How to Save Money on Your Disney Vacation
Are you looking to plan an exciting trip to Walt Disney World Resort but working on a tight budget, or just looking for ways to reduce the cost of your Disney Vacation? Don't worry, there are several ways to make it happen for your family without breaking the bank.
Before we get started my friend Melissa from Foolish Mortal Company has an amazing budget sheet for you to check out. Click on the link for the Budget Sheet! Also check her out on YouTube to watch her Budget Series!
Here are 16 tips that can help you save money on your Disney Vacation!
1. Book Early. Booking your Disney vacation is easy and affordable. To secure your reservation, all you need is a $200 deposit. After the deposit is made, you can set up a self monitored payment plan to pay off the remaining balance before your trip. This gives you the flexibility to budget and plan for your vacation without any major financial burden. Making payments incrementally over time, so you won't have to worry about paying the full balance all at once. The final balance will be due 30 days before your vacation, giving you plenty of time to prepare and get excited for your trip to the most magical place on earth!
2. Disney Promos. If you have a Disney+ subscription, hold a Disney Visa card, serve in the military, or have an annual pass, you may have access to exclusive promotions that can help you save a lot of money on your Disney vacation. These promotions may include discounts on park tickets, resort stays, dining, merchandise, and more. Make sure to check the terms and conditions of each promotion to understand the eligibility requirements, restrictions, and expiration dates. By taking advantage of these deals, you can make the most of your Disney experience without breaking the bank. Disney releases these deals sporadically throughout the year.
EPCOT during Flower and Garden Festival
3. Gift Cards. Did you know that you can purchase Disney gift cards at Target, Sam's Club, BJ's, and Costco? The best part is that you can save 5% on gift cards ranging from $25 to $500 at Target. Then Costco recentaly had a sale saving you almost 7%! These cards can be used to pay for anything at Walt Disney World and Disneyland Resort.
4. Points Hacking. If you're not familiar with points hacking, it's a strategy to maximize rewards points and miles in order to save money on travel expenses. Essentially, it involves taking advantage of promotions, credit card bonuses, and other offers to earn points and miles that can be redeemed for flights, hotels, and other travel-related expenses. To learn more about points hacking and how to get started, I recommend following some experts on the topic, such as @almostfreetraveling, @disneypointsgals, and the @vacation_pointers. These experts can provide helpful tips and advice on how to earn and use points and miles to travel more affordably.
5. Budget Airlines. One way to save money while travelling is by using rewards credit cards for booking flights and flying low-cost airlines like Alliegant or Frontier. These credit cards offer various perks and cashback points that can be redeemed for flight tickets, hotel stays, car rentals, and other travel expenses. Additionally, if you frequently travel with a specific airline, you can sign up for their loyalty program to earn points and rewards for future bookings.
Another option is to join a club or program like the Den Club for Frontier. These programs offer exclusive deals and discounts on flights, hotel bookings, and other travel-related expenses. For instance, in August 2023, we were able to book a flight for a group of six people at a cost of $455
By using such cost-saving methods, you can make your travel experience more enjoyable and budget-friendly.
6. Value Resorts. If you plan on spending a majority of your time inside the Disney parks, it may be a good idea to consider staying at one of the Disney Value Resorts. These resorts offer affordable prices and a wide range of amenities, including complimentary transportation to and from the parks, on-site dining options, and various recreational activities.
Additionally, Value Resorts are designed to be family-friendly, with fun themes and colorful décor that kids are sure to love. By staying at a Value Resort, you can save money on accommodations while still enjoying all that Disney has to offer.
7. Off Peak Season. One of the best ways to save money when planning a trip to Walt Disney World is to visit during off-peak times. These times are typically when most schools are in session, which means that there are fewer crowds and shorter wait times for rides and attractions.
Off-peak times at Walt Disney World vary depending on the season, but generally fall into two categories: weekdays during the school year and non-holiday weekends. Visiting during these times can save you a lot of money on park tickets and hotel rooms.
Aside from the financial benefits, visiting during off-peak times can also make for a more enjoyable experience overall. You won't have to fight through crowds to get to your favorite rides, and you'll have more time to explore the park at your leisure. Plus, since the parks are typically less busy during off-peak times, you'll have more opportunities to meet and interact with Disney characters.
So if you're looking to save money and have a stress-free trip to Walt Disney World, consider planning your visit during one of the off-peak times.
8. High Yield Savings Account. High-yield savings accounts can provide a great opportunity to earn more money on your savings. One such option is Ally Bank, which is currently offering an interest rate of 4%. By opening an account with Ally Bank, you can earn significantly more interest on your savings than you would with a traditional savings account at a brick-and-mortar bank. This can be an effective way to reach your savings goals towards your Disney Vacation.
9. Direct Deposit. Consider setting up a direct deposit system where 5% - 10% of each paycheck (or any other percentage that you prefer) is automatically transferred into a specific savings account that is designated for family vacations. This savings account can be used for planning and funding trips to different destinations, including Disney. By doing so, you can ensure that you regularly put aside money towards family vacations without manually transferring funds every time you get paid. This can help you plan and save for your family's future trips, making it easier to budget and avoid overspending on vacations.
10. Sell Your Stuff, Garage Sale for Disney! Need some extra cash for Disney? Consider having a garage sale! By selling your gently used items, you can earn some money and put it towards your Disney vacation.
I suggest using Mercari, an online marketplace that is easy to use and highly recommended by sellers. With Mercari, you can quickly list and sell your items, and buyers can easily browse and purchase them. Or use Facebook Market place!
I also firmly belive in the side hustle to make some extra cash for your next Disney adventure. That's why you find me selling cookies around the holidays!!
Topolino's Terrace at Disney's Riviera Resort
11. Skip the Dining Plan. Yep, I said it; Ms. Dining Plans herself said to skip it! Especially if you are looking to save some money. Although I am a big fan of the Dining Plan, other options can be equally satisfying and less costly. One such option is to stick to quick-service restaurants, which offer a variety of food items that are both filling and affordable.
In addition, you can be strategic about your food choices. Consider ordering groceries to your resort, which can be a convenient and cost-effective way to get the food you need. You can take your packed food to the park and picnic at the Cinderella Castle's hub grass. This can be a fun and unique experience that allows you to enjoy your food in a beautiful setting.
Overall, skipping the Dining Plan and being smart about your food choices can help you save money and make the most of your Disney experience.
12. Skip Lightning Lane. Lightning Lane is a service offered by Disney theme parks that allows guests to pay an additional fee to skip the regular lines and access attractions faster. However, it's important to be mindful of how often you use it, especially if you're traveling with a large group.
For example, if you have a family of six, using Lightning Lane every day of your vacation can add up quickly. Even on the cheapest day, it could cost around $90 for your entire group. To save money, it's best to be strategic about which days you use Lightning Lane. Consider using it on the days when the park is likely to be busier or when you have a lot of attractions you want to visit in a short amount of time. Time also equally money, so if you can cut somewhere else to use the service. I recommend that.
13. Don't Park Hop. Park Hopper tickets are a more expensive option allowing visitors to access multiple Disney theme parks within a day. However, if it's your first trip and there's a lot to do at each theme park, buying single-day tickets that provide access to one theme park for the day is the best option. Although flexibility is nice, it may not be worth breaking the bank.
Belle and Elena on Fairytale Garden Magic Kingdom Park
14. Don't go to the park daily. If you're planning a visit to Walt Disney World Resort, you might want to consider some alternatives to going to the park every day. There are plenty of activities and attractions around the resort that won't cost you a dime, or that will be more affordable than the park admission tickets.
For instance, you can take a stroll around Disney Springs and enjoy the live music, street performers, and many shopping and dining options. You can also explore the Disney Boardwalk, a charming waterfront promenade with restaurants, shops, and entertainment.
If you're a nature lover, you can visit the Fort Wilderness Resort and Campground, where you can rent bikes, canoes, and kayaks, and go on a nature trail or a horseback ride. You can also watch the nightly campfire and movie under the stars, or roast marshmallows and make s'mores.
Another option is to visit the many resorts and hotels on the property, which offer various activities and amenities for guests. You can swim, play miniature golf, rent a boat, or attend a character breakfast or dinner show.
By diversifying your activities and limiting your park visits, you can save money and still have a magical time at Walt Disney World. Remember that park admission tickets will be your biggest expense, so plan accordingly and make the most of your trip!
15. Don't splurge on souvenirs or snacks. When planning a trip to Disney, it's always a good idea to save money on souvenirs. You can do this by buying them ahead of time during sales or by visiting a Character Warehouse or a Disney outlet near you. These outlets provide the same items that you would find in the parks but at much lower prices.
Storm Troppers at Disney's Hollywood Studios in Batuu
For example, if you plan to buy bubble wands at the parks, you can get them for $16 online, a significant discount compared to the park prices. You can also find many great deals on ShopDisney throughout the year. This way, you can save money and still have great souvenirs to remember your trip.
16. Undercover Tourist! I have been a loyal customer of this company for more than ten years now. The reason why I keep coming back to them is because of their amazing deals on tickets. In particular, I find their adult tickets sold at child prices among the best deals available. But that's not all.
Their commitment to customer satisfaction sets them apart from other ticket sellers. They have a 365-day refund policy, meaning you can get a refund for your purchase anytime within a year if you're not satisfied with it. Moreover, they offer a price match guarantee ensuring you get the best possible price for your tickets.
Their service is incredibly helpful, fair, and safe. They have always been transparent in their dealings with me and have never given me any reason to doubt their trustworthiness. I highly recommend trying them if you're looking for a reliable ticket seller.
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Thank you for visiting the Well Hello Magic blog. If you have questions, please leave them in the comments, and I will be sure to answer them.
Planning a Disney vacation can be overwhelming, but you don't need to worry because we have got your back! Here are a few blogs to help you get organized!
How to Use My Disney Experience
Disney Infants: Everything You Need to Know!
Tips for Traveling with Family, Friends & Large Groups
What is Lightning Lane Multi Pass and Single Pass?
Strolling through Disney: Disney Stroller Tips
Baby Care Centers at Walt Disney World
The Differences between Walt Disney World and Disneyland Resort
Who is the Mom behind Well Hello Magic? Click Here!
I am so happy to be on this journey with you.
