Let’s face it: no one ever said that going to Disney was going to be cheap. While it’s a fun choice for a family vacation (or even a trip with friends), it’s going to cost a pretty penny to go have fun with The Mouse.
Planning Disney trips is tricky, especially if you’re on a budget. You need to make sure that you have everything sorted out ahead of time so you don’t overspend or end up not getting to do the things that you want to do.
We’re here to talk about how you can establish (and stick to) a Disney vacation budget without sacrificing time. Keep reading to learn more.
1. Choose Your Time Wisely
Did you know that ticket prices change throughout the year? That’s right: if you’ve been planning your vacation for peak vacation times like summer break or holidays, so has everyone else. Disney knows this, and they raise their ticket prices accordingly.
This can be difficult if you have children. You know that their non-school time is limited. If you really want to go to Disney, consider taking them out of school for a few days of fun. The memories are worth it.
The best times to go to Disney are from mid-January to March and August through late September. These windows don’t have many holidays, so Disney reduces ticket prices to attract people.
Bonus: when you visit during non-peak times, you’ll also get the great benefit of shorter lines. You’ll almost always have to wait in some kind of line for the most popular attractions, but the lines will still be shorter.
2. Don’t Overspend on Food
Food is often one of the biggest expenses outside of lodging and tickets, and food costs can sneak up on you. Make sure to plan your meals ahead of time to make sure that you’re not overspending.
If you can, bring food from grocery stores to your hotel. This allows you to spend less money while you’re at the actual parks. There’s nothing wrong with going to park restaurants, but there’s no reason to spend an arm and a leg on lunches and snacks.
It’s always good to have a break in the middle of the day anyway, so going home for a quick bite to eat and a short nap will help you get energized so you can continue having fun. Make sure you don’t forget your tickets!
3. Hotels: On or Off-Property?
Many Disney-goers debate over whether it’s better to stay at Disney hotels or better to find cheaper options outside of the Disney parks. So which is the best choice?
In reality, you’re probably going to be better off staying on-site. When you stay in a Disney hotel, you get a free shuttle to your park from your hotel. This means that you won’t have to pay for parking, rent a car, or deal with a ride-share.
If you’re really on a budget, the Disney camping area at Fort Wilderness is an affordable option. Prices for hotels range depending on the amenities that they offer, so look at the full list before committing.
4. Buy Tickets Early
It’s helpful to buy tickets in advance, so plan ahead. Ticket prices go up every year, so even if you’re planning a year ahead, you’ll save money by buying your tickets now.
This also allows you to plan for time off of work or school and if you’re devoted to peak times, you can still save a few dollars.
This also means that you should buy all of your tickets at once. You save money when you buy all of your tickets (for every day) at the same time. It isn’t more than a few dollars, but those few dollars are dollars you can spend on snacks, gifts, and other activities.
5. Amenities: Pick and Choose
Disney parks offer plenty of fun amenities, but are all of them worth it? If you’re going to get something extra, make sure that you pick and choose instead of giving in to your every whim.
For example, Memory Maker photos are a wonderful addition to your trip, but in the age of smartphones, these photos are a luxury. Take your own pictures and you’ll have more flexibility.
You may also be tempted by character meals. This is when you sit in one of the fancy on-site restaurants and get to interact with face characters and costume characters. While this is one of the most popular attractions at Disney and children enjoy it, it’s an unnecessary expense.
6. Find Free Activities
When you stay at a Disney hotel, there are plenty of fun and free activities for kids and adults alike. There are often pools, things to explore around the hotel properties, and in-park activities that won’t cost you a dime.
You can also go to the Disney BoardWalk without a ticket. You can check out all of the shops without an obligation to buy anything.
7. Find Discounts
If you’re looking to pinch a few extra pennies, don’t be afraid to look for discounts. There are plenty of ways to save money if you look hard enough.
Many Disney bloggers will post about flash sales. You may also find Disney deals through your local community center or even your workplace. Don’t buy your tickets until you look!
You may also want to consider investing in the Disney Vacation Club if you go on frequent Disney trips. If this is too pricey for your budget, check out secondhand club memberships. You can look at the DVC resale timeline here to see if it works for you. Disney Vacation Club (DVC) is a timeshare program, so before you decide to join in, consider conducting thorough research about getting out of timeshare contract just in case you no longer want to continue paying for the maintenance fees.
Planning Disney Trips on a Budget Isn’t Easy
Vacationing on a budget is always a challenge, but planning Disney trips and trying to save money is especially difficult. Don’t be lured in by all of the extra bells and whistles. Use this guide to create and stick to your vacation budget while still having a great time!
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