Tips for Saving Money on Disney Trips
Everything’s gotten so expensive these days. That’s not me saying that; it’s everyone you know.
People can’t go 24 hours right now without talking about the price of eggs.
Photo: Washington Post
With money so tight, everyone is looking for ways to cut corners, even on vacation.
So, here’s how to save money on Disney trips. Hopefully, these tips will help you stretch your vacation budget.
Know the Best Times to Travel
Photo: Videvo.net
About once a quarter, MickeyBlog publishes a schedule of our recommended Walt Disney World travel dates.
Our staff recognizes that you may not have much leeway with your vacation plans.
Credit: Breeze Airways
Sometimes, you have a narrow window to book a trip and get to Disney. We get that.
Our list is more for those situations when you haven’t picked a date yet and can take vacation time as needed.
Fantasy in the Sky Fireworks crowds
The key part of these recommendations is that we know when admission tickets cost the least.
Disney employs a tiered pricing strategy for its theme park tickets.
Hollywood Studios crowds
As an example, you should always expect to pay the most for admission tickets on official government holidays.
Those are the times when the parks are the most crowded, and Disney prices tickets accordingly.
The company hopes to incentivize budget-conscious tourists like you and me to visit during less crowded times on the calendar.
So, Disney sells admission tickets for significantly less during some months such as January, May, and September.
MickeyTravels
The prices literally, not figuratively, vary by the day. You can check Disney’s official site to identify cheaper travel dates.
The other strategy you can and should take is to contact an Authorized Disney Vacation Planner at MickeyTravels.
MickeyTravels
These agents have achieved the prestigious Diamond Earmarked status, designating them the best in the business.
They provide their services for free to you, and they know all the dates with the least expensive admission tickets.
So, you’ll save a fortune by speaking with MickeyTravels, but you won’t pay the agent a dime. It’s an incredible deal.
Get a Travel Card
These days, I consider some form of airline credit card an essential.
I realize that good credit is an uncomfortable topic for many.
However, CNBC has compiled a list of good credit cards for people with fair credit. You should find something that suits your needs.
Some of these cards come with excellent benefits such as rideshare credits and free airport amenities.
Photo:Rappler
Once you book your trip, take a couple of hours to evaluate credit card offers. One may become your go-to vacation card.
As long as you’re booking your vacation early, you should have the card in plenty of time for your trip.
Image: OrlandoAirports.net
Should you qualify for them, the amenities to target are flight credits, free checked bags, and free travel insurance.
Amenities like airport club access are fantastic, but our purpose today is to save you money.
Image: OrlandoAirports.net
When a credit card comps your bags, insures your trip, and then pays you back for part of it later, it’s stretching your budget.
Also, nobody on our site benefits from this, but I’ll point you to the Disney Rewards credit card.
Photo:seoclerk.com
You’ll save two percent on virtually all Disney purchases by using this card. That adds up fast during a Disney vacation.
Stay at a Cheaper Hotel
The Grand
You should always stay at an official Disney resort. Call that David’s Law if you will, but I’m emphatic on the point.
I spend a significant portion of my waking hours trying to unlock the mysteries of Disney theme park visits.
Standard Room at Grand Floridian
The one thing I can say for sure after more than a decade of doing this is that onsite amenities are critical to your success.
By staying onsite, you unlock the Early Theme Park Entry amenity. It allows you to enter the park 30 minutes before other guests.
Anyone who isn’t staying at an official Disney resort must stand there with their hands on their hips and watch in frustration.
As someone staying onsite, you walk right past them and head to Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind. It’s empowering.
Disney provides that amenity to everyone staying at official hotels. It doesn’t matter which one.
So, you’ll get Early Theme Park Entry at an All-Star Resort, just the same as if you were at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa.
Photo: Disney
There’s no reason to overspend unless you feel like splurging.
Since you’re reading a budget-friendly article, I’ll assume not. I’d recommend one of Disney’s cheapest hotels.
Campfire – All Star Sports
Your MickeyTravels agent can guide you toward finding the perfect one for your needs.
The one caveat here is that if you choose a Moderate Tier resort, Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort, you’ll pay a bit more.
Caribbean Beach Resort
However, you’ll be staying near the Disney Skyliner hub throughout your visit.
You may find the convenience of that amenity so dramatic that it enriches your vacation.
Skyliner
Sometimes, it’s not about the money you save but rather the value you receive on your vacation.
Seek Disney Gift Card Deals
Photo: Disney
Here’s one that somehow slips beneath the radar for most guests.
Disney gift cards work virtually everywhere at Disney theme parks.
Photo: shopDisney
How does this help you? Many major North American retailers offer loss-leader deals on gift cards.
Companies like Costco, Target, and Wal-Mart know that you’re more likely to visit the store for a good deal.
What’s a company that everyone loves? Disney! So, these retailers sometimes sell Disney gift cards at a loss.
Enterprising shoppers often tell stories of snagging Disney gift cards for as much as 13 percent off.
Postcard collection. (Image: D23.com)
This strategy isn’t always available, but it’s something to watch around Black Friday, Cyber Monday, and Prime Day.
Just to be clear, you’ll also find some shadier services selling used gift cards at discount prices.
I don’t recommend those, as I’m aware of too many horror stories.
But if Costco or Target sells gift cards at a discount, it’s free money for you!
Photo: Wikimedia
When you’re at Disney, you’ll definitely use these gift cards, thereby saving you a significant percentage.
This strategy may not sound like much, but I can assure you that it adds up.
Photo: skillastics.com
Do some internet searches to find examples of Disney fans successfully utilizing this strategy.
Follow these tips for saving money on Disney trips and you’ll have the best Disney vacation ever.
Thanks for visiting MickeyBlog.com! Want to go to Disney? For a FREE quote on your next Disney vacation, please fill out the form below, and one of the agents from MickeyTravels, a Diamond Level Authorized Disney Vacation Planner, will be in touch soon!
