How to Save Money at Walt Disney World
- Jillian Anderson
- Mar 27
- 4 min read
A trip to Walt Disney World can be magical, but it can also be expensive. However, with a little planning and strategy, you can enjoy the magic while keeping your budget in check. Here are some of the best ways to save money at Walt Disney World!
Skip the Park Hopper
The Park Hopper option allows you to visit multiple parks in one day, but it comes at a high extra cost. With the time required for transportation between parks (and potentially additional transportation expenses), it may not be worth it. Instead, plan to spend a full day in each park to maximize your experience and savings. If you plan on spending a shorter day at the parks (like your day at Animal Kingdom), consider going to Disney Springs or to your hotel pool for the evening!
Consider Staying Onsite vs. Offsite
While staying offsite is usually cheaper, there are some trade-offs to consider:
Staying offsite means you’ll need to budget for transportation (rental car, gas, and/or Ubers/Lyfts) and parking costs ($30 per day for standard parking at the parks).
Staying onsite grants access to perks that can save time and money, such as Early Theme Park Entry (which allows you to beat the crowds by getting into the parks 30 minutes early and get on more rides without paying for Lightning Lanes).
If you’re a Marriott Bonvoy member or a travel credit card holder, you may redeem points for a stay at the Swan or Dolphin resorts, which offer Disney’s Deluxe Resort perks (like Extended Evening Hours) at a fraction of the cost of Disney’s own Deluxe Resorts.
Bring Your Own Souvenirs
Disney merchandise inside the parks comes with premium price tags. Save money by purchasing Disney-themed items before your trip. Some great options include:
Bubble wands
Mickey ears
Plushies
Autograph books
Glow sticks (for nighttime shows)
Buying these in advance at stores like Target, Walmart, or even online can save you significant money while still delighting your kids.
Bring Your Own Water Bottles
Stay hydrated without paying $4-$5 per bottle by bringing a reusable water bottle. You can fill it up for FREE at any soda fountain or request complimentary ice water at any quick-service restaurant. If you prefer filtered water, many water fountains now have bottle-filling stations, or consider getting a filtered water bottle (like a Brita water bottle).
Get and Use Rewards/Discounts
There are many ways to save through discounts and rewards programs:
Disney Visa Cardholders (even debit cardholders) may be eligible for discounts on merchandise and dining.
D23 Members, Annual Passholders, and Disney Vacation Club (DVC) Members can receive special discounts on food, merchandise, and select experiences.
Credit Card Points: If you have travel credit cards like Chase Sapphire Preferred, American Express Platinum, or Marriott Bonvoy, you can redeem points for flights, hotels (even onsite hotels like the Swan and Dolphin), and even statement credits for travel expenses.
Opt for Quick Service Meals When You Can
Quick service meals are always going to be faster and cheaper than sit-down meals. Plus, you may be able to mobile order and automatically apply any discounts you have. Sometimes the kid portions are more than enough for an adult meal too, so at QSRs, you can get a kids meal for cheap! If you're set on doing a sit-down meal, opt for breakfast, as it is almost always cheaper than lunch/dinner.
Bring Plastic Bags to Store Leftovers
Many Disney meals and snacks come in large portions, and you may not finish everything in one sitting. Bring plastic bags to save and store leftovers so you can snack later instead of buying more food.
Do a Grocery Order Before You Hit the Parks
Before you arrive at Disney, place a grocery order for essentials like:
Sunscreen
Water
Snacks
Cooling towels
Breakfast items
This will save you a ton of money compared to buying these items in the parks or at Disney resort gift shops.
Use a Travel Agent to Save!
A travel agent can help you save money by:
Applying new Disney deals and discounts to your trip as they are released.
Finding the right resort or hotel for your budget and travel style.
Creating a personalized park plan to maximize your time and minimize unnecessary spending.
Providing tips and tricks that help you avoid costly mistakes.
Since travel agents specializing in Disney don’t charge you extra, using their services is a smart way to ensure you’re getting the best deal possible!
Skip the Disney Dining Plan (Even When It’s ‘Free’)
While the Disney Dining Plan might seem convenient, it’s rarely a money-saver unless you are very strategic about how you use it. Even when Disney offers a “free” dining plan promotion, there are usually better discount deals available, like room discounts or package savings. If you prefer flexibility and want to control your spending, skip the Dining Plan and pay out of pocket for meals.
Final Thoughts
A Disney vacation doesn’t have to break the bank. By making smart choices on tickets, accommodations, souvenirs, and dining, you can save hundreds of dollars while still having an amazing time. Plan ahead, use discounts, and focus on what truly makes the experience magical!
What are your best money-saving tips for Walt Disney World? Let us know in the comments!
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