It’s no secret that a Disney World vacation can be pricey. Maybe the secret is that you CAN actually go to Disney on a budget. If the desire and a little discipline are there, it’s a very real possibility for most families. Vacation costs can add up quickly anywhere you go but I’ve never regretted money spent on memories made and my memories are just as magical regardless of whether our trips were “budget” or not.
First, forget your reservations about taking the kids out of school and go during the lower crowd seasons. You get more for your money in 2 ways. Peak season (Summer, Spring Break, etc) is when everyone wants to go, so prices are higher AND parks are more crowded. Go in September or February when kids are in school across the country and you will enjoy lower rates as well as shorter lines. The downside to this is that you might have to contend with some weather. February can be hit or miss. When we were there the first week of February, the lows were in the 50s and the highs were in the 70s – it was perfect. September is also risky. After postponing our trip by one week due to Hurricane Irma, we experienced lots of sunshine, heat, and humidity, but very little rain.
Second, travel mid-week to save money on airfare. Flying in and out of any international airport will almost always be cheaper on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays. This is also beneficial in 2 ways. Not only do you save money on airfare, you are only at Disney World for 1 weekend. While visiting from one weekend to the next, you may run into larger crowds partly due to locals enjoying the parks on their weekends away from work. Saturday or Sunday makes a great mid-vacation rest day when you’re traveling from Wednesday – Wednesday.
Finally, take some time to research whether or not staying on property and purchasing the dining plan make sense for you and your family. We have personally found that we don’t eat enough to justify the dining plan and like having the freedom to eat what and when we want. While Disney resort rooms may cost a bit more than other local hotels, there are so many perks that are invaluable; I always recommend staying on property to immerse yourself in the Disney experience, take advantage of transportation options, and to enjoy Extra Magic Hours.
Good luck in planning your first Disney family vacation – on a budget!
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Candice was raised in east Tennessee. While in college, her best friend dragged her to a Walt Disney World College Program recruiting session at the University of Tennessee and the rest is Disney history. In the Fall of 1999, Candice became a quick service food hostess for Sunset Ranch Market and Fantasmic at Disney-MGM Studios – or what is now known as Disney’s Hollywood Studios. While soaking up her time as a cast member, she met Ryan, a neighbor and a fellow college programmer who worked as a custodial host at Epcot. Four years later, Candice moved to the Midwest and married that boy from across the hall. They now live in Greenwood, Indiana with their two little boys. The Disney-loving foursome took their first family trip to The Happiest Place on Earth in 2013 and Candice is eagerly planning their return. Candice also works full-time at a community mental health center and enjoys taking photographs and blogging at Mommy in the Midwest.
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