11 Ways to Save Money on Your Next Disney Vacation
Whether you’re eight, 18, or 82 years old, a Disney vacation will fill you with magic, wonder, and unforgettable memories.
Photo: Disney
With incredible parks and attractions, immersive resorts, and top-notch dining, Disney offers endless possibilities for fun…. and endless opportunities to spend your hard-earned cash.
Credit: Disney
But a Disney vacation doesn’t have to blow the budget. Want to save money on your next Disney vacation without sacrificing that unique Disney magic? Check out our money-saving tips below!
1. Look for Discounts
Think you need to pay full price for a magical Disney vacation? Think again!
Photo: skillastics.com
Disney often runs deals and discounts on rooms, packages, and Disney Dining plans. You’ll save significant amounts of money just by staying up to date on Disney’s latest promotions.
While Disney offers plenty of deals and discounts to the general public, Disney+ subscribers, Disney Visa cardholders, and Disney Annual Passholders also enjoy special savings from time to time.
2. Skip the Park Hopper Tickets
Disney’s Park Hopper tickets are a convenient (and fun!) way to add flexibility to your vacation. But that convenience can come at a cost.
Credit: Disney
While Park Hoppers add a sense of spontaneity to your Disney vacation, the truth is that they’re not necessary for a magical and fun-filled visit.
In fact, many guests even prefer the simplicity of a one-park-per-day strategy! So if cutting costs is a priority, consider nixing those Park Hoppers. The savings are considerable, especially for larger families.
Photo: Disney
3. Skip Genie+ (Sometimes!)
With its “phenomenal cosmic power,” Genie+ is an incredible way to maximize your time in the parks. But the convenience, naturally, comes at a cost (notice a pattern here?).
Photo: Disney
Yes, Genie+ is a useful tool for Disney guests. But there are other (free!) ways to enjoy shorter lines on Disney’s most popular attractions.
Instead of splashing out for Genie+ each day, decide which parks are most likely to benefit from Genie+ usage (hint: EPCOT and Disney’s Animal Kingdom are generally pretty easy to navigate without Genie+).
Disney resort guests will also score shorter waits by taking advantage of Early Entry. If you’re staying at Disney Deluxe Resort, stay up late for Extended Evening Hours!
For shorter waits any time of day, be sure to time your rides just right. Hit popular Magic Kingdom attractions during the afternoon parade, queue up for Slinky Dog during Fantasmic!, or hop in line for Avatar: Flight of Passage just before the park closes for the night.
Photo: Park Savers
Genie+ can be extremely handy, but you’ll save lots of money by knowing when – and when not – to use it.
4. Use Credit Cards to Your Advantage
We all know that credit cards can come with an array of enticing travel perks. But did you know that Disney offers its very own credit card?
Disney Visa card
With the Disney Premier Visa Card, you’ll enjoy a range of benefits that can help you save money on your next Disney vacation. You’ll earn Disney Rewards Dollars on all your everyday purchases, then redeem those rewards for park tickets, resort stays, Disney dining, and even those must-have souvenirs.
In addition, cardholders will find even more ways to save through exclusive deals, discounts, and offers on everything from Disney vacations to Disney Store purchases.
5. Gift Card Discounts
Did you know that you can save money on your Disney vacation just by paying with a gift card?
Photo: Costco
Stores like Sam’s Club, BJ’s Wholesale Club, Target, Best Buy, and Costco periodically offer sales on Disney gift cards. When you buy during a sale, you’ll pay less upfront for the full value of the gift card. Disney gift cards can be used to pay for everything from Disney resort stays and dining to Disney souvenirs.
Just be sure not to buy more than you’ll actually need, or you could be stuck with a gift card balance that can only be spent on Disney purchases.
6. Take a Rest Day (or Two!)
There are a lot of great ways to save money in Disney. But what if I told you that one of the BEST ways to save was to…SKIP THE PARKS?
Photo: resorts gal
No, I’m not telling you to skip the parks entirely. But skipping the parks for a rest day (or two!) will save you money and allow you time to rest, relax, and recharge. This is a vacation, after all, isn’t it?
Disney resorts offer fabulous amenities, from arcades and activities to spectacular pools. So for a stress-free rest day, devote a day to exploring and enjoying your Disney resort!
Disney’s Wilderness Lodge
If your ideal rest day involves a little more shopping and dining, hop on over to Disney Springs, where you’ll find delicious food, live entertainment, and fantastic shopping – no park ticket required!
Disney Springs
Whatever you choose, you’ll experience plenty of Disney magic without setting foot inside a park!
7. Grocery Delivery
If you want to save money on food in the parks, grocery delivery is a convenient and easy way to do exactly that.
Photo: Amazon
If you’ve ever used a grocery delivery service at home, you already know how it works. Services like Instacart, Amazon, Garden Grocer, and Shipt will all deliver your groceries to your Disney resort. Just place your order as normal, and pick up your food from Bell Services.
Disney Grocery Services
For a complete rundown of grocery delivery services in Orlando, check out our post here!
8. Try a Split Stay
Dying to experience Disney’s most luxurious resorts but the price tag turns your stomach? A split stay might be just the solution!
Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa
If you’re unfamiliar with the term, a “split stay” refers to a Disney vacation that involves stays at more than one Disney resort.
Those in the know use split stays for all kinds of reasons, from simple logistics to just mixing up their vacation vibe. But some of the biggest perks of a split stay are financial in nature.
Photo: Disney
If Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa is on your bucket list, fit the experience into your budget by spending the first half of your vacation at one of Disney’s Value Resorts. Then, transfer to the deluxe resort toward the end of your trip. You’ll get the luxury experience without blowing the budget!
Photo: Disney
Sound complicated? It’s not! Disney will transfer your bags between hotels free of charge. Just call Bell Services, and Disney’s incredible Cast Members will help you make it happen.
9. Refillable Mugs
Calling all coffee lovers and soda addicts! If you’re looking for simple ways to save, look no further than Disney’s refillable mugs.
Disney100 Tumbler
Disney’s refillable mugs aren’t only useful, but they’re also super cute! And you’ll save plenty of money when you skip the Starbucks price tag (and the Starbucks line!) in the parks each morning.
Disney Refillable Mugs
Guests can refill mugs at quick-service locations at ANY Disney resort (not just the one where you’re staying!), but cannot be filled within the Disney parks. So fill up before you head into the parks, and you’ll save some serious cash.
Take it home for a functional Disney keepsake you’ll use over and over!
10. Free Before They’re Three!
Did you know that kids are free before they’re three in Disney?
Credit: Disney
If you’re traveling with small kids, consider booking a trip before they hit that magic number. Children under three do not require park tickets, nor do they need Genie+ to skip the lines with Genie+ eligible family members.
In addition, kids under three are free at many of Disney’s buffet meals, where they’re permitted to eat off the plate of an accompanying adult.
Credit: Disney
And if you’re wondering if taking your little one is “worth it,” the answer is undeniably ‘yes!’ Even if they don’t remember it all, those magical memories will last YOU a lifetime.
11. Book with a Travel Agent
There are many advantages to booking your Disney vacation with a travel agent. But did you know that booking with an Authorized Disney Vacation planner can actually save you money?
When you book with MickeyTravels, your Authorized Disney Vacation Planner will ensure you get the best deal possible! Even after your Disney vacation is booked, your agent is looking out for special offers, deals, and promotions to help you save money.
Best of all, you’ll get all the expertise of a Diamond EarMarked travel agency at no additional cost. MickeyTravels services are always 100% free, so you’ll never pay a planning fee.
Ready to Save on Your Next Disney Vacation?
Disney vacations offer magic in spades, even without all the bells and whistles! If you’re ready to book your next Disney vacation – without breaking the bank – get in touch today to get started!
Photo: Disney
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