Is It Possible to Plan a Cheap Disney Vacation?

The posed question seems to be a constant one more than ever. Walt Disney World is branded as “The Most Magical Place On Earth,” it certainly is. There is plenty to do with four Parks, including Magic Kingdom, Animal Kingdom, EPCOT, and Hollywood Studios.

Disney World offers attractions, dining experiences, entertainment, Resorts, and countless memories. With so much to do, it’s no secret that a few days to the Parks is the way to go. Most Guests want to fit it all in: the attractions, restaurants, nighttime shows, and more. With constant innovation in the Parks, there is always something new to experience, making a Disney trip even that much more exciting.

But the truth is, a trip to Disney can be pricey. Many consumers are feeling the pressure from inflation due to the rise in gasoline, the housing market, and overall demand for supplies that may still be lacking from the COVID-19 pandemic.

According to NBC News, “Home prices and rents have also been major contributors to persistent inflation, and in August, the BLS’ shelter index climbed 7.3% from a year ago.”

With all of that said, how does that trickle down to a Disney vacation? With prices of everyday life necessities increasing, that means less may be going towards your next Disney trip.

But that doesn’t mean you can’t still plan to visit Disney! In fact, Disney is always rolling out programs to help Guests save on their trip in a few different ways.

As a Florida resident, Guests receive perks like discounts on Park tickets and Disney Resort stays. But for those who are not Florida residents, Disney Tips is here to help figure out what areas you can save on your trip to still have a magical experience without breaking the bank.

How To Save On A Trip To Disney World

Everyone, even if you’re not in a financial bind, would love to learn tips and tricks on how to save a few extra bucks. Saving on a Disney Resort Hotel, for example, could mean putting that money towards a new Disney Jersey or a dining experience you’ve always wanted to try out.

Sure, there are always ways to save, like eliminating spending in the Parks on food by packing a lunch, purchasing new apparel elsewhere prior to your trip, and using free transportation to get around.

One Disney Guest took to Reddit to ask their fellow fans what their tips are for saving yet still having the possibility to stay in a deluxe Resort. Reddit user explained that a trip for he and his wife in 2020 included ten days at Disney’s Pop Century and the Disney Dining Plan.

Now searching for the same vacation to book in 2024; the only difference is for a deluxe Resort. His dilemma? It costs much more than it did in 2020.

Naturally, prices have increased since 2020, but are there ways to save on your Resort stay if you’re not staying in a Value Resort Hotel? One fan commented, “Also, price increases, to be fair, but pricing varies a LOT by season, and if you’re hitting marathon, half marathon, or any holidays in early 2024, that will drive up the price and likely not have any discount eligibility.”

The time visiting does have a lot to do with the pricing of the Parks and Resort stays. Additionally, another fan commented DVC (Disney Vacation Rentals) is a great option but “requires you be looking 7-11 months out for best results.”

The best tip is if staying at a deluxe Resort is what’s most important during your trip, there may be other areas to save to compensate for the higher nightly price.

If your days are not flexible to visit during an off-season, try planning a free day. “About day 3 or 4, plan a day to relax at the pool, enjoy your resort, and maybe even explore other resorts, for future reference,” as Disney Fanatic suggests.

Another saving tool is bundling your vacation with flights, Resort stays, and tickets for the best overall price. Disney also allows different payment options if you want to pay in increments versus all at once. Disney’s Vacation Packages could answer your cheap Disney trip questions!

What are some ways you save on a Disney vacation?