8 Ways to Save at Disney

Hi, friend! We just got back from our first Walt Disney World trip since being back on the East Coast, and it was a good one. Feel free to catch up on our trip via Instagram highlight, where I also have answers to a community Q&A. So many of you were asking about how we plan and budget for our Disney trips, which can honestly be quite pricey. Below you will find eight ways to save when planning a trip. Most are tried and true methods that our family uses.

I also want to note that we are a military family and that Disney Parks offers tickets and photo memory makers at a discount for active duty and veteran families. Find out more about those military offerings HERE. We also almost always book our lodging at the Shades of Green Resort, a Department of Defense-owned resort on Disney property. We’ve stayed there year after year, and room pricing is based on military rank. If you are a military family, definitely check it out. I can’t recommend Shades of Green enough.

1. Pack Your Own Food

Disney is pretty good about letting you bring in whatever foods you like, as long as it’s in an approved container–so no big coolers. I once saw a mom pull out individual salads for her entire family and I was so impressed. We always bring our own snacks to have in the hotel, and to eat inside the parks. We typically alternate between themed snacks from the park and our own store-bought. I always snag a few bags of Mickey Mouse goldfish and treats before our trip. I’ve linked some of our favs below. We also bring water and juices too (although you can ask for water and ice for free and they happily give it to you. See more about the food and beverage guidelines HERE.

2. Consider Staying Off Property

So many of y’all suggested this as a way to save on your trip, as lodging is always one of the biggest expenses. Plus, many off property hotels have free shuttles included to all of the parks! Here are some hotels with varying price ranges and shuttles in the area Caribe Royal, Wyndham (Garden) Lake Buena Vista, Waldorf Astoria Orlando, Fairfield Inn & Suites

3. Bring Your Own Souvenirs

We almost always bring our own bubble wands, stuffed animals, and princess dresses from home. Doing this helps cut down on our kids asking for the more expensive versions inside. It never fails that they want those light-up bubble wands when it gets dark outside, and I am always glad we bring our own from home. We try to bring in quite a few things from home, like phone charger packs, fans, and rain ponchos–which I highly recommend. I have shared a helpful in-park packing list below.

4. Ask For Gift Cards

When family and friends ask what to gift our kids for birthdays and holidays, we always say Disney gift cards. We’d much rather them receive something they can use on an experience versus another toy. The kids usually use them to buy special treats or gifts in the parks–and you can always see their excitement when making their own purchases.

Mom Hack: Many of y’all said to buy the gift cards at Target with your Red Card, and save an extra 5%. Here is a link on where to purchase cards HERE

5. Share Meals

We have found that the portions are always really generous with quick service and reserved dining meals inside the parks. Mark and I will often times split them, or we will purchase two kid meals and split between all 3 of our kids. Also, if you didn’t know, children under the age of 3 get FREE admission to Disney World. One of the major perks of taking a toddler to Disney World is that they dine for free in some places. If you can, book buffets and all-you-can-eat “family-style” meals. Your toddler (2-year-old Xander in our case) will not be charged to eat in these locations, but they will be allowed to munch on whatever they like.

6. Plan Ahead

As much as you can! If you want to go in a year’s time, start saving money and making plans ASAP. This will help you spread the cost out over time – we do this, even if it’s like $20-$30 we add in each week. You could even get the kids involved by having them save up part of their allowance or birthday money or the trip.

7. Plan Your More Expensive Dining Experiences

We love experiencing the character breakfasts and the magical dinners, but they are pricey! Also, they fill up fast, and if you don’t plan ahead, you will miss out on reservations! I suggest you plan ahead so you know what you have to look forward to. I also love booking character dining experiences because it takes away the pressure of finding (and waiting in line) the characters inside of the park. Your kids are guaranteed to meet (hug, chat with, and get autographs from) them up close and personal. Find our more about dining reservations HERE

8. Use a Disney Travel Agent

A Disney Travel Agent is completely complimentary and they know all the tips and tricks. Utilizing their services is sure to save you some headache and dollars. The Disney parks and resorts are so expansive, why not use help!? Below are some names of those agents that our community suggested. Many of them you can find on Instagram.

I hope this post will serve as a resource for those families trying to plan a trip. If you have any questions, please leave them below! Also, be sure to check out my 5 Tips for Taking Toddlers to Disney post for more helpful info.

Happy Memory Making!