If you are like us, we make several trips to Disney World each year. I get it, some people hate the theme park, but I love it. Maybe it is the Disney magic. But for me, it’s a special place we shared as a family with our son before he was legally our forever son. It makes me happy. Disney makes me smile and feel like a child.
We have been around 14 times over the last 4 years and we are heading back in just a few weeks! I wanted to offer some tips and some ways to save money!
Annual Passholders: if you plan on making 2 trips 4 days or longer, consider investing in annual passes. Not only do you save 10%-20% at most stores and restaurants, but you get discounted hotel rates (we have stayed in a Savannah view room at the Animal Kingdom for around $200 a night).
You also get the photo pass/memory maker included. So let the Disney photographers take all of your photos so you can be IN the photos! And you get the classic photos from the rides!
Take food: Yes! Take your snacks and food into the parks. My kid eats a pb&j for 7 out of 10 meals… so I am not spending $8 on a Smuckers Uncrustable sandwich at the park. I take bread, peanut butter, preserves, and baggies to pack his lunch. Grapes, goldfish and other little treats are often food choices! Your room on property will have a mini fridge.
Free water: Walk up to any quick serve restaurant with a soda fountain and request a cup of water. It’s free and they’re happy to oblige.
I take little crystal light water enhancers because sometimes the water at Disney has a funny taste… and sugar free lemonade is great positive reinforcement (aka bribe) for my kiddo. Oh, Disney has those paper straws that dissolve and fall apart, so take your metal straws in a bag. Trust me.
Popcorn bucket: If you and your little ones are popcorn fans, but the refillable popcorn bucket at any popcorn stand in the parks! The bucket is around $11 (comes filled the first time) and refills are $2. If you were to buy a regular popcorn, it will set you back around $4.50. The bucket is valid for your stay. So 2.5 popcorn buckets in and you are saving money.
Enjoy the Disney Treats: Enjoy the carrot cake cookie at Hollywood Studios and the churro at Magic Kingdom, but take some protein bars to cut down on the snacks. Plus, if you eat a lot of sugary delicious snacks, you are more likely to get sleepy after the sugar rush.
Glow in the dark toys and gadgets: the glow in the dark lights, necklaces, and gadgets look so fun at the park, but they’re crazy expensive. I always go to the dollar tree and stock up on glow sticks, light up sticks, and Disney themed goodies to give to our son throughout the trip. He could careless that his glow stick necklace cost $1 rather than $18.
Jedi Training at Hollywood Studios: do it! Head to the line over near Indiana Jones and sign up for a time. The line may look long but it moves fast. You get your time and then enjoy the lark until your reserved time. You know that photo pass that’s included with the annual passes? It comes In handy because the Disney photographers always get great pictures. Your little Jedi must be at least 4 years old, but Kell does this every trip. He loves it.
Oh, and use a Disney Vacation Planner. It doesn’t cost you anything extra and it is nice having a go to person to help with reservations or any issues on your trip! There are many local people here, but we have always used Nikki Burch with Key to the World Travel and 14 trips in for us, 10+ for my parents, she has made each on magical! I can not recommend her enough! Here is her info: 812.617.0364 or email [email protected].
Stay tuned for more tips!
