How to Save Money at Disney World: Expert Tips for Budget-Friendly Fun

Visiting Disney World can be a dream come true, but costs can add up quickly. With so many theme parks, dining options, and shopping temptations, it’s easy to spend more than you planned. Finding ways to save money can help you manage your budget.

With careful planning and smart strategies, your Disney World vacation can be enjoyable and budget-friendly. From timing your visit to taking advantage of special deals, numerous tricks exist to make the most of your trip. 

Check for discounts

Throughout the year, Disney World offers special offers on theme park tickets and/or hotel stays. If you check the official website under special offers, you’ll be able to see what any given offer is. What’s interesting is that Disney often has deals targeting Canadians.

For example, right now, Canadian residents save 25% or more on 4-day or longer Walt Disney World theme park tickets. The deal is valid until November 6, 2024, with ticket dates of November 10 through December 14, 2024, and January 5 through September 27, 2025. Although the tickets aren’t available during the peak winter holidays, they can be used during Canadian March and Spring Breaks.

It’s also worth noting that this deal is available for various theme park tickets, including:

  • Park Hopper: Visit more than one theme park on the same day.
  • Water Park and Sports: Visit one theme park per day. Plus, get a certain number of visits to a water park, golf course or miniature golf course based on the length of your ticket.
  • Park Hopper Plus: Visit more than one theme park on the same day. Plus, get a certain number of visits to a water park, golf course or miniature golf course based on the length of your ticket. This option combines the Park Hopper Option and the Water Park and Sports Option.

This deal can be combined with any room offers currently available and can be booked online or through travel agents.

Be flexible with your dates

Being flexible with your travel dates can save you a significant amount of money at Disney World. Park tickets on days with less demand can be up to US $45 cheaper per person. For a family of four visiting for four days, that can add up to US $480. The same applies to Disney’s Lightning Lane Single Pass system. You could save US  $15 per person, per ride.

Additionally, prices for accommodations and flights can vary greatly depending on the time of year. Consider visiting during off-peak times. These periods are usually when kids are in school and holidays aren’t happening. For example, I find early November and February to be more affordable.

Check different date ranges when planning. Sometimes, shifting your travel by just a few days can lead to lower prices. When looking at hotels, see if there’s an option to search by month, as that will allow you to quickly see cheaper dates.

If your schedule allows, aim for weekdays instead of weekends. Many people visit the parks on weekends, which can drive up the cost of tickets and accommodations. This slight shift can lead to more savings.

Planning ahead is also key. By booking early, you might find special discounts that aren’t available closer to your travel dates. Flights also tend to be cheaper when booking early. 

Book multiple days

If you’re planning a trip to Disney World, booking multiple days can help you save money. Multi-day passes are cheaper per day than single-day tickets. For example, a single day ticket might cost you US $144, but if you’re buying 4-day tickets, the price drops to US $115 when purchasing six-day tickets.

While getting multi-day tickets may seem excessive to some, it’s worth noting that Disney has four theme parks and two water parks. There are a lot of attractions and shows, so spending an entire day at a theme park is possible, especially if it’s your first time there. 

In addition, Disney often offers hotel discounts if you book multi-day tickets, so look for those package deals. 

Skip Park Hopper

Park Hopper allows you to visit more than one park a day if you enter the theme park on which you made a reservation first. For example, you’ve made a reservation at Magic Kingdom. Once you’ve tapped in, you could switch to Hollywood studios or Epcot.

While this optional add-on is convenient, choosing not to buy the Park Hopper is a smart way to save money at Disney World. It should only be considered if you have limited time in Orlando.

If you plan your visit carefully, you can dedicate an entire day to exploring each park. This means you won’t miss out, and you can enjoy everything each park has to offer.

Think about the experience you want. If you prefer to take your time and not rush from one park to another, a standard ticket is perfect for you. It allows you to fully enjoy the rides, shows, and dining spots without the extra cost. Plus, you won’t feel any pressure to rush things and get to the next park.

Consider Lightning Lane passes

To save time at Disney World, consider using Lightning Lane passes. Although they have an average cost of US $25 per person, they allow you to skip the long standby lines for certain attractions. They’re ideal for people who have limited time at Disney World or don’t want to spend multiple days in the parks.

There are two main types: the Lightning Lane Multi-Pass and the Lightning Lane Single Pass. The Multi-Pass gives you access to various attractions, while the Single Pass is usually used for the most popular rides, such as Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind and Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance. 

Even though there is an extra cost, using these passes may free up more time for other activities, like meeting characters or watching shows. If you think about what your family likes and plan accordingly, this option might be a smart choice for you while visiting Disney World.

Evaluate the rides where you and your party will likely spend the most time in line. Lightning Lane passes can make a big difference in how much you can enjoy in a single day. Be strategic about which passes you purchase to maximize your time and budget.

Stay at a Value Disney Resort

Staying at a value Disney resort is an excellent way to enjoy the magic of Disney World without spending a fortune. These resorts offer a more budget-friendly option while still providing fun themes and convenient locations.

Disney’s Pop Century, Art of Animation, and the All-Star resorts, including Movies, Sports, and Music, are popular choices. These hotels have bright décor and creative details that kids and families love. The rooms in value resorts are simpler, and you won’t find any fancy restaurants, but they provide everything you need for a comfortable stay.

Booking a value resort also gets you perks like free transportation to the parks. This makes it easy to move around without renting a car or using extra transport services. You also have early access to the theme parks and Lightning Lane Passes, letting you book rides in advance.

Choosing a value resort can make your trip to Disney World both enjoyable and affordable, allowing you to save money while still being close to all the attractions.

Stay off-site

One of the best ways to save money on a Disney World vacation is to stay at a hotel off-site. Off-site hotels are often cheaper than those on Disney property and can offer excellent amenities. You can find a variety of affordable options within a 10 to 20-minute drive of Walt Disney World. Palm Parkway and Internationa Drive have many budget hotels, and great shopping and dining options.

Many off-site hotels also provide free shuttle services to Disney World, saving you transportation costs. These hotels often feature complimentary breakfast, which can help reduce food expenses during your trip.

Share meals

Sharing meals at Disney World is a great way to cut down on costs. Portion sizes at many Disney restaurants and quick service counters can be quite generous. By splitting a meal, you can save money and still feel satisfied.

Look for restaurants that offer combo meals or purchase three meals for four people. While some people like to share snacks, I tend to avoid them as the costs can add up fast. The one exception is Dole Whip as I’m addicted to it.

Additionally, consider ordering an appetizer or side dish to complement a main to feed two people. It’ll be more affordable than buying individual meals for everyone. Dining with this approach also lets you enjoy a wider variety of foods without spending too much.

Remember, sharing meals doesn’t mean sacrificing enjoyment. You can still taste your favourite dishes while making your budget go further. Plan ahead to decide which meals to share so you can enjoy all that Disney World offers while keeping your spending in check.

Bring your own snacks

Bringing your own snacks to Disney World is a smart way to cut costs. You can pack your favourite treats from the grocery store, which is often cheaper than buying snacks at the park. This can be especially useful for families or groups visiting the park together.

Another benefit is that having snacks on hand helps save time. You won’t have to stop at food stands as often. This can be a huge time-saver on busy park days, giving you more time to enjoy the attractions.

You can also pack snacks tailored to your dietary needs or preferences. Disney does offer a wide variety of food options, but having personal snacks can make it easier to stick to your eating plan. Packing lightweight, non-perishable items such as granola bars, nuts, or dried fruit is convenient too.

Bring refillable water bottles

Bringing refillable water bottles to Disney World is a smart way to save money. The parks have numerous water refill stations where you can top up. Many quick-service restaurants also provide free ice water upon request.

Florida can be very hot, so it’s important to stay hydrated. Having your own bottle means you won’t need to buy expensive bottled water. You’ll appreciate the convenience of always having a drink on hand.

Using refillable bottles also helps the environment. By cutting down on single-use plastics, you’re doing your part to reduce waste. Many Disney Resorts have refill stations, often near pools, making it easy to access clean, filtered water.

Schedule character dining for breakfast

Scheduling character dining for breakfast can be a smart way to save money at Disney World. Breakfast meals are cheaper than lunch or dinner options while still offering a chance to meet your favourite characters.

Remember that specific characters only appear at certain restaurants, so if there is someone you’re dying to meet, you’ll want to research the restaurants to ensure they’ll be making an appearance.

At Disney World, there are a variety of character breakfast options, such as Chef Mickey’s, Cinderella’s Royal Table, and ‘Ohana. It’s worth noting that character dining restaurants located within the theme parks are typically more expensive than those found at the hotels.

Have groceries delivered

You can save a lot of money at Disney World by having groceries delivered to your hotel. Many visitors use delivery services to bring breakfast foods, snacks, and drinks right to their rooms. This is much cheaper than buying similar items at the resort.

Several services, like Walmart+, Amazon, and Garden Grocer, offer convenient delivery options. Best of all, most hotel concierges will accept your orders for you, so you can have them delivered the morning you arrive.

Delivery fees may apply based on where you’re ordering from, but that cost is minimal compared to eating every meal at the theme parks. Alternatively, you could go to the grocery store on your own the first night you arrive to pick up some staples to reduce your overall costs.

Skip the extras

When planning your Disney World trip, it’s easy to get drawn into buying extras that might not add much value. Skipping the more expensive dining plans can save you money. As mentioned, cutting back on snacks is also helpful.

While I certainly understand why people would want the memory maker, it’s an added cost, and there can often be long lines to have your picture taken. Also, I hate to say it, but many of the photographers don’t take good pictures.

Another way to cut costs is to avoid souvenir shopping. While it’s tempting to buy keepsakes, they can quickly add up. I’m not saying don’t buy anything, but you want to show some restraint. Oddly enough, I prefer to buy my Disney souvenirs at Target or gift shops on International Drive.

Lastly, think about whether you need park hoppers or additional ticket options. Sometimes, a standard ticket is all you need for a fun day. By skipping these extras, you can keep your budget in check while still enjoying your Disney adventure.

Use the right credit cards

Choosing the right credit card can make a big difference when visiting Disney World. I have an entire article dedicated to Disney World on points. Basically, if you use the right credit cards and loyalty points, you can greatly offset the cost of your flights, hotels, and park tickets.

Additionally, when you’re in Orlando, using a credit card with no foreign transaction fees instantly saves you 2.5%. How so? Most credit cards in Canada add a fee of 2.5% when you make any purchases that are not in Canadian dollars. There’s a good chance you’ve never noticed this since the fee is added right into the exchange rate.

Buy gift cards

Buying gift cards sort of ties into the strategy of using the right credit cards. Some grocery stores in Canada sell Disney Gift Cards. If you purchased one and paid with your American Express Cobalt Card, which earns you 5 points per $1 spent at grocery stores, you could rack up those points. Those points could then be used to offset your flight and hotel costs.

I’ve also seen points offers when you buy gift cards at select merchants. For example, Shoppers Drug Mart had a promo where you got 20% back in PC Optimum points when you bought a specific merchant’s gift card. That’s potentially an opportunity if Disney gift cards are ever an offer.

About Barry Choi

Barry Choi is a Toronto-based personal finance and travel expert who frequently makes media appearances. His blog Money We Have is one of Canada’s most trusted sources when it comes to money and travel. You can find him on Twitter:@barrychoi

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  1. […] that’s right, I said DISNEY WORLD. It’s only about an hour’s drive from Florida’s Space Coast, making it an easy daytrip for […]

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