A Dozen Ways To Do Disney World On A Budget

For some, Disney World is a once in a lifetime trip. For others, (like me) a regular trip to Walt Disney World is as much a necessity as eating, drinking and breathing. But how can people afford to go on a regular basis? Or at all, with a limited budget?

1. Store promotion discounts – We signed up for a Target Debit card. We get 5% discount on all of our purchases, and that includes Disney gift cards. It all comes directly out of our checking account, just like a regular debit card. Other chain grocery and warehouse stores will often offer limited discounts on Disney cards or VISA gift cards. Watch for these specials and stock up. You can pay for your room, meals, tickets, trip packages and souvenirs with discounted gift cards.

2. Speaking of cards, get a Disney Visa card. Make purchases that you can afford to pay off each month and you’ll earn Disney dollars for every dollar you spend. You can use your Disney dollars for just about anything from meals to souvenirs to Mickey bars. Since it’s “free” money, we use ours for a splurge. We’ll try a pricier sit-down dining experience like California Grill or get tickets to Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party. One year, we did the charter fishing experience – unforgettable!

3. It all depends on WHEN  you go. The most expensive time of year to go is during the Christmas holidays. If following a school calendar is not an issue, try just after Labor Day or late January. Where you stay can matter, too. Click here for a great explanation and a current 2015 list to help make your decision if you’d like to stay on-property.

4. And then, there is the good, old-fashioned change jar. Every time you break a dollar, the change goes in the jar. I’ve been known to put my ones in there, too. If I find money, whether it’s a five or a twenty, crumpled up in my coat pocket, I put it in the jar. Any money that’s forgotten and then found, goes into the jar. It all adds up and any way that I can make it add up faster is a good thing!

5. To encourage myself not to eat out too much for lunch or pick up a $4 coffee drink after I dropped the kids off at school, I think of my Disney change jar. Every time I resisted temptation, I put the amount I would have spent into the jar. Boy, did that add up quickly. When I realized just how quickly, it only snowballed after that. Hmmmm, pricey coffee drink or a trip to Disney? That’s a no-brainer.

6. Your tax-refund is a “forced” savings windfall. I almost hesitate to mention it, because it is your money, not necessarily a budgetary savings. But it is a way to save for a trip.

7. Yard sales and consignment stores. You’re getting rid of stuff you don’t use. Other people are purchasing recycled materials rather than buying brand new. And the sales put extra money in your Disney savings account. It’s a win-win-win.

8. Eat breakfast in your room. We pack granola bars, dry cereal, paper bowls and plastic spoons. We buy a little milk, yogurt and fresh fruit once we arrive. Breakfast in your room saves time and money!

9. You can also bring food into the parks. Pack your own snacks (pretzels, fruit, crackers and cheese) and peanut butter and jelly sandwiches. With the bulk of your lunch carried in you can “splurge” on a soda or Dole Whip Float to wash it all down. Or…..

10. BYOW – Bring Your Own Water! We do this every trip. At least a case. We freeze some, keep others at room temp, and everyone grabs one on the way out the door.

11. Sit down eateries can be expensive. Counter service is your best bet and with the amount of food with each entrée, sharing is do-able. If you are craving a sit-down experience, do so at lunch. It’s less crowded, the menu options are nearly identical and the prices are much cheaper.

12. Try Undercover Tourist for your park tickets. Stay away from other third party sellers, like ebay and Craigslist. They try to sell you “unused” tickets but with Disney policy and finger scan, they won’t work. Undercover Tourist is a tried and true discount ticket company. The savings aren’t huge, but every little bit helps!

What’s your favorite way to do Disney on a budget?