If you’re looking for ways to save money on a Disney World vacation, you are in the right place! The following 17 Disney World tips and tricks will help you plan, prepare, and budget for your trip.
This post may contain affiliate links. For more information, please see my disclosure page.
My first visit to Disney was in 1977. My parents put up with me for seventeen hours straight to see the one and only, Mickey Mouse. I two years old when I fell in love with Walt Disney World in Orlando, Florida.
Since my first trip, I have visited both Disney World and Disney Land eighteen times -and, I have picked up a few tips and tricks over the years. Today I’ll share some of the ways I’ve learned to save money when visiting the parks.
Disney is expensive.
There’s no other way to put it.
But guess what?
It’s worth every penny to see your child’s face light up with wonder when she rides It’s A Small World for the very first time.
Unforgettable memories and magic happen at Disney World.
I think every child should experience Disney at least once in their lifetime, but parents, you don’t have to break the bank or mortgage your home to make it happen.
You also don’t have to remind your family members about “sticking to the budget” every 5 minutes.
Nope! Cause there’s no fun in that!
Here are the best ways to save on a Disney vacation without feeling like you’re missing out.
Know The Disney World Discounts
Walt Disney World offers discounts to members of the military, AARP members, AAA users, and D23 fans. Do not purchase your tickets until you check if your family is eligible.
You can check out all of the discounts on their website!
Skip the Travel Agent & Book Your Trip Yourself
Instead of paying a travel agent, do it yourself!
The folks at Disney are more than happy to answer your questions.
Plus, excellent discount Disney packages are available through sites like The Undercover Tourist. You can shop around, but they almost always offer the best discounts around-plus they’re legit.
Warning: Do not buy your tickets from eBay or Craig’s List. Scammers are everywhere! My suggestion would be to go with a well-established business to save money and to have peace of mind!
Save Money On Food By Eating Dinner at Lunch Time
Dining at Disney World can be expensive. By eating your biggest meal of the day at lunch, you can save money on a Disney World vacation. The restaurants charge more at dinner.
Adults are allowed to be a kid in every way at Disney. Save your money by ordering a kid’s meal at any counter-service restaurant on the property. You’ll get plenty of food for half the price. And nobody is going to look at you funny for doing it.
Avoid Going During The Peak Seasons
Save money on a Disney World vacation by visiting the parks during the value season. You will save money and time standing in line.
Best Times To Visit Walt Disney World – 2026
(based on crowds + events + weather)
- January 20-30
- May 4-21
- August 10 – 31
- September 1-30
- December 1-5 (Christmas is a busy time!)
Skip The Park Hopper Pass
Disney World consists of four parks: Magic Kingdom, Epcot, Animal Kingdom, and Hollywood Studios.
The Park Hopper Pass allows you to visit more than one park in a day, but honestly, there’s no need to spend the additional $40-$60 more when there is so much to do at each park.
Buy Souvenirs Before You Go
Buy a Disney Lanyard before you go! Chances are your child will be as into collecting the Disney pins as mine, and this will save you a TON.
Pro Tip from a Disney Cast Member: They are going to trade them anyway so it doesn’t really matter what they start off with!
RELATED: Disney World Souvenirs to Buy Before Your Trip
Pack Food: Snacks & Drinks
Pack what you can eat for breakfast in the room. This will save you a lot of money each day on meals. Pack snacks your kids will eat like granola bars and crackers. If you can’t pack them, there are several grocery store delivery services in the area, or you could catch a cab and go.
Disney allows you to bring food and drink to the parks so take what you can carry in a backpack or an approved cooler. This will save you money on a Disney World vacation and possibly your sanity in long food lines!
Pack A Rain Poncho & Save $10 Per Family Member
Order this family pack of ponchos before your trip – you’ll pay around $16 for a pack of four.
Oh, and afternoon rain showers are a regular thing in Orlando so you need to make like a Boy Scout & be prepared. A Mickey Mouse Rain Parka is not the souvenir your kids want to bring home!
Refillable Water Bottles Will Save You A Ton of Money
Bottles like these can save you a ton of money when you factor in that water costs around $4 a bottle!
We love these BPA-free bottles, because they are foldable, collapsible, and leak proof! Disney is not the place you want to play the Who Spilled Their Juice In Mommy’s Backpack Game! Trust me, I know.
Disney makes it easy to fill these up by providing fill stations all over the parks!
Take A Backpack That Doubles As A Cooler
If you don’t have one – you need a backpack that is a cooler.
On one of our family trips to Disney a few years back we witnessed a family calmly picnicking by Cinderella’s Castle as we were, well, as I was struggling to keep my oldest daughter from throwing her little sister off the picturesque bridge nearby.
As our girls were fighting over whether we were going to go to Epcot verses staying at Magic Kingdom the hubs and I drooled over the magic we spotted while trying to find a hidden Mickey.
Backpack money saving magic.
I swear I saw dollar signs in his eyes as he was adding up all of the water bottles and snacks this smart couple had loaded into their cooler & brought into the park!
Before we left to go to Soaring, yep, my middle child won that argument, I asked the happy family about their backpack. I purchased mine on the bus to Epcot.
It’s lightweight and the size doesn’t break any of the Disney World rules and regulations. This is a fabulous way to save money on a Disney World vacation while keeping your sanity in tact.
Here’s a complete list of Disney’s rules and regulations regarding what you can bring in the parks!
Disney World Theme Parks & Water Parks FAQ/ What Can You Bring In The Parks
Pack An Autograph Book for the Kids & Save
This one is fantastic!
Save money on a Disney World vacation by buying a multi-purpose autograph book before you go! Instead of shelling out more cash on blank pages why not buy something that has cool info on the 150 plus Disney characters?
Bonus: Your kids can read the book while standing in line to make the time go faster and easier!
Bring Your Stroller
You can save money on a Disney World vacation by bringing your own stroller. Disney does have a stroller rental service, but it will cost you around $15 per day.
If travel prohibits you from bringing your stroller to the parks, keep reading!
Or Rent One Ahead Online
If you can’t bring your stroller, save money at Disney World by renting online! Find out more by visiting their website right here!
Pack A Costume or Buy One Ahead
Little girls love the Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique, but your wallet may not. Save some cash by reusing that Elsa costume she wore last Halloween.
Quick Tip: If you are interested in booking the Boutique for your daughter or son, plan ahead!
They book up fast! I will tell you that my daughter did this when she was 7 and it was worth every penny!
But no matter how your child found her way into that costume, she will be called Princess by every single cast member and Disney employee she encounters for the rest of the day.
It’s so sweet to see your kid’s experience this! So pack it, buy it, or book it!
Save Money Using The Disney Visa Rewards Card
Save 10% on select merchandise purchases of $50 or more at Disney parks, resorts, and stores when you use the Disney Rewards Card. You will also get access to exclusive character experiences, discounts on dining, special financing on vacations, and more.
I hope you’ve found some tips here to help you save money on your vacation! Is there anything that you would like to know more about?
Please let me know in the comments section! I love hearing from you!
36 Positive Affirmations For Kids
18 Vinegar Cleaning Hacks You Need To Know
18 Things Parents Hear While Waiting in Line At Disney World
If you enjoyed this collection of tips to help save money on a Disney World vacation, please share it on Pinterest!
