I have heard so many people say that you can’t save money and have a good time at Walt Disney World, that it is an expensive vacation and you will have to pay top dollar for everything. Well – yes, a Disney vacation can be expensive but with some pre-planning and thought you can actually save quite a bit of money and still have the best vacation yet!
You can certainly save money on such things as hotel, park tickets and how you get to Disney, but let’s look at some other ideas that may not be as obvious.
Let’s start with meals at Walt Disney World. You certainly do not have to eat 3 meals in the park. Why not bring some simple breakfast items with you (or have them delivered when you arrive)? Having juice boxes, pop-tarts, granola bars, fruit drops, power bars, bagels and muffins and similar things can save a lot of money for a family vs. eating in the food court! However, you can certainly use the food courts for the microwave ovens, toasters and hot water that are available, so bring your own oatmeal packets or a loaf of bread along with some peanut butter and jelly. You can also bring milk for cereal in the morning as all the rooms have small frigs where you can store some refrigerated items. (You can also buy milk while there or have it delivered if you aren’t driving). $$$$ Saved by not eating out for one meal!
When it comes to lunch, you can always make sandwiches and take them into the parks along with some chips, etc. You can take small coolers and plastic bottles into the park, just be sure to stay within Disney park guidelines for what you can and can’t bring into the parks – for example, no glass containers! More $$$$ saved by not buying lunches in the park.
Want some tips for great food value when you buy food at Disney quick service locations? One of the best bangs for your buck when available, is a large pizza and salad for around $20. It is plenty for a family of 4. (The pizza is pretty good too!) There is a children’s menu at all quick service locations too, with a variety of options depending on location, including many healthy choices like uncrustables, milk or juice, yogurt and either carrot sticks or apples. Depending on your child’s appetite, a children’s meal could feed 2 smaller children! Or order an appetizer or split an entrée! You just cut your meal cost in half by only purchasing 1 meal for 2 people!
Did you know you can get a free glass of water at all counter service locations with sodas available? You definitely need to stay hydrated in the Florida and a free glass is much cheaper than bottled water. In fact we found this is so popular, most counter service locations have a large dispenser of ice water and small glasses just sitting on the counter! Even more $$$$ saved by not purchasing expensive sodas or bottled water!
What about souvenirs!? Those in themselves can really add up. But did you know that most discount stores and even many $1 stores sell Disney merchandise! Why not look into buying some items ahead of time and let them be a surprise “from Mickey” either in the mornings or waiting when you arrive back to your hotel! Disney magic at it’s finest.
Speaking of souvenirs, on a recent trip, our grand-daughter discovered pins! These can also be purchased in advance, on eBay or Amazong, from reputable suppliers (just make sure they have the “Disney” stamped on the back). Our granddaughter liked them because when she tired of one pin, she could trade with other guests or cast members and get a different one (a great reason not to spend a lot on pins, if you’re planning to trade them away). Not only did this hold down souvenir cost, it was great fun seeing what other people had on their lanyards. If you want to “keep” your pins, you can purchase them in the parks for roughly $8 and up, which still isn’t too bad of a deal and guess what – they pack well! We did splurge and get some lockable backs since the plastic backs tend to come off. Just don’t use the locked back until they get a “keeper!”
Planning a non-park day? Well the Walt Disney Resort Hotels have free entertainment! There are movies at many Disney resorts “under the stars” most night and games around the pool (weather permitting). Be sure to check your resort calendar to make sure of dates/times as not everything will be available every day/night! We found the kids really enjoyed this and it gave us adults a little down time ourselves!
Plan ahead and your Disney vacation may be far more affordable than you think!
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Debbie and her husband live in Collegedale, TN where her youngest son is going to college. She is a huge Disney fan who dreams of someday retiring and working as a tour guide at Walt Disney World. She has enjoyed many trips to WDW with children, grandchildren and sometimes adults only. It is her ultimate goal to make sure everyone who visits WDW has the same magical time that she enjoys every time she visits.
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