How to Plan for Disney on a Budget
There is no place like Disney World for a vacation, but the costs can add up very quickly. However, you can cut the costs with these quick tips.
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Things You'll Need
- Plane tickets or car for transportation
- Hotel reservation
- Dining plan or groceries
- Theme park tickets
- Gift certificates or cards
Instructions
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How to Plan for Disney on a Budget
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First, think about how you're getting there. Depending on your location, flying may be the only way to go. If so, Southwest airlines runs regular specials to Orlando. Choose a time that isn't overly popular, and you can score a round trip ticket for under 150!If yo're traveling with 4 or more, you may want to think about driving, though. While gas is expensive (and keeps climbing!), when you consider the cost of 4 or more plane tickets, you may still be getting a discount.
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Next, if you're not driving there, consider how you'll be getting around. If your plans are simply to go to Disney related restaurants and theme parks, save yourself some cash and skip the rental car! Disney has a great transportation system that can get you almost anywhere in a timely manner.
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After you get there, where are you staying? In order to get the benefits of Disney lodging and transportation, you must stay in a Disney resort; however, most are extremely expensive. There is a hidden gem though - the Disney value resorts, also known as the All Star Resorts. They're full of all of the amenities of a traditional Disney resort, at a fraction of the price (under $100 a night!). Choose to stay during a non-busy season (whenever kids are typically in school) for an even cheaper rate.
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Ok, now you're there an unpacked...and hungry! What will you eat? If you're traveling with a family, skip the expensive meals out for most nights - don't forget to indulge a BIT though, you're on vacation! - and opt for pre-packaged foods. Take public transportation or simply walk to nearby grocery or convenience stores for some cheap snack foods and frozen dinners to cook up. You'll be so busy having fun, the kids won't miss the sit-down meals.If you're traveling with adults, however, eating is part of the enjoyment of vacation. In this case, you are better off investing in a Disney Dining Plan. A pre-paid meal plan, you can enjoy anywhere from 1-3 meals per day, per plan, and stop worrying about cash during vacation. If you tend to indulge during meals and order the most expensive plate, or multiple courses, this is the way to go. Get the most out of it by booking high-end restaurants or dinner shows.
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But wait - how are you going to get into the parks? Those theme park passes are extremely expensive, but you can save some cash if you make a plan of how and when you're going to attend the parks. If you are content with one park a day, you'll save by buying single park passes. Just make sure to buy them all together, for all the days you wish to go, in order to get a discount.One of the best ways to save while still enjoying is to buy hopper passes and visit multiple parks per day. If you're on a 5 day vacation, you can certainly cover all the parks in 3 days, and even add on a 5th for a waterpark visit. After all, there are plenty of Disney related activities to do that do not need admission, so take at least one day to enjoy all the rest.
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Finally, limit the junk you buy! Everyone loves souvenirs, but those Mickey and Minnie sweatshirts just aren't as fashionable outside of the parks. At the beginning of your trip, but a gift card for yourself and your kids. That will be the only money you will spend on Disney toys and prizes. If you budget, it is easier to prioritize your purchases.
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Tips & Warnings
Usually it'd be best to take just cash, but it's dangerous to carry large amounts. Instead carry only your low-limit credit cards or, better yet, pre-loaded American Express, Visa, etc. gift cards that work like cash. This will help you limit spending.
The hotels usually offer special perks, such as free (small) restaurant gift certificates or free photo passes. Take advantage of these! It will feel like you're buying something, but you're really just getting a free souvenir!
It's tempting to indulge in every bit that Disney has to offer. Hold back! Ask yourself: Will I still enjoy this when I'm at home?
