How to Make the Most of Disney World on a Budget

Every child dreams of a vacation to Disney World in Orlando, Florida, and every parent dreads the cost of taking the family on such a dream vacation. With a whole lot of planning and a few special tactics, a vacation to Disney does not have to break the budget!

Instructions

1. Buy a package Disney World vacation. Select from a variety of packages that include hotel, theme park tickets, meals and transportation.

2. Consider the meal deal option if purchasing a Disney World package. This budget option saves on spontaneous food purchasing at the park by choosing a predetermined monetary limit and using coupons.

3. Check with the local travel associations like AAA or become a member and purchase discount tickets through the membership.

4. Assemble the extended family for a visit to Disney World and purchase group rate tickets for the theme parks.

5. Pack a tent and go camping on site or outside the Disney World area for budget accommodations. Select from any hotel outside Disney for cheaper overnight rates.

6. Plan and shop for the cheapest transportation to Disney. Airline flights and car rentals cost less when reserved in advance. Choose the car rental with unlimited mileage options to save on fees.

7. Stay at one of Disney's value resorts instead of the higher-end luxury hotels. Choose from the Pop Century, All-Stars Sports or Music themes and get free transportation as well as extended Disney World park hours.

8. Make meals or eat out for dinner only while on a Disney vacation to save big on the food budget.

9. Enjoy the amenities at the hotel with the kids instead of paying high price theme park fees. Kids love the hotel pools and water areas and remember that as well as the Disney trip.

10. Take the free bus transportation within the Disney World area to avoid parking fees.

11. Experience the lower cost or free activities available at Disney World like riding the monorail, taking a boat ride around the grounds and enjoying the spectacular Epcot fireworks display.

12. Limit the souvenirs and take many pictures. Use a digital camera and eliminate the need for expensive film.

Tips & Warnings

• Travel to Disney World off-season to avoid the high prices of peak vacation time.

• Plan a Disney World vacation in advance and book early to lock in budget prices.

• Subscribe to the Disney News online newsletter for a list of money saving tips on a Disney vacation.

• Resist the urge to give in to the "I gotta have" requests. Without doing so, the vacation budget is in jeopardy.