Disney 3 Day Vacation Deals
A Disney World trip doesn’t have to break the bank. We have some tips from our experience on how to save money on a Disney world trip.
- Get a Disney World Vacation Package
Bundling your Disney tickets and hotel stay will make for your first savings.
2. Stay off-site.
There are a multitude of resorts and hotels in the Disney area that cater especially to Disney vacationers. You can save money by staying off-site. Some hotels include transportation to and from Disney. At other hotels, you’ll need to factor in the cost of a taxi or ride service like Uber or Lyft. There’s also the possibility of taking the bus.
3. Visit during off-season.
If you are able to visit Disney World while kids are normally in school, this can save you up to 25% on the cost of your Disney tickets, whether included in a package or bought separately. If you’re on a budget, see our article on the cheapest times to visit Disney for tips on when you can save. The cheapest times of the year are generally late January to early March, August through November and early December.
4. Plan your meals.
Skip the Disney meal plans and instead, plan you meals to save money.
- Some Disney vacation packages include hotels that offer free, continental breakfast.
- Make a grocery stop to save money on food. You can pack your own snacks and meals at Disney! They cannot be in a glass container, and you won’t be able to reheat them, but this is one way you can save money.
- In the evenings, prepare dinner or order a tasty affordable option like pizza from one of Orlando’s many excellent pizzerias.
5. Buy Disney souvenirs off-site.
You can find great souvenir shops near Disney world where you can get Disney themed souvenirs for a fraction of the cost. If you want official Disney items, you should definitely save up and make the investment on official Disney gear that you can buy at the park. However, if you’re looking to save money in this area, check out the dollar stores and Wal-Mart close to Disney for inexpensive Disney themed items, which make great gifts for loved ones back home or souvenirs for your own memorabilia.
6. Start saving early.
If you follow all of these steps, you have the secret to the most affordable Disney vacation ever. That being said, sometimes convenience is worth the price. If you would like to spring for that tasty food inside the park and avoid grocery shopping, start saving early for your Disney trip to afford yourself a few more treats.
Disney on a Budget FAQ’s
Yes, you can bring plastic or metal cups, mugs, and water bottles into the park. They may check them for alcohol at the gate, which is prohibited. You can refill your water bottle at the fountains inside the park.
For a family of four, you will need minimum $150 per day if you are purchasing all of your meals and snacks in the park. If you plan to do budget traveling and bring some or all of your food with you, you can get away with less. We recommend keeping at least $50 per day on you for emergencies even if you have packed your food and do not plan to buy souvenirs.
If you have items that you’ll need to carry for kids or your own valuables, then yes, it is recommended to bring a backpack to Disney World. Your backpack should be small enough that you can comfortably sit with it next to you on the rides. Keep in mind that you should not leave anything in a stroller at Disney that you are not willing and able to lose permanently. Carrying a backpack is a great way to protect your valuables.
Items that you cannot bring to Disney include:
- alcohol
- glass containers,
- weapons, toys that look like weapons, and fireworkds
- motorized toys and skateboards
- strollers larger than 31” (79 cm) by 52” (132 cm)
- suitcases or duffle bags larger than 24” x 15” x 18” (61 x 38 x 46 cm)
- selfie sticks
- folding chairs
- balloons (in some parks)
- plastic straws (in some parks).
For a full list of prohibited items, see Disney’s Park Rules.
Disney World 3 Day Vacation Packages
Our Disney World 3 Day Vacation Packages are on sale! We are experts in Disney vacations on a budget. Choose a complete package with Disney tickets and a resort stay. Book your Disney vacation package today.