Expensive accommodations, outrageous theme park ticket prices, overpriced meals and loads of unnecessary souvenirs have the potential to turn your dream family vacation at Walt Disney World Resort into a true nightmare for your pocketbook! Fortunately, by following the Disney World money-saving tips below, you can enjoy incredible savings on your next Disney World vacation getaway:
PLAN EARLY
Research the Orlando destination thoroughly before you arrive and create a detailed plan for your Disney World itinerary. Don’t make it too rigid (you’ll want to leave some room for spontaneity of course). Check out comprehensive online vacation guides to Orlando and Disney World such as Orlando-Florida.net, which provides detailed information on Walt Disney World Resort such as theme park attractions, live entertainment, restaurants, resorts and specialty shops, as well as great deals on attraction tickets, hotels and vacation packages.
VACATION DURING THE OFF-SEASON
Avoid the crowds! Walt Disney World theme parks are most crowded during Spring Break, from mid-June to mid-August, Easter weekend, Thanksgiving week, the week before Christmas through New Year’s Day and on three-day holiday weekends such as Memorial Day and Labor Day. Value season typically runs from after Labor Day weekend through the end of September, the week after Thanksgiving until a week before Christmas and after New Year’s Day until just before Presidents’ week in February. For an added bonus, schedule your vacation around one of Disney’s immensely popular annual events and festivals, many of which are included with the price of admission such as the Epcot International Food & Wine Festival, Holidays Around the World, Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival and Star Wars Weekends.
SEEK OUT BUDGET ACCOMMODATIONS
Believe it or not, you can stay near Disney World without spending a fortune. For instance, Westgate Resorts offers great deals on spacious accommodations that provide easy access to the four world-class theme parks at Walt Disney World Resort: Magic Kingdom Park, Epcot, Disney’s Hollywood Studios and Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park. For more information about Westgate Resorts, call (800) 864-1645 or visit www.westgatedestinations.com.
PURCHASE MULTI-DAY TICKETS
Believe it or not, a one-day, one-park ticket to Disney World is currently $75 plus tax! Fortunately, there are more Disney World multi-day ticket options than ever before. Look into Disney “Park Hopper” tickets, which allow you to come and go as you please throughout any of the four Disney World theme parks: Magic Kingdom Park, Epcot, Disney’s Hollywood Studios and Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park . Choose the appropriate Disney ticket deal based on your family’s length of stay in Orlando and remember not to overdo it – you should definitely schedule time for rest and relaxation during your Disney vacation. Most importantly, do not purchase your Disney World tickets at the gate – seek out the best online deals before you arrive to the theme park.
EAT OUT WISELY
If you plan to eat at one of the Disney World theme parks, make lunch your big meal of the day when prices are significantly lower than for dinner (especially at Epcot’s World Showcase). Also, don’t forget to bring along some water bottles and small snacks for the kids. In addition, you don’t have to spend a fortune at one of the Disney Character Breakfasts for autographs and photo opportunities – just take your kids to one of the free character meet and greet areas throughout all of the Disney World theme parks such as Town Square at Disney’s Magic Kingdom or Camp Minnie-Mickey at Disney’s Animal Kingdom. If you have a large family, check out one of the many budget, all-you-can-eat buffets that lie just outside Disney property on Highway 192 and along International Drive. Also, pick up a copy of free publications such as I Love Orlando magazine, which contain discount coupons for Orlando restaurants. Finally, many motels and hotels with onsite restaurants offer “Kids Eat Free” deals (one child eats per paying adult).
SET A BUDGET FOR SOUVENIRS
Establish a budget for Disney souvenirs and, most importantly, stick to your budget! Check out some of the area factory outlet stores such as Orlando Premium Outlets for Disney merchandise at substantially lower prices. In addition, purchase such necessities as film and sunscreen before you arrive at the theme parks, since prices at Disney are more expensive for those items.
TAKE A BREAK FROM THE THEME PARKS
Plan some time to take occasional breaks from the Disney theme parks and you can unwind and save money in the process. Check out some of the free things to do at Disney World such as strolling around Disney’s Boardwalk and Downtown Disney, both of which offer theme restaurants and specialty shops. If you really want to get away far from the madding crowd, consider a hike through the scenic, 12,000-acre Disney Wilderness Preserve, which is open Monday through Friday from 9 AM to 5 PM. The entrance fee is just $3 for adults and $2 for ages 6-17.
ENJOY MEMBERSHIP DISCOUNTS
If you are an AAA or AARP member, make sure to take advantage of any special rates or discounts that are available during your Disney World vacation at hotels, restaurants and Orlando area attractions. Also, if you are a Florida resident, check with Disney World about any available discounts.
