Your kids have been begging for a family vacation to Disney World—but who can afford that?
We have good news—you can! However, the key is doing plenty of research and learning how you can save money on things like hotels, meals, park tickets, and even souvenirs.
Once you know where to look, there are plenty of deals for Disney vacations—to learn how to save money on your trip, keep reading to find our top tips!
Book in the Off-Season
One of the best ways to save money on Disney, especially your hotel, is by booking in the off-season. Like most resorts, Disney charges different prices, depending on the time of year you visit.
Prices tend to be lowest in the winter, from January to March, with prices picking up again once spring break rolls around. Plus, if you’re flying into Orlando, you’re likely to find lower flight prices during these months, since they’re not busy times of year for the city.
For an extra bonus, your family vacation might be more enjoyable in winter, since the parks tend to be less crowded during these times.
Check if You Qualify for Any Discounts
Another top tip—know that some families might qualify for deep discounts at Disney! You don’t want to miss out on any opportunities to save money, so do plenty of research to see if you qualify.
For example, if you’re a Florida resident, and have the driver’s license to prove it, you can qualify for a discount on park tickets and annual passes. Active military can receive a discount as well, as thanks for their service.
Sometimes, certain government departments or corporations might qualify for discounts, so you might want to check with your employer to learn more.
Work With a Travel Agent
Some families find that working with a travel agent is the best way to save money on their Disney trips. This is because agents have access to special rates and packages not always available to the public.
Or, they might be able to offer special extras if you book through them, such as a discounted Disney dining plan.
Often, working with a travel agent can save you time as well. If you find someone experienced and certified, they can plan your trip for you, saving plenty of time and research on your part. Travel agents are paid a commission by the businesses they book, so there’s no extra cost for you.
Consider a Disney Timeshare
If you love Disney vacations and are thinking of visiting each year, you can save money in the long term by purchasing into the Disney Vacation Club (DVC). This is Disney’s version of a timeshare program and essentially lets you prepay your vacations at current rates—very useful, as Disney prices only ever increase!
You’ll qualify for plenty of members-only activities and events as well, which is a lot of fun. Plus, you’ll get discounts on gifts and food when visiting the parks.
Save even more money by checking out DVC resales, which let you buy into the program for less.
Bring Your Own Food and Snacks
If you’re looking for ways to save money during your trip, it can help to bring along some food and snacks. For example, instead of eating at your hotel each morning, would you be happy with cereal and fruit in your room?
Over the course of a week, this can save hundreds of dollars. You can also bring along snacks when you go into the park, which helps you save.
On the other hand, if you love Disney food and can’t get enough, you might want to purchase a Disney dining plan. This typically works out cheaper than buying meals and snacks individually.
Purchase Toys and Souvenirs Before You Go
Ok, this tip is a bit cheeky, but a good one for parents. Disney souvenirs can be incredibly expensive.
So, why not sneakily bring along some Disney toys that you purchased at home before the trip, then give them to your kids once you get there? It can be cheaper than shopping for gifts in the park.
You can also do this with Mickey Mouse t-shirts or hats, as they’ll be much cheaper at Target than at the Magic Kingdom!
Look for Multi-Day Park Passes
One of the biggest expenses at Disney is the park passes, which can run over $100 per day. To save money, book your passes in advance and consider the multi-day park passes.
Disney wants to encourage you to stay longer, so it can be cheaper per day to book a multi-day pass. This will save you plenty of time as well, as you don’t want to line up each day at the front gate to purchase your tickets.
Find Great Deals for Disney Vacations With These Tips
Once you know where to look, deals for Disney vacations are much easier to find! First, start by doing plenty of research, thinking about when to go, where to stay, and which parks you want to visit.
Some families also set up a special savings account for their trip, which makes it easier to fund. Saving a small amount of money each month is a lot more manageable than paying for the trip all at once.
With a bit of saving, budgeting, and planning, you and your family can enjoy the Disney trip of a lifetime!
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