10 Easy Ideas to Save Money on a Disney Trip

Are you planning a family vacation soon? Are you hoping to plan a Disney vacation, but find yourself wondering if the cost is just too far out of your reach? Whether you are planning to go to Walt Disney World or Disneyland, there is no doubt about the fact that the cost is up there. That doesn’t mean, however, that all hope is lost. As it turns out, there are quite a few ways that you can work toward saving money on these trips! If you are curious to learn more, check out these 10 ideas for saving money on a Disney Trip:

1. Plan ahead. This is true for any vacation really. The more planning you do, the better off you will be. Research your trip, the best times to stay, the best places to eat, etc. Going into your vacation armed with knowledge will help you make the best financial decisions for when to go.
2. Go at off-peak times. The cost savings of going to Disney during the off season is significant.  There are other benefits as well including fewer crowds which means less time waiting in lines.
3. Go when the kids are young. Did you know that kids under 3 get into Disney for free?  Once they hit that magical number three though, the price jump is massive (almost $300 for a 4-day ticket). While some may think that is too young of an age, kids at this age love the magic of Disney and there are still plenty of rides for them to enjoy.
4. Stay at Disney. While the Disney hotels and resorts may seem more expensive, that is not all you need to look at. When you stay at a Disney resort, you have other benefits offered to you.  They offer a free shuttle service to and from the park (and the airport) which means you won’t have to pay for or worry about parking. Additionally, you also won’t have to worry about a rental car since all of your transportation is provided for. Depending on the length of your stay that alone could save you hundreds of dollars. Realize though that Disney offers value hotels as well as higher priced options, so be sure to stick with the value ones.
5. Drive. Depending on how close you live, of course, you might find it is cheaper to drive instead of flying.  
6. Cut your stay by a day or two. Cutting just one night out of your stay can save hundreds of dollars. Between the cost of park tickets. your lodging expenses and food for your family, this is an easy way to cut costs.
7. Buy souvenirs in advance. Before you head out on your trip, check out Amazon or other retailers for mouse souvenirs such as an autograph book, Disney ears, clothes, etc. You can practically pay pennies on the dollar when shopping this way. Both Walmart and Target carry Disney licensed merchandise.
8. Bring refillable water bottles. This is one of those things that you will kick yourself over later.  You are going to get hot and thirsty walking around that park all day and that means that you are going to want drinks. Bottles of water can cost upwards of $3 each inside the park. That $3 will multiply quickly with several family members and several water breaks. Why not bring your own and save? You can ask for ice in the park quick service spots and re-fill your bottles.
9. Bring snacks. Bringing your own snacks and lunches into the park is another great way to save on time and money. If you have your own food already, you can simply stop at a bench and eat.  No need to stand in line.
10. Set a budget. Make sure that you set a budget for your trip and stick to that budget.  It’s easy to get caught up in the excitement of the trip and go over that budget, stay the course.

Have you been to Disney on a budget before?  Do you have any tips that helped you save?

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