Cost-Saving Tips for Your Disney World Vacation

Planning a trip to Disney World can be magical but also a bit daunting when it comes to managing expenses. At Mouse Ears and Magical Chats, we believe that everyone should be able to experience the magic without breaking the bank. Here are some tried-and-true cost-saving tips from our hosts, Jenny, Jess, and Mary Beth, to help you make the most of your Disney World vacation on a budget.

1. Timing is Everything

Off-Peak Travel

Jenny suggests traveling during off-peak times to take advantage of lower prices on accommodations and park tickets. The best times are typically in early January through mid-February, late August, and September. Not only will you save money, but you'll also enjoy fewer crowds! If you are interested in checking out when the lowest crowds are check out our 2024 crowd calendar and 2025 crowd calendar.

2024 Crowd Level Calendar is based on previous years. expect higher crowds around the holidays and school breaks.

Some of the best deals are available during the slower times at Disney. So also be looking for a new deal for off peak travel. To get updates on special offers sign up for our newsletter.

April was busy busy this past year…do we plan to see more of that? It will be a good opportunity to consider your park strategy.

Special Promotions

Keep an eye out for Disney’s special promotions and discounts. Jess recommends signing up for Disney’s email alerts and regularly checking their website for deals on vacation packages, dining plans, and ticket offers. Disney often offers discounts on rooms, special packages that include tickets and rooms.

The current deals can be found on the promotions portion of the Disney Website or subscribe to our email for up-to-date discounts.

2. Stay ON or Off-Property

While staying at a Disney resort has its perks, Mary Beth advises considering off-property accommodations for significant savings. There are many nearby hotels and vacation rentals that offer free shuttles to the parks and other amenities. Websites like Airbnb and VRBO can provide great deals for larger families or groups.

While staying off-property can offer savings, there are also significant financial advantages to staying at a Disney resort that can make it worth the cost.

Complimentary Transportation

One of the biggest perks of staying on Disney property is the complimentary transportation. . Once you're at your resort, Disney's extensive transportation system—including buses, monorails, boats, and the Disney Skyliner—provides free and convenient travel to all theme parks, water parks, and Disney Springs. This can significantly cut down on transportation costs and parking fees.

Mears offers a shuttle service to and from Orlando International Airport, saving you money on rental cars or cabs. Children 2 and under ride for free, children are $13 and adults are $16. This is the company that used to run Disney’s Magical Express - so they know what they are doing.

Extra Magic Hours and Early Theme Park Entry

Disney resort guests enjoy early theme park entry and extended evening hours at select parks, known as Extra Magic Hours. These perks can help you maximize your time in the parks, allowing you to experience more attractions without needing to purchase additional park days. This can be a major cost saver, especially during busy times of the year when lines are longer.

Disney parks come alive at night with magical extra magic hours and dazzling nighttime spectaculars. These are the perfect times to purchase light-up toys and accessories that enhance the experience. However, buying these items directly at the parks can be quite pricey. To save money, consider purchasing light-up toys ahead of time. Stores like Walmart, Target, and Amazon offer a wide variety of light-up items at a fraction of the cost.

You can find fun options such as glowing mouse ears, fairy hair accessories, and other illuminated toys that will delight your family without breaking the bank. By bringing these with you, your kids can still enjoy the enchanting ambiance without the steep price tag, ensuring your budget stays intact while the magic continues to shine.

Resort Activities and Entertainment

Disney resorts offer a wide range of free activities and entertainment options that can save you money on additional entertainment costs. From poolside movies and campfire sing-alongs to scavenger hunts and arts and crafts, there's plenty to do without spending extra money. Many resorts also offer complimentary fitness classes, sporting activities, and evening entertainment. You can also bring some of your own pool activities with you like diving mermaids or a water-proof camera.

Convenience and Time Savings

Staying on property means you're closer to the action, which can save you both time and money. The convenience of being near the parks allows for midday breaks, reducing the need to spend money on additional meals or snacks in the parks. Plus, the ease of transportation and proximity can help you avoid the costs and stress of long commutes, giving you more time to enjoy your vacation.

Special Offers and Discounts

Disney often provides special offers and discounts exclusively for resort guests. These can include reduced rates on rooms, discounted tickets, and package deals that bundle accommodations, dining, and park tickets at a lower cost. Keeping an eye on Disney's website or working with a knowledgeable travel agent like Jenny or Jess can help you find these deals and maximize your savings. Keep reading for more discounts and you can fill out the form below to get a quote on any vacation dates you are considering.

Staying on Disney property offers numerous financial benefits that can help offset the higher cost of accommodations, making it a worthwhile consideration for your next Disney World vacation.

3. Bring Your Own Snacks and Drinks

Disney allows guests to bring their own food and beverages into the parks. Jenny recommends packing a backpack with water bottles, snacks, and even sandwiches to avoid high food costs inside the parks. Hydration is key, especially in the Florida heat (check out our link on beating the heat), and bringing your own water can save a lot over the course of your trip. I prefer to use Instacart to get my groceries delivered to room at the start of the vacation.

4. Maximize Your Dining Budget

Disney Dining Plan

Consider whether the Disney Dining Plan is right for you. Jess points out that while it can save money for some, it might not be the best option for everyone. Be sure to calculate the potential costs and savings based on your family's eating habits. Resort guests have the option to purchase the Disney Dining Plan, which can provide good value if used wisely. By prepaying for meals, you can better budget your food expenses and potentially save money, especially if you plan to dine at character meals and higher-end restaurants. Keep an eye out for promotions where the Dining Plan is offered for free with select vacation packages, as this can provide substantial savings. Check out our episode on the Disney Dining Plan to see if it makes sense to you!

Character Dining for Breakfast

If you want to experience character dining, Mary Beth suggests opting for breakfast rather than lunch or dinner. Breakfast meals are usually cheaper, and you still get the magical experience of meeting your favorite characters.

Share Meals

Portions at Disney can be quite large. Jenny recommends sharing meals to cut costs. This can be especially effective for families with young children who might not finish a full meal on their own.

5. Use Disney Gift Cards

Buying Disney gift cards at a discount can be an excellent way to save money. Jess suggests purchasing them from retailers like Target, Costco, or Sam's Club, where you can often find them at a 5% discount or more. You can use these gift cards to pay for dining, souvenirs, and even park tickets.

6. Skip the Park Hopper

While the Park Hopper option allows you to visit multiple parks in one day, it also comes with a higher price tag. Mary Beth recommends planning your trip so that you spend a full day in each park. This not only saves money but also reduces the stress of hopping from one park to another.

7. Make Use of Free Activities

Disney offers plenty of free entertainment options that are often overlooked. Jenny loves exploring Disney Springs, where you can enjoy live music, window shopping, and unique experiences without spending a dime. Additionally, many Disney resorts have free activities like movie nights, campfires, and scavenger hunts.

8. Plan Your Souvenirs

It’s easy to get carried away with souvenirs at Disney, but Jess suggests setting a budget beforehand and sticking to it. Another great tip is to buy Disney-themed items before your trip at a fraction of the cost. Stores like Walmart and Target offer Disney merchandise that can be brought to the parks. Such as dolls, cars and stuffed Disney characters.

9. Take Advantage of Special Deals

Disney Visa Card

One of the best-kept secrets for saving money at Disney World is the Disney Visa Card. Mary highlights the benefits of this card, which include earning Disney Rewards Dollars on all your purchases. You can redeem these points for park tickets, dining, merchandise, and more. Disney purchases earn even more rewards, allowing you to accumulate points faster. Additionally, Disney Visa Cardholders often enjoy exclusive resort deals, offering significant savings on accommodations. Plus, you get 10% off at most dining and merchandise locations on Disney property, which can add up to substantial savings over the course of your trip. Check out the benefits here.

Airline Specific Cards

Using airline-specific credit cards can also be a game-changer for your Disney vacation budget. Jess and Mary Beth personally use Southwest Airlines' credit card, which has allowed them to earn free flights and even a companion pass. This pass lets a chosen companion fly for free with her, making it an incredible value for families or couples. By accumulating points through regular spending and taking advantage of sign-up bonuses, you can significantly reduce or even eliminate the cost of airfare for your Disney trip. Be sure to explore the benefits of your preferred airline’s credit card to maximize your savings on flights. If you apply via the link, you start with 20,000 points.

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Saving money on a Disney World vacation is possible with a little planning and creativity. At Mouse Ears and Magical Chats, we’re dedicated to helping you make your Disney dreams come true without the financial stress. Tune in to our podcast for more tips, tricks, and magical advice from Jenny, Jess, and Mary Beth!

Happy planning, and may your Disney vacation be both magical and affordable!