Sparkling Florida sun, Mickey Mouse, children laughing, well-manicured gardens, and Fun: Walt Disney World is the quintessential family vacation, but it can also be an expensive one. How to save and still have a memorable vacation? A little advance planning and attention to detail can help. Consider these tips for an affordable Disney World vacation:

Just in case you’re not aware of what every three-year-old knows by heart, Walt Disney World is the large amusement complex outside of Orlando that consists of four major theme parks—The Magic Kingdom, Epcot Center, Disney-MGM Studios, and Disney’s Animal Kingdom—as well as three waterparks, shopping, restaurants, and accommodations. It is the most visited tourist attraction in the world.

When to Go?

Rates in and around Walt Disney World can vary greatly depending on when you travel. Accommodations during the December holiday season or during spring break can be as much as 40 percent higher than the off-season rates. Also, queues for the major attractions are very long during those periods, and dinner reservations at park restaurants and reservations for character meals can be very hard to get.

The first week in December and the first week of January are the least crowded weeks of the year at Walt Disney World. Correspondingly, these are also the least expensive. Take advantage of low season rates at a time when the snow is falling up north.

Staying On-Site, Not Outta-Site

Staying at one of the Walt Disney World hotels offers many advantages. Chief among them is the Disney transportation system. With a fleet of busses, two monorails, and several boats, Disney makes sure that guests get from their hotels to the theme parks, from one theme park to another, and to and from shopping, dining, and the waterparks. All this is available at no additional charge. Avoid parking fees and walking blocks from your car.

Another advantage to staying at a Disney hotel is the park early entry option. This is especially important during peak times. Disney guests are offered entrance to designated theme parks on certain days ahead of the general public. In addition, guests of Disney hotels are guaranteed admission to the theme parks even on crowded days when they are turning away guests.

Disney offers accommodations in all price ranges, from the deluxe Grand Floridian Resort to the budget-priced All Stars Resorts. Within each hotel, prices vary as to the view and location, with water views being the most expensive. The more deluxe hotels offer more amenities, but all Disney hotels are cheerful, immaculate, and offer pools, air conditioning, and access to the Disney transportation system. Some of the less-expensive resorts offer limited food service, such as a food court, rather than full-service restaurants.