10 Ways to Save Money on Your Disney World Vacation
I know what you’re thinking… is it even possible to save money at Disney World? The answer is YES!!!! Are we saying Disney World will be cheap…. well no but there are ways to save money before and during your Disney World vacation.
#1 Plan and Budget in Advance
One of the best ways to save money at Disney World is to plan ahead and create a budget for your trip. Start by researching ticket prices, accommodations, dining options, and any additional activities or experiences you may be interested in. By setting a budget and sticking to it, you can avoid overspending and make informed decisions about where to allocate your funds.
Third Wish Travel can help you research the best options for your family and provide quote estimates to help you compare your options. This will help you make sure you’re getting the most bang for your buck. We can also assist by establishing a payment plan to pay off your trip in small increments over time.
#2 Travel During Off-Peak Seasons
Disney World tends to be less crowded during off-peak seasons, such as weekdays during the school year or non-holiday periods. Not only will you have shorter wait times for attractions, but you may also find better deals on accommodations and tickets. Additionally, keep an eye out for special promotions and discounts offered during these quieter times.
Did you know a travel agent such as Third Wish Travel can apply applicable discounts to your reservation even AFTER you’ve booked? We sure can! By booking early you can ensure you receive the resort you want and can be confident you won’t miss out on a deal.
#3 Stay in a Value Resort
A big factor in the price of your Disney World vacation is where you stay. If you think you’re going to spend a lot of time in the hotel, you may want to opt for a moderate or deluxe resort. If you feel you’ll spend the majority of your time in the parks, a value resort is a great option to save money. While there are properties outside of the Disney bubble for cheaper, you do lose out on free transportation to the Disney Parks as well as early entry for resort guests. For a nice hotel with easy convenience and perks, a value resort is a great option!
We love Art of Animation and Pop Century Value Resorts because they also include access to the skyline which saves you valuable transportation time when going to Hollywood Studios and EPCOT.
Theming
Pop Century and Art of Animation have great theming throughout the resort. You’ll find all sorts of things to explore as you walk around the grounds.
#4 Opt for Quick-Service Dining
While Disney offers a variety of dining options, including table-service restaurants, quick-service dining establishments tend to be more budget-friendly. These locations offer delicious and convenient meals at a lower cost. Look for dining spots with value menus or combo meals that provide substantial portions without the higher price tag. Also, consider sharing meals or ordering kids' meals, as they are often sufficient for adults.
Disney just announced the new Quick Service Dining Plan starting January 9th for guests with packages at a Disney Resort. This option may be great for your family and link back to our #1 point of planning and budgeting in advance. With the Dining Plan, you can pay for your food in advance and eliminate a large credit card bill at the end of your vacation.
Nomad Lounge
This lounge is a great spot to relax and enjoy a quick bite and some drinks. An added bonus is you may see some Disney Characters float by in the river.
#5 Bring Your Own Snacks or Instacart to the Resort
Food and beverages within the park can quickly add up, especially for families. To save money, pack your own snacks, such as granola bars, fruit, or sandwiches, to enjoy throughout the day. Disney allows guests to bring in outside food and non-alcoholic beverages, so take advantage of this to keep hunger at bay without breaking the bank. Don't forget to bring refillable water bottles to stay hydrated and utilize the park's water fountains.
Are you flying to the resort? Instead of bringing the snacks in your suitcase, you can order instacart (or other services) to be delivered to your resort. This will ensure you get the snacks your family loves without breaking the bank. We also know a place that will deliver some delicious cookies.
#6 Take Advantage of Free and Affordable Entertainment
Disney World offers numerous free or low-cost entertainment options that can enhance your experience without straining your wallet. Enjoy parades, fireworks, and street performances throughout the day. Take a stroll through the beautifully themed areas, explore hidden nooks, and enjoy the atmosphere without spending a dime.
#7 Opt Out of Park-Hopper Tickets
While it is fun to have the option to hop over to another park, there are two big reasons to opt-out of a park hopper ticket in addition to the added cost.
Transportation Logistics - Traveling between parks can involve taking buses, monorails, or boats, which adds another layer of complexity to your day. Depending on the time of year and park hours, transportation services may have limited availability or longer wait times.
Crowds and Wait Times - The most popular attractions in Disney World often have long wait times, and park hopping can make it even harder to manage your time effectively. Moving between parks takes time, and you may find yourself spending a significant portion of your day in transit rather than experiencing the attractions.
To ensure you maximize your time in the parks and your budget, we recommend opting-out of the park hopper ticket and going for a standard 1 park per day ticket.
#8 Opt Out of Buying Genie+
Genie+ has its advantages but it will cost you. Genie+ can range from $25 per person per day to $29 per person per day which adds up. To save money, do your research regarding the most popular rides and plan to knock them out at the beginning of the day (we recommend you hit one during rope drop) so you can spend your afternoon on less popular rides without having to wait as long in line.
Third Wish Travel can help you understand which rides are considered the most popular and will have the longest wait times. We can also provide suggestions on how to plan each park day.
#9 Buy Merchandise Early
Merchandise sold outside the park, such as at Disney retail stores or online, often have more competitive prices compared to the items sold within the park. By purchasing merchandise in advance, you may be able to find discounts, sales, or promotional offers that can help you save money.
Disney World merchandise available outside the park may also offer a wider range of options. Some stores or online retailers may carry exclusive items, limited-edition releases, or a broader selection of sizes, colors, and styles. This gives you more choices and the opportunity to find exactly what you're looking for.
#10 Use a Travel Agent
Our last cost savings tip is using a travel agent. Agents at Third Wish Travel can help you find options that are cost effective for your family and can help ensure you know what to expect for your Disney World Vacation. As mentioned above, we can apply applicable promotions and discounts to your reservation and assist with planning your trip.
If any issues or unexpected situations arise during your trip, we can provide you with a point of contact for assistance and be your advocate to Disney. We can help resolve problems, make changes to reservations if needed, and provide guidance and support throughout your vacation.
We hope you’ve loved this article! If you have any questions or would like to book your next Disney trip, please contact us and schedule a free consultation today.
Best Wishes! ✨