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5. Free Dining Arguably the most anticipated discount each year is free dining.  Typically, each fall, after the kiddos go back to school, Disney will offer this enticing incentive to book a trip.  Basically, it works like this: You must be booked at a Disney-owned resort and purchase a Magic Your Way Package that includes room, tickets and dining with ...

4. Room Discounts When Disney reservations forecast less than full capacity at their hotels, they will offer discounts.  Depending on the season, rates can be 10-20% off the rack rate at value resorts, 20-25% off moderates and 20-30% off deluxe resorts.  If you don’t mind taking your kids out of school for a few days, this can really save you ...

3. Miscellaneous Discounts A myriad of other discounts run throughout the year, depending on whether you qualify.  Annual Passholders, Disney Visa cardholders, Military personal (active and retired) and Florida residents can often save on hotel, tickets (theme park and party tickets), dining, tours and souvenirs. Contact Disney or your travel agent for details. 

2. Bounceback offers “Bounceback” offers are made by Disney ONLY to guests who are currently staying at one of the official Walt Disney World resorts. The idea is to encourage you to “bounce back” to Disney World by planning your next vacation while still on your current vacation. These offers are not always available and could end at any time. ...

2. Food/Dining Disney allows you to bring your own food into the parks.  Save money by making sandwiches for lunch, find a shady spot and people-watch/rest.  Or, bring snacks and drinks to have during the day, and then experience your favorite attractions while everyone else is eating lunch.  Also, the meal portions are large at Disney.  Consider sharing.  *Bonus tip: ...

1. Visit during the off-season What off-season?  While it is harder to find these days, it’s still there.  Basically, avoid holidays and go while the kiddos are in school.  Airline prices, hotel, dining are all cheaper, to some degree.  Plus, Disney will offer discounts-maybe even free dining!  Happy planning!

A trip to Walt Disney World in Florida is an exciting adventure!  On the other hand, planning a trip can be a daunting process.  Most families are on a budget, so saving money is a priority.  Here are my “Lucky 13” ways to Save on a Walt Disney World Vacation.

13. Start Planning Early Disney will allow you to book your trip up to a year in advance.  Then, you can make payments every week or month if you want.  Plus, it gives you plenty of time to save up your pennies!

12. Use a Travel Agent With today’s modern technology, you can research, book and plan your own trip on your computer or smart phone.  However, it is almost a full-time job keeping up with discounts and changes that come up frequently at Disney.  Do yourself a favor and use a travel agent, preferably one with Disney experience.  A TA can ...

11. Read a Guidebook There are dozens of travel books and websites devoted to Walt Disney World.  If you or someone in your family is a reader, take time to research your trip and learn how to save money without sacrificing the fun.