So you’re ready to go to Disney?! Make sure you follow these tips to make the most your hard earned cash!
1. Order from the Disney store and have it delivered or stop in at the local Wal-Mart.
I have 3 daughters and 3 stuffed animals in the parks set me back $100 easy and they were not even medium sized plush! Ornaments in the parks were also 3/$60. Online at the Disney Store, I was able to get 3 large stuffed animals for $30 and 3 ornaments (exact same ones I saw in the parks) for $11 each. You can place an order at the Disney Store online and have it sent to your resort hotel and pick it up at check in! Each day you can set out some surprises for the kids before you leave or even set them up so they are a surprise when they get back! When a Princess Elsa doll at Disney is $25.99 and online the same doll is $10, it makes sense to buy ahead of time. Don’t get me wrong, I found some AMAZING must-haves in the parks and I was not afraid to shell out the extra money for it. But when it comes to kids, they will be excited either way. Also consider stopping off at the Wal-Mart by Disney. Key chains for $1, mugs for $6, and purses for $9 are just a tiny amount of Disney items that they have in their HUGE Disney section! Stop in and get souvenirs at a discount!
2. Get the dining plan and make reservations at all of the character meals.
The dining plan can either be worth it or not worth it. Depends on what you want to do while at Disney when it comes to food. If you have character obsessed children like I do, then the dining plan is SO worth it! A character meal for a family of 4 can easily cost close to $200. On the dining plan, you pay on average $60 per person per day for adult and $30 per child per day. On the dining plan, that is $180 per day for 3 meals and a snack and without it, it is only one character meal! So book your vacation as soon as you can and stay up until midnight the night before they open up reservations for the first day of your trip. I was able to book the first reservations of the day for 5 popular character meals with no problem. Character meals mean no waiting in line for a photo and autograph. You eat and the characters come to you!! You spend less time waiting in line to meet characters and have more time to see the attractions and ride some rides! And we were one of the lucky ones and were declared The First Family of the Day at Hollywood and Vine in Hollywood Studios. Not only did we get a certificate but we got to spend time with all of the characters together as well as getting photos with all of them together. It was a wonderful experience and one that we will never forget!
3. Use your snack credit at Starbucks.
Not a lot of people know that there is a Starbucks in every park close to the entrance. You can use 1 snack credit from the dining plan for any drink on the menu. I had a large Vanilla Latte every day while at Disney and I used a snack credit! If you go even further and just get a regular cup of coffee as a snack credit and you have the Starbucks app with Gold status, you can get free refills all day!
4. Be the first ones in the parks.
The very early morning is the least crowded the park will more than likely be each day. For example, we arrived at Epcot 30 minutes before the park opened via Bus transport from our Disney World Resort Hotel. There were maybe 6 other people on the bus that day going to Epcot. We had an 8am breakfast reservation at Ackershus with the Princesses (where we met 5 Princesses, got their autographs and took photos with!) After breakfast we were able to see almost every attraction, stop in each country, met some surprise characters with little to no wait, and were done for the day around 2pm. We headed back to the hotel for a nap and then went back for the night time shows! We NEVER encountered large crowds and were able to do everything we wanted to do, plus a TON MORE, while also getting in a nap! Yes, I took naps at Disney. It was magical!
5. Substitute items on the dining plan to get what you need for later.
Plates are almost always over flowing with food at Disney. And some of the meals require drinks. When that happens, grab a water bottle to take with you into the parks. At the Art of Animation, where we stayed, they had a great breakfast platter called The Bounty. I loved it but I am not a fan of hash browns. So I asked and they let me substitute eggs, bacon, or even extra pancakes, instead of the hash browns. You would be surprised what they will let you do when it comes to food if you only ask. Also, the cast members are genius when it comes to making the most of your dining plan. You can always go up to a check out and ask to see a breakdown of what you have left. Then tell them what you need/want and they can help you make the most of your requests!
6. Make your break/nap time for the kids the hour before a parade starts and save your spot.
Magic Kingdom has some amazing parades, shows, and fireworks. The last day that we were there, I really wanted to see them all. So an hour before the next show was going to start, we sat down across the street, facing the castle, and stayed there. My 2 youngest took naps while I rested. By the time they woke up, the first show had started and we had the best seats in the entire park. That afternoon we saw 2 parades and 2 shows from that spot and got the rest we needed. We did the same thing for the evening parade and shows and I am so glad that we did because it was amazing and we didn’t miss a thing!
7. Get 5 day of park tickets instead of 4.
You can either pay for 4 days or 4 days and get the 5th day free! 4 day and 5 day park tickets cost the same! Go to the 4 main parks (Magic Kingdom, Hollywood Studios, Epcot and Animal Kingdom) and then take a vote on which park everyone wants to visit again on the 5th day. We ended up going back to Magic Kingdom!
8. Mark on your park map all of the FP kiosks.
Once you use your 3 Fast Passes in Disney World you have to go back to the Kiosk each time to pick a new Fast Pass. This makes it easier to find one closes to you and closest to the rides you want to ride! And if you don’t get a Fast Pass time that you want, keep checking. Fast Passes can change and availability sometimes shows up last minute.
9. Use the My Disney Experience app to keep track of everything and to find what you need.
Thanks to a woman I met in the park, I learned this little trick. When you click on a location in the My Disney Experience App (attraction, dining, etc) you can choose to see it as Info or Map. When you pick Map, it gives you an icon to show you where you are and another one to show you where the attraction is. As you move, the icon moves! So you can easily find your way to where you need to go! This really came in handy at Magic Kingdom!
10. Stay on-site and let Disney take care of everything.
I know what you are thinking; Disney Resorts in the park can be a tad bit expensive. But when you think about all that you get when staying at a Disney Resort, you really end up saving money! Not only do you get Magic Hours, which lets you into the parks earlier and later than anyone else but you also get free transportation to and from the parks and shopping areas as well as to other Disney Properties. No paying for parking, which can be $20 plus per park per day, or gas or wasting your time looking for a parking space. Just show up, board and let Disney do the rest! They also have activities every day at each of the resorts as well as movies under the stars every night. You can book your Fast Passes 60 days before your trip which makes a HUGE difference if you want to get the best times early in advance! You also get Free Magic Bands for everyone in your party and free transportation to and from the airport! Plus they will deliver your luggage directly to your room! And if that wasn’t enough, you get the special Disney Magic that comes with staying at a Disney Resort! From Free Latex Balloons if you are celebrating a special occasion (just ask the front desk!) to amazing Mickey H2O toiletries, to free WiFi for your entire trip! When you add up everything that Disney provides for you when you stay onside vs how much you will have to pay for it off site, staying in the Parks is a win win!
Finally, remember to have fun. Let the Disney Bubble consume you and take your worries away!
Guest blogger Claire is mom to three lovely ladies, living everyday to the fullest and enjoying each moment she can being swept away in the magic of Disney! For more on Disney, check out Planning a Trip to Disney with your Special Needs Child, How the Disability Pass Works, and these Top 12 Tips on Saving Money at Disney.
Having no children I doubt I will be going to Disney in the foreseeable future. I did go to Epcot once many years ago but it was only a day trip. You are totally right about the cost of food and the parking!! Those are some great ways to save money and your sanity when visiting that magical place!
Michele recently posted…Blogger Opp-$150 PP GA-Free and Paid Options-Sign Ups End 3/12
After going with my 3 daughters this trip, I so want to go alone just once! You can drink or eat your way through Epcot. If you love a good fireworks show, they have TONS. And the shopping was fantastic. I have a slight obsession with coffee mugs and picked up so many amazing ones (that hold a ton of coffee). And the amount of things you can do at Disney, without kids, was amazing. They even have spas! I plan on going back for my 40th Birthday and spending a long weekend in Disney without the kids!
Claire recently posted…The Princess Collection Mommy and Me Bangle Bracelets Inspired by Jasmine from Aladdin by Miaclaire
You can go without kids!!! it’s actually oddly MORE fun in many ways!
Chelley @ A is for Adelaide recently posted…Asking for a friend: Achondroplasia, This is a safe space
If you stay on property, definitely take advantage of the extra magic hours. There will hardly be any lines in that first hour.
The Magic Hours were wonderful!! We are early risers and totaly took advantage of the early opening Magic Hours!
Great tip!
Chelley @ A is for Adelaide recently posted…Asking for a friend: Achondroplasia, This is a safe space
Love these tips! We have been to Dusney world over 25 times and we use many of these tip so make our trips affordable and fun!
Melendy recently posted…The House is on the market!
It is so easy to get hooked on Disney! If I could go 3 times a year, I would in a heartbeat!!!
Claire recently posted…The Princess Collection Mommy and Me Bangle Bracelets Inspired by Jasmine from Aladdin by Miaclaire
25 times?! Jealous!
Chelley @ A is for Adelaide recently posted…Asking for a friend: Achondroplasia, This is a safe space
I have never been to Disney and probably never will. But your tips are great for any vacation really. Having a budget and a plan definitely helps out!
Heather Johnson recently posted…Family Fun in Illinois: Scovill Zoo
Thank you!!!
So true!
Chelley @ A is for Adelaide recently posted…Asking for a friend: Achondroplasia, This is a safe space
I love Disney. My kids are grown, but David and I are talking about going back just the two of us. I used to live in Davenport (5 minutes from Disney) and went every day. I can’t agree more about staying at the resort for vacations – and definitely get the meal plan. You’ll save a fortune.
Alicia Taylor recently posted…African Maafe Recipe (Groundnut Stew)
I would be going daily if I lived that close too!!! And you should go, just the 2 of you! What a magical and romantic vacation that would be!
Claire recently posted…The Princess Collection Mommy and Me Bangle Bracelets Inspired by Jasmine from Aladdin by Miaclaire
I would love to go to Disney! How cool to live so close!
Chelley @ A is for Adelaide recently posted…Asking for a friend: Achondroplasia, This is a safe space
Very good advice for a Disney trip. I have heard the meal plan is the way to go.
It really was the way to go especially with all of the character dining! And the last day, we had 12 un used snack credits and went to the Confectionery on Main Street and took home a TON of yummy goodies! It was awesome!
Claire recently posted…The Princess Collection Mommy and Me Bangle Bracelets Inspired by Jasmine from Aladdin by Miaclaire
Claire knows all! I totally trust her plans!
Chelley @ A is for Adelaide recently posted…Asking for a friend: Achondroplasia, This is a safe space
Those are all great tips! I offer to save seats for parades with my youngest, and send my husband off with the older two. Keeping me away from souvenirs for a few hours is a good thing. I’m as bad as the kids!
Crystal recently posted…Beet Green Berry Smoothie
I did the same! I am a single mom so we had a family member come with us on the trip. They rode rides with my oldest while I saved a spot with my 2 youngest (and they napped in the stroller). We had the best spot for the parades, shows and fireworks! It was so worth it to sit and wait! I do have a slightly unhealthy obsession with coffee mugs so the inability to go shopping, while I saved a spot, saved my wallet! LOL
Claire recently posted…The Princess Collection Mommy and Me Bangle Bracelets Inspired by Jasmine from Aladdin by Miaclaire
It’s good to be a kid sometimes! 😉
Chelley @ A is for Adelaide recently posted…Asking for a friend: Achondroplasia, This is a safe space
These are some great tips. From someone who used to live in Orlando, definitely hit up local stores to purchase merchandise. There is no point in spending/wasting $100 on 2 shirts or souvenirs at the parks. You can get great quality stuff at Wal-Mart and outlet stores that are right down the road!
I was in shock when I walked into Walmart! So many amazing deals on some awesome stuff! Next trip I am going there first before we even check in! I found the Walmart and even the outlet malls very easy to get to from our resort hotel, Art of Animation. It was less than a 5 minute drive and worth the trip!
And another great thing about Walmart being so close was that they carry everything you might need in the parks. Strollers piled high, cases and cases of bottled water, and tons of snack food, for example. I found everything we needed and then some! It was great!!!
Claire recently posted…The Princess Collection Mommy and Me Bangle Bracelets Inspired by Jasmine from Aladdin by Miaclaire
Great insider tip!
Chelley @ A is for Adelaide recently posted…Asking for a friend: Achondroplasia, This is a safe space
We love WDW. It isn’t the cheapest place to go but there are ways like some of the ones you’ve mentioned that let you save money. Cast members can be very helpful when it comes to dining options and getting the most out of your package.
valmg @ Mom Knows It All recently posted…100 Years Of Toys
I agree, it is not the cheapest. But it was the most magical vacation I had ever taken. Completely worth every penny. And the Cast Members are amazing! They truly make Disney the magical place that it is!
Claire recently posted…The Princess Collection Mommy and Me Bangle Bracelets Inspired by Jasmine from Aladdin by Miaclaire
I hope to take the girls in a few years… one big trip, so I want them to remember. I know it will be the memory of a lifetime!
Chelley @ A is for Adelaide recently posted…Asking for a friend: Achondroplasia, This is a safe space
These are excellent tips. It’s a shame they gouge the prices so much on site, but I guess with so much overhead cost they kind of have to. It pays to be smart for us though!
Shelley recently posted…7 Ways to Hide St. Patrick’s Day Gifts Under a Rainbow Giveaway
Thank you! It really does pay to be smart and plan ahead. Things are expensive in Disney but when you see what you get for the price, it is totally understandable.
Claire recently posted…The Princess Collection Mommy and Me Bangle Bracelets Inspired by Jasmine from Aladdin by Miaclaire
Truth!
I know that it can get really expensive, but I think if you have a plan before you go…that would be ideal.
Amber NElson recently posted…Toddler Approved Winter Activities
Planning is the way to go! I even went as far as planning how much spending money each child (and myself) were aloud to spend!
Claire recently posted…The Princess Collection Mommy and Me Bangle Bracelets Inspired by Jasmine from Aladdin by Miaclaire
Planning is key!
Chelley @ A is for Adelaide recently posted…Asking for a friend: Achondroplasia, This is a safe space
I never been in Disney and I think I will be never gone in Disney 🙁 I cannot afford it and I’m million miles away
It took me 2 years of planning and saving to be able to afford the trip. But I am a single mom, with 3 kids, with a tricky income! Every month I set aside money for the trip. It took a while and some months were tight, but in the end it was worth it. And we drove 10 hours one way to get there. Just plan ahead, save as much as you can, and you will be surprised how quickly you can make your dreams come true!
Claire recently posted…The Princess Collection Mommy and Me Bangle Bracelets Inspired by Jasmine from Aladdin by Miaclaire
My kids are almost 4 and 1.5 and we are still saving… every single day. I know it seems out of reach, but someday it will come for us, and I know it can for you!
Chelley @ A is for Adelaide recently posted…Asking for a friend: Achondroplasia, This is a safe space
These are all great ways to make the most of your budget while having a vacation at Disney World. I so want to take my trio there some day, it really looks like a great time!
Thank you, Brandy! I think your kids would have a blast! There is something for everyone at Disney! I started off purchasing gift cards to put towards the trip. You can pay for the package, and pretty much everything else in Disney, with Disney Gift Cards. You can also call to book your vacation package (tickets, hotel, dining plan) and they will set it up so that you can pay a little at a time, but in no set amount. You just have to have it paid off 30 days before check in. That made the goal attainable!!!
From one single mom to another, it is worth it to see the look on their faces!!! I hope one day to be reading about your trip on your blog!!!
Claire recently posted…The Princess Collection Mommy and Me Bangle Bracelets Inspired by Jasmine from Aladdin by Miaclaire
So much fun!
Chelley @ A is for Adelaide recently posted…Asking for a friend: Achondroplasia, This is a safe space
These are great tips. I have never been to Disney World before. It’s on the bucket list.
Mine too!
Chelley @ A is for Adelaide recently posted…Asking for a friend: Achondroplasia, This is a safe space
I was so happy to check this trip off of my bucket list but after the trip, I added it right back!!!
Claire recently posted…New Orleans SnowBall Hair Clippie Clip Red by Miaclaire
I love this post!! It’s so easy to spend sooo much money at Disney, especially with the new fast passes! This is so helpful, thank you for sharing!
It is far too easy to spend! For sure!
Chelley @ A is for Adelaide recently posted…Asking for a friend: Achondroplasia, This is a safe space
I had to force myself to stop shopping! LOL
Claire recently posted…New Orleans SnowBall Hair Clippie Clip Red by Miaclaire