Here are 15 Recommendations To Vacation At Walt Disney World On A Budget:
1. Plan A Non-Park Day
There are many activities that guests can experience outside of the parks and still be within the Disney Magic. These activities do not require a park ticket. Choose from experiences such as taking a tour, resort hopping and more. Consider more from these 9 Free Things to do at Walt Disney World.
2. Don’t Add 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.
3. Use a Disney Visa Credit Card
It may seem backwards getting a credit card, but if paid off in full each month the benefits can be worth it. Choose from the Disney Premier Visa Card or the Disney Visa Card. Each allow you to earn reward points for purchases. Then redeem those points for a Disney Gift Card that can be used toward your vacation. Having the card also gives you discounts such as 10% ESPN Zone restaurant or $25 off a vintage car-boat ride from The Boathouse at Disney Springs (these will vary and change).
4. Visit Before Your Child’s Third Birthday
Families with children under the age of 3 have a chance to enjoy Disney and save money. This is because children under 3 do not require a park ticket. While some of the bigger rides are out, there is plenty of rides and attractions young children can enjoy at Disney. Read about Bringing a Baby to Walt Disney World. If you are traveling with older children too, consider Using Rider Switch To Manage Walt Disney World With Small Children.
5. Save On Souvenirs
Consider this list of 41 Free Souvenirs to get while at Walt Disney World. Including: Autographs, crafts at the Kidcot stations, stickers, Celebration Buttons and more. Collect these free souvenirs to save big and still have keepsakes from your vacation. Also, if traveling with children consider packing Tinkerbell Gifts.
6. 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.
7. Use a Travel Agent
This is at no cost to you and comes with benefits for free. A travel agent can do as much or as little as you want. They can help with hard to get reservations and will automatically watch for discounts. Plus, exclusively for CouponingtoDisney.com readers, is a chance to get a free gift card when you book your next vacation! Meet Kari , the Couponing to Disney specialist.
8. Use the Saving For Disney Course
Consider the Saving For Disney Course. A wealth of information to not only save for Disney, but how to organize your coupons, save on Bills, holiday shopping and so much more. Enjoy the convenience of worksheets too. The Saving for Disney Course includes: 33 page printable Couponing Binder, 33 page printable Budget Binder, 50 page Budget E-Book, 9 page Couponing Binder E-Book, 63 page Couponing E-Book, 32 page Save On Your Weekly Allowances E-Book and a 33 page Grow Your Disney Fund E-Book.
9. Pin Codes
Signing up for Disney Emails and interacting with the Walt Disney World website are said to increase chances for receiving a Pin Code. Request a free planning DVD as well to get your address in the system. Consider these other tips when trying for an elusive Pin Code. Getting a Pin Code can equal nice savings.
10. Save on Dining Out
There are ways to save on dining at Disney, such as by visiting these least expensive sit down restaurants. Also, know that Disney World portions are generous, splitting meals will save on dining costs. Consider splitting the Pepperoni Flatbread Pinocchio Village Haus In Magic Kingdom. Read more about Meals You Can Split at Walt Disney World Restaurants. Go to places such as Sunshine Seasons in Epcot, where they offer free drink refills at a soda fountain.
11. Save on Snacks
Choosing to pack snacks for your Walt Disney World vacation will save you money while on vacation. It is also a smart choice to bring small healthy snacks for an afternoon boost. Having snacks on hand also means saving time since a line just for a snack is avoided. Pick snacks such as Beef Jerky, Fruit and more in this list of 10 Favorite Snacks To Pack For A Walt Disney World Vacation.
12. Save on Water
There are many ways to save on water for your next Disney Vacation. Water will be necessary. Save by bringing your own Brita Water Bottle. This will filter the water and allows guests to refill throughout day at water fountains. Did you also know you can ask for free ice water at Disney World? This is another way to save. Or, consider shipping water to your Walt Disney World Resort.
13. Save On Strollers
For guests with young children, bringing your own stroller will save from stroller rental fees. Your child will also feel more comfortable in their own. Or consider renting from an off-site company.
14. The Ultimate Packing List
Print, screen shot or bookmark this list. The Ultimate Packing List will save money simply by remembering the essentials. By having a list of everything you need, means not having to buy something you forgot to pack. Plus when staying on property, you are paying Disney prices for even common items.
15. Utilize Fastpass+
To get the most out of your vacation, utilize the Fastpass+ system which is free with your park ticket. Having a morning plan is ideal, learn the Best Way to use Fastpass+. Using Fastpass+ means avoiding long lines and time is money on your vacation. Consider the best Fastpass+ choices.
Learn more tips and tricks for your next Walt Disney World vacation.
Jenn says
If you feel the need to purchase souvenirs check out the character warehouse. The prices are much better and it’s park merchandise.
Andrea Fuller says
Comment on number 14 –
Always prepared and well planned in advance, I packed 4 different kinds of Coppertone- spray, lotion, face, sensitive skin. (my husband works for Coppertone) Imagine my surprise when we arrived at the Magic Kingdom and I had forgotten to bring ANY in my day pack. We had to stop at First Aid and buy a bottle for $12. Pack your day pack as you pack!