How to Plan a Disney Vacation on a Budget
A recent survey suggested that more families with small children are taking on debt to travel to Disney.
You may recall that I took issue with several of the conclusions drawn in the article. But the point remains.
The entire global economy has experienced unprecedented price inflation as an aftereffect of COVID-19 pandemic.
Countries like China and France suffered some of their highest inflation rates in decades. There’s even a Wikipedia article about it.
![Castle Package at Bippidi Boppidi Boutique](https://mickeyblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/Castle-Package-BBB-1.png)
![Castle Package at Bippidi Boppidi Boutique](https://mickeyblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/Castle-Package-BBB-1.png)
Castle Package at Bippidi Boppidi Boutique
So, it’s not just you. Most consumers feel like they have less money and must stretch their vacation budgets more.
So, here’s how to plan a Disney vacation on a budget.
Choosing How to Travel
![Private Jet National Geographic](https://mickeyblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/1-11.jpg)
![Private Jet National Geographic](https://mickeyblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/1-11.jpg)
Credit: Disney
The first step in saving money involves choosing the best ways to travel. Generally, those are the least expensive ones.
I feel this way because even a cross-country flight only takes five hours.
![Airline Orlando](https://mickeyblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/2-4-scaled.jpg)
![Airline Orlando](https://mickeyblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/2-4-scaled.jpg)
Credit: Breeze Airways
You should pack enough distractions like your phone, a Kindle/tablet, or a gaming system that you’ll barely notice the flight.
Of course, finding the ideal ticket isn’t easy. The companies have built systems for the sole purpose of persuading you to overpay.
![holiday air travel](https://mickeyblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/orlando-airport.jpg)
![holiday air travel](https://mickeyblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/orlando-airport.jpg)
Photo: Fortune
Currently, the airline industry is undergoing rapid change, with several companies adopting new approaches.
You may have heard about Southwest Airlines. They threw out their long-standing airfare model just last week.
![Spirit Airlines](https://mickeyblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Spirit-Airlines.jpg)
![Spirit Airlines](https://mickeyblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Spirit-Airlines.jpg)
Photo: Spirit
Meanwhile, Spirit Airlines will introduce a new seating structure in the coming weeks.
At Disney theme parks, one enterprising airline is offering direct, one-way flights from Disneyland to Walt Disney World for cheap.
![Breeze Airline](https://mickeyblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/Screenshot-2023-09-06-at-10-27-35-Breeze017a-1.jpg-WEBP-Image-1920-×-1080-pixels-—-Scaled-62-e1694018847512.png)
![Breeze Airline](https://mickeyblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/Screenshot-2023-09-06-at-10-27-35-Breeze017a-1.jpg-WEBP-Image-1920-×-1080-pixels-—-Scaled-62-e1694018847512.png)
Photo: Conde Nast Traveler
Guests may fly from one to the other for $89 on most days, thanks to Breeze Airways.
In Florida, the Brightline high-speed railway has connected several parts of the Sunshine State to Orlando.
Sadly, the car rental market has kinda gone buck wild since the start of 2020. So, it’s no longer a great transportation option.
Thus, your options are driving yourself, which is more viable in some regions of the country than the others, or flying.
![internet](https://mickeyblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/shutterstock-world-laptop-internet.jpg.webp)
![internet](https://mickeyblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/shutterstock-world-laptop-internet.jpg.webp)
Photo:Rappler
When booking a flight, you should use discount sites or well-designed ones like Google Flights.
Personally, I’ve subscribed to the Airfare Watchdog newsletter for many years now.
![computer](https://mickeyblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/dvcresorts-howtobook-story-knowbefore.jpg.webp)
![computer](https://mickeyblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/dvcresorts-howtobook-story-knowbefore.jpg.webp)
Photo: DVC
Less than 48 hours ago, it notified me of a flight to Orlando that’s more than 35 percent cheaper than usual.
These deals still exist. You just have to plan ahead and remain vigilant in looking for discounts.
Knowing the Best Places to Stay
![Palm Golf Course located near the Polynesian Resort](https://mickeyblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/Palm-Golf-Course-Poly-Resort.webp)
![Palm Golf Course located near the Polynesian Resort](https://mickeyblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/Palm-Golf-Course-Poly-Resort.webp)
Polynesian Resort
Last year, I wrote this article and then followed it up with this one a few weeks ago.
So, I feel strongly about staying at an official Disney resort. Even if you disagreed with me in 2023, you shouldn’t now.
Disney’s changes to the Lightning Lane system have empowered guests staying on-site to book earlier than everyone else.
Even if that weren’t the case or you weren’t using Lightning Lane, Early Theme Park Entry would be enough to justify staying onsite.
![Lightning Lane](https://mickeyblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/2024-wdw-my-disney-experience-app-lightning-lane-multi-pass-single-pass-7.jpg)
![Lightning Lane](https://mickeyblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/2024-wdw-my-disney-experience-app-lightning-lane-multi-pass-single-pass-7.jpg)
Photo: Disney
Thankfully, Disney’s hotel pricing remains affordable, which isn’t the case with many of its competitors in the hotel industry.
Even better, Disney offers tiered pricing based on the type of hotel you choose.
![](https://mickeyblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/Center-Court-at-Disneys-All-Star-Movies-Resort-scaled.jpg)
![](https://mickeyblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/Center-Court-at-Disneys-All-Star-Movies-Resort-scaled.jpg)
Center Court Buildings
When you want to save money on your trip while still enjoying Disney amenities, you may stay at a Value Tier resort.
Should you prefer something with even better amenities, you may book a Moderate or Deluxe Tier resort.
![](https://mickeyblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/Disneys-All-Star-Movies-Resort-scaled.jpg)
![](https://mickeyblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/Disneys-All-Star-Movies-Resort-scaled.jpg)
Disney’s All-Star Movies Fantasia Building
MickeyBlog’s Allison Fricker recently wrote this guide explaining the differences between the options.
However, when you’re looking to stretch your budget, I can assure you that one of the All-Star Resorts is fine.
![Disney's All-Star Resorts](https://mickeyblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/Disneys-All-Star-Resorts-1-scaled.jpg)
![Disney's All-Star Resorts](https://mickeyblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/Disneys-All-Star-Resorts-1-scaled.jpg)
Disney’s All-Star Resorts
Disney built them specifically for customers like you who want immersive theming at affordable prices.
However, if you are able to splurge a bit, something I’ll discuss at the end, Moderate Tier resorts like Port Orleans – French Quarter are impressive.
Selecting Admission Tickets
![phone](https://mickeyblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Guests-using-phone-at-Magic-Kingdom-in-Orlando-Photo-Walt-Disney-World-1024x576-1.jpg)
![phone](https://mickeyblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Guests-using-phone-at-Magic-Kingdom-in-Orlando-Photo-Walt-Disney-World-1024x576-1.jpg)
Photo: Disney
Honestly, there’s not much to discuss here, unless you’re someone who lives relatively close to Orlando or travels here often for other reasons.
Some folks save money by purchasing annual passes, which entitles them to the discounts I just discussed.
![Annual Passholder Button](https://mickeyblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/2024-wdw-epcot-vipassholder-days-annual-passholder-lounge-button-1-2.jpg)
![Annual Passholder Button](https://mickeyblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/2024-wdw-epcot-vipassholder-days-annual-passholder-lounge-button-1-2.jpg)
Annual Passholder Button
Alas, annual passes don’t make sense when you visit for only a few days.
So, your main decision here will be how many days you’ll need tickets.
I cannot help you there, as you’re the one who knows how many vacation days you have and whether you’ll want Park Hopper.
What I’ll say is that Disney incentivizes you to stay longer. Tickets grow “cheaper” in terms of daily price during a longer visit.
![](https://mickeyblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/ThemeParkTickets.png.webp)
![](https://mickeyblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/ThemeParkTickets.png.webp)
Photo: Disney
For example, you’ll pay more per day for a three-day visit than a six-day one.
However, you’ll spend less money on three-day tickets because you’re not paying anything for those extra days.
![Characters](https://mickeyblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/schedule-tickets-header-mobile.jpg)
![Characters](https://mickeyblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/schedule-tickets-header-mobile.jpg)
Disney
Conversely, tickets may be $40 or $50 cheaper per day for a one-week trip as opposed to a short one.
That’s Disney’s way of pricing you into a longer trip.
![Disney 2024](https://mickeyblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/Diamond-EarMarked-Authorized-Disney-Vacation-Planner.png)
![Disney 2024](https://mickeyblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/Diamond-EarMarked-Authorized-Disney-Vacation-Planner.png)
MickeyTravels
My suggestion here is that you contact a MickeyTravels agent and discuss the matter with them.
Honestly, you should do this anyway. MickeyTravels have forgotten more about Disney vacations than most people will ever know.
They’re like all-knowing virtual assistants, only they’re not virtual and annoying like when Siri/Alexa misunderstands you.
Instead, these agents will help you choose how many days you should stay while offering more tips on stretching your budget.
In fact, by contacting them, you’re already saving money one way. Their services are free to you!
So, you’re doing yourself a favor by turning your vacation over to the experts!
Identifying Your Discounts
Information is power. That’s as true at Disney as anywhere else.
So, you should have a working knowledge of your available discounts before you leave for your trip.
![dollar sign](https://mickeyblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/Dollar_Sign.svg.png)
![dollar sign](https://mickeyblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/Dollar_Sign.svg.png)
Photo: Wikimedia
These discounts fall into two buckets. The first one is the credit card deal.
Some companies offer seasonal or annual discounts and cashback offers for restaurant purchases and airfare.
![V.I.Passholder days](https://mickeyblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/2024-wdw-Passholder-Days-Disney-Store-Discount.jpg)
![V.I.Passholder days](https://mickeyblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/2024-wdw-Passholder-Days-Disney-Store-Discount.jpg)
Photo: Disney
My brother recently showed that he has marked all his cards to indicate which ones have active discounts for things like groceries and gas.
If you do something similar, that’s found money you can use toward your Disney trip.
![discount](https://mickeyblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/Definition-of-Discount.jpg)
![discount](https://mickeyblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/Definition-of-Discount.jpg)
Photo: Market Business News
Meanwhile, those restaurant and airfare purchases will save you money during your trip.
Disney offers its own credit card, which rewards you with two-percent discounts for most Disney-related transactions.
![Annual Passholder](https://mickeyblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/Untitled-design-14.png)
![Annual Passholder](https://mickeyblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/Untitled-design-14.png)
Photo: Disney
Even better, this card entitles you to a discount at many Disney restaurants and stores.
Similarly, an annual pass and Disney Vacation Club membership provide similar discounts, which can be worth 10 to 30 percent.
![fees, resort guests, resorts, parking, fee](https://mickeyblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/Disney-Money-Mickey-Head-Costs-Prices-Higher-Washington-Post-Credit.jpg)
![fees, resort guests, resorts, parking, fee](https://mickeyblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/Disney-Money-Mickey-Head-Costs-Prices-Higher-Washington-Post-Credit.jpg)
Photo: Washington Post
By knowing which restaurants and stores provide these discounts, you can either save money, or, you know, buy 10 to 30 percent more stuff.
Hey, I’m not judging! I definitely do the latter!
Deciding Where to Splurge
No matter what, I’d like you to remember you’re on vacation!
You should have the best possible time because Disney trips provide memories that last for a lifetime.
![sing along](https://mickeyblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/chip-n-dale-campfire-sing-a-long-00.jpg.webp)
![sing along](https://mickeyblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/chip-n-dale-campfire-sing-a-long-00.jpg.webp)
Photo: Disney
So, you should decide where you’re willing to splurge to make your trip that much more magical.
For instance, how much time do you spend in the hotel room? If it’s not much, a Value Tier resort is fine.
![Lightning Lane](https://mickeyblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/2024-wdw-new-lightning-lane-service-multi-pass-single-pass.png)
![Lightning Lane](https://mickeyblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/2024-wdw-new-lightning-lane-service-multi-pass-single-pass.png)
Photo: Disney
However, if you’re someone who likes to hang out in your room in between park visits, consider splurging on a better hotel with bigger rooms!
Let’s say that you plan to be at the parks a lot instead. If so, Lightning Lane Single Pass and Multi Pass make sense.
![Main Street, U.S.A.](https://mickeyblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/2024-wdw-mk-magic-kingdom-main-street-usa-crowds-2-2-scaled.jpg)
![Main Street, U.S.A.](https://mickeyblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/2024-wdw-mk-magic-kingdom-main-street-usa-crowds-2-2-scaled.jpg)
Main Street, U.S.A.
You’ll experience more during your park visits because you won’t be standing in line as often.
You can also pick better Disney experiences like character meals and unique offerings such as Cinderella’s Royal Table.
![save money disney fees , fee, money, parking, resort, hotel, guests](https://mickeyblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/Screen-Shot-2022-05-18-at-6.25.45-PM-e1708448899139.png)
![save money disney fees , fee, money, parking, resort, hotel, guests](https://mickeyblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/Screen-Shot-2022-05-18-at-6.25.45-PM-e1708448899139.png)
Photo: skillastics.com
Obviously, when you’re vacationing on a budget, you cannot do all these things, but if you plan well, some are possible!
That’s the wonderful part of vacationing on a budget. You control everything!
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!
Feature Photo: Disney