5 Money Saving Tips at Disney World
Finding ways to save money for vacations is always a challenge for most of us especially if we have a large family. At Travelmath, we have helpful tips and tools on the
cost to drive or fly. We know saving money for a vacation goes beyond just deciding to fly or drive.
Here is our list of 5 money saving tips at Disney World that will help you plan, choose and decide before going on your next Disney World vacation.
Transportation
Whether you fly or drive from your hometown, when you arrive in Orlando or at your hotel you will need to arrange ground transportation to the various parks in Disney World.
If you stay in one of Disney’s hotels, your transportation to Magic Kingdom, Epcot, Animal Kingdom, Hollywood Studio and Downtown Disney will be included. You save on parking fees and gas.
Disney’s Magical Express Transportation from the
airport to any of the Walt Disney World Resort hotels is free for resort guests flying into Orlando. The service includes transporting your luggage straight to your room.
If you choose to stay outside Disney, find hotels that provide free transportation to the parks to save on gas and parking.
Here are two with complimentary shuttle services:
Wyndham Grand Orlando Resort Bonnet Creek
Holiday Inn Lake Buena Vista Downtown
For help:
Orlando
Accommodation
Accommodation is another big expense when going on a vacation to Disney World. There is a slight variation in price at all Disney Resort hotels depending on when you visit. Your cheapest time is during low season in the months of August, September and January.
Most hotels do not accommodate more than four people in a room. A family of two adults and three children would not fit in a Disney room unless the fifth traveler is a baby.
Disney’s Art of Animation Resort and Disney’s All Music Resort are the only exceptions for a party of five or more. Of course the Deluxe Resorts accommodate guests differently.
Fortunately there are a number of hotels and apartments around Disney World. Check out the Holiday Inn, Marriott, Wyndham or Hilton Hotels. We like Spring Hill Suites in the Marriott village because of the larger rooms, price, free breakfast and a small fee for transportation to the parks. It will definitely be big enough for a family of five.
Dining and Drinks Plan
Meals and drinks are expensive in Disney’s parks. Disney allows guests to bring their own snacks or food that do not require heating. According to Disney you must inform a Security Cast Member of any
food items when you enter the park.
Staying at a hotel that provides complimentary breakfast will save you money on breakfast. For those who prefer rented apartments, you can stretch your dollar further by preparing almost all your meals in the apartment.
Get your groceries delivered at your doorsteps in Disney.
Goodings’s Supermarket delivers to all Disney Resorts and to Wyndham Bonnet Creek Resort. You can prepare meals if you stay at the Wyndham Bonnet Creek Resort’s apartments. This is the best way to eat healthily and save money on meals.
For those who prefer not to cook, Disney has many
dining plan options. You can choose from over 100 restaurants with your dining plan and pay all your meal expenses before leaving home.
Another popular plan is the refillable cups rapid fill program where you pay one fee for the cup and get refills for coffee, soft drinks and water.
To enjoy free fountain drinks from Italy, China, Costa Rica, Germany and many parts of the world, head over to Club Cool in Epcot.
Tickets
One day adult ticket price to the Magic Kingdom is $101 and if you purchase a one-day park-hopping ticket it costs $137. A 7-days with a 14 day expiration park hopping ticket is $392.92 but if you want to invest for a no expiration 7-day ticket it costs $626.22, a difference of $233.30.
Disney’s ticket price increases every year. If you are a Disney enthusiast, you save more money in the long run if you purchase a no expiration ticket. These tickets can only be purchased over the phone or in person at the park. It is not available online.
To save money, don’t buy one-day tickets. The park hopping option is important because you can go to more than one park in a day.
We realize within Disney there are many free things to do like going on a day trip to Downtown Disney for dining and shopping or at the Disney’s Boardwalk area. Boardwalk is close to Epcot and you may be able to catch the Illumination Fireworks for free without the need to pay for a day’s ticket.
Another way to enjoy the fireworks for free is to dine in restaurants that are close to the parks. Contemporary Resort’s California Grill offers one of the best views of Magic Kingdom’s nightly fireworks.
Note: You don’t need a park ticket to dine at California Grill but you must make a reservation in advance.
Free fun money saving resources
There are many websites and blogs by Disney enthusiasts with money saving tips. Here are three:
Mousesavers
Undercover tourist
Tips from the Disney Divas
Note: Please do your own research on these sites.
Do you have any money saving tips for a trip to Disney? Let us know.
