How to Take a Disney Vacation Cheaply

Visit the Magic Kingdom during the off season to save.

You don't have to spend a fortune to take a Disney vacation. If you plan your trip at the right time of year, keep an eye out for promotions, and stick to a budget while you are in the parks, you can take a Disney vacation cheaply. When you save on your vacation, you can spend time enjoying the theme parks and attractions that Disney is famous for, instead of worrying about how much you are spending.

Instructions

1. Plan your vacation during the off season. When you book your vacation package, try to schedule your trip for one of Disney World's value seasons. During value season, resort room rates are reduced by up to 40 percent, so you can save money just by traveling at the right time. The lowest resort room prices and vacation packages can usually be found in January, early May, September and early November. Have several dates ready when you call to book your vacation, and check rates for different time periods to find the best deal.

2. Look for special promotions offered by the Disney company. Each year, Disney produces different events and promotions, designed to draw guests to the parks. These promotions are always marketed via television commercials and over the Internet. Even if you already have a vacation booked, call the Disney reservations line to see whether you can apply the promotion to your trip. Promotions can include free dining, free nights at a Disney resort, free park tickets and more, so applying a promotional rate to your vacation can save you a lot of money.

3. Skip the rental car to save on your Disney vacation. Disney offers a free shuttle for resort guests, so you can ride the Magical Express airport shuttle right to your hotel. Once there, use Disney's free transportation system, which includes boats, buses and the monorail.

4. Once you arrive at a Disney park, you can save money on food and drinks. As of 2010, a 20-ounce bottle of water or soda is $2.50 in the Disney theme parks. Packing your own soda from home can save you almost a hundred dollars over the course of a single week. Bring along nonperishable breakfast items and snacks to add to your food savings.

5. Don't overspend on souvenirs at the Disney theme parks. Be sure to set a budget before you leave, and consider buying some of the most inexpensive souvenirs Disney has to offer. You can start a "pressed penny" collection for only 51 cents apiece using the pressed penny machines located in theme parks and resorts. Character autographs are free, and you can ask the characters to autograph a plain white T-shirt for a unique and inexpensive souvenir of your trip.

Tips & Warnings

• Calculate the cost of a vacation package and a room-only reservation plus theme park tickets to be sure you are getting the best deal.

• Avoid big holidays like Halloween, Thanksgiving and Christmas. Not only are these the most expensive times to visit Disney, but the parks will be crowded as well.

References

• "The Unofficial Guide Walt Disney World 2010 (Unofficial Guides)"; Bob Sehlinger and Len Testa; 2009
• Disney World: Theme Parks