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Over 50 Ways to Save Money at Walt Disney World

Cinderella's Castle
Credit: D23

Everybody wants to know how to visit the Most Magical Place on Earth for less. No matter someone’s income level, career, family size, or favorite Disney film, a Walt Disney World Resort trip can be expensive. With that being said, let’s explore over 50 ways to save money on your Walt Disney World vacation.

Saving Money on Your Hotel (14)

The cost of where you stay while at Walt Disney World could easily be the most expensive part of your trip. There are many ways to save money regarding this potentially costly decision.

Plan and Compare Prices

Planning early can be one of the best ways to save money. This rule generally applies to any hotel, whether Disney-owned or not. Early bookings often secure better rates, and promotions may be available.

Consider Off-Peak Seasons

Try to visit Walt Disney World during less busy times of the year. Resorts tend to be more affordable when the parks are less crowded. This often coincides with the school schedule and holidays. The busiest times in Orlando include summer, spring break, and the holiday season. However, visiting in January, early February, late August, or September can result in lower costs.

Stay Off Property

Walt Disney World Resort offers several hotels on the property, but you can often find many other hotels, rental properties, and even resorts that provide better deals. While staying off-property may mean missing out on perks like early park entry, it can save hundreds of dollars on accommodations.

Consider Disney Value Resorts

If you still prefer to stay at a Disney Resort hotel, there are ways to save money. Disney offers Value Resorts, which provide the magical Disney experience without the high price tag of Deluxe accommodations like the Contemporary Resort or The Grand Floridian.

Explore Travel Rewards Programs

If you have loyalty points with a hotel chain or a travel credit card, you can often book hotels using points, rewards, or miles. Even covering just a few nights with rewards can save hundreds.

Share Accommodations

If you are traveling with a larger group, consider renting a vacation home or condo. This can be more cost-effective than booking multiple hotel rooms and provides additional space and amenities like a kitchen.

Opt for a Shorter Stay

If you’re flexible with your trip length, consider shaving off a day or two to save money. Since hotel rates vary by night, staying from Sunday to Friday instead of a full week may provide discounts.

Use Discount Websites and Apps

Many discount travel websites, such as Hotels.com, Expedia, Booking.com, and Travelocity, offer hotel deals. Be sure to compare prices before booking.

Use a Travel Agent

Professional travel agents specializing in Disney vacations can often find you a rate cheaper than booking on your own. Many also provide useful planning tips and guidance.

Take Advantage of Military Discounts

Walt Disney World frequently offers special discounts for military personnel. If you or someone in your travel party is in the military, you can access exclusive rates on resort stays.

Take Advantage of Visa Discounts

If you have a Disney Visa credit card, you may be eligible for discounted rates on select resort hotels at certain times of the year, sometimes as much as 35% off standard room rates.

A happy couple takes a selfie together with a smartphone, smiling at the camera. The man wears a red hoodie, and the woman wears a blue shirt. They are outdoors, surrounded by lush greenery and colorful, decorated wooden pillars in the background.

Credit: Disney

Be Flexible

If your travel dates are flexible, play around with different options. Prices can fluctuate weekly, even during peak or non-peak times.

Look for Package Deals

Walt Disney World offers vacation packages that include accommodations and park tickets. These can sometimes result in significant savings compared to booking each component separately.

Find a Hotel With Free Activities

Many hotels, both on and off Disney property, offer free activities such as pools, playgrounds, and sports. Taking advantage of these amenities can add value to your trip while saving money on park days.

Saving Money on Disney Park Tickets (10)

Park tickets can be a significant cost, but there are ways to save money.

Buy Tickets Online and in Advance

Purchasing your Walt Disney World park tickets in advance is usually cheaper than buying them at the gate. Prices for 2025 range from $119 to $199 per day, depending on the park and date.

Know How Many Days You Plan to Visit

Multi-day tickets provide a better value per day than single-day tickets. However, to maximize savings, avoid purchasing more days than necessary.

Skip the Park Hopper Option

Park Hopper tickets allow guests to visit multiple parks per day but are more expensive. A one-park-per-day ticket is more affordable if you’re on a budget.

Look for Special Promotions

Walt Disney World occasionally offers ticket promotions, including Florida resident discounts and limited-time ticket deals.

Consider Annual Passes

Annual Passes can be expensive, but they may be worth it if you plan to visit multiple times within a year.

Look for Discounted Tickets from Authorized Sellers

Reputable ticket sellers like Undercover Tourists offer discounted Walt Disney World tickets.

Use Credit Card Rewards or Points

Many credit cards allow you to redeem points for Disney tickets or gift cards, helping offset costs.

Skip The Water Park Add-Ons

If visiting on a budget, skip the add-ons for water parks and mini-golf to reduce ticket costs.

Plan No-Park Days

Consider taking a day or two to visit Disney Springs (free) or relax at the hotel to avoid additional ticket expenses.

Avoid Special Events

Disney hosts special events like Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party and Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party, but these require separate tickets and can be pricey.

Saving Money on Food (11)

Bring Your Own Snacks and Water

Bringing snacks and refillable water bottles can save you from purchasing expensive park food.

Eat Before You Arrive

If your hotel offers complimentary breakfast, eat before heading to the parks to save on food costs.

Consider the Disney Dining Plan

The Disney Dining Plan will be available in 2025, with an ongoing promotion for free dining on select packages.

A family of four enjoys a meal at a themed restaurant with dinosaur decor. Two adult figures and two children are seated around a table, smiling and interacting. A triceratops statue is visible in the background against a blue-lit setting.

Credit; Disney

Share Meals

Portions at Disney are large; sharing meals can cut costs.

Order Off the Kid’s Menu

Kid’s meals are often large enough for adults and come at a lower price.

Eat Outside the Park

Nearby off-property restaurants offer more affordable dining options.

Research Menus in Advance

Planning meals in advance prevents overspending.

Look for Snack Carts

Snack carts provide smaller, more affordable food options.

Skip Alcohol

Alcoholic drinks in the parks can be costly; limiting them can save money.

Consider a Refillable Popcorn Bucket

These buckets can be refilled for $2, making them a great value.

Skip Table Dining

Opt for quick-service locations to save time and money.

Saving Money on Other Expenses (9)

Skip the PhotoPass

Use your smartphone to take your own photos instead of purchasing Disney’s PhotoPass.

Buy Souvenirs Off Property

Orlando stores and online retailers offer Disney merchandise at lower prices.

Bring Your Own Stroller and Baby Supplies

Renting these in the park can be expensive.

Bring Your Own Rain Gear

Ponchos and umbrellas are overpriced in the parks.

Bring Your Own Autograph Book

Any notebook works for character autographs.

Skip Expensive Extras

Consider skipping costly experiences like Savi’s Workshop or the Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique.

Final Thoughts

Saving money at Walt Disney World requires planning, but with these tips, you can make the most of your vacation while staying within budget.

Happy planning!

About Steven Wilk

Steven has a complicated relationship with Disney. As a child, he visited Walt Disney World every few years with his family. But he never understood why kids his age (and older) were so scared of Snow White or Alien Encounter. He is a former participant of the Disney College Program (left early…long story), and he also previously worked in Children’s publishing, where he adapted multiple Disney movies and TV shows. He has many controversial opinions about Disney…like having a positive view of Michael Eisner, believing Return of the Jedi is superior to The Empire Strikes Back, and that Toy Story Land and Galaxy’s Edge should have never been built (at least not at Hollywood Studios). Every year for the past two decades, Steven has visited either Walt Disney World, Disneyland, Aulani or went on a Disney Cruise. He’s happy to share any and all knowledge of the Disney destinations (and he likes using parenthesis a lot…as well as ellipses…)

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