Tips for a Budget Friendly Disney Vacation without losing any of the Magic!

I know, I know there are a lot of blogs about different tips and tricks. So what makes this one different from the rest? Honestly, probably not a whole lot. I am sure if you read all the other blogs, these tips would eventually show up. However, my hope is to bring a little different perspective on each tip and trick to help you maximize both your time and money without losing any of that amazing Disney Magic!

​As a 28 year old male in the travel industry, I am definitely in the minority (less than 20% of travel agents are male). Add in the fact that I am a Disney Fanatic and you might have found that needle in a haystack. Ever since I was a child, I loved every aspect of the parks, characters, hotels, and even the transportation options. Each aspect of it has some sentimental value that makes a trip to Disney feel magical. However, after my third trip in the last 2 ½ years, I have a few tricks up my sleeve to help you enjoy each moment there. Here are a few ideas to help you save money while still maximizing your vacation!

Budget Friendly Options

1. Bring a water bottle
This might save you the most money in the Florida heat. With water pricing at $3.50 a bottle, a refillable water bottle is one of the best cost saving options for you. Did you know you can walk up to any stand and ask for a cup of water! This is free and they will give you as many as you want! Fill up your water bottle so you do not have to wait in line every time you get thirsty!

2. Bring your own food into the park
​Disney does not care what food or drinks you bring into the parks as long as it is non-alcoholic and not in a glass container. My brother and sister-in-law have 2 kids under the age of 6, and they brought a bunch of sandwiches, snacks, and fruit. It’s a great option compared to a $13 cheeseburger or hot dog. However, don’t completely ignore all Disney food as it adds to experience! Grab a dole whip or a one of the many Disney shaped treats. They are still a fun option to enjoy on a hot Florida day!

3. Spend a 5th or 6th day in the park instead of purchasing a Park Hopper
This one depends on how long you plan on staying at Disney, but it’s normally cheaper to purchase a 5-day park ticket instead of doing a 4-day ticket with park hopper. If you are looking to do a quick 3 day trip, a park hopper sometimes becomes a must. However, It might be worth doing an extra day instead of rushing through two parks in one day. Most people take the afternoons off at the hotel and then possibly go back for the show at night. 

4. Go during off peak times
Not only will this save you money, but it will also guarantee lower wait times and less people running through the park.  September or the middle of January to early February are great times to experience lower prices and crowds. It is harder to get students out of school at this time, but if your family can make this adjustment you will be rewarded with the smallest crowds of the year.

5. Purchase Disney Items before you go.
This is a 2 in 1 benefit as it saves money and helps maximize your Disney experience. There are so many Disney “accessories” that you can purchase from t-shirts, pins, autograph books, etc. By purchasing ahead of time at amazon, etsy, or your local shopping center, it will probably cut your costs in half!
​

Maximizing Your Vacation

1. Watch the Happily Ever After Firework Show at Magic Kingdom
This is a must. If there is nothing else you do all week, make sure you watch this firework show. It is incredible and everyone walks away saying “Wow.” The castle lights up with different movie characters and scenes while perfectly timed fireworks launch overhead. Its an incredible 16-minute show that has to be experienced in person. DO NOT ruin this show by watching it on YouTube. I know there are some people that like to do this, but don’t. Its to impressive in person to try to experience through a screen.

2. Use the Disney Experience App
Okay, I know it is not the easiest app or the most user friendly. However, it gives you some really impressive information and options to maximize your trip. (Ask me and ill help you navigate through it!) I never waited more than 20 minutes for any ride the whole week. Yes, we did get fast passes for Avatar Flight of Passage, 7 Dwarfs Mine Train, and Slinky Dog Dash, but it was still an incredible feat to pull off. I figured we saved at least 2-3 hours a day and I credit this completely to using the app to its fullest. So how do you “use the app to its fullest?”

1. First off, the app allows you to see all the wait times in real time! So don’t worry about wasting your time walking to a ride that has a 2 hour wait. Go do something else and check the app again, most likely it has gone down in time.
2. Book Additional Fast Passes! – This is kind of a “Disney hack” that most people do not know about. Disney gives you additional fast passes once you finish your first three! If you finish all three, Disney gives you the option to book one more. Once you check into your 4th fast pass, they give you another, etc, etc. My wife and I did 9 fast passes in one day! Fast passes are constantly refreshing so keep looking and you might just find the time you are looking for!
3. Find times for shows and other attractions. The app also gives you times of each show at all the parks. Cant remember when the Parade is, or when the Dapper Dans perform on Main Street USA? You can find these in the App!
4. Lastly, use it for a Mobile Food Order. This can save you a lot of time standing in those long food lines. You can order and pay for the food directly with the app. Once it is ordered, you walk up to a separate window and pick up your food. Super easy and saved a lot of time when trying to connect quickly to a show or fast pass.

3. Stay on Property
This is one of the hardest decisions a family can have. By staying off property, you normally save money(which is why this is not under the budget saver list), but I think the cost of staying on property is worth every penny as you never really leave the Disney magic.  The theming at the resorts are incredible and you get a lot of extras which include free transportation to and from the airport, free transportation to and from the parks, and the added benefit of earlier booking times for fast passes! 

4. Participate in the Disney Accessories
This can really help your kids enjoy the trip and gives them a souvenir to bring home from the trip. Each item below definitely adds to the trip excitement and experience.

1.  First off, get Disney t-shirts for the parks. For example, get a Hakuna Matata shirt for Animal Kingdom and get a Mickey shirt for Magic Kingdom. It adds to the excitement of each day and you will realize quickly that a lot of people do the same thing!
2. Second, participate in the Pin exchange with cast members. Most cast members wear lanyards with different pins on it. They will trade you any pin for one of yours. It’s a really fun way for your kids to interact with each cast member and is a free experience to enjoy! (just make sure you purchase several different pins and a lanyard for your kids ahead of time)
3. Lastly, collect character signatures. When your kids meet a Disney character, give them your signature book. They will sign their name and give it back. Each character is a little different and the book turns into a great souvenir or keep sake for your kids after the vacation is over.

5. Make a List
I am not saying plan out each minute of your day as you can never really know what to expect until you get there. The wait times, show times, and everything else can change as quickly as Orlando weather. The most important thing is to make a list of your MUST DO activities. For any must do rides, try to get fast passes or head to those first at rope drop! Also, if your kids love Frozen, make sure you plan time for Epcot where you can personally meet Elsa and Anna. Don’t expect each character to be at every park. If the Happily Ever After Show is a must (which it is), make sure you arrive at least an hour before the show to get a good seat close to the castle. These are just a few examples of making sure you have all the right information.

6. ​Lastly, utilize a travel agent like me!
​These are just a few of the many tips and tricks I have learned over the years. I have stayed at multiple properties, rode every ride, and seen most shows. I can help you prioritize and make the most of your Disney vacation. The best part is that we do not charge you anything for booking with us! Since we are an approved Disney Travel Agency, we get the same pricing that you see directly through Disney! Each person and family is different so no two trips will be the same. I can help you see the differences and find those perfect pieces to help make your Disney trip feel magical!