Not all of us can splurge during our Disney Trips. We have to find ways to pinch pennies and make it work. This doesn't mean sacrificing on the fun, but it does mean a little more planning is necessary. I've compiled a few budget friendly tips to make it a little easier.
Food:
- If you have a car, stop at a grocery store and pick up easy breakfast items like fruit or granola bars. This can save you money (and time!) before heading into the parks. Most rooms have a mini-fridge if you wanted to buy milk or any other cold items.
- If you don't have a car, you can attempt grocery delivery, or bring non-perishables in your luggage.
- Stick to quick-service meals. Table service can be pretty expensive.
- When dining at quick-service restaurants, almost anything can be ordered a la carte. Don't need those fries with your burger? No problem! Just order the burger and the cost of the fries will be deducted.
- Water is expensive. Again you can buy your own and bring it in, or ask for free ice water at any of the quick-service locations (the kiosks won't be able to give you this)
- I don't suggest leaving the property to find food elsewhere if you are already at the parks. This will take away from the money you spent on admission and will take much longer than you think. If you are already staying offsite, then go for it!
Souvenirs and other purchases:
- If you have kiddos who would like to purchase a souvenir, wait until the last day to buy something. Otherwise they will see something else that they liked better and bug you about buying item #2 (or 3 or 4...). I like saving the last day for Disney Springs where I can shop at World of Disney.
- Again for those who have cars. There is a Disney Outlet that is relatively close to WDW. Here you can find Disney items at discounted prices.
- When the sun goes down, out come the glowing toys. Combat the little ones' desire for these by bringing some glow sticks. Bonus points if you bring the ones that can be worn as a necklace or the glow-stick wands for the little princesses.
- If you go in the summer, rain is inevitable. Bring ponchos from home if you already have them or head to the dollar store and buy a few to bring with you. Much cheaper than buying them at the parks, and much lighter than carrying an umbrella.
Overall:
Off-site hotels and vacation rentals are usually the better value for tight budgets. This isn't always the case. Do keep in mind the price of on-site resort parking, and theme park parking when comparing costs (unless your off-site hotel has a shuttle). As of the date of this post, theme park parking is higher than resort parking.