It goes without saying that Disney World is expensive. However, there are a handful of ways that you can save some money and still have a magical time!
Here are a few tips and tricks if you’re looking to save money in Disney World!
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Save on your trip
Special Offers
At the bottom of Disney World’s website is the Special Offers link. This gives a rundown of all the current deals available to anyone booking a trip.
You’ll typically find room discounts, park and room package deals, and from time to time, free dining.
When you call to book your trip, you’ll likely have to ask about these discounts to make sure they’re included, so it’s a good idea to know what’s available before you book.
You can also use a Disney Authorized Travel Agent to book your room. Travel agents get a commission from Disney when they book, so they come at no cost to you. And because booking Disney trips is their job, they know tons of tips and tricks to help you save money.
If this option appeals to you, we’ve partnered with Siera at Destinations in Florida to help you out. You can use this form to request a free quote.
Avoid bringing a car to resorts
It costs money each night you park your car at Disney World resort.
Of course, if you genuinely need a car for one reason or another, this expense may be worth it to you. But once you’re on Disney property, you really don’t need a car to get around (unless you’re leaving the property).
Disney has a finely honed transportation system that will get you to and from the airport, and to and from every Disney location on property in one way or another.
Travel during lower crowd months
Disney recently changed it’s park ticket pricing so that less crowded times are actually cheaper than more crowded dates.
This means if you take your trip during a less crowded time, your park tickets will be cheaper, so you’re saving on the overall cost of your trip.
You can visit Disney’s ticket page to check out their pricing calendar.
Turn down Mousekeeping
Some resorts have the option to turn down Disney’s daily housekeeping service (a.k.a Mousekeeping) if you’re staying at a resort for several nights.
In exchange, you’ll get a gift card of a predetermined amount (when I last stayed it was $10/night). So, this isn’t saving you money in the traditional sense, but you can use that gift card any where on property that accepts Disney gift cards (which is pretty much everywhere!) so that’s money that doesn’t have to come out of your pocket.
You can still get your trash emptied and coffee/shower refills as needed, you just won’t get daily cleaning service. I found out about this when I checked in at the desk, but if you check in online, you can call the front desk when you reach your room and ask about opting out.
However, it’s worth noting that this may not be available at every resort.
Don’t stay at a Disney resort
If you’re really looking to save money on your trip, don’t stay at a Disney World Resort.
Disney resorts are expensive. In most cases, I would say they’re worth it, but if you’re looking to do Disney cheap, staying off Disney property is likely the way to go.
Disney has a whole list of “Good Neighbor” hotels to help your search. You can also try an AirBnB.
Don’t visit the parks every day
Another trick to save money is to spend your days outside the parks. Disney World is massive and there is plenty to do for free outside the parks. You can visit Disney Springs, Disney’s BoardWalk, or even resort hop!
You don’t have to be staying at a resort to visit and participate in many of the activities offered. Checking out a resort like Animal Kingdom Lodge can be a great way to spend a non-park day.
Save on food
Bring your own food
One of the best ways to save money on food in Disney World is to avoid the Disney expense altogether and bring your own food.
You can also have groceries delivered to your Disney Resort hotel with Garden Grocer.
Buy large snacks or share meals
Alternatively, if you’re up for spending some money on food, there are plenty of reasonably priced “snacks” that are big enough to be meals.
For example, you can get Pulled-Pork Cheese Fries at Flame Tree Barbecue for $7 (at the time of writing this). The portion size is big enough to be a meal for an average eater.
Additionally, most Disney meals have fairly large portion sizes, so it’s very possible for two people to split a meal (or for three people to share two counter service meals) depending on what you get and how much you typically eat.
Don’t buy water
You can get it for free at any counter service location in the parks. All you have to do is go up and ask, and you will get a free cup of cold water.
Another trick my family and I use is to buy Brita filtered water bottles. That way you can fill them up at any water fountain and the filter will give you fresh (free) water that’s easier to toss in your backpack than a cup.
If you eat a lot, look into the dining plan
The Disney Dining Plan isn’t necessarily cheap, but if you’re someone who eats a lot, it can save you money as long as your ordering the most expensive things on the menu and eating everything.
For more on the Disney Dining Plan, check out this post that covers the pros and cons.
Save on miscellaneous items
Use gift cards for souvenirs and spending
It can be very easy to get caught up in vacation and the magic of Disney and overspend on souvenirs. To help avoid this problem, consider creating a souvenir budget ahead of time and putting it on a Disney Gift Card.
This will give you a limit, put the money aside, and make it easy to keep track of. This is also a particularly great tip to help keep kids on a budget.
Purchase non-park specific souvenirs for kids ahead of time
And speaking of kids, if you have little kids that may want a stuffed Mickey or something similar, consider purchasing that ahead of time from someplace like Amazon and giving it to your kid when you get to the park.
This way, they get their toy and you didn’t have to pay a park price for it.
You can also buy things like Mickey Mouse Ears ahead of time for yourself or anyone in your group.
Visit the First Aid Station for single use items
If you’re in the parks and get a headache and need one dose of Advil, or if you have a small cut and need a bandaid, you don’t have to buy an overpriced package for a single instance.
Instead, you can visit the First Aid station and they can take care of you.
Consider a Disney Credit Card
If you have some time before your trip, consider getting a Disney Credit card. You’ll earn points that you can use towards your trip.
If you’re someone who uses a credit card anyway, this is an easy swap that will save you money on your trip.
You’ll also get a handful of additional card holder perks and exclusives.
Be aware of discount groups
If you’re a Disney Vacation Club Member, Annual Passholder, or Florida Resident, you’re typically entitled to a handful of additional discounts throughout Disney World.
So if any of these groups applies to you be sure to ask cast members about discounts when you book your trip and make purchases in the parks.
For more Disney World tips and tricks, check out the other Disney World Posts!
Sound off: How have you saved money in Disney World? Tell us about it in the comments!