Money Saving Secrets to Save at Disney World (That Disney Doesn’t Want You to Know)

Check out these tips to save some serious cash while visiting “The Happiest Place on Earth,” Disney World! We have personally used every one of these money-saving opportunities and we would love to share them with you to save on your next trip.

This can save you some big bucks. Those who belong to certain organizations could be entitled to Disney-related discounts on purchases like resorts, tickets, in-store items, and much more. Companies like AAA, Disney’s Premier Visa, Florida residents, and military discounts just to name a few.

Packing the basics or essentials is key to saving some serious cash at Disney world. Though we know it may be hard to fit those items all in your luggage, always being prepared is going to save you some big money. Disney conveniently our necessities located at the theme parks, resorts, and stores but for some serious knock-up prices. Listen we know it’s going to rain in Florida like clockwork almost every afternoon, bring a poncho. Purchasing one at Disney for $20 compared to buying one for a dollar and for everyone in your party will cost you. Make sure you bring those band-aids, snacks, and an extra water bottle, just to name a few items before you spend your entire budget the first day you arrive.

So, you just arrived, and you already got sticker shock just walking into the resort’s shop. You need some basics and some snacks but don’t want to buy overpriced items there. Well, don’t!!! you can buy items at Walmart, Gooding’s Supermarket, Winn-Dixie, and Publix just to name a few. Most will of them have convenient apps to order online and can bring it to you that very day, depending on the time you ordered.

Another cool factor is that Disney merchandise is there too and a lot cheaper than at the theme parks. We love to hit up one of the local Walmart’s for souvenirs and Disney-related items. Saves us a lot of money!

This could be a complete game-changer; Disney has a few locations where guests can get their hands on some cool freebies and save on souvenirs. You can get free buttons that are personalized, or even travel around Epcot and receive some cool stamps from the countries that they provided, or even around Animal Kingdom and get a cool activity book with stickers from the movie UP! One of our favorites is again, at Epcot, you can taste some free samples of Coca-Cola products from around the world at Club Cool.

It can get hot in Florida and paying $4 for a bottle of water at Disney is outrageous. If you are running low on your water bottle or just forget to bring one, we have a tip for saving you money. Most quick-service locations throughout the parks give away free cups of ice water and yes, with ice. This can be so refreshing. We also save money when we purchase our meals and get a free cup of water to cut down on meal prices.

Staying at a Disney Springs area hotel can save you money compared to Disney Resorts but keep you inside the Disney bubble. Additionally, these hotels feature the same perks and benefits as staying on Disney property but a bonus next to Disney Springs. In the past we have saved over $3,000 just in staying at a Good Neighborhood Resort.

Disney World is a popular vacation destination spot year-round, but there are particular times throughout the year when they are especially popular and overcrowded. Times like spring break, holidays, and Disney annual events like the International Food and Wine Festival or RunDisney events, just to name a few. These make the theme parks crowded and lower your chances to get into the parks, high wait times, and reservations booked. Check Disney’s calendar of events on their website, this can help you plan for larger crowds.

Planning a resort day can save you money from being at the parks and give you a leisure day. You can choose to spend time at your resort pool and view the Disney resorts and all their spender or go to Disney Springs. Disney Springs offers a lot of food and entertainment. Which you can do on a budget, plus it is free to get into Disney Springs.

Disney dining plans are a convenient and flexible way to enjoy meals and snacks at many of the restaurants and food service locations at Walt Disney World Resort. Dining plans are included in some Disney Resort Hotel Packages. Currently, the dining plan is unavailable, although Disney has said it expects to bring it back soon. Disney Springs Area Hotels also offer a dining card and is currently active today.

First, let me say, this can not be done at Disney’s buffets and table service restaurants, but you can share a snack or buy a kid’s meal at any quick-service locations. We do this often, because Disney meals are quite large, and kid’s meals also come with a small drink which some adult meals don’t. Another perk is we can buy snacks and split them in half, each getting a bit of everything. Have you seen those Mickey pretzels? It’s great for those who want to try every popular Disney snack or meal like the Churros, pretzels, egg rolls, ice cream treats, and so on.  

Paying for meals and snacks throughout the day in the parks can get expensive quickly, but options on the kid’s menus do tend to be a bit cheaper at Disney’s restaurants and if you don’t have the appetite, you will be full and save a few bucks in the long run.

You could save about 5 to 7% by paying for purchases with Disney gift cards. That could be hundreds of dollars saved on your Disney vacation. Disney gift cards can be purchased for a discount at Target, Sam’s Club, or Costco to name a few. They even can be purchased online and combined into one card for easy use.

Carrying the cards is safer than bringing your credit cards or cash and can be viewed on the Disney app for your balance and purchases. Gift cards can be used in many places around Disney world.

Even though Disney resorts and theme parks offer free shuttles to and from the parks, paying to get around to other spots in the area can get costly for guests who don’t bring cars with them. On the other hand, bringing your car can cost more on toll roads and additional costs for parking at all Disney Resorts. Popular rideshare apps like Uber or Lyft, offer considerably cheaper deals than some taxicab companies, but it will depend on the time you use them. You can get a ride share to Walmart and back to the resort for $6 in the afternoon but closer to nighttime it will cost triple that amount. Use your time wisely.

When it comes to Disney you can spend an overabundance amount of time planning each and every step just to avoid overspending. The best tips for making the most out of your money on a Disney vacation really depends on your family and how you choose to spend your time. Research your trip and plan according to your time and family. You can find cost-effective ways to make your trip special and not go over budget. Take advantage of Disney services like the Disney Genie app, which can let you manage your day better and inform you about the dining reservations, wait times for rides, closing, and much more. Whether this is your first trip or your 30th trip we are glad to share these tips with you. Any other tips we left out? Let’s know!