Disney World comes at a price tag. Save hundreds of dollars off that price tag by knowing these 20 Budget Friendly Ideas For Disney World Savings.
1. Travel during Adventure season
Disney World has 5 travel seasons (listed least to most expensive): Adventure, choice, dream, magic and premiere. For those traveling on a budget choose the Adventure season covering January, September, and the first half of December. Read more on month-to-month break downs: What Is The Best Time Of The Year To Visit Walt Disney World?
2. 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.
3. Undercover Tourist
For those visiting Disney World in need of tickets only, Undercover Tourist is a great way to save. Purchase a multi-day ticket through Undercover Tourist and get a discount! For example, a 10 day Magic Your Way ticket is $446.38 shipped thru Undercover Tourist, a savings of $48 off gate prices (prices are as of 4/15/18). Undercover Tourist is a reliable source for discounted Disney tickets. Undercover Tourist is an authorized dealer, never purchase Disney Park tickets from ebay/craigslist.
4. Saving For Disney Course
Purchase the Saving for Disney course to learn how to save money on your everyday expenses and use the money you saved to pay for a Disney vacation! This course shows you how to pay for a Disney vacation with unique and frugal methods. It is a crucial step in planning for your Disney vacation.
5. Other Discounts
Consider other discounts you may be eligible for such as: Disney’s Armed Forces Salute To Military (Back for 2018), AAA or Check to see if your company participates in the Tickets at Work program.
6. Split Meals
While at Disney, consider splitting meals to save on food cost. Such as:
- Visit Backlot Express for the 1/3 lb Angus Cheeseburger for $10.49 or the Dark Side Chicken and Waffles for $11.49. Both of these options could easily be split. Bonus, this eatery offers free refills on fountain drinks.
- Casey’s Corner in Magic Kingdom for The Macaroni & Cheese All-Beef Foot Long Hot Dog, $12.49, served with your choice of Apple Slices or French Fries.
- Yorkshire County Fish Shop in the United Kingdom Pavilion of Epcot’s World Showcase for Fish & Chips which consists of two strips of Fish served with Chips for $10.99.
7. Refillable Popcorn Buckets at Disney World
If you are traveling with a larger group or are just love popcorn, this can be a great money saver. Buy the Popcorn in a souvenir Bucket for $10.00. Then look for restaurants/ kiosks that have the refill option available, located at each of the 4 main Parks. You will then be able to refill your Popcorn Bucket for just $1.50, this would be a perfect option prior to parades and shows. Pass the Popcorn Please.
8. Tables in Wonderland
To join Tables in Wonderland you must either be a Florida Resident, Walt Disney World Annual Passholder or a Disney Vacation Club Member. Enjoy savings at merchandise locations, dining discounts and more. Plus, This discount card allows for a 20% discount on both food and beverage purchases (including alcohol) at more than 100 restaurants at Walt Disney World Resort.
9. Buy Park Tickets Before Your Vacation
This can be a costly mistake for both time and money. Do not wait to buy tickets at the gate. Skip the lines and save money by pre-purchasing park tickets.
10. 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.
11. 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.
12. 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.
13. Arrival Day
Skip buying park tickets for your first day at Disney. Especially if you have hours of traveling under your belt. Instead, try one of these 4 arrival day activities, with no park tickets needed.
14. 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).
15. 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.
16. 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.
17. Pack A Stroller
The airline doesn’t charge you for checking a stroller unlike other luggage. Stroller rentals at the park are $15 a day. By bringing your own (even if it is just an umbrella stroller), you will save $105 over the course of 7 days.
18. Staying On-site vs. Off-site
You may save a few bucks by staying off-site for your Disney World Vacation. However, the benefits of staying on site may just outweigh those savings. Benefits include:
- Use of Disney transportation to and from parks plus the Magical Express
- Extra Magic Hours are exclusive to those guests staying at a Walt Disney World resort.
- Enjoy the benefit of booking your Fastpass+ 60 days out from your 1st day of vacation (and up to 10 days thereafter), As oppose to non-resort guests who can only book at 30 days out earliest.
19. 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. Also, read why you need to Visit Dollar Tree before a trip to Disney World.
20. 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.
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.