Disney World in Orlando attracts millions of guests from around the globe every year. There are gobs of activities in the park, hundreds of characters to meet and immersive experiences unlike any other. It truly is a magical place where dreams come to life.
But with the rising costs of tickets, hotels, food, and events, a trip to Disney World can quickly feel out of reach for the average family’s budget. The good news is that you can lower the cost of a trip to these iconic theme parks in numerous ways.
In this guide, we’ll help you learn how to save money at Disney World. From strategic lodging tips to avoiding the inflated costs of the park’s food, you can discover how to enjoy all the best of Disney at a fraction of the price.
Purchase Discounted Tickets
One of the high costs you’ll incur when planning a trip to Disney World is the cost of admission to the park. Disney World features four unique theme parks, all a part of the Walt Disney World Resort. Hundreds of attractions, shows and entertainment are found within these parks.
Different park passes will provide you with additional opportunities to explore. You can opt for a one-park-per-day pass or choose a Park Hopper ticket which allows you to visit multiple parks in one day.
Regardless of the ticket type you decide to purchase, the best way to make your trip affordable is to snag discounted tickets.
How can you find a discount ticket price for Disney World? For AAA members, it’s easy. If you have a AAA membership, you’ll enjoy special discounts for the park. Often, this can save you up to $100 off gate prices. While your ticket prices will be lower than if you purchase them directly through Disney World, you’ll still receive the same perks. It’s the perfect way to kick off your Walt Disney trip savings.
Stay at a Nearby Hotel
While staying at an official Disney Resort hotel does hold a magical appeal, one option that can help make your trip easier on the wallet is by booking your stay at a nearby hotel. Often, the hotels surrounding Disney World property are a fraction of the cost. Not only that, but because these hotels are trying to compete with Disney World Resorts, they often feature luxury amenities and spacious rooms.
This is another opportunity for AAA members to save even more on their trip. Through AAA, you can access discounts on major hotels in the Orlando area.
When choosing a hotel, pay attention to the details. If possible, pick a hotel where breakfast is included. This can help save you even more money. Additionally, look for a hotel that offers a free shuttle service to the parks. This will prevent you from spending money on parking, which can eat away at your hotel savings.
Opt for an Off-Season Trip
Prices at Disney World at not static. In fact, the cost of entrance, food and events will all fluctuate depending on the time of year you plan your visit. For this reason, one of the best ways to see Disney World on a budget is to schedule your trip for the low season.
Generally, the peak season at Disney World will be during the early spring, when the weather is most pleasant, during summer break, and the holidays.
If possible, plan your trip for late January, February, or early November — when the park tends to see the fewest number of visitors.
Not only will planning your trip for the off-season help you save money, but it will also translate to spending less time in lines. This can allow you to see more of the parks in less time, which can help you spend less on lodging while still seeing everything you want.
Fuel Strategically
Disney World is home to over 200 places to eat. From casual cafeterias to upscale dining, Disney has food options that span the gamut. However, while Disney’s dining options are whimsical and fun, they can also have a hefty price tag.
Consider a more strategic approach to meals to save a little extra money while visiting the parks — especially when feeding multiple hungry children. Stock your mini fridge with yogurts, purchase a bag of oranges and keep granola bars on hand. Similarly, consider packing a lunch and bringing your own snacks. Even something as small as a bag of chips or a cup of soda can be costly in the park.
Consider visiting one of the area’s numerous restaurants for dinner. While these dining establishments might not deliver the same Disney spark, they are an excellent option for sampling local cuisine without breaking the bank.
Now, all that to say, we aren’t implying that you shouldn’t spend at least one meal dining in the park. The Disney dining experience shouldn’t be missed. But dining in the park for every meal can quickly add up.
Purchase Merch & Souvenirs Outside the Park
Another way to keep your budget on track while you enjoy a visit to Disney World is to make souvenir and merchandise purchases outside of the park. Hats, sweatshirts, pins, and memorabilia are all sold at a premium within the park’s gift shops.
However, the entire Orlando area is geared toward Disney enthusiasts. You’ll find plenty of Disney souvenirs and trinkets in shops throughout the city with a more affordable price tag.
Browse the parks’ shops and make a note of what you like. Then, search for it elsewhere. You might even consider making your purchases online. Your souvenir can be waiting at home for you after your trip.
Plan a “Free” Day
Each day you spend in Disney World, you’ll need tickets and probably wind up splurging on a meal or snack here and there. While the main focus of your trip might be visiting this iconic resort, consider choosing one day in the middle of your trip to be a “free” day.
The Orlando area is home to a massive variety of things to do. Disney World might be the shining star of the city, but it is far from the only attraction in central Florida. A free day doesn’t have to be a day you spend no money — though there are countless options for free activities in the area — but it’s a day where you won’t be shelling out cash for entrance to the park.
Not only that, but a free day can also help break up the trip and give you and the family a chance to recharge. Disney World is magical, but it is also packed full of stimuli. Give your mind a break and enjoy a quieter day.
Ideas for a mid-trip free day include the following:
·Visit a nearby beach. Within just an hour’s drive from Orlando are dozens of free beaches. Soak up the sun and enjoy the surf while you enjoy Florida’s coastline.
·Plan a relaxing day at the hotel. If you’re staying at a hotel or resort with a swimming pool or other amenities, consider spending a day enjoying all that your lodging has to offer.
·Head to downtown Orlando. Stroll the downtown streets and enjoy Lake Eola Park. It’s a great way to enjoy a calm, relaxing day away from the busyness of Disney World.
·Drive the coast. Pack a picnic lunch and head to the coastline. There are tons of quaint, charming towns along the coast. Snag some souvenirs and see more of what Florida has to offer.
Join the over a million people who are AAA members and start planning your trip to Orlando today. Dream up the perfect trip with our Trip Canvas research tool, and use your membership to get the best discounts on hotels, rental cars, and entertainment tickets.