7 ways to Save Money on Your Next Disney World Vacation
Disney World is truly a magical place like no other! With incredible ride technology, characters meet and greets, and over all guest experience. It’s no secret that Walt Disney World(WDW) has become incredibly expensive for the average family. But did you know it doesn’t have to be? There are a few things that you can do to save hundreds, possibly thousands on your next trip! Here’s our top 6 ways to save.
Special Offers & Promotions
Throughout the year Disney will release promotions and special offers that could save you hundreds of dollars off your packages. Disney has also been known to offer free dining plans with select package during certain time of year. Currently the dining plans have yet to return to Walt Disney World, however we predict we should see them return sometime in 2022-2023. Disney has a current promotion that can save Disney+ subscribers up to 25% off their package! If you’re interested in learning more about this package please contact us.
A big perk of be a client of Wave of the Wand, is our On going Discount Monitoring. If you have booked a package with us, and Disney releases a new promotion that could be applied to your existing reservation, we will automatically contact Disney on your behalf and have those discounts applied! You will not have to worry about calling Disney and waiting in the astronomically long Disney call queues. This service can save you time(average of 3-6 hours on hold) and money! Click here to learn more about our free services.
Coronado Springs Resort
Where to Stay
Another way to save on your next vacation is to stay at a value or moderate resort. Yes, we know the deluxe resorts are amazing! They truly give an amazing experience and if you can afford them I highly recommend you do. But if you’re trying to save money you can save a lot by staying at a value or moderate resort. We’re talking 300+ more per night. Those dollars will add up quickly.
Say No to Park Hopper
Guests who purchased a ticket will be able to visit more than one park per day. After the COVID-19 re-opening park hopping has new added modification. Park Hopper hours will start at 2 PM each day and end at the park’s scheduled close time, depending upon park availability. Guests must make a Disney Park Pass reservation for the first park they plan to visit AND enter that first park prior to visiting another. At this time, a park reservation is not required after the first park, however, reservation requirements are subject to change.
It’s tempting to upgrade to the Park Hopper tickets, but if you aren’t going to Park Hop much or if you have several days(four or more) to visit the parks, it’s can be a big waste of money. The “small” cost of Park Hoppers does add up quickly! The average cost of the park hopper addition is $65.00 - $100.00 per ticket. Saying no to park hopping can absolutely stay the average family hundreds on their park stay.
When to go to WDW
Did you know that WDW resorts are on a date-based pricing system? Meaning when the parks are busy like during summer or holidays, the hotels and park tickets will be far more expensive that slower seasons. The most affordable times to go are certain dates in January, February, and September. I know this isn’t an option for some, but if you’re able to adjust your schedule it can really save you hundreds of dollars.
Rope Drop
Trust me, I know waking up super early on your vacation isn’t for everyone! But it could be a big benefit for your next vacation, here’s why. Recently WDW has release Genie+ and Individual Attraction Selection. You can find these options in the My Disney Experience app and they will allow you to pay to skip the stand-by lines. Disney Genie+ is $15 dollars per person per day, plus tax. The Individual Attraction Selections are your most popular attractions, and can range from $7-$15 per person per ride plus tax. These new features can save you time while in the parks. Especially with Rise of the Resistance located in Hollywood Studios. However, if you are staying in a Disney Resort you can take advantage of early park admission. You will be allowed into the park 30 minutes before the general public. This is very valuable time! If you rope drop(get to the park at park opening) you can knock out a several of the most popular attractions before the lines become long.
Rethink Dining in the Parks
I know you may hear your friends and family say you have to go to Chef Mickey’s, Be Our Guest, and Space 220. And they are wonderful options for some, but not all. The restaurants listed are very immersive experiences and often offer good food. The average cost of these restaurants can range from $55-$70 per adult, $25-$40 per child. Table-service dining can be very expensive and you’ll also have the additional cost of gratuity. Choosing Table service each night can burn a hole in the wallet quickly. Also a thing to note, if you for some reason miss your reservation you will be charged a no show fee of $10 per person.
When trying to save money try eating at quick service locations. Most Table service locations often have a quick service location as well. Quick service location offer a wide assortment of food for all types of tastes and dietary needs. Yes there are some with burgers, chicken tenders, and normal theme park food. There are some locations offer tasty and unique options. Like
Satu'li Canteen located in Animal Kingdom, or Pecos Bill Tall Tale Inn and Cafe in Magic Kingdom.
Tips:
If you’re a light eater dining at a quick service location, order a kids portion or share the portions with your travel party.
Sometimes you can save money by omitting items. For example, if you order a chicken sandwich and you do not want the fries, ask if removing them would lessen the cost. This does not always work, but worth a try if you’re not planning on eating a certain item.
Decline souvenir cups and glow cubes with select beverages. These do make the drinks look beautiful but if you ask to remove these, you can save an average of 7-15 dollars pre drink.
Some snacks can easily be a meal. Do your research and find snacks that can feed multiple people! for example the fried rice at Yak & Yeti quick service is a great portion size.
Use a Travel Advisor
One common misconception is that booking a Disney vacation through a travel agent is more expensive than booking direct. This is simply incorrect. The price you pay for a Disney vacation package, regardless of where it is booked, is the same across the board. However, booking your vacation with a Disney travel agent can at times save you money. Here’s how.
Disney often releases highly sought after travel discounts throughout the year. The most popular discount is always the Free Dining offer that has been typically offered for guests traveling during the months of August, September, November and December. Other discounts offered throughout the year include Room Only discounts (up to 25% off) as well as the Play, Stay, Dine & Save discount offered in the Spring.
If you book your package before the discount is released, you can still take advantage of the deal. If applicable, your travel agent will apply the discount to your package as soon as the promotion is released. You do not have to do anything.
There’s no need to search the blogs or Disney’s site for discount offers, as your agent will monitor this for you. You do not have to call Disney to apply the promotion when it is released; your agent will do this for you. Sometimes this process can take hours on the phone. Hours that your agent is on hold instead of YOU.
Here at Wave of the Wand Travel, we love waving our wands and making magic happen for our clients! We offer personalized one-on-one service. No matter your budget, party size, or special needs, your travels should always feel like a vacation. We do what we can to make sure your trip is not only magical, but makes sense for you and your budget. We personalize your trip to fit your travel style with itineraries that accommodate your must do’s, dining options that suit your travel party’s tastes and dietary needs, and assist with park app preparation and training. Every vacation is unique and tailored just for you.
Our Travel Advisor takes away the stress of planning a Disney vacation and is there for you every step of the way. Our Certified Travel Advisor Angel specializes in Disney and Universal travel. She is a huge Disney fan with extensive knowledge on Disney World. She helps guide our clients along the way with personalized advice, tips, customized itineraries, resort booking, advanced dining reservations, My Disney Experience app training and set-up, and as mentioned on-going discount monitoring. Spend your time focusing on fun, not efficiency. We do it all at no cost to you. That’s right, it’s 100% free.
If you're interested in staying up to date on the latest park news and tips & tricks, consider following us on social medial and subscribing to our newsletter. As always, we hope this information helps you during your visit to the most magical place on Earth. Stay magical friends!
