Couponing to Disney

A trip to Disney World can cost a pretty penny. Luckily for you, compiled below are 21 ways to save big on your next Disney vacation. What would you add to this list?

1. Get the Whole Family in on the Savings

Saving for a Disney vacation does take some time, for the average goer, which is all the more reason to start now. Consider starting a change jar and decorate for added fun. Place the jar in a central area such as kitchen countertop or family room, so everyone can contribute. Learn more fun ways to save for Disney.

2. Go At The Right Time

Sometimes saving on your Disney vacation can be as simple as when you go. Learn the top 3 cheapest times to go to Disney World, based on historical prices. Another timing issue to save on flights and more is the day you depart and return, weekdays are typically less money than weekend rates.

3. Visit Prior To Your Child Turning 3

Note much at Disney World is free, however guests under 3 are! Children under 3 do not need a park ticket to enter. Learn about Bringing a Baby to Walt Disney World and Using Rider Switch To Manage Walt Disney World With Small Children. A Disney vacation with a little one may be a different pace, however it’s just as magical.

4. Try For A Pin Code

Guests lucky enough to receive a pin code can save big on their Disney vacation. A Disney Pin Code is an exclusive savings code sent out, either by mail or email. They are non-transferable and often dates and resort restrictions apply. Your pin code will be associated with your zip code & last name. Pin codes are sent out randomly. However use these tips and tricks to increase your chances of receiving a pin code.

5. Take a DVC Tour

If you are taking a longer vacation and have some down time while at Disney World, consider taking a DVC Tour. Guests can learn about Disney Vacation Club membership on a 60-90 minute tour. Many past guests have received incentives for their time, such as a Disney Gift card or Fastpass.

6. Skip Park Hopper

Skipping the Park Hopper option can save a couple hundred dollars off your vacation total. Not adding this option also saves time, since park hopping does add traveling time. Those with younger children may find trying to park hop too long of a day anyway. You can always decide to add on park hopper later. However, many guests find 1 park daily to be enough.

7. Buy Discounted Gift Cards

Both Sam’s Club and BJs Wholesale Club offer discounted Disney Gift cards. Disney gift cards can be used to pay towards your trip and accepted at Disney Parks and some of Disney Springs as well. Also, some grocery stores allow gas points with the purchase of Disney Gift cards. Use Disney Gift Cards to pay for your Disney Resort room, park tickets and much more.

8. Eat Breakfast in your Resort Room

Save on your first meal of each morning during your vacation by eating in your room. Items to pack include: apple sauce pouches, oranges, apples, bananas, Instant oatmeal packets, granola bars, cereal, trail mix, pop-tarts, bagels & peanut butter. Here are more tips for eating breakfast in your room.

9. Pack Snacks

Packing snacks for your Disney World vacation can save time and money. Having snacks on hand means avoiding long lines just for a small snack. Consider this list of 10 Favorite Snacks to Pack for a Disney World Vacation. Basically, anything that wont melt or easily be crushed is great to pack. Disney allows guests to bring in a small, non wheeled cooler.

10. Order Your Own Groceries

In addition, cut down on your dining budget by having food and drink delivered to your Disney Resort. This also saves room and weight in your luggage for those flying. Read: 6 ways to get groceries to your Resort, to consider. Favorite snacks to buy for Disney include nuts, jerky and more. Bottles of water are also a great buy.

11. Free Ice Water

Stay Hydrated and save money. When paying out of pocket, each soda and specialty drink can add up. Skip these and opt for water. Disney gives nice free cups of ice water, its refreshing and most importantly will keep you hydrated and ready to explore more Disney.

12. Swagbucks

Over in the SavEars group, Swagbucks is mentioned a lot. They do not offer Disney Gift Cards directly (however, learn how to turn Swagbucks into Disney money). With Swagbucks you can take surveys, complete fun offers and more to earn cash back. A great way to learn the ropes is with the FREE 7-Day Swagbucks Course.

Additionally, Use Shopkick to earn Disney Gift Cards.

13. Purchase Disney Pins in Bulk

For those looking to trade pins for fun, consider purchasing Disney pins in bulk, shop eBay for lots of 25, 50, 100 etc. Look for reputable sellers with good feedback. Also, look for and read these characteristics (How to tell is a Disney Pin is Real).

14. Target Red Card

Target offers their Red Card in either a credit or debit. The debit option is great for those who do not want a Credit Card, it is linked to your debit card. The Target Red Card (credit or debit) gives shoppers 5% off everyday purchases (instore or online) + free shipping (online). Even better, shoppers are able to get the 5% savings on Disney Gift Cards. The 5% savings may not seem like much, however over the span of thousands of dollars it does add up. Spread your purchases out over time, consider purchasing each month, or grabbing a gift card each time you shop (there is a daily purchase limit). This can change at any time.

15. Pre-purchase Minnie Ears

Minnie headbands and Mickey ears cost $27.99 + tax each at Disney. For a family this can easily run over $100 when purchasing for each person. Instead, shop Minnie ears prior to your vacation and save! The one pictures were found at Claire’s for $14.99, additionally shop eBay, Etsy and more. Plus, Walmart often has them for under $5 (check the party or seasonal section).

16. Split Meals To Save At Disney World

One good thing about the meals at Disney World is entrees tend to be generous portions. There are many meals that can easily be split by 2, this will save on dining costs. Learn meal ideas to split below!

• Pinocchio Village Haus In Magic Kingdom – Split the Pepperoni Flatbread
• Casey’s Corner In Magic Kingdom – Split the Macaroni & Cheese All-Beef Hot Dog
• Columbia Harbor House in Magic Kingdom – Split the Combination Platter
• Tangierine Cafe in Epcot – Split the Shwarma Chicken & Lamb Platter
• Via Napoli In Epcot – Split the Wood Fired Authentic Pizza 20″
• Flame Tree Barbecue in Animal Kingdom – Split the Ribs and Chicken Combo

17. Visit The Dollar Tree

There are many small items to pre-purchase for a Disney vacation, that will save money while on vacation. For instance, when night falls at Disney the light-up merchandise carts come out. Light up toys at Disney will cost on average $20 each. Instead, purchase glow sticks and items from the Dollar Tree for $1 each! Children will delight in anything new that glows. Learn 16 items to purchase from the Dollar Tree.

18. Tinkerbell Gifts to save on Souvenirs

Items to look for at Dollar Tree and more are what we call, Tinkerbell Gifts. Tinkerbell Gifts are small gifts that you pack, then leave them out in the mornings, or pack with you and use for good behavior. Disney blind bags are a fun, small Tinkerbell Gift example. Learn more about Tinkerbell Gifts.

19. Use Disney’s Transportation

For guests staying on-site, use Disney’s complimentary transportation for Disney World Resort guests. This saves on the cost of car-rental and parking fees. Disney World offers the Magical Express for guests flying in. While at Disney enjoy continuous transportation by monorail, boat or bus.

20. Camp At Disney World

You can save hundreds of dollars by camping at Disney versus staying at a Resort, and still receive all the perks of staying on-site. Consider camping or renting an RV at Disney’s Fort Wilderness Campground.

21. Savings for Disney Course

If you think a Disney vacation is not possible, the Saving for Disney Course will show and teach you how it is possible. Learn savings tips, with easy to use worksheets and much more.

Learn more tips and tricks for your next Walt Disney World vacation. Destinations in Florida can also help you add tips and tricks to your next vacation.