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Last updated on August 7th, 2023 at 08:21 pm
When visiting the most magical place on Earth, you might wish for a money tree or magic genie to keep the cash flowing. Alas, when considering how to plan a Disney World vacation, you might be disappointed to learn that Disney magic doesn’t extend to your wallet.
Disney may be expensive, but you can visit Disney World on a budget when you use these tips during your travel time and throughout your stay.
Disney World on a Budget: 4 Tips to Help You Save
Transportation
If you choose to drive to Disney or stay off-resort, you may find that you are spending a pretty penny on gas. Save by checking out an economical resort package, since guests get free transportation to and from parks.
Another choice is renting a fuel-efficient car. Check websites like Priceline or Travelocity to save on rental cars. Wholesale clubs like Sam’s Club and Costco often offer discounts on car rentals too.
If you don’t rent a car, get an Uber or Lyft for more affordable transportation around town. Also, ask your travel agent about free airport shuttles available with certain hotels. Explore all your options, and don’t let transportation break the bank.
Hotels
If you’re looking to save on hotels or on resort properties, check with a travel agent. Booking directly through the resort is often expensive, but going off-resort can also incur extra costs like parking, gas costs, and amenities available to resort guests only that you’ll have to pay extra for. Checking with a travel agent can often save you a lot of money.
Instead of booking a hotel, consider renting an off-property home from vacation rental companies like VRBO, where everyday people rent their own homes for you to live in while you play in Orlando.
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Food
Although Disney Dining plans are available for resort guests and other visitors, food from vendors and restaurants in Disney World can add up quickly.
Eat a big breakfast before heading out, and enjoy a lighter lunch and snacks during your day. Grocery shop, and keep good eats in your hotel room even if you stay on the resort.
Grocery delivery to Disney Resorts is usually available for a nominal fee and can save you a lot of money–and you don’t have to waste valuable vacation time driving and shopping in the store. Just order everything online.
Souvenirs
Lastly, when talking about how to do Disney World on a budget, we have to mention souvinirs. After all, we all want to bring home some kind of memento from our vacation.
It’s tempting to buy everything from mouse ears to t-shirts and water bottles with your favorite Disney characters on them, but resist. Pick one memento, like a family photo on Space Mountain or a key chain, and buy the rest of your Disney memorabilia off the resort. Cinderella t-shirts and Moana’s necklace are available in many stores and online.
Save a few bucks by surprising the kiddos with their favorite Disney gear that you packed from home, and as a bonus, they can wear their new Disney tees during the trip.
It’s really easy to overspend when you visit Disney World. Keep in mind all the ways to enjoy Disney World on a budget, and you’ll enjoy your trip without the extra bills at the end.
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Joy Venters
would like to go – will study your tips on saving money, especially using UBER
Karen Propes
I would love to go one day. I hope when my Grandchildren get older, we can go. I have saved your tips. I know they will come in handy in planning a trip to Disney. Thanks for sharing.
Jo-Ann Brightman
These are great tips for those traveling to Disneyworld. Thanks
Lauryn R
These are fantastic ways to budget while on vacation! Thanks for sharing! 🙂
Kimberly A Roberts
I can only dream of going to Disney!
PattiAnn Green
I wish I would have known some of these tips before our last trip. But next time I’ll know! I especially like the tip on having groceries delivered. Saving time and money?….Yes, please!!!! Thanks for the tips!
Jessica Davis
We love going to Disneyland!! Thanks for the great money saving tips!!
Lauren Jones
Neat and creative ideas. I’ve never been but hope to one day.
Darlene Carbajal
Sometimes it’s hard not to spend money on souvenirs, but I want to get everything! I know we can take our own lunch, but what’s better than Disney food?! Thanks for sharing these tips!
Britta
Great article! Thanks for the tips. I can’t wait to take my crew to Disney someday.
Lula Ruger
These are some really great tips it is so easy to overspend especially on things like t shirts that are not really worth it
Sandra Watts
Really good ideas. It has been a long time since I vacationed there.
Denise Low
I would love to take my grandkids to Disney. They would love it.
Molli Taylor
thank you! i really want to do disney world but our finances are tight. these are awesome ideas!
Mia E.
Disneyland is such a magical place that it is good to have some suggestions on how to save money when going
Helen
Thanks for the great tips. I hope to be able to use them one day. Can’t wait 🙂
Angie
I want to go to Disney soooo bad!
Sue E
We went to Disney World and Disneyland like forty years ago and then again a few years later back to Disney World. It’s hard to just go once. So I appreciate the heads up! I know the pitfalls of buying souvenirs, and I know prices always go up, but this sounds more like a money pit than a place where kids go and have fun like years ago!! Thanks for the tips and the heads up!!
Linda Madden
These are awesome tips! Would love to be able to go. Maybe some day.
Jennifer Benavidez
I would love to go to Disney World! Maybe someday I can take my grandkids. It would be so much fun!
Christa Sloan
Do you think it’s worth it to collect pins, and to have at least one character meal?
Caroline Lozinski
AWESOME Tips ! Took my kids years Ago and own planning a trip with the grandchildren!
Jennifer Hedden
Hope to go to Disney World someday. Anytime you go on vacation it is hard to budget and not overspend. These are great tips!
Judith Watson
These will be some great tips if I ever get to go. Probably be to old to enjoy it! ?
vickie couturier
I hoping to take the grandkids some day,,so I’m saving this to use later,,good tips
Mallory Bailey
Great article! Thanks for the info!
Christine Weary
Great tips I’m p
lanning a trip with my grandkids so this will help.
Tina
I haven’t been yet but I would love to go. I need all the tips I can get. thanks these are helpful.
Barbara
Helpful hints to keep in mind. We are hoping to visit Disney in a couple more years. It is so expensive.
Shannon Flannery
Thank you so much for the great tips! I have 3 little ones & can’t wait to take them. I just have to save up enough money so this helps a lot!
Susan Hartman
Thank ou for the tips. Im hoping to bring my grandchildren to Disney next year. I can’t wait.
Linda Manns Linneman
Going to Disney as a family can be so expensive. We have to save where we can. Thank you so much for sharing these great suggestions
marthalynn
Great tips! It’s a HUGE investment to take a family vacation to Disney. Our next trip there will be soon so I’m loving the ideas on how to save. Thanks for sharing!
Kayla Zurface
I love this group!! It helps me!
Susan Campbell
Great ideas!! It’s not only the happiest place on earth, it’s also one of the most expensive places on earth too, LOL!! 🙂