If you have been reading Couponing to Disney long enough, you know that we have one goal here. It is to bring you deals, tips, and tricks for taking the money you save and putting it toward a Walt Disney World vacation. And while the site is FULL of great money saving deals and ideas, we have condensed some of them down into one post. Here are 10 Money Saving Tips For Disney World Vacations:
Stay at a Disney Value Resort – While on property you still get all the magical extras that come with enjoying any of the Walt Disney World resorts. You get to enjoy such things as Disney Transportation, extra magic hours, Disney meal plans, and much more. The rooms might be a little smaller, but a value resort can help save some money on your vacation so you can spend it on other things in the parks.
Stay at a resort or vacation home off Disney property. If you have to, there are plenty of decent hotel rooms available all around Lake Buena Vista. If you have a larger family (more than four people), the savings are even greater. You can get a vacation home with a private pool for a week, but remember you will need your own transportation.
Watch for Disney Promotions. Disney has been known to release promotions that will save you a big chunk of change such as FREE dining plans when you travel and a percentage off the cost of your room. This is where having a travel agent comes in handy. They watch for and apply any discounts that come along, even after you have booked your trip!
Purchase a dining package. Disney offers dining packages to guests staying at their resorts. These packages have to be booked in advance and you can save 30% or more on your dining if you buy one of these plans. Essentially the dining plan is a meal plan that you pay for in advance.
Travel during the “off” season. Disney resort and dining prices fluctuate depending on what time of year it is; the same trip over Christmas week will cost you a whole lot less the first week of December. There is much debate when the off season is. One guideline to follow is when school is out for summer or a break, it will be busy. If you have a flexible schedule, traveling in the off season could be more gentle on your budget.
Use Magical Express. If you are staying at a Disney resort you have access to Magical Express, their complimentary transportation round trip from MCO and your Disney resort. This will save you on renting a car, taxi or hiring a limo to transport you. Be sure you fly into Orlando International {MCO} to take advantage of this.
Eat meals outside the theme parks. Plan to eat at least one meal a day in your room, breakfast being the most obvious choice. Most Disney rooms come with an in-room fridge or access to get one (make sure of this in advance if you aren’t staying in a Disney resort). You can stock it with milk, yogurt, fruit, water or drinks. Add a loaf of bread, some peanut butter, cereal and breakfast pastries and you will save a good bit of money. If you are staying off Disney property you also have access to all the fast food restaurants and buffets in Orlando.
Use your Military ID to get a substantial resort and ticket discount. If you are an active or retired member of the military, there are lots of discounts available to you. You can take advantage of a great resort discount, as well as discounted park hopper tickets.
Book through a Disney vacation planner. A Disney vacation planner (a.k.a. travel agent) can help you save on your vacation by watching for promotions and ways to save money for you. Their service is 100% free (their commission is paid by Disney) and they also offer a number of excellent perks too.
Save on airfare. All of the carriers that fly in and out of Orlando airport offer decent rates if you do a little research and plan far enough ahead you can save some good money. Check the airports actual website opposed to the travel Discount sites. Also, you can save money on air by flying into Orlando on one airline, but then fly home on a different one.
Are you ready to plan your next family vacation? Contact one of our amazing Dream Team Travel Agents!