Save or splurge: Disney edition

Right, let’s talk money and Disney - two things that usually don’t get along! We’ve recently come back from our trip and I’ve had so many messages asking what’s worth spending on, and what’s totally worth saving on. So here’s my honest roundup of where I’d splurge vs save!

Park tickets - Splurge!

If you can stretch to it, 100% try and get the Park Hopper tickets. Being able to go between parks means you can have so much flexibility, which is especially good with kids. Click here to go via the same brand we did to get the best deals on Disney tickets!

Flights - Splurge!

We tried to save here and… lesson learnt. We flew into Miami instead of Orlando because it was cheaper, but after a 9-hour flight and an hour in immigration, the 4-hour drive was hell. For the extra £400 it would have cost us to fly straight to Orlando - I’d do it in a heartbeat next time!

Disney merch - Save!

I know it’s tempting in the gift shops to get Mickey ears, T-shirts and mugs but the prices are eye-watering. Instead I bought the kids Disney bits from Primark before we went and Walmart when we got there, and it meant we all still felt the magic without having to break the bank!

Disney store - One splurge!

That said, I’m not completely mean! We did let the kids pick one toy each from the shop at the end of the trip. It made it special and because they knew they were only getting one, there was no tantrums along the way and it really made them think about their decision and pick a special one.

Pram hire - Save!

If you’ve got little ones, definitely take a stroller. Most airlines will let you take one for free and you’ll save an absolute fortune on hiring one in the parks. Plus, it’s comfier for the kids as it’s familiar. 

Food in the parks - Splurge!

Food in the parks is expensive, but it’s actually really nice. My top recommendation would be the cheeseburger spring rolls in Magic Kingdom. Honestly, they were worth every penny. That said we did keep it sensible by only eating one meal in the parks each day and having the other in our self-catering villa.

Parking - Save!

Disney parking is $30 a day but there are ways around it. We sometimes parked at Blizzard Beach and used the free Disney transport to get to other parks. Just be aware if you’re wanting to stay late I’d recommend parking at Disney Springs.  

Drinks - Save!

We took refillable water bottles and asked for ice cold water at the quick service counters. It’s free, and with the Florida heat you’ll get through gallons so it’ll save you a fortune!

Lightning lanes - Save! 

If your kids are still little and aren’t bothered about the big rides, I’d skip the lightning lane passes. I think they’d be a great splurge for thrill-seekers but the rides that my kids were bothered about barely had a wait time. And personally, I just couldn’t justify paying extra after already spending so much on the tickets. 

Overall, Disney doesn’t have to completely drain your bank account - it’s all about knowing where to splurge out for memories you’ll treasure forever and where to save so you’ve got money for the next trip! I hope you’ve found this helpful!

The Budgeting Mum

Hi, I’m Beth, aka the Budgeting Mum! Like many families, my family and I have felt the financial pinch since becoming parents.

One thing I'm incredibly passionate about is affordable family travel and truly believe that you can explore the world with children in tow, no matter your budget. So, if you’re tightening your purse strings, looking for money-saving advice for families and bargain deals, follow along for more! 

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