How to Save Money at Disney

Disney World may be considered the "happiest place on earth" but it sure isn't the cheapest! Disney is notorious for their overpriced foods and souvenirs-but that doesn't stop people from visiting Mickey Mouse. When you book your trip to Orlando, Florida you know you are going to be taken for an arm and a leg! If you are planning your first trip to Disney World, take some advice from us travel veterans. There are a few things that you can do to make your trip to Disney both enjoyable and cost effective. Read on to learn how to save money at Disney:

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

1. Avoid overpriced Disney food where possible. Eat a hardy breakfast before you go to keep you satisfied and full longer. Pack a backpack full of lunches and snacks for your whole family. Use insulated lunch boxes and ice packs to keep necessary items cold. Keep your snacks on you, but rent a locker for your lunch items and afternoon snacks so you don't have to lug it with you all day.

2. Stay hydrated! Standing in line for rides at Disney is physically draining in Florida's scorching weather! Pack plenty of water! Freeze water bottles the night before for a drink the will always stay cold. Use these frozen waters as icepacks in your lunchboxes as well. Water in the park can cost as much as $2 per bottle, so be sure to pack enough for your whole family. Again, utilize the lockers.

3. Bring your own film. If you are in the minority of people who still use 35mm film, bring it with you! Film at the park can be VERY expensive. Splurge on a digital camera and take as many pictures as your memory card will allow!

4. Buy your souvenirs outside of the park. All local convenience/discount stores in Orlando (CVS, Walgreens, K-Mart, Walmart, etc.) carry Disney merchandise. Buy your souvenirs at these stores and avoid the high mark-up's. Stop at the store in the morning for your Disney ears, shirts, and autograph books before heading into the park. Don't forget to pick up a poncho ahead of time! A $1 poncho at Walmart could cost as much as $7 each in Disney. Don't get stuck in the rain!

5. Go to Disney during a birthday! On the day of your birthday you get into Disney free! Go to the park during a birthday to save on at least 1 ticket! Go to the Disney website ahead of time to register your birthday before you go!

6. Sit through a Timeshare presentation and get free tickets! Orlando timeshares normally give out Disney tickets as incentives to sit through their presentations. If a timeshare is something you could be interested in, why not kill two birds with one stone?

7. Check Ebay or Craigslist! Often times, people are trying to get rid of their Disney tickets at discounted prices. Check the internet for people who are trying to sell theirs. Ebay or Craigslist often have cheap Disney tickets.

8. Buy at a discount. There are several other ways you can get Disney tickets at discounted prices: Florida residents can purchase Disney tickets at a lower price; Annual passes (Disney Waterpark Annual pass is only $62.84 and includes Typhoon Lagoon and Blizzard Beach!); Advance ticket purchases; Seasonal passes, etc. Check the Disney website for all the prices and discounts they offer.

9. Buy a Disney package deal. There are several Disney Package deals that include Hotel, tickets, Restaurants, and foods within the park at an all inclusive price. These prices are cheaper than if you were to buy everything individually. If you are interested in staying at a Disney hotel, this is the way to go! Visit the Disney website, or speak to a representative to check on specific pricing.

Resources

• Disney Website

[frozenmocha]

on 8/25/2009 Now I want to go to Disney World again. Thanks for the tips!