Disney World is the happiest place on earth, and it is massive. Below are 25 Disney Hacks for your next vacation. Read money saving tips, time saving tips and more useful ideas for your next Disney vacation.
Hack #1: Transportation
Stay on Property and all transportation is included to Disney Parks and Disney Springs in the price of your vacation. This includes a bus ride to and from the airport on the Magical Express, if applicable.
Hack #2: Download the My Disney Experience App
It’s free and holds useful information about your Disney vacation including Fastpass+, dining reservations and more. Plus, the ability to cancel or make a Fastpass+ or Dining reservation. The app also includes useful maps showing where dining options are, Character Meet & Greets and more.
Hack #3: Disney Travel Agent
Hire a Disney Travel Agent, at no cost to you! Their services are free and valuable to use. Meet Kari, the Couponing to Disney Travel specialist and all she can do for your vacation.
Hack #4: Skip the Park Hopper
Easily save your group a few hundred dollars by skipping the Park Hopper option. While some cant visit with out it, many find once they are in Disney they are too tired to hop or find enough to do in one park per day.
Hack #5: Ship Water To Resort
Save big on waters throughout your vacation by having water shipped to your resort. Even with the $5 package fee, having a case of water shipped is less expensive than paying park prices of $3 per water.
Hack #6: Fastpass+
For guests staying on property, book your Fastpass+ 60 days in advance (to your arrival date, covering up to 10 days after). For non-Disney resort guests, book 30 days in advance. Book your 3 Fastpass+ allowed per day (same park) at 7am EST on applicable booking day.
Hack #7: Advanced Dining Reservations
Guests staying at a Disney Resort may book up to 180 day in advance of arrival date and covering up to 10 days after (non-Disney resort guests may book 180 days in advance to preferred dining date). Hard to get reservations sometimes easier to get closer to date, by checking often, you can get lucky with an opening (due to a last minute cancellation).
Hack #8: Read Menu’s Before Your Trip
Each restaurant’s menu at Disney World is found online. Take a few minutes to read through the restaurants menu before booking a reservation there.
Hack #9: Character Meal
If paying out of pocket for your meals (not on the dining plan), than consider a Breakfast Character Meal. Choosing breakfast instead of a lunch or dinner option is less expensive but still just as magical.
Hack #10: Off-Season
If you are able to travel off-season (such as September when children go back to school), you will enjoy lower crowds which mean less lines and opportunity to see and do more.
Hack #11: Earn Free Gift Cards
Earn Free Gift Cards for your Disney vacation to lower out of pocket cost. Disney Gift Cards can be used to pay for your hotel room at Disney World, park hopper option, Dining, souvenirs and most anything at Disney.
Hack #12: Portable Charger
In addition to using your phone for Disney’s My Experience App, taking photos and videos will drain your battery. Bring a portable charger, such as a Fuelrod prior to your trip. Disney World has Fuelrod Portable Charger Kiosks. Once you have a Fuelrod, there is an unlimited number of swaps (for a fully charged one).
Hack #13: Free Ice Water
Any Quick Service restaurant at Disney World will give a guest a free cup of ice water. Starbucks is a great option for a nice cold cup of filtered ice water. Especially if you are already ordering, be sure to grab an ice water.
Hack #14: Brita Water Bottle
The reason filtered water is important to many who visit Disney World is the reported taste of the tap water. This can also easily be avoided by bringing a filtered water bottle with you, such as a Brita.
Hack #15: Inexpensive Souvenirs
If you have a car or take an uber, inexpensive souvenirs are a drive away. Disney World has 2 local Character Warehouses for deep discounts.
Hack #16: Collect Free Souvenirs
Even at Disney World, there are freebies. Read through: 41 FREE Souvenirs To Get At Walt Disney World. These include: buttons, chocolate and more.
Hack #17: Pressed Pennies
Pressed pennies machines are found throughout Walt Disney World and make fun, inexpensive souvenirs. They cost $0.50 + $0.01 (the penny to press) for a grand total of $0.51 each. Consider collecting them from around the World at Epcot.
Hack #18: Park Tickets
Save some money by skipping park tickets for the day you arrive and the day you leave. There are plenty of Arrival Day Activities that can be done on your first or last day which require no park ticket.
Hack #19: Ride More Rides
By getting to the parks early and planning to ride 2-3 attractions (near each other) in the first hour. Then have your Fastpass+ scheduled for 9am, 10am and 11am.
Hack #20: First Aid centers
First Aid centers at Disney World are not for emergencies only. Any guest may visit for small matters such as a bandage, a Tylenol and other over the counter medications, with a Nurse on duty. Many do not know this simple tip.
Hack #21: Be Aware
Many get caught up in the crowd and follow without looking around. Be aware of what’s available to you for lines, those to the left are often shorter. This includes when entering a park, turn to the left to start. When dining, Quick service counters have lines on both sides of the register, many do not notice (until you get in the short line).
Hack #22: Pack Snacks
Packing your own snacks can save big and are convenient to have in your Resort room, especially when traveling with young children. Read 10 Favorite Snacks to Pack for Disney World for great ideas that travel well.
Hack #23: Save your Energy At Magic Kingdom
Disney’s Magic Kingdom has the Walt Disney Railroad that circles the park, with stops at the Main Entrance, Fantasyland and Frontierland. Heading from one of these areas to another? Instead of walking, enjoy a Train Ride. Walt Disney himself loved Trains.
Hack #24: Pin Trading
Pin Trading is a fun, popular activity at Disney World. It can also be a frugal one, if the pins are purchased prior to your trip. Search on Ebay for a reputable seller and buy a Lot (look for Mickey head pin backing). Surprise lots are OK, since you plan to trade anyway.
Hack #25: Saving For Disney Course
The Saving For Disney Course will show you how to plan, save and budget for your Disney Vacation (and beyond).
Your purchase includes:
• Budget For Disney E-Book
• Couponing Binder E-Book
• Couponing E-Book
• Save on Your Weekly Allowances E-Book
• How to Grow Your Disney Fund E-Book
• Budget Binder Printable (PDF)
•Coupon Binder Printable (PDF)
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.