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Top 10 Secrets to a Cheap Trip to Disney

Cinderella's Castle
Credit: D23

Taking a trip to Disney can require a lot of planning, spending, and saving if you’re doing it right! Your Disney vacation should be nothing short of Mickey bars, popcorn, and pixie dust, eliminating any stress with planning the perfect trip. You don’t need a travel agent or an authorized Disney vacation planner to have the best-planned Disney trip. With these ten tips, you can save in plenty of ways.

There is a certain kind of magic in staying at a Walt Disney World Resort or Disneyland Resort. Getting to experience all the theme parks like Magic Kingdom and Hollywood Studios, as well as the water parks like Blizzard Beach and Typhoon Lagoon, is a highlight of any trip. At Disney World, there are so many resort options to make your vacation fit your budget. These tips will help your Disney experience feel easy, regardless of your Disney destination.

Bring a Backpack

Disney lets you bring belongings into the park, so take advantage of the potential savings! A comfy backpack that’s not too large or bulky can help you save on food and refreshments. Bring a reusable water bottle for ride lines and snacks while walking the parks. If you visit a Disney water park, like Typhoon Lagoon, you can keep your belongings in a locker, yet access them whenever you need a sip or a snack.

101 Dalmatians Loungefly Backpack

Credit: Disney

Hotel With Free Breakfast and Snacks

If your hotel offers free or discounted breakfast with your stay, start the day off with your most important meal! Hotels typically have things you can grab, like fruit, granola bars, yogurt, etc. Take some in your backpack and be on your way with a full belly ready to conquer the day!

Hotel Stays With a Kitchen

A hotel kitchen is useful for preparing meals to save money. If you are driving, you can bring your groceries from home in a cooler instead of repurchasing items like condiments or anything you already have. Make breakfast at your hotel and pack sandwiches and snacks for the day ahead. This way, you only spend money on fun treats like a Mickey ice cream bar! Yum!

Happy Hour Spots With Half-Priced Appetizers

Some restaurants offer half-off appetizers during their social hour if you’re not spending a full day in the park or exploring Disney Springs late at night. If you are looking for a family-friendly option, Jock Lindsay’s Hangar Bar is a great choice, with live music only a few steps away.

Park Tickets

Looking for your next staycation? Disney frequently offers Florida and California residents specials, so jump on them if they apply! They also provide annual deals for military members, teachers, and students. If your dates are flexible, you can save even more by taking advantage of off-season pricing or special promotions.

Disney Dining Plan

Disney dining plans returned in 2025, offering two prepaid meal package options to help guests save on dining. The first option is for quick-service dining only, while the second includes sit-down dining. Depending on your party and your intentions for your trip, either plan makes a great option to save on dining at Disney. You can add the dining plan to your tickets and resort stay as part of a vacation package.

Gift Cards

This is one of my favorite secret tips. Buying Disney gift cards at places like BJ’s gives you more bang for your buck, with an average 4% discount. Purchasing gift cards before your trip and solely using them will help you stick to a budget instead of swiping your card or MagicBand. If you’re really sticking to a budget, you can have separate cards for merchandise, food, splurging, etc.

These cards are accepted in Disney parks, Disney Springs, and Disney resorts.

An Assortment of Different Disney Gift Cards

Credit: Disney

Free Transportation

There are so many free options to get around Disney. You can take the shuttle at your hotel to and from the parks and Disney Springs for free! It can cost a fee to park at the parks, so if transportation is already included in your stay, take advantage of it. Plus, the drop-offs are often closer to the entrance than parking lots, which is nice after a long day of walking.

All Disney resorts, from deluxe options like the Grand Floridian to value options like Disney’s All-Star Resorts, have various complimentary transportation options, including buses, monorails, boats, and the Skyliner.

Save on Toiletries

If you’re like me, you’re running around last minute to pack up all your necessities. Instead of spending on mini shampoo, conditioner, and soap, utilize those provided in your hotel. Many offer small sewing kits, shower caps, hand soap, lotion, and mouthwash, all already provided in your room. Otherwise, purchasing reusable containers and filling them with what you already have at home will cut down your preparation costs. If you are staying at a Disney resort, you can find all of your toiletry needs right in your room.

When to Book and How

Disney offers bundled deals that include your hotel, flight, and park tickets. You can also find packages through companies like JetBlue Vacations, which sometimes include a car rental. Some packages during certain times of the year can be cheaper than booking everything separately.

If you have flexibility in your schedule, playing with your dates and where you choose to stay can make a world of price difference! Additionally, if you book using a Disney Visa Card, you can receive up to 5% back on Disney purchases and redeem your reward dollars on a Disney vacation.

How will you save for your next Disney vacation?

About Sarahfina LoFaso

Sarahfina is an author, and adjunct professor with a passion for writing and of course, all things Disney! Cinderella is her favorite princess and movie, both the animated and Rodgers & Hammerstein’s 1997 version. In close second place is Hercules, tied with Saving Mr. Banks. Sarahfina enjoys writing about the history of Walt Disney and all the parks, along with food, dining, and resorts. Her favorite ride is the Tower of Terror, and her favorite restaurant right now is the San Angel Inn, in EPCOT. Most importantly, her must-have snack every Disney trip is the controversial turkey leg, because it reminds her of her family trips as a kid with her grandparents.

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