Epcot is one of my favorite places on property for a meal—there are just so many choices! And, as I learned this week, there are many, many opportunities to save a couple of bucks on your main meal. Read more
This week, we’re saving dollars in Disney’s Hollywood Studios! The savings here aren’t as impressive as they are at the Magic Kingdom, but you can’t forget that all of your savings add up!
Chili DogThe Expensive Version
At Fairfax Fare, you can get a specialty chili dog for $8.19. Depending on the way the wind is blowing when you visit, the dog will come with either a small bag of chips, beans or coleslaw.
The Less-Expensive Version
Near Lights, Motors, Action, you’ll find Herbie’s Drive-In, which offers a chili dog (no sides) for $5.49.
Potential Savings: $2.70 Read more
Dining in Disney is a joy, but it can also quickly become one of the most expensive parts of your trip. But, with a couple of quick substitutions, you can save a bundle! Here are a few options for cost-cutting in the Magic Kingdom.
Pasta with MeatballsThe Expensive Version
With choice of meatballs or Italian sausage, Tony’s Town Square Spaghetti will set you back $16.99 at lunch or dinner.
The Less-Expensive Version
The penne with meatballs at Pinocchio Village Haus only costs $8.49.
Potential Savings: $8.50
I’ve written about this on my own blog, but it bears repeating: I love San Angel Inn. The food is good, the atmosphere is transporting and the drinks are heavenly. But there’s a hidden fee here that thrifty Mouseketeers may want to avoid. Read more
You are finally in the most magical place on earth. You are awoken by the sweet voice of Mickey Mouse himself on your wake up call. You are up and 
excited about spending a wonderful day in the park. You open your door to go grab some coffee in your refillable mug and, wouldn’t you know it, it is raining! What will you do now? Will you hang out in your room all day? Will you go to the video arcade and spend even more money when you’ve already paid for your park tickets? The answer is an emphatic NO!
A little rain never hurt anyone, as long as there is no lightning and no sound of thunder. Throw on one of those 50 cent ponchos you bought at the discount store back home and head to the Animal Kingdom! The Kilimanjaro Safari is the very best when it is raining because more animals come out in the early morning and while raining than any other time. And, since you’re there and wet already, ride the Kali River Rapids next.
Did you know that Expedition Everest also operates during rain showers? Well it does. In fact, last year we rode it three times in a row, in our ponchos, in pouring rain and laughed the whole time at the ridiculousness of it all. My kids talk about that memorable ride all the time!
If you’re not crazy about riding in the rain, head to one of the shows like “Festival of the Lion King” or “Finding Nemo, The Musical.” Both of these are excellent, dynamic shows and provide a great pick-me-up on a gloomy day. Even better than that, they are held inside large amphitheaters. Another indoor choice is the 4D show, “It’s Tough To Be A Bug” held inside the Tree of Life (caution: please read warnings before taking very young children into this show as it can be pretty intense for them).
When other people are zigging and you are zagging, it makes for a day of short lines and no waits. You can even rent a locker to store dry socks and shoes in for later; maybe even an extra change of clothes if you plan to stay all day.
Once the weather clears up and the crowds start flooding in it will be a great time to head back to your resort, armed with fun pictures and stories, and wonderful memories of the time you rode in the rain. Above everything else, never let anything get you down when you’re at Disney World – that’s not the way Walt would have wanted it. There is always a great idea for a backup plan!
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Brenda is a native Texan born and raised on the Gulf Coast. She visited Disney World twice as a teenager and always dreamed of growing her family Disney. She took her first-timer husband and their three children to Disney World in 2000 and they now spend every Thanksgiving there. Brenda writes with a comedic twist on various Disney topics. She will be sharing tips she has learned during her travels and also hopes to enlighten people on little-known freebies that Disney has to offer. She wishes she could have met Walt Disney and considers herself to be a student of Walt. In parallel to his dream it is her wish that everyone would take at least one trip to Disney World in order to share in its magic with their families.