Annual pass holders park for free at all four parks.
Parking at Disney Springs is always free. Explore the shops and restaurants on a non-park day. If you’re planning on visiting the parks, there is free transportation from Disney Springs to many resorts, but then you’d have to hop an additional bus to the parks, which would cut into your day. I don’t recommend this method to save money.
If you have reservations at any of the restaurants at a resort, you can park for free at that resort.
You can hop from park to park with the same pass, so if you want to spend the morning at Animal Kingdom and the afternoon at Epcot, you won’t ever have to double pay.
Pack Your Food and Drinks
The number one thing I pack in our bag every time we go to Disney is WATER. We drink a lot of water anyway, but when walking around in the Florida heat, we consume tons of it. I like to freeze two bottles and throw in at least two more that are refrigerated. I pack a Yeti thermos with ice, and we refill it all day because we are not European and like our water cold. If you’re staying at a hotel or rental, I recommend getting a case of water delivered to your room using a grocery delivery service. This will save you enough money to cover at least one child’s college tuition.
You can get free water at the park at any quick service station. Just be aware that the cups are on the small side for an adult, and you might have to wait quite a while in line on busy days just for your tiny cup of water. This is why it’s worth it to me to pack the extra weight in bottles. Also, the more tired I get throughout the day, the more we drink and the less my bag weighs!
I received this cooler backpack for Christmas, and it’s been amazing. It keeps our drinks and snacks fresh and cool all day long. I try and pack snacks that won’t get smushed too severely. Disney allows you to bring a four-course meal into the park if you want, so bring stuff that your family likes and can eat while standing in line or walking from place to place.
Here are some snacks that we like to pack on Disney park days:
Fresh fruit
Nuts,
Lunchables
Goldfish
Granola bars
Sandwiches
I love these natural peanut butter packets that give me an incredible energy boost and are super portable.
Tips for Eating at Disney
Yes, food is taking up two whole sections because this is one of Disney's most fun and expensive parts. We love bringing our water and snacks, but if you don’t try a little something while you’re there, then you’re missing a big part of the experience.
PLAN BEFORE YOU GO
There are a kazillion great blogs detailing menus and food reviews that you can check out online. WDW info is the one I’ve found most helpful for regular restaurants and festivals. Whenever someone mentions something that they had that was particularly delicious, I jot it down on my Trello board. This makes it easier to budget and assures that you’ll be spending $10 on Baked Macaroni and Cheese Served with Shrimp and Sweet Chili Sauce and not frozen chicken fingers.
LOOK FOR DEALS AND DISCOUNTS.
If you’re a pass holder or with a pass holder, don’t forget you get a great discount on most dine-in options in all four parks and Disney Springs. If you’re staying at a Disney resort, there are often dining credits you can utilize, and the Disney Dining plans are officially back! Research these on the Disney website or ask your travel planner.
SHARE
Cash and I love to try new foods. Unless it’s something minimal, we generally share everything we get to try as many things as possible on a budget.
Saving Money on Merchandise
There are approximately one billion super cute things your little one will want you to buy throughout the day. On days when I’ve decided that Cash will get a souvenir of some sort, here is what I do.
GIVE THEM A BUDGET
I give him a spending amount and tell him he has all day to search for something under that amount. He gets to tell me his decision, and we’ll buy it. He has fun checking stuff out everywhere we go, and he knows that I will say yes to something, so it cuts down on the whining and pleading. It also reduces having to carry stuff and then worry about losing it.
USE DISCOUNTED DISNEY GIFT CARDS
Another option that I like is using Disney Gift Cards. You can buy them with a Target Red Card and get 5% off, which means…free money! You can buy one for each kid, and they have a set amount on it for the trip. Since you can add money, maybe you could have them earn money to put on it in the weeks leading up to your vacation. When that money is gone, it’s gone, and you don’t have to worry about what you’ve spent on whom.
Befriend a Pass Holder
If you’re lucky enough to be meeting up with a friend who is a pass holder (or are one yourself!), be sure to take advantage of the 20% off pass holder discount that is good in most places.
Use a Travel Planner
Unless you are a MASSIVE researcher (and honestly, even then), you should use a Disney travel planner to book your trip. Here’s why.
It doesn’t cost you a dime.
They are up to date on all the latest deals (and can even rebook your trip at a cheaper price if any new deals come up).
They can help you determine which add-ons you need and which ones you can skip.
I recommend using someone you know or trust to ensure their advice is solid and they aren’t trying to book you for things you don’t need.
I am certified to book trips for all things Disney, and if you book with me, I’ll be able to give you tailored tips and will be available throughout your trip and planning to answer any questions you might have. I recently read about a planner whose clients texted her while they were in the park to find out where the nearest bathroom was, and I had to giggle; that sounds exactly like what I do.
Send me an email or click below if you’re interested in booking with me, and I’ll get back to you soon!