Think Walt Disney World has to be an expensive vacation? Think again. With a few smart tips, tactics, and strategies you can save a bundle and still enjoy a fabulous vacation. It is all in the planning and the willingness to stick to that plan. Here are a few tips for saving money while on vacation at Walt Disney World.
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Hotels and Accommodations
Visiting Walt Disney World during the hot months of the year and the colder months can mean smaller crowds. This is when hotels have rooms available and may offer them at a lower rate. Additionally, if you can visit during the week, rather than the weekend you can save money on a nightly rate.
Finally, look to stay off the Disney property to save money. Many top-quality hotels surround the theme parks, and some may provide shuttle services to and from the parks. Check ahead of time as part of your planning.
You can save a bundle staying off site and have a delightful vacation. If you plan ahead, you may be able to stay on property as well. Check into some more family oriented resorts like Disney’s All-Sports Resort, All-Star Music Resort and All-Star Movie Resort or Disney’s Pop Century Resort have better rates than some local hotels and you have all the amenities of staying on the Disney properties.
Meals and Dining
Meals and snacks can add up quickly at the theme parks. Consider hitting the supermarket before you get to your hotel. Pack a cooler with snacks, fruit, water and other things to drink. You might look for a hotel that offers a free breakfast to save money on eating out.
If you stay on a Disney property, consider checking out the Disney Dining Plan. The dining plan offers a fixed price for your meals for each person for each day. The price of meals can add up and it is very easy to go over you budget.
The dining plan is a great way to stay on a budget. You select which meal plan you want and pay one price. There are three different dining plans and each one has different offers. Menu price doesn’t matter, and Disney representatives say that the plan can save you up to 30% of your dining expenses.
Travel, Tickets, and Extras
There are any number of opportunities to spend money at Walt Disney World. There are souvenirs, photos, meals, and lots of tours. Set a price limit so you stick to your budget.
Budget your extra activities and enjoy the myriad of free Disney activities like the nightly fireworks or movie nights at the pool.
You can spend money on extra ticket items like a night at the movies, bowling or virtual games at Disney Springs.
You can save money by purchasing a multi-day pass which allows you to get into one park per day. Unless you really want to go to multiple parks in one day, there is no reason to purchase a park-hopper pass. It adds an extra expense you don’t really need. There is plenty to do in each park and you will not see it all in one day. Plan ahead, decide which park you’d like to go to and try to do and see as much as you can.
If you are going to be at Disney for a week or more then a park-hopper pass makes more sense. You can hit different spots at each park.
Skip the car rental too. There are many offsite hotels that offer free shuttles to the park. If you are staying off-property, make sure to check with the hotel to see if they offer shuttle service. This saves on the parking fees at the parks also. If you are staying on Disney property, there are many ways to get around without the added expense of a rental car.
To help stay on budget, purchase your extra items such as sunglasses, sunscreen, toiletries and other miscellaneous items before you arrive at Disney. Those items are available at the resort retail shops, but you will pay extra for them.
Walt Disney World doesn’t have to break the bank. In fact, you can enjoy a fabulous vacation for much less than you think. Plan ahead, set a budget, and take advantage of the money saving opportunities available to you.
