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I grew up with Disney World in my backyard. Because of that, I’ve learned a thing or two about how to visit without breaking the bank.
Disney is not cheap. Both Disney World and Disneyland can cost a family of four over $6,000 for seven nights! This number can go as high as $15,000. That’s why finding practical ways to save money on your dream Disney vacation is more important than ever.
To compile this list, I got inspiration from local Disney websites like the Disney Tourist Blog. Many of the tips are tried-and-true strategies to save money on your dream Disney vacation while still enjoying all the magic.
these money-saving hacks came from my experience as an Orlando resident with a decade of Disney experience.
Here are 15 genius ways to save money on your dream vacation.
1. Skip Buying Souvenirs at the Theme Parks
If you want to save money on your dream Disney trip, skip buying souvenirs within the park. There are plenty of gift shops near Disney World and Disneyland where you can find souvenirs and cute items for way less.
Disney makes a lot of money on merchandise. In 2022, Disney earned $5.3 billion in revenue for consumer products. Just because they make a lot of money selling products, doesn’t mean you have to spend a ton to get them. You can even find Disney merchandise in Five Below and other low-cost stores.
2. Stay off Site
Disney hotels are pricey. Even the more affordable ones are over $150 a night. Imagine spending a week in one of these hotels. That’s about $1,050 and doesn’t include park tickets, food, or souvenirs.
Instead of spending all your money on an official Disney resort, check out nearby hotels. You can even rent an Airbnb or Vrbo for a fraction of the cost.
3. Order/Buy Groceries
Not all your meals on your dream Disney vacation have to be at a restaurant. Vacations are meant to be relaxing, but to save money, try and buy or order groceries.
Find a hotel or Airbnb with a kitchen. This way you can make simple and quick meals. They don’t have to be luxurious. Sandwiches are delicious, affordable, and quick.
4. Eat Snacks Not Meals
Disney has a lot of delicious foods. I’ve gone to Epcot many times for the food alone. However, multiple meals for more than two people add up quickly.
Instead of sitting down at a restaurant, consider buying snacks. Some snacks are pretty filling like the turkey leg and DOLE Whip.
5. Use Credit Cards for Rewards
Credit cards don’t have to be scary. If you’re visiting a Disney park, know you’ll be spending a lot of money. Why not earn some rewards while doing so?
Find a credit card that provides the best rewards with the highest limits. One of the more popular credit cards to use at Disney for rewards is the Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card.
6. Plan Your Days
One of the best ways to save money on a Disney trip is to be frugal and aware of your time. This genius way to save money has some bias. I love planning my days and deciding when and where to eat.
When you do this, you make sure you get more bang for your buck. Plan briefly where you want to eat and the general rides you want to go on.
7. Visit the Parks on Low Seasons
So many tourists flock to Disney parks during summer. It makes sense why since most school-aged kids are out of school until fall. Still, coming during a packed and busy season can have you spending more time in lines and more money on snacks and comforts.
If you can, visit Disneyland or Disney World during a slower season. Disney isn’t as busy after Christmas and before Spring break.
9. Check out the Water Parks
Did you know Disney also has water parks? Disney World has two underrated waterparks in Florida: Typhoon Lagoon and Blizzard Beach. They are great and relaxing ways to beat the heat.
Interestingly, the water parks cost a lot less. Entrance to one of these parks starts at around $74. Compare this to $109 and up at Disney World theme parks and water park prices are a steal!
10. Bring a Reusable Water Bottle
California and Florida are hot states. You’ll especially feel this while waiting in line and walking around for hours.
Instead of spending a lot of money on water bottles, bring your own and refill it for free.
11. Pack Sunscreen and Medications
Not only should you pack a reusable water bottle, but sunscreen. The sun in California and Florida is no joke. Sunscreen is a great way to protect your skin.
I also recommend bringing over-the-counter medications for headaches and stomach pain. While you can buy them in the parks, they are way more expensive.
12. Don’t Forget a Poncho
This money-saving tip is especially important in Florida. If you’re coming to Disney World during the summer, know you’ll experience random bursts of rain and storms.
While Disney World sells ponchos, they are incredibly overpriced. It’s better to buy them somewhere else and bring them in a bag. You can find them in most gift shops near Disney.
13. Skip the Weekends
The weekends get packed fast. You’ll end up spending so much money on a weekend, like the busy season, for comfort.
To save both time and money, plan your Disney trips on weekdays. The lines are shorter, making it easier to enjoy.
14. Plan “Off” Days
Just because you’re traveling to Disney, doesn’t mean you have to spend every single day at a theme park. Take time to relax and recuperate your energy. Walking around Disney is exhausting.
This is also a great way to save money. If you’re staying at a place with a pool, spend your day enjoying the water. You can also travel to a free event nearby.
15. Pack Snacks
If you don’t mind carrying a bag or two through the park, pack some snacks. This way, you aren’t tempted to spend a lot of money on food.
Disney World allows outside food and nonalcoholic beverages as long as they aren’t made of glass. Disneyland follows the same rule.
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