After booking your hotel, paying for travel costs, and securing your tickets to Disney, you may worry about your expenses during the trip. From the parking fees to dinner plans, these costs could build up and leave your pockets empty when you return home.
Going to Disney on a budget may seem difficult, but there are many ways you can save money at the park. Ahead, discover where you can save on transportation, food, and souvenirs as you explore the Disney parks.
1. Reducing Transportation Costs
Traveling from your hotel to the park could be a costly venture, especially for a multiday Disney vacation. Paying for parking and gas may seem like small expenses, but they can quickly add up if you’re not careful. Try one of these transportation methods to save extra money you can use when you arrive at the park.
Use Disney’s Free Transportation
One of the best ways to cut costs is by using Disney’s complimentary transportation services. The Disney Resort offers a range of travel options, including buses, monorails, and boats. These vehicles make stops around each of the parks at Disney and the hotels and resorts.
These travel services are also great ways to take in the scenery around the Disney parks. For example, a ferry ride from the Disney resort is a perfect photo opportunity for you and your family as you cross through Orlando’s waters. Save extra money on transportation by taking advantage of the services Disney resorts provide.
Book Ride-Sharing Services
If you’re staying at an off-site hotel or Airbnb, consider using ride-sharing services like Uber or Lyft to commute to and from the parks. These services are often cheaper than renting a car for a week and allow you to be dropped off right at the park entrance without paying for parking. Shorten your walking distance with a trusted rideshare service.
Walk When Possible
Walking will always be your most cost-effective means of travel. Consider booking your hotel within walking distance of the park so you can easily navigate the streets of Orlando.
Before you set off on a long walk from your hotel, keep in mind that you and your family will be walking all day in the park. Wear comfortable shoes, and put on sunscreen to protect your body from sunburn. Take in the sights and get your steps in by walking to and from the Disney parks.
2. Budget-Friendly Dining Tips
A long day at Disney can work up an appetite. Eating at Disney restaurants every day of your trip could be expensive, but if you dine off-site, you lose precious time at the parks. To save money on your meals at Disney, incorporate these dining tips during your visit.
Plan Ahead
Schedule eating breaks, making reservations ahead of time to monitor your food budget at the park. By planning ahead, you can easily track how much you'll spend on each meal. For instance, your family could have a complimentary breakfast at the hotel before the parks or head out to a nice restaurant after a long day of Disney magic. Manage your options so you can savor delicious meals on a budget.
Pack Your Own Meals
Bring your own food and snacks that you and your family can eat on the go. If your accommodations have a personal kitchen and fridge, meal prepping for your days at Disney parks becomes so much easier. By packing a meal beforehand and bringing a refillable Disney water bottle, you can save money on food and refreshments at the park.
Stop by the local grocery stores and buy just enough ingredients for a recipe. You can also save leftovers if you get peckish when you return to your Airbnb or hotel. Enjoy a healthy, cost-effective family meal in your room to avoid dining out during your vacation.
Use Dining Plans and Discounts
Don’t miss out on the magic of Disney dining! While you may think they’re an expensive option, on-site restaurants provide discounts for members of the Disney Dining Plan. This plan offers a variety of meal options that you can choose from to suit your budget.
Spend time at these one-of-a-kind restaurants while getting the best deals on dining options at the park so you and your family can experience delicious Disney food.
3. Affordable Souvenir Shopping
No vacation is complete without a souvenir or several. It can be tempting to buy every shirt, hat, or pin for your Disney collection, but these unique souvenirs come with a high price tag. Try these budget shopping tips to save money at Disney parks.
Shop Outside the Park
For unique Disney memorabilia that won't break the bank, consider shopping at stores outside the park. Many retailers in the Orlando area offer Disney-themed merchandise at a fraction of the cost. Before heading into the park, explore nearby discount outlets or large retail chains to find affordable souvenirs for your family and friends.
Take Advantage of Discounts
Keep an eye out for special discounts that can make souvenir shopping more budget-friendly. For instance, Disney annual pass holders often receive discounts at certain park stores.
Additionally, you can use credit cards with cashback rewards on higher-end purchases to save money. Credit cards are a great way to take advantage of your card rewards and put money back in your wallet when you return home. Always ask about current promotions or sales when purchasing items in the park.
DIY Souvenirs
Before you set off on your Disney adventure, pack up your souvenir autograph book to add to your memories. If this is your first Disney trip, start building your autograph book by buying a notebook and having pens and markers ready for signing. An autograph from your favorite character is a wonderful souvenir you can bring home for yourself or any Disney fan in your life.
Along with an autograph book, a photo album is another fantastic way to capture the adventures of your trip. Use a Polaroid camera or take digital photos with a camera or smartphone so you can print them out when you return home. These personal keepsakes hold a lot of sentimental value and save you money on souvenir shopping.
A vacation at Disney doesn’t have to put you in debt. Follow these budget-friendly strategies to get the most out of your Disney adventure without breaking the bank.