8 Smart Walt Disney World Money-Saving Tips for You

​Saving money at Walt Disney World can be a challenge, but with a few tips and tricks, you can enjoy all the magic of Disney without breaking the bank. Here are 8 tips for saving money on your next Disney World vacation.
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Walt Disney World Money-Saving Tip #1

Consider staying off-property: While staying at a Disney resort can be magical and offers many benefits, including transportation and extra magic hours, it can also be expensive. Consider staying at a nearby hotel or vacation rental, which can save you a significant amount of money.

My husband and I have 5 children, so we need 2 hotel rooms when we travel anywhere. This gets really expensive quickly! One plan we set into place years ago was to put all of our expenses onto the Hilton Honors American Express credit card. We pay off the card each month, so we don't accrue any interest, but earn tons of Hilton hotel points by spending a decent amount each month. There is no annual fee for the card, so it's a no-brainer for us!

​I'm going to link the Hilton Honors Amex card here for you, and if you join with my link you'll receive 80,000 bonus points after your first $1000 in purchases on the card within the first 3 months. That's enough points for a free night (plus you will probably have some leftover towards your next night depending on where you book). Seriously this card is the best! 

Walt Disney World Money-Saving Tip #2

Plan your meals wisely: Eating at Disney World can be costly, so consider eating one meal per day outside of the park, utilizing the children's menu which offers smaller portion sizes and lower prices, or bringing your own food into the park. Yes, Walt Disney World allows outside food to be brought into the parks. However, they have restrictions on what can be brought in, such as no glass containers, no alcohol, and no large coolers. Bags, backpacks, and coolers can be no larger than 24" long x 15" wide x 18" high. Consider a backpack cooler with padded adjustable straps, like the one featured below. 

Walt Disney World Money-Saving Tip #3

Take advantage of free and "included with admission" activities: There are many free activities available at Disney World, such as parades, fireworks shows, and character meet-and-greets. Be sure to take advantage of these free options to save money on your trip. Plus Disney Springs has no entrance or parking fees, so add that to your vacation itinerary for sure!

Let me give you a quick rundown of Disney Springs if you haven't heard of it yet. Disney Springs is a shopping, dining, and entertainment complex located at the Walt Disney World Resort in Lake Buena Vista, Florida. It features a variety of stores, restaurants, and attractions, including boutiques, specialty shops, and well-known brands. Additionally, Disney Springs offers live entertainment, such as musical performances and street performers, making it a popular destination for tourists and locals alike.

If your kids want to join in the fun outdoors at Disney Springs, grab them a couple of bubble wands before your trip. Bubble wands are often seen around the property. 

Walt Disney World Money-Saving Tip #4

Buy your tickets in advance: Buying your tickets in advance can often save you money, and you can also avoid long lines at the park gate. ​Walt Disney World Resort also often offers special ticket deals and packages for guests. These can include discounts on multi-day tickets, seasonal promotions, and special offers for Florida residents, military personnel, and other groups. The exact specials available vary depending on the time of year and other factors, so it's a good idea to check the Disney World website or consult with a travel agent for the most up-to-date information.

Walt Disney World Money-Saving Tip #5

​Avoid souvenirs: While it can be tempting to buy souvenirs at Disney World, these items can quickly add up. Consider shopping ahead on Amazon for Disney toys, books, and matching family shirts (these are very popular in the parks), and bring these items with you on your trip to surprise your family. 

Walt Disney World Money-Saving Tip #6

Have you ever heard the expression that time is money? Our next tip goes straight to that idea. I recommend that you use the Genie+ service. Genie+ is a paid skip-the-line service that allows guests to enter through a special line called the Lightning Lane (think of the former FASTPASS Return Entrance) rather than the standby line. This can be a huge benefit and time-saver on in-demand rides. 

Money saving tip: the price of lightening lane and Genie Plus vary based on demand. You can usually save money on these passes during the week and during the off-season. 

Walt Disney World Money-Saving Tip #7

​Travel during the off-season: If possible, consider traveling to Disney World during the off-season, when crowds are smaller and prices are lower. Think January and February. Then skip the busy Spring Break time which seems to span the month of March, and spill into April. The end of April and May show lower crowds as well, but the summer months tend to be very busy. 

Walt Disney World Money-Saving Tip #8

Use park hopper tickets wisely: If you have park hopper tickets, make sure to use them wisely by planning your day around the less crowded parks and taking advantage of extra magic hours.

​The Park Hopper hours will run from 2:00 PM till the park closes each day. The most recent Park Hopper hours are now available to guests by checking the Park Hours calendar and the My Disney Experience app, as they may start earlier or later depending on the day and park.

Saving money at Walt Disney World takes a bit of planning, but it is definitely worth it. With these tips, you can enjoy all the magic of Disney while staying within your budget. Sign up for the Hilton American Express now to start accumulating points, get your souvenir shopping done early and grab your Mickey ears, and get to planning the best trip ever! 

If you are interested in learning how to save money on Disney gift cards, I'm going to recommend you read my article, "How to Save Money on Disney Gifts Cards Today." I'll walk you through several options that you have to get your Disney gift cards for less.