Saving at Disney

Disclosure: Some links on this page (but not all) are affiliate links which help support this site. Thank you so much for using them!

We’ve got some basic tips to save and discount your next vacation at Walt Disney World Resort.

Accommodations

Staying at an official Disney resort can save a good deal of money in the amenities it provides. Free transportation to and from the airport, free parking, free wi-fi, free resort activities, package delivery and extra magic hours at the theme parks. Oh, and there’s just a little bit more magic too!
Think about a room-only discount rather than going for a free dining promotion. Free dining is only a terrific way to save if one can take advantage of every meal and snack including dessert. If you’re like me and skip dessert after a big meal, or even skip an entire meal because you just don’t want to leave the fun, this may not be the best discount.
AAA has discounts on rooms year-round. And, if you’re a Florida resident there may be further discounts.
Not sure where to start? There are a number of travel agencies who do nothing but plan Disney vacations. Their services are free too! Because they want you to come back year after year, many try to get you great discounts to boot. Here’s a few: Small World Vacations, Dreams Unlimited Travel, Mouse World Travel
Renting Disney Vacation Club (DVC) Points is a great way to go, rent from a timeshare owner for a significant discount over rates direct from Disney. Check out David’s Vacation Club Rentals

Tickets

Discounts on tickets are rare, and if something looks too good to be true it probably is. Do not buy unused portions of tickets, Disney fingerprints, and may refuse entry. Only buy from authorized ticket agents.
Save on multi-day tickets with sites like BestofOrlando.com or Undercover Tourist.
Florida residents get a great rate as well.
Military personnel can get a discounted rate through Shades of Green, the Armed Forces Recreation Center and resort on property. Oh, terrific hotel rates can be found here too!
Take a day outside of the parks and explore the pool, Downtown Disney, The Boardwalk, or any one of the free resort activities.

Dining

Splitting meals is a great way to save. Adults, order off the kids menu too!
Bring snacks and breakfast items like Pop-Tarts from home. Put an emphasis on items that won’t melt or spoil in the Florida heat.
Restaurant.com has $25 gift certificates for $10 or less with promo codes. Many restaurants at Downtown Disney or the Swan and Dolphin participate from time to time. Use zip code 32630 to search. Do read all of the fine print, as there are some limitations.
There is a Hess Express gas station across the street from the Downtown Disney bus stop. Stock up on more reasonably priced snacks, water, and typical gas station-type food here.
Bring a collapsible water bottle from home and fill it at any of the water fountains in the parks. Here’s a couple of options: Vapur Collapsible Water Bottle or the filtered variety Bobble BPA Free Water Bottle.

Souvenirs

Purchase souvenirs from DisneyShopping.com when they go on sale ahead of time. Sale items at Walt Disney World are often hard to find. Walt Disney World Resort-branded merchandise is available at DisneyShopping.com and does go on clearance!.
Purchase princess dresses after Halloween to wear in the parks.
Upon check-in or at guest relations in the parks pick up free celebration buttons. Yes free! There are many options, Happy Birthday, Anniversary, First Visit, or a generic “I’m Celebrating!”.
Order free personalized park maps before your vacation. Yes, free and personalized! Order them here.
Set a budget on souvenir spending by giving the kids a Disney gift card with the amount they can spend. Once the gift card is done, so is the spending.

Disclosure: Some links on this page (but not all) are affiliate links which help support this site. Thank you so much for using them!