This article offers tips from a former travel agent on saving money at Walt Disney World.
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.
Meal Deals
Meals at Walt Disney World can blow holes in your budget. Full service restaurants within the parks average $25 per person for dinner and $15 for lunch including taxes and tip, but not alcoholic beverages. Fast food options average $7-10 per person including taxes. Dining at Disney is part of the adventure. You can eat dinner in Morocco and lunch in an aquarium, have breakfast in Cinderella’s Castle and dinner at Hollywood’s Brown Derby. You can even have breakfast with Mickey Mouse. All this ambiance adds to the cost, however.
To save money on meals, especially when traveling with young children, consider taking bottled water, sodas, and light snacks with you to the parks. Spend your money on memorable meals, not just because everyone is tired and thirsty. When dining at a Disney restaurant, take advantage of the priority seating option offers Disney hotel guests. This option gives you a dinner time slot and allows you to be seated ahead of those without priority seating. Not quite a reservation, but better than standing in line.
Booking one of Disney’s condominium properties, such as Wilderness Lodge Villas or the Old Key West villas, can also save you money on meals. These larger accommodations are designed for families and offer kitchenettes in studio units and full kitchens in the larger one and two-bedroom units. While these accommodations are, generally, more expensive, you can save considerably by preparing your own meals.
Family Secrets
Families are what Walt Disney World is all about. What about having your next family reunion at Walt Disney World? Group airfares and off-season hotel discounts, plus the fun of Disney can make your family event memorable.
Know The Password
Disney multi-day passes can save you a lot of money. Walt Disney World offers three and four-day Park Hopper passes as well as five, six, and seven-day Park Hopper Plus passes. The Park Hopper pass allows you unlimited admission to The Magic Kingdom, Epcot, Disney-MGM Studios, and Disney’s Animal Kingdom within the days indicated on the pass. For instance, you can spend the morning at Epcot Center, the afternoon at The Magic Kingdom, and eat dinner inside Disney’s Animal Kingdom—all without paying any extra admission charges.
The Park Hopper plus passes include Disney’s two waterparks in the mix. Passes save up to 20 percent over single day admission tickets. And, the flexibility they offer is priceless. A discount is offered to U.S active-duty and retired military personnel and their dependents as well as to those purchase their passes from Disney online.
Passes are also available in packages that include accommodations, rental cars, and other features. In addition to Disney’s website and Disney retail stores, passes may be purchased through travel agents and airline tour desks. Unused passes and days never expire, but they must be used by the same person that first used the pass. Hold onto any such passes and use them on your next trip.
Whenever your travel, Walt Disney World is a magical place, for children as well as for anyone who can remember his childhood. No company pays attention to details and to guest satisfaction like The Walt Disney Company. Plan ahead, avoid the crowds, buy a pass, and enjoy. At Walt Disney World, everyone is special.