Are you planning a trip to Disney World but worried about the cost? You’re not alone! Visiting Disney World can be expensive, but there are plenty of ways to save money without sacrificing the magic.
With a little bit of planning and some insider tips, you can have an unforgettable vacation without breaking the bank.
There are plenty of money-saving tips and tricks that can help you make the most of your Disney World vacation.
Whether it involves dining hacks or souvenir shopping strategies, we’ve got you covered. Keep reading to discover the best money-saving tips for Disney World in 2023.
Saving Money on Tickets
If you’re planning a trip to Disney World, you’re probably aware that tickets can be one of the biggest expenses. However, with a little bit of planning and research, you can save money on your tickets and still have a magical time. Here are some tips to help you save money on Disney World tickets.
1-Day vs Multi-Day Tickets
One of the easiest ways to save money on Disney World tickets is to purchase multi-day tickets instead of single-day tickets. Not only will you save money per day, but you’ll also be able to experience more of the parks.
For example, a 1-day ticket to Magic Kingdom costs $159, while a 3-day ticket costs $339. That’s less than $113 per day, which is a savings of over $45 per day compared to a 1-day ticket.
Park Hopper vs Single Park Tickets
Another way to save money on Disney World tickets is to choose between a Park Hopper ticket or a Single Park ticket.
A Park Hopper ticket allows you to visit multiple parks in one day, while a Single Park ticket only allows you to visit one park per day. If you’re only planning on visiting one park per day, a Single Park ticket is the way to go.
However, if you want to visit multiple parks in one day, a Park Hopper ticket can save you money. For example, a 1-day Park Hopper ticket costs $219, while a 1-day Single Park ticket costs $159. If you plan on visiting two parks in one day, you’ll save $19 with a Park Hopper ticket.
Discounted Tickets
There are several ways to get discounted Disney World tickets. One way is to purchase tickets through Undercover Tourist or Sam’s Club.
Another way is to check with your employer or any organizations you belong to, as they may offer discounted tickets.
Additionally, if you’re a Florida resident, you can purchase discounted tickets through the Florida Resident offer. Lastly, if you’re a member of the military, you can purchase discounted tickets through the Military Salute offer.
Accommodation Tips
Choosing the right accommodation can greatly impact your overall Disney World experience. Here are some tips to help you save money and get the most out of your stay:
Staying Off-Site
One way to save money on accommodation is to stay off-site. There are plenty of hotels and vacation rentals in the Orlando area that are close to Disney World.
While you won’t get the same perks as staying at a Disney resort, you can often find more affordable rates and more space for your family.
When looking for off-site accommodations, consider the location and transportation options. Look for hotels that offer shuttle service to the parks or are within walking distance of public transportation. This can save you money on rental cars or parking fees.
Choosing the Right Disney Resort
If you decide to stay on-site at a Disney resort, there are ways to save money while still enjoying the perks. Consider staying at a value resort, such as Disney’s All-Star Sports Resort or Disney’s Pop Century Resort.
These resorts offer lower rates while still providing the same benefits as other Disney resorts, such as transportation to the parks and Extra Magic Hours.
Another option is to book a room with a kitchenette or kitchen. This can save you money on food by allowing you to prepare meals in your room instead of eating out for every meal.
Booking at the Right Time
When booking your Disney resort, consider the time of year you plan to visit. Prices can vary depending on the season, with peak times being more expensive.
If you have flexibility in your travel dates, consider visiting during the off-season to save money on your accommodations.
Another way to save money is to book your stay as early as possible. Disney often offers discounts for early bookings, so keep an eye out for deals and promotions.
Food and Drink Savings
When it comes to saving money at Disney World, food and drink expenses can add up quickly. Luckily, there are several ways to save on dining without sacrificing the experience. Here are some tips to help you save money on food and drinks:
Bringing Your Own Food
One of the easiest ways to save money on food and drinks at Disney World is by bringing your own snacks and drinks into the parks.
Truss me, packing your own snacks is a better option than purchasing expensive goodies inside the parks. Consider packing non-perishable items like granola bars, trail mix, and fruit snacks.
Another option is to bring your own refillable water bottle. You can refill it at water fountains throughout the parks and save money on purchasing bottled water.
Disney Dining Plan
If you plan on dining at Disney World’s table-service restaurants, the Disney Dining Plan can be a money-saving option.
The plan includes a set number of meals and snacks per day, and can be a good choice if you plan on eating at sit-down restaurants frequently. Nevertheless, it’s important to note that the Dining Plan may not be the most cost-effective option for everyone.
Saving Money on Snacks
Snacks are a big part of the Disney World experience, but they can also be expensive. Here are some ways to save money on snacks:
- Consider sharing snacks with friends or family members to cut down on costs.
- Look for snack options that are filling and can be a meal replacement, such as the turkey leg.
- Bring your own refillable popcorn bucket and refill it for a discounted price.
- Check for discounts, such as Annual Passholder or Disney Vacation Club Member discounts, at select snack locations.
By following these tips, you can save money on food and drinks at Disney World without sacrificing the experience.
Souvenir Shopping Tips
When visiting Disney World, it’s hard to resist the temptation to purchase souvenirs to remember your magical trip. However, souvenir shopping can quickly add up and become expensive. Here are some tips to help you save money while still enjoying the shopping experience.
Shopping at Disney Springs
Disney Springs is a great place to start your souvenir shopping. The outdoor shopping and entertainment complex features a wide variety of stores, restaurants, and entertainment options.
You can find unique souvenirs, such as custom-made jewelry, artwork, and clothing. Plus, many stores offer discounts and deals throughout the year, especially during seasonal events.
Keep an eye out for sales and promotions, and don’t be afraid to haggle with vendors to get the best price.
Buying Souvenirs Online
If you’re looking to save money on souvenirs, consider buying them online before your trip. Many Disney merchandise items are available on the official Disney website and other online retailers, often for a lower price than in the parks.
Plus, you can take advantage of online sales and promotions, and have your purchases shipped directly to your home. This can also save you time and energy during your trip, as you won’t have to worry about carrying around bulky souvenirs.
Looking for Deals and Discounts
Another way to save money on souvenirs is to look for deals and discounts. Disney offers various discounts for annual passholders, DVC members, and military personnel.
Furthermore, many stores offer discounts for Disney Visa cardholders, AAA members, and other groups. Be sure to ask about discounts at the register, and check the Disney World website for current promotions and deals.
Another option is to use a Disney gift card to help you budget your souvenir shopping. Give the gift card to your children, and let them choose their own souvenirs.
This can prevent them from wanting the first or many items they see, and help them learn about budgeting and saving money.
Overall, souvenir shopping can be a fun and memorable part of your Disney World vacation. By using these tips, you can save money while still enjoying the shopping experience.
Whether you’re looking for a unique piece of jewelry or a classic Mickey Mouse plush toy, there are plenty of options available to suit your budget and preferences.
Transportation Tips
Using Disney Transportation
Disney World offers a variety of transportation options to help you get around the vast resort. These options include buses, boats, monorails, and gondolas.
Using Disney transportation is a convenient and cost-effective way to travel between the parks, resorts, and other destinations.
To save time, it’s important to know the fastest routes and shortcuts. For example, if you’re staying at a resort on the monorail loop, you can take the monorail to Magic Kingdom, and then transfer to the bus to get to Animal Kingdom. This can be faster than taking the bus directly from your resort to Animal Kingdom.
Another tip is to use the My Disney Experience app to track the arrival times of buses, boats, and monorails. This can help you plan your day and avoid long wait times.
Renting a Car
If you prefer to have more control over your transportation, renting a car can be a good option. This allows you to come and go as you please, and can save time compared to waiting for buses or other transportation options.
When renting a car, it’s important to factor in the cost of parking at Disney World. Parking at the theme parks costs $25 per day, while parking at the resorts is free for guests staying there.
However, if you’re staying off-property, you’ll need to pay for parking at both the parks and resorts.
Using Ride-Sharing Services
Ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft can also be a convenient option for getting around Disney World. They can be especially useful if you’re in a hurry or traveling with a large group.
However, it’s important to note that ride-sharing services are not allowed to pick up or drop off passengers at the front entrances of the theme parks. Instead, they must use designated drop-off and pick-up points.
Additionally, the cost of using ride-sharing services can add up quickly, especially during peak times. It’s important to factor in the cost when deciding whether to use this option.
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