10 Disney World tips and tricks for families on a budget
If there’s one thing I’ve learnt after going to Disney World it’s that Disney doesn’t have to break the bank if you plan smart! Here’s my round up of tried-and-tested tips that saved us loads - without missing out on the magic!
Before you go
Set your budget early - work out exactly what you want to spend on food, souvenirs and extras so you can enjoy the magic without stressing over a purchase! It will give you something to stick to.
Shop smart for Disney merch - Disney merch in the parks is beautiful but expensive. Before you go, head to Primark or if you’re already there, go to Walmart for clothes, mugs, toys, autograph books and even photo books as it’s so much cheaper. We got some t-shirts for under $10 each compared to $30+ in the parks.
Pack a good water bottle - Florida is hot, and buying bottled water in the parks adds up quickly. An insulated bottle that keeps your bottle cold all day is a must bring and you can refill it for free at most quick-serve spots! This saves roughly $16 a day for a family of four!
Take your own buggy - most airlines let you check a buggy in for free, and Disney’s buggy hire prices are eye-watering. However, the parks are huge, so even if your kids don’t use one much at home, it’s worth bringing one to avoid tired legs and potential meltdowns! Taking your own buggy will save roughly $30 a day in hire fees!
Once you’re there
Don’t skip the waterparks - especially if you’ve got park hopper tickets as you have both Blizzard Beach and Typhoon Lagoon included! I got my tickets at Attraction Tickets and would highly recommend!
Use Blizzard Beach as your free parking hub - if your ticket includes waterparks (which most park hopper tickets do) start your day at Blizzard Beach. Parking is free from there and you can hop straight onto Disney’s free buses and skyliners to any other park without paying a penny! If you do this everyday on a two week holiday you’d save around $430! I’ve got a full video on this hack here. However it is worth noting that this wouldn’t work if you wanted to stay late in any of the parks - you’d need to park in Disney Springs if you wanted to do that. Parking in Blizzard Beach hack might add a bit of time to your day but even the car parks at the main park, make you get a tram to the entrance so I think it’s worth it for the extra savings.
Make use of Epcot - if you want a calmer day in Disney and shorter queue times for character meets, Epcot is the best place! They often have more than one character in the same line too so it’s a double win!
In the parks:
Play games in the queues - we all know that queues are a huge part of Disney - but they don’t have to be boring. I used this Heads Up app on my phone with the kids (it’s like charades) and it was perfect for keeping the kids (and me!) entertained!
Stay cool and comfortable - Florida heat can be intense, especially for the kids. A cooling towel, misting fan, or neck fan bought beforehand will save you a small fortune compared to buying in the parks. If you buy a fan online for under $10 it saves you paying $30 in Disney for one!
Download the My Disney experience app - this free app gives you all the info you need on ride wait times, food ordering, finding toilets, and character meets! It saves so much wandering time and keeps everyone happier!
Overall, a Disney holiday is so magical but with a bit of planning it doesn’t have to cost a bomb! By following a few of these tips you can save loads and still have the trip of a lifetime.
