5 Ways To Save Money at The Walt Disney World Resort
Preface:
Since I have been a cast member at Disney almost the entire time I have lived in Orlando, this article was more challenging to write. I am extremely blessed and lucky to be able to get into Disney for free, live within driving distance to the parks and have so many discounts at my disposal to make going to Disney an after work hang out. Being aware of this, I try to help family and friends as much as I can by letting them stay with me, giving them my extra passes into the parks, etc. when visiting since many people only dream of ever coming to Disney. I want to share what makes me happy with as many people as I can in hopes that I made your vacation to the happiest place on earth as memorable as ever!
However, if you are trying to plan a Disney vacation and do not have my resources at your disposal, these are just a few of the small things you can do to save some money while vacationing here. Please keep in mind that Disney is still going to be an expensive vacation, but one worth experiencing at least once in your life.
1. Skip the pop
Pop and other fountain drinks at Disney are very expensive. Spending anywhere from 3-5 dollars on a drink that does not come with refills can add up very quickly if you are buying multiple drinks a day. Instead, opt for bringing your own refillable water bottle or ask any stand that has a pop machine for a glass of ice water. It is complimentary and keeps you hydrated in the Florida heat.
2. Bring your own food
Just like everything else, Disney food is not cheap. A normal hot dog can cost you 6 dollars in Magic Kingdom these days without drinks and sides. Electing to bring your own food from the store into the parks is a great way to save money if you do not mind carrying it around with you. Pack lunch meat sandwiches and snacks in a mini cooler or lunchbox, put it in your backpack with a frozen water bottle as an ice pack and you have cheap meals to go. If you chose to drive to Disney, Wal-mart and Target are a short drive from property to stock up on groceries. If you chose to fly to Disney, try grocery ordering apps to have food delivered to your hotel. It may cost slightly more than buying it in the store yourself, but it will certainly be less than buying it in the parks.
AND/OR
Opt for cheaper and lighter meals in the parks
Walking around at the parks all day is exhausting and combined with the heat, you do not want to eat giant meals three times a day. Buying kid meals for yourself is a good way to score some well-rounded meals for cheaper prices. Most kid meals at quick service locations serve a smaller portion of an entree, a drink, a dessert, a fruit and a yogurt or some combination of those items for an inclusive price similar to what you would pay at a local fast food restaurant (around 5-7 dollars). Adult items on average cost around 11-15 dollars per meal and that does NOT include a drink. My newest favorite kid meal, though sans the desserts and fruits, is the child's beef nachos at Peco's Bill in Magic Kingdom for around 4-5 dollars. Peco's has a condiment bar that is self-serve, filled with all the toppings you could want for nachos. The serving size itself is quite filling but topped with all you care to grab pico de gallo, salsa, sour cream, guacamole, tomatoes, lettuce and so much more, you can really get your money's worth there.
3. Buy before you go or go cheap with souvenirs
While I know it is probably impossible to not buy any souvenirs while visiting Disney (who doesn't want their own set of Mickey Ears?!), think about how many one-time uses you will get out of all the junk you buy when visiting. That sweater adorned with Mickey's face you SWORE you would wear back home or those ears that were adorable but kind of hurt your head when you wore them, that you bought anyways for a cute photo op, will just go to waste in the back of your closet when you return back from the magic. Instead, try buying things before you go that will still be cute and in Disney theme without breaking the bank. Etsy is a great place to buy custom made Disney merchandise and personally most of their Mickey Ears are cuter than the ones they sell at Disney anyways. Also, every Wal-mart and Target within a 30 mile radius of Orlando has a whole section in their clothing dedicated to cheaper Mickey swag. If you still insist on buying official Mickey swag while you are visiting and if you have the time, stop by the Orlando Premium Vineland Outlets located 5 minutes from Disney Springs. They have an official Disney outlet that sells out of season and overstocked items at significantly cheaper prices. This is also the place to buy your friends and family the presents you promised them you would buy when they found out you were going to Disney.
4. Do a non-park day
Spend all this money to go Disney World and not go into the parks you say?! Gasp! Outrageous! Yet I doubt there are many people who realize just how much you can do at Disney for little to no cost and still feel magical the entire time. While I plan to make a post about all the wonderful things to do in Disney for free, off the top of my head you could spend a day window shopping at Disney Springs, check out Disney's Boardwalk, resort hop around the numerous themed resorts Disney owns or, my personal favorite, catch a moon lit Disney movie under the stars. All of these things can be done right on Disney property without every stepping foot into the 4 parks.
5. Skip the PhotoPass Memory Maker
Buying PhotoPass may seem tempting but spending almost 180 dollars on pictures is slightly crazy in my book, Leave that purchase for when you are financially stable and have kids you want to take a million photos of with out worrying about lugging around a heavy camera. You can still stand in line and take pictures will all your favorite characters, but ask the PhotoPass photographers to take pictures using your own phone and they will gladly assist you. My iPhone has taken almost every single picture used in my blogs and I think they look great. I'm not saying PhotoPass isn't a cool feature to purchase but if you want to save money, it certainly is not a necessity.
Since I have been a cast member at Disney almost the entire time I have lived in Orlando, this article was more challenging to write. I am extremely blessed and lucky to be able to get into Disney for free, live within driving distance to the parks and have so many discounts at my disposal to make going to Disney an after work hang out. Being aware of this, I try to help family and friends as much as I can by letting them stay with me, giving them my extra passes into the parks, etc. when visiting since many people only dream of ever coming to Disney. I want to share what makes me happy with as many people as I can in hopes that I made your vacation to the happiest place on earth as memorable as ever!
However, if you are trying to plan a Disney vacation and do not have my resources at your disposal, these are just a few of the small things you can do to save some money while vacationing here. Please keep in mind that Disney is still going to be an expensive vacation, but one worth experiencing at least once in your life.
1. Skip the pop
Pop and other fountain drinks at Disney are very expensive. Spending anywhere from 3-5 dollars on a drink that does not come with refills can add up very quickly if you are buying multiple drinks a day. Instead, opt for bringing your own refillable water bottle or ask any stand that has a pop machine for a glass of ice water. It is complimentary and keeps you hydrated in the Florida heat.
2. Bring your own food
Just like everything else, Disney food is not cheap. A normal hot dog can cost you 6 dollars in Magic Kingdom these days without drinks and sides. Electing to bring your own food from the store into the parks is a great way to save money if you do not mind carrying it around with you. Pack lunch meat sandwiches and snacks in a mini cooler or lunchbox, put it in your backpack with a frozen water bottle as an ice pack and you have cheap meals to go. If you chose to drive to Disney, Wal-mart and Target are a short drive from property to stock up on groceries. If you chose to fly to Disney, try grocery ordering apps to have food delivered to your hotel. It may cost slightly more than buying it in the store yourself, but it will certainly be less than buying it in the parks.
AND/OR
Opt for cheaper and lighter meals in the parks
Walking around at the parks all day is exhausting and combined with the heat, you do not want to eat giant meals three times a day. Buying kid meals for yourself is a good way to score some well-rounded meals for cheaper prices. Most kid meals at quick service locations serve a smaller portion of an entree, a drink, a dessert, a fruit and a yogurt or some combination of those items for an inclusive price similar to what you would pay at a local fast food restaurant (around 5-7 dollars). Adult items on average cost around 11-15 dollars per meal and that does NOT include a drink. My newest favorite kid meal, though sans the desserts and fruits, is the child's beef nachos at Peco's Bill in Magic Kingdom for around 4-5 dollars. Peco's has a condiment bar that is self-serve, filled with all the toppings you could want for nachos. The serving size itself is quite filling but topped with all you care to grab pico de gallo, salsa, sour cream, guacamole, tomatoes, lettuce and so much more, you can really get your money's worth there.
3. Buy before you go or go cheap with souvenirs
While I know it is probably impossible to not buy any souvenirs while visiting Disney (who doesn't want their own set of Mickey Ears?!), think about how many one-time uses you will get out of all the junk you buy when visiting. That sweater adorned with Mickey's face you SWORE you would wear back home or those ears that were adorable but kind of hurt your head when you wore them, that you bought anyways for a cute photo op, will just go to waste in the back of your closet when you return back from the magic. Instead, try buying things before you go that will still be cute and in Disney theme without breaking the bank. Etsy is a great place to buy custom made Disney merchandise and personally most of their Mickey Ears are cuter than the ones they sell at Disney anyways. Also, every Wal-mart and Target within a 30 mile radius of Orlando has a whole section in their clothing dedicated to cheaper Mickey swag. If you still insist on buying official Mickey swag while you are visiting and if you have the time, stop by the Orlando Premium Vineland Outlets located 5 minutes from Disney Springs. They have an official Disney outlet that sells out of season and overstocked items at significantly cheaper prices. This is also the place to buy your friends and family the presents you promised them you would buy when they found out you were going to Disney.
4. Do a non-park day
Spend all this money to go Disney World and not go into the parks you say?! Gasp! Outrageous! Yet I doubt there are many people who realize just how much you can do at Disney for little to no cost and still feel magical the entire time. While I plan to make a post about all the wonderful things to do in Disney for free, off the top of my head you could spend a day window shopping at Disney Springs, check out Disney's Boardwalk, resort hop around the numerous themed resorts Disney owns or, my personal favorite, catch a moon lit Disney movie under the stars. All of these things can be done right on Disney property without every stepping foot into the 4 parks.
5. Skip the PhotoPass Memory Maker
Buying PhotoPass may seem tempting but spending almost 180 dollars on pictures is slightly crazy in my book, Leave that purchase for when you are financially stable and have kids you want to take a million photos of with out worrying about lugging around a heavy camera. You can still stand in line and take pictures will all your favorite characters, but ask the PhotoPass photographers to take pictures using your own phone and they will gladly assist you. My iPhone has taken almost every single picture used in my blogs and I think they look great. I'm not saying PhotoPass isn't a cool feature to purchase but if you want to save money, it certainly is not a necessity.
To anyone reading this, all positive and constructive opinions are welcome! Disclaimer: I am by no means a professional at writing or vacation planning so if you read my blogs or take my advice do so with a grain of salt.
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