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You’ve heard it a million times. “Walt Disney World is too expensive!” Sure, the costs may seem overwhelming when you look at them at first, but there are plenty of ways to still have a memorable family vacation without breaking the bank. Here are some of our favorite ways to save money during a Walt Disney World vacation!
1. Stay Off-Property
One of the biggest ways to save some cash on your vacation is by choosing a hotel option that’s off-property. There are many amazing Orlando area hotels and resorts that are more than accommodating for Walt Disney World guests. Set your lodging budget and shop around for a hotel option. Some resorts may offer transportation to the Disney parks, and there’s always taxi services, Uber, Lyft, and your personal vehicle if you plan on driving to Orlando.
2. Stay On-Property at a Value Resort
Don’t want to stray from the Disney magic? You can still find it on-site at a Walt Disney World value resort! With different locations, price points, food options, and themes, there are plenty of options for you and your family. Take a look at the five value resort options to see which best suits your budget and needs. There are resort options for families of all shapes, sizes, and budgets!
3. Pack Your Own Park Snacks and Drinks
Depending on where you go, the food and drinks in the parks can get a big pricey, so why not save some money and bring in your own snacks and drinks? This is an especially helpful tip for families traveling with small children, those who don’t eat much, or picky eaters. Park security will allow guests to bring in their own food and drink (no alcoholic beverages or glass bottles), which guests can snack and sip on throughout the day. There are water fountains around the parks, plus quick service counters will give you a cup of ice water for free. It’s amazing how much you will save on food and snacks during your trip!
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4. Use Grocery Delivery Services and Eat Meals In Your Room
Staying in a room with a kitchen? Don’t like eating out and spending lots of money on food? Why spend money on meals when you can cook in the comfort of your room? There are grocery stores near the parks, and with services like Garden Grocer, you can get your groceries delivered to your resort room for a small fee. If you don’t mind cooking while on vacation, definitely give this a try a few times throughout your stay!
5. Spend a Day Enjoying Your Resort
If you and your wallet need a little break from the hustle and bustle of the parks, take a day to sit back and relax at your resort. You’re on vacation, after all! Whether you stay on or off-site, you’re already paying for your room, so why not check out the amenities and activities the resort has to offer? Sleep in, enjoy the resort pool, walk around the grounds, take a nap (or two!), read a book, watch a movie, and just enjoy some downtime with your family. Plus, these activities won’t cost you anything extra!
6. Be Strategic with Meals
Disney dining is amazing and versatile, but can often be expensive, so it’s best to head to restaurants with a game plan. If you’re not a big eater, try ordering appetizers as your meal or split an entree with a family member who isn’t a big eater either. It’s also a good idea to check out the dining options before your trip to gauge which restaurants are more expensive than others, especially if you’re a first-timer.
7. Pass on Souvenirs
As tempting and fun as they are, souvenirs can get pricey (just like they are at vacation destinations everywhere!). During your next trip, try to steer clear of gift shops to save a little cash. If you’re traveling with children, try buying souvenirs, autograph books, or clothing in advance at a number of stores that sell Disney merchandise and apparel. Most of the time, it’s much more budget-friendly than some of the items you will encounter in the parks. Remember: souvenirs are temporary, but your Disney vacation memories will last a lifetime!
Despite what you may have heard from others, you won’t go into debt if you plan a Walt Disney World vacation wisely! When booking your next trip, keep these tips in mind and consider making a few budget-friendly changes to see how much you can save while still enjoying a magical vacation with your family! What are some of your favorite money saving tips and tricks?
