There are many decisions to be made while booking that Disney vacation you always dreamed about. And the truth is, some of these decisions will make sense to your wallet, while some will make sense to your heart.
What you have to consider is that it’s probably been a while since you took a vacation and you not only deserve one, but you can also afford one. How? By budgeting over the previous months and applying these few money-saving tips I will give you.
In the end, however, you will never come to the conclusion that you should have spent more time at work. You will most likely think about the things you should have done (which you always postponed) that bring you joy, laughter, fun, and unforgettable memories alongside those you love. Vacationing at Walt Disney World on a budget is totally possible, you only need to do things differently in certain areas to save money and keep the magic intact.
So use the following tips to save along the way and follow your heart!
Stay Hydrated
This is so important, especially during the hot summer months. But if you’re not careful, those bottles can really add up in the end! To stay hydrated while visiting the parks, you have to keep a few things in mind.
There are water fountains where you can refill your own water bottles, and you can ask for a free cup of water at any of the quick-service restaurants by the soda machines. If you feel it’s not always convenient to hunt for free water, particularly at times when you may need it right away, you can always order groceries to be delivered to your hotel.
I have tried gardengrocer.com before, as well as Instacart and Amazon Fresh. The order is delivered to bell services at your hotel and they will hold it for you (even refrigerated) until you’re able to pick it up. You can also ask bell services to deliver them to your room for a fee. Ordering a few essentials can really save you lots of money on beverages alone for a typical vacation.
Also, remember that each Disney resort has a mini fridge in the room. This will allow you to store cold drinks, milk for breakfast cereal, fruits, and vegetables. Doing so can save you up to 30 or 40 dollars per day on food and beverages alone.
Snacks
When snacking at the parks, consider buying larger, sharable ones. Keep in mind that not all Disney snacks are created equal. While I wouldn’t share my Mickey ice cream (back off, don’t even ask me!) I will willingly share a Colossal Cinnamon Roll from Gaston’s Tavern (Magic Kingdom), Creature Comforts (Animal Kingdom), and Main Street Bakery (Magic Kingdom).
Here are some other large-size, sharable snacks to fuel your park days:
- Funnel cakes at Sleepy Hollow Refreshments in Magic Kingdom, as well as at the American Pavilion kiosk at EPCOT.
- Colossal pretzels at Pongu Pongu in Pandora at Animal Kingdom, as well as Tap House in Hollywood Studios & Germany Pavilion at EPCOT.
- Pulled pork and cheese fries at Flame Tree Barbeque in Animal Kingdom.
- Fresh Fruit Waffle Sandwich (slathered in Nutella, topped with bananas, strawberries, and blueberries) at Sleepy Hollow Refreshments in Magic Kingdom.
- Chicken fried rice (a boxed, large sharable portion) at Yak and Yeti Local Foods in Animal Kingdom.
- Crepes at La Crêperie de Paris at EPCOT’s France Pavilion.
Daily Meals
Three meals a day at the parks can also add up. And all that walking makes everyone hungry too! Some things you can do to save up are sharing meals and bringing your own snacks/lunch into the parks.
Order and split a large plate adding a side to satisfy both appetites keeping costs down. Pack a small jar of peanut butter and some bread (which stays fresh in plastic containers) and find a spot to make a sandwich and a picnic. Pack juice boxes and snacks in plastic ziplock bags (like pretzels, carrot sticks, fishy crackers, or cookies) for fast, inexpensive grab-and-go eating. You should add these items to your grocery order so they stay as untouched and fresh as possible.
Choosing Types of Tickets and Dates
Choosing the wrong type of tickets or days can cost more than necessary. There are plenty of options at Walt Disney World, so tickets should be tailored to what’s best for your ideal plans.
Your Magical Vacation Planner will listen to your “must-dos” and advise you accordingly. Know that the more park days you add, the cheaper your tickets become. This is why it really pays off to have a professional guiding you on the best way to do it all while saving money. Don’t forget that our planning services are complimentary!
Plan Ahead for Rainy Days
Buying ponchos on Amazon or at a local discount store before you go will always save you money as well. Just like everything else, the more you plan ahead, and the more you have your Magical Vacation Planner guide you, the better the outcome will be for your vacation and your wallet.
These tips are only a few ways I try to help make Disney a bit more affordable for my guests. What’s most important about these tips and tricks is that they will help you save up hundreds of dollars in a way that won’t impact the magic or the fun. If you need any further assistance, contact me or your Magical Vacation Planner and start planning your Disney vacation today!