Planning a Disney vacation involves, at some point, a decision about how you are going to get to Walt Disney World. And how are you going to get around once you get there. While it can seem like a challenge to travel economically, planning ahead and doing a bit of research can help you save the most money, and hopefully even enjoy the journey!
Taking a Plane
Flying is probably the most popular choice for transportation, but getting the best price requires you to plan ahead and to be persistent about checking rates. While it can vary as to when it is best to book to get the best prices, generally the lowest airfares are about 4 months out and then again possibly 6-8 weeks in advance. On the flip side, if you wait and book within the last 2 weeks, you will pay the most.
If you have some date flexibility, compare prices for a variety of days of the week to see where the best prices are. Often if you can fly on a Tuesday, Wednesday, or Saturday you’ll find that the fares are cheapest then. Likewise, you may want to avoid Friday and Sunday nights as those are often the most expensive. You should also register with the website of each airline that you are considering flying with, so that you are eligible for any email promotions that they send out. Another tip is to look at nearby airports such as Tampa, Jacksonville, and the smaller Sanford, for cheaper airfare. You can also see if you have choices for your home airport, as it is not unusual to be able to save money by flying from a different airport. (Just be aware that if you fly into any airport in Florida other than Orlando International (MCO) you will have to pay for transportation to Disney, as Magical Express only serves MCO…so be sure to factor that additional cost in.)
Taking a Train
Folks along the East Coast may want to consider taking the train as a fun transportation option for your Disney vacation. If you do this, you will have several options for both trains as well as seats/accommodations. On Amtrak’s basic trains, there will be a number of stops along the way, so be sure to look at the estimated travel time on the train schedule so you will know what to expect. You can also try the Amtrak Autotrain, which travels between Lorton, VA and Sanford, FL. On this train you can take your car with you, and arrive in Florida ready to drive away.
On every train, you will be able to choose whether you want to purchase just a seat…the least expensive option…or get an entire compartment, which may be a bit more comfortable, and can be very fun. If you get just a seat, you will want to make sure you are comfortable sleeping upright for the entire night. But don’t rule out a compartment at first, because it may be possible to get one for a very affordable price, if you plan ahead. Always at least check!
You Can Always Drive
Most of the time, driving will probably save money, although depending on gas prices, and your family size, that’s not always a given. So make sure you compare the cost of several tanks of gas (and possibly a night in a motel along the way) with the cost of airfare to be sure. Also, factor in the cost of parking as Disney along with most Orlando area hotels will charge a nightly fee for parking. However if you choose to drive, you will also save money on other things beyond the actual trip. By driving, you won’t need a rental car (if you were planning to get one). And having your car will allow you to pack things like food, snacks etc. Plus, if you are bringing little ones, bringing your own stroller will save you the cost of renting one while at Walt Disney World.
Once You Get There
Now what about when you arrive in Disney World? If you plan to stay in a Walt Disney World resort property, you will be able to use their free Magical Express bus service from Orlando Airport to your hotel and back. And you will also be able to take advantage of Disney’s network of buses, boats, and monorails to get from your hotel to the parks.
However, if you are staying off property, or wish to travel away from Disney to other locations, you will probably want to rent a car. You will find several rental car companies at the Orlando Airport, and to get the best possible price you should expect to check their rates early and often. Be sure to register as a “preferred renter” on each website to get money-saving discounts. And when you find a good rate, book it. The nice thing is, if you find a better rate later on, there is no penalty for cancellation. When it comes to saving money on a rental car, persistence definitely will pay off.
Of course, an alternative to renting a car is to use a ride-sharing service like Uber, Lyft get around off Disney property. This may not be the most economical option for extended non-Disney travel, but for an occasional visit to another theme park, shopping or dining – or to get to an early morning dining reservation – Uber and Lyft are convenient and generally less expensive than getting a taxi.
Travel to Disney World can be less expensive (and more fun!) than you might expect, if you take the time to do some research and planning. It is said that the journey is half the fun: why not make that journey both fun, and affordable?
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