How to Do a Disney Vacation on a Budget

Take a Disney Vacation on a budget by planning ahead. The three most expensive parts of your Disney vacation will be your transportation to Disney, your Lodging and the Food that You Eat. Create your budget and the amount of time available then make the most economical choices for your trip. You may decide to drive instead of fly to save money, but if time is short then flying is your best choice.
Follow the steps below to get the best value for your buck.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

1. Visit during the Value Season
   Disney has a time of year that they call their value season. This is the best time for you to travel to Disney. The rates for their hotels are inexpensive and the lines are much shorter.

2. Choose Your Lodging
   You may find the best value for your lodging is to stay at a Value Resort on the Disney grounds. Disney offers free transportation to your hotel and free transportation throughout there parks. There would be no need to rent a car and time can be saved by being closer to the theme parks. You also can find discounts on area hotels by using the entertainment book, AAA, AARP or other travel programs.

3. Get Free Admission
   Disney is offering free Theme Park admissions on your birthday. You have a choice between free admission or a free Disney Fastpass on your birthday during 2009. Check out the link below for more info on Free Birthday Disney Admission.

4. Check out Disney Vacation Packages
   Check for online specials. Travel agencies offer Disney Packages that include air, hotel and tickets. Buying a package can sometimes save you more money than buying the items separately.

5. Avoid Buying Souvenirs
   Purchase your souvenirs before you leave home or plan to purchase them online after you return from your trip. If you enjoy window shopping make a list of things that you want to purchase and then order the items online when you get back home. Before your vacation you can pick up Disney Theme T Shirts at rummage sales or ebay to wear on your vacation. If you have children you may want to pick up a few small Disney toys ahead of time to give to your children in the theme park.
   Your best souvenirs will be the pictures that you take. Look for the Kodak signs to take your pictures throughout the parks.

6. Get a Disney Rewards Visa Card
   Become a Disney Rewards member before you start planning your Disney Vacation. Your everyday purchases turn into rewards. When you use your card at a Disney Theme Park you can save 10% off select merchandise, 20% off of non-discounted items and special rates for Disney Lodging.

7. Eat a Picnic Lunch
   Food can be a very expensive part of your Disney Vacation if you eat at the theme parks. Plan to carry some snack foods like an apple, nuts or granola bar with you to curb your appetite. Start your day by eating a good breakfast. You can plan to have a tailgate lunch by your car or in your hotel room to save on eating out at a restaurant.

8. Plan Ahead
   Plan your Disney Vacation ahead. Use the online official Disneyworld and Disneyland Sites to make the most of your vacation. Use your time wisely, start early in the day take a nap or break around midday and then plan to tour into the night. Create a budget and stick to it. Disney Theme Parks are the most magical place on earth and a wonderful place to take a vacation.

Tips & Warnings

• Free Admission on Your Birthday in 2009
• Plan ahead.

Resources

• Free Admission to Disney on Your Birthday
• More Articles by Sharon Meier
• Disney Travel Books

[tracysmith159]

on 5/28/2009 Good Article. I've never been to Flordia and the kids want to go next year.. so I'm researching

[BellaCasa]

on 5/25/2009 We are due for a Disney trip and we definitely will be doing it on a budget. Thanks!