You Don't Have to Buy Mouse Ears
Even a solo trip to Disney World is expensive. There's admission, food, beverages, certain attractions, and all the extras. There's no shame in looking for ways to save a buck or two while visiting this iconic theme park. Here are 20 tips for saving money at Disney World.
1. Buy Tickets in Advance
Tickets to Disney World are often more expensive at the gate. Purchase your tickets in advance from Disney's website or an authorized dealer to avoid a price surge.
2. Don't Get the Park Hopper Option
The Park Hopper pass lets you visit multiple parks in one day. It's pricy, though, and should only be bought if you're planning a day that includes going to multiple parks. If you're unsure whether you'll take a trip to a second park, then skip this option and save the money.
3. Visit During Off-Peak Season
Prices, along with the crowds, spike during the holiday season and during March and spring breaks. By visiting in January, early May or September, you'll reduce the overall cost of your trip by a lot.
4. Bring Your Own Snacks
Guests are allowed to bring their own food and drinks into the park, and it can save you a ton of money. There are some restrictions, so do your homework before packing for the day. Either way, a backpack full of granola bars, fruit, or a sandwich or two will help you avoid inflated food prices.
5. Stay at Off-Site Hotels
Staying at one of Disney's value resorts or off-site at a nearby hotel can save you hundreds of dollars. Granted, these places are not as nice, but if you want to invest more into your theme park experience, then it's a worthy concession.
6. Share Meals
Disney World often offer extremely generous portions, making meal sharing a possibility. A family of four can split entrees, snacks, and treats. This will cut food costs in half and avoid wasting expensive food.
7. Refill Water for Free
Bottled water can cost around $5 or more at Disney World. You're better off bringing a water bottle and refilling it at a water fountain or quick-service restaurant. A reusable bottle can also help you stay hydrated without spending a lot of money.
8. Don't Buy Souvenirs
Any souvenir inside the theme park will be obnoxiously expensive. Disney-themed gear can be bought anywhere, and even at local discount stores. Your kids will still get the fun and joy of a Disney souvenir without you paying quadruple the price for no reason.
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9. Meal Plan
Meal planning using the Disney app can help you budget for food and beverages and avoid any impulsive purchases. The app also lets you place mobile orders, which will cut down on the time you have to wait in line.
10. Don't Fall for Paid Photo Packages
Disney's PhotoPass is expensive. Instead of buying this, ask guests or cast members to snap some photos of you. Most will be happy to oblige and are capable of taking a half-decent pic. If you want some professional shots, buy individual downloads, and not the packages.
11. Enjoy the Free Entertainment
Believe it or not, Disney World does offer some entertainment free of charge. There are parades, fireworks, stage shows, and lots of iconic characters to meet and hug.
12. Bring Some Rain Gear
Florida weather is unpredictable, and once it starts raining, you'll be running to the closest shop to overpay for an umbrella. Pack some ponchos and bring a small umbrella with you. You'll be thankful the minute you feel a drop of rain.
13. Skip Character Dining
You can still have an amazing and memorable time at Disney World without pulling out all the stops. Character dining experiences are a lot of fun, but the price is through the roof. Instead, meet the characters at designated spots in the park.
14. Limit Beverage Purchases to Soda
Alcohol on the park grounds is grossly overpriced. Skipping alcohol purchases altogether and limiting your beverage budget just to soda is a smart way to save some money.
15. Pack a Bag of Essentials
You don't want to have to overpay for an essential item that you forgot in your hotel room. Don't forget to pack sunscreen, a hat, and pain relievers before you head to the park for the day.
16. Plan Smartly
Instead of buying the expensive Genie+ service, which speeds up ride access, you can simply plan your day effectively. Arriving early and using single rider lines are just two ways to avoid paying for Genie+.
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17. Split Stay Between Resorts
This is one tip most people don't take advantage of because it's a bit inconvenient. To save some money, you can spend half your trip at the Disney resort and the other half at an off-site hotel. You'll still get the full resort experience while keeping your hotel budget in check.
18. Avoid Trendy Food
Trendy or specialty food is overpriced at Disney World. Avoid it at all costs and use the money allocated for food to buy regular meals, which are still pricy but more reasonable. The food you buy might not be Instagram-worthy, but it'll fill you up and cost a lot less.
19. Take Advantage of Disney Transportation
You don't have to rent a car or pay parking fees to enjoy a day at Disney World. Disney operates a free transportation network, including monorails and buses, that's convenient and covered by the cost of your ticket. You'll save money and won't have to waste hours looking for your car in the packed parking lot.
20. Collect Free Souvenirs
Instead of throwing hundreds of dollars away on expensive souvenirs, collect the buttons, park maps, stickers, and other free souvenirs that any guest can have. These keepsakes are the perfect reminders of your amazing vacation.
