It’s so much fun to plan a Disney trip! We’ve been to WDW more than 20 times and have found ways to save at Disney World while still having fun. You can save money at Disney with these practical tips.
Disney World: 5 Ways to Save Money
1. Do not buy a dining plan!
Even with teenage boys, we have tried all the meal plans Disney offers. There is no meal plan worth buying unless you drink pop (for our Midwest readers) and have dessert at every meal.
- This plan includes two meals per day, one snack and two drinks. The plan includes a refillable mug that can only be used in resorts (you cannot take it to the parks).
- Two meals at Be Our Guest, Magic Kingdom cost $30.26, including beverage and dessert. A Dole Whip at $5.29 brings the cost of the food out of pocket to only $35.55. You would need to consume the equivalent of $8.58 worth of sodas in order to break even with the quick service dining plan.
- Don’t just take my word for this. You can use the Disney Dining Plan Calculator to determine if you are getting a good deal on the plan.
- Other Disney experts also agree: Click Here to see a detailed breakdown on the cost and value of Disney Dining Plans.
Who should purchase the Disney Dining Plan? The Disney Dining Plan might be worth it if your Disney vacation budget allows for it AND if the convenience of paying in advance will allow you to relax. But, check the cost first!
2. Enjoy your big meal in the afternoon.
You can save a lot of money by eating your main meal in the parks between 1:30 p.m. and 3:00 pm. You can sneak some time away from the kids without them knowing!
It is also an excellent way to visit Disney on a tight budget, as lunches are usually less expensive than dinners. This is especially true at Disney resorts and parks with table-service restaurants.
You can delay lunch by eating your breakfast as usual, and then bringing snacks with you to the park. (granola, cheese, PBJ, or fresh fruit). OR, buy a snack in the late morning. Next, have a late-lunch.
A big lunch will make you less hungry for dinner, so you’ll be able to eat something cheaper at a quick-service restaurant.
3. Set A Souvenir Budget And Stick To It.
Disney Parks and Resorts is designed to “help you spend”. You have to go through the gift shop at the end of rides and attractions to return to the park. After riding the Winnie the Pooh Ride with your 3-year-old, you feel warm and fuzzy. You need that plush Pooh bear to remember this experience. Right?
Disney has a similar strategy to smart grocery shoppers who know to shop the perimeter to avoid the end caps that are filled with tempting impulse purchases.
Our tips for success:
- Set a budget, and stick to it! Budget by day, per child, or for the entire trip — do what works best for you! But BUDGET.
- Distract your children! Ask them to tell you about their experience as you leave the attraction. They’ll likely share their excitement if they are old enough to speak. Keep walking and engage their attention. Kids will be less distracted if you keep their attention. You’ll also be distracted!
4. Buy in Advance.
For a week-long visit to the parks, our souvenir budget is $40/person. This is enough for a Mickey ears, Mickey ear t-shirt or a light saber, plus a stuffed animal.
We spent less money when our children were small! By purchasing Disney merchandise in advance from our local Disney store or big box stores, I was able to pack them special treats and save money. Mickey Mouse tees are only $15 at your local store, much cheaper than the $25+ that you would pay in the parks.
We bought a Snow White outfit for our daughter at the Disney Store for $35 a few years back, just after Halloween. We presented the gift to her just before we went out for brunch with the Princesses. The same dress in the parks cost more than $80. We put the costume on her and went into the park for pictures with her “heroes”. What a great way to save money!
5. It’s Free! It’s Free!
You can get a free cup of water at any Disney park quick-serve window. You can beat the heat by drinking lots of water instead of sugary drinks.
Our family of five usually spends less that $100 per day on food at Disney Parks. We supplement this with “healthy” snacks from home, such as nuts, fruit, beef-jerky, crackers and peanut butter, cereal, and milk. Our souvenirs are usually less than $150 per vacation. We don’t compromise on fun.