JHVEPhoto/Getty Images
Commitment to our readers
The GOBankingRates editorial team is committed to providing you with unbiased reviews and information. We use data-driven methods to evaluate financial products and services – our reviews and ratings are not influenced by advertisers. You can read more about our editorial guidelines and our review methodology for products and services.
20 years
Helping you become richer
trusted by
millions of readers
If you’re planning a trip to a Disney park or anywhere in the Wonderful World of Disney Resorts, you’re probably wondering about how you can save some money.
“Unfortunately, Disney World is not known as a cheap destination, and no matter how you cut it, you’re going to spend a lot of money,” said former Disney World member Billy Wasmer.
Still, she has some insider tips to help you save money on magic. Before you choose your time to visit, book your hotel room or even apply for a Disney Visa, make sure you check out what Wasmer had to say. She may be able to make your next trip to the park more affordable than you think.
1. Download the My Disney Experience App
First, Wasmer recommends downloading the My Disney Experience app. Although it won’t save you money, she said the app can help you stay organized when it comes to Disney resort hotel bookings, park admission tickets, parking tickets, and meal planning, which can ultimately save you money.
2. Visit during off-peak times
If you’re thinking of going to Disney during Thanksgiving, Christmas, Spring Break or the summer because your kids will be out of school, think again if you’re trying to keep costs down. Disney uses dynamic ticket pricing, meaning admission tickets cost more during the most popular times of year to visit.
“The best time to go is off-peak. Anytime the kids are in school is a good time to go because there will be less people and prices will be lower,” Wassmer said.
3. Book as far in advance as possible
It’s always a good idea to plan in advance when visiting a Disney park.
“The more in advance you book things like restaurants, the better off you will be,” Wassmer said. “Don’t wait. If you buy your tickets in advance, you may be able to get a special discount.”
Wasmer also recommended checking the Disney website for special deals and discounts.
4. Stay at a Value Resort
Wasmer explained that there are different levels of Disney resort hotels: value, moderate and deluxe. He said value resorts are the cheapest, but all booked tiers provide guests with an extra half-hour of time inside the park each day before the official opening time.
Having this special time at the park will give you early access to rides that typically have long wait times. If you were planning on purchasing the Lightning Lane Pass which allows access to expedited queues for rides then this can help you save money.
Wasmer also noted that Disney Deluxe Resorts, the most expensive level of resort accommodations, have the added benefit of extended evening hours inside the park after closing time. However, she explained that paying for deluxe accommodations to get extra time off in the evening may not be worth it, and you should consider the decision instead of spending the extra money for the Lightning Lane multi-pass.
5. Opt to stay away from the property
“Another way to save money is to not live on property,” Wassmer said. “The problem with that is not being able to take advantage of transportation to the park.”
If transportation isn’t a big deal, check out Hotwire’s Hot Rates and Priceline’s Express Deals for discounted rooms near Walt Disney World or Disneyland. If you’re willing to make a reservation without knowing the name of the hotel, you can find great deals on both sites. Star rating and general location are disclosed before booking.
6. Avoid eating food in the park
If you’re staying on Disney property, Wasmer said you can plan to eat one to two meals at your resort or hotel to save money.
He suggested that at noon, consider taking a break and going back to your hotel to have lunch instead of purchasing food at the park. She also said that some hotel accommodations have mini fridges that you can stock with prepared or easy-to-prepare foods.
According to the Disney website, you can also bring your own food and drinks into the park for consumption: “Guests are permitted to bring outside food and non-alcohol beverages into the park for their own consumption, provided they are not in glass containers, do not require heating, reheating, processing, refrigeration or temperature control and do not have a strong odor.”
However, Disney does have restrictions regarding backpacks, bags, coolers, and ice: “Suitcases, bags, coolers or backpacks, with or without wheels, larger than 24″ long x 15″ wide x 18″ high are not allowed in any theme park or water park. Loose or dry ice is not allowed in these containers. Reusable ice packs are recommended.”
7. Take advantage of water fountains
Both Disney World and Disneyland have several water refill stations throughout the parks. Wasmer explained that these fountains allow you to refill your own water bottle for free instead of spending $4 or more on multiple water bottles – or other more expensive beverages. This will ultimately save you a lot in the long run, especially during the warmer months of the year.
8. Choose quick-service over full-service
If you’re planning to eat at the park, Wasmer said you can save money by choosing quick-service food options instead of table-service options. “Not only will you save money, but you’ll also be able to split or share meals,” she said.
This tip may be especially helpful if your children don’t eat much.
Wasmer also suggests using the My Disney Experience app to view menus for these cheaper quick-service dining options. This can help you plan where to eat, find your favorite options, and save as much money as possible.
9. Consider a meal plan if you’re staying at the park all day
If food is a priority and people in your party want to eat all (or most) of their meals and snacks in the park, you may want to consider purchasing a meal plan, Wasmer said. Meal planning can save you money if you plan to purchase different meals and snacks throughout the day while you visit the park.
The Dining Plan comes with a resort-refillable mug for each person in your party ages 3 and up. Although you cannot use these mugs for refills in the parks, they are eligible for refills from the self-service beverage isles at any Disney Resort hotel quick-service location. If there are people in your party who are reluctant to drink just water, this can be a big savings.
Caitlin Moorehead contributed reporting to this article.