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Get yourself a copy of Affordable
Disney for loads of great money saving tips.
If you are calling another
Disney Resort or restaurant from a Disney Resort, instead of dialing
the number, direct dial 0 & ask to be connected to the number
you require. This will save you the cost of a local call.
If you've returned any
items you've bought in WDW for a refund during your stay, and the
refund has been credited back to your room card, check your statement
to make sure they've been credited back. And always keep hold of
your receipts, you may need them for proof if there are any mistakes.
Do you really need to
rent a car? Particularly if you're staying at a WDW Resort, transport
is free. The occasional use of a taxi works out a lot cheaper than
renting a car.
Once you know you're going
to WDW, put some money aside each week and use it to buy Disney
Dollars from the Disney Store, which can then be spent anywhere
in WDW.
Pay your kids' pocket
money in Disney Dollars, which they can then use as spending money
at WDW.
Visit the Belz Outlet
Mall and Orlando Premium Outlets, where you'll find a Disney Character
Warehouse, which sells official Disney merchandise at large discounts.
Buy all or most of your
souvenirs at the World of Disney Store at Downtown Disney Marketplace,
where you can use your annual pass or Amex to get a discount.
Looking for cheap airfares
to Orlando? Check out
Delta. You can also earn frequent flyer miles with them, which
add up to free flights.
Get a Gold
Delta Skymiles Credit Card, with 10,000 bonus miles on your
first purchase, you're well on your way to free flights. Use the
credit card to pay for everything & you'll soon clock up the
miles.
Check out the Annual
Pass page for information on discounts offered.
Get an Entertainment
Book, which offers discounts on Orlando hotels & restaurants.
If you need to hire a
wheelchair at the parks, and are staying at a WDW Resort, ask about
hiring one from the resort instead - it's free! (you may have to
leave a deposit)
You don't have to spend
all your time in the parks, see our list of free
things to do at WDW,and save yourself some money!
Other
people's tips
"We ate at Crystal Palace twice last year, one time for lunch,
and once for dinner, a wonderful time. The food was practically
the same and it is a lot cheaper at lunch, $18 VS $22 for dinner,
schedule a "late lunch" and you will have a wonderful early dinner.
The Salmon is great."
Jamie
"dont buy soda in the park. get a 24 pack from publics and pack
a cooler. just keep it in your locker. also so your soda isnt hott,
go into resturants and ask for glasses of ice. oh and just get
a sub from publics to. you can buy food to snack on all day and
just have a cheap sub for lunch."
chelsea
"Almost everybody who visits Walt disney world cannot resist
buying souveniers. And face it, it's a little pricy. About 10 minutes
away from disney world, not sure which direction, is an outlet
mall called Belz. It's a huge outlet mall, and in it there are
2 disney closeout character stores. The prices are low and some
of the items are discontinued so buy, buy, buy and save, save,
save!"
"We stay at the campgrounds for big money savings. In the
morning I put our meal in the crockpot. We come "home"
around 4:00 and the meal is done. Then back to the park. A homemade
meal for a mom that is too tired to cook." (10/04)
"We are on our 3rd trip from the UK. We found booking our
flights and villa direct saved about 50% of our travel costs. We
eat at places like Sizzlers and Ponderosa for eat as much as you
like breakfast and dinner. Don't really need lunch after a big meal
like that and just bring snacks in to WDW for lunch. We also ensure
we bring water bottles in so we can fill up from water fountains
free. Also, we requested maps from the parks and also begged from
travelling friends so we can preplan our days out and the rides
and avoid too much back tracking and wasted energy." (10/04)
"We went to WDW in early August on a shoestring. We did stay
in the All Star Sports and saved quite a bit with the refillable
mugs. We would start our day with food brought on our trip or bought
"off campus" then would eat lunch in a park, but would
generally leave when the afternoon storms rolled through. That was
not only nap time for all, but put us in line perfectly for dinner
away from Disney. We not only came home under budget, but had the
time of our lives! Our boys still mention wanting to go every day
and they are 4yrs and 6yrs!"
"Instead of wasting about $6 per poncho at the park, my family
purchased basically the same ones, at a dollar store. When we left
for home, we could throw our ponchos out, not worrying about our
large investment in 'glorifyed garbage bags'." Julia from Sarnia.
"Sadly, It looks like the "Disney Club" membership
is closed! Disney doesn't offer it anymore (it was too good to be
true!) BUT... good news, the annual pass still offers great discounts.
Today, I compared prices. It is $423 for an eight day Park Hopper
Plus pass, and $531 for a Premium Year long Pass! WOW! Why not spend
just $100 more per person, and take next years vacation a week early.
If you are going to WDW with three people, that will save you close
to $1300! Plus you get 10% of merch in the huge Down Town Disney
store, 10% select places to eat, and special offers on hotel rates!
I highly recommend it!" Cassi
"I am in the process of getting everything ready for our WDW
trip. I have decided to take the breakfast items with us from home
-but had been told that milk was very expensive. I found a GREAT
alternative - there is an ultra prasturized milk called Parmalat.
You can buy it at WalMart it is located in the breakfast food aisle.
The shelf life is 6 months unopened and 10 days after opening. It
comes in square boxes that will lay flat and pack well. My husband,
son, nor myself can tell the difference between the boxed and dairy
case milk. The cost is $1.50 for 32 oz." BKC
"The All-stars, moderate, and deluxe resorts are cheaper during
the fall because the summer rush is over it get's as cheap as $49.00
a night." Derick
"When buying postcards try to see if they sell the park packs
, as they contain pictures of the main attractions in the park.
They contain about 8 postcards and cost about the price for 5 postcards!"
Hayley
"Frozen chocolate-covered bananas are a great start in the
morning when you're not hungry enough or can't afford a big breakfast."
-Chris Henry
" good place to buy Disney souviners is the Flea Market just
east of Old Town. We found many items that where a 1/3 of the cost
that where being sold on Disney site." Joe
"Like 'Rob' said, if you are a Disney-Aholic, DO invest in
the ANNUAL PASS. Travel Agents, Tour Operators & Satellite TV Travel
programmes never tell you about them! It's only about £30 dearer
than a 5 Day Hopper Plus Ticket (bought in the UK). The extras on
the Plus ticket are the water parks (not all are open all year)
and Pleasure Island (both with limited visits). If you want a pool,
your hotel or villa will have one to cool off in. If you want a
night out at Pleasure Island, use the discount tickets in the voucher
books you can pick up all over. The Annual Pass gives discount on
purchases at a number of Downtown Disney stores (usually listed
in the back of the pass, but if not sure just ask at a check out
before). So when in the parks, have a look around for items that
take your eye (don't buy) then check out at World Of Disney. They
have most of the park merchandise in this one store. This can save
quite a lot of $$ on your shopping trip. Also the Annual Pass allows
free parking in the WDW Parking Lots, $6 per day... more saving.
Just remember to book your return visit to WDW within 50 weeks of
your Annual Pass expiry date, the savings begin again...... and
entry to the 4 parks IS FREE! Another tip, to avoid any possible
queue for the Annual Pass at the ticket booths (there hardly ever
any, anyway)... Don't get on the free tram to the park from the
parking lot. Take a leisurely stroll to the park, it's not that
far and let's face it you'll be walking about all day anyway! Any
queues there are at the ticket booths are created by the 200 people
getting off the tram at the same time. Your walk will, if timed
right, will avoid the tram arrival. The visit to the ticket booth
is only once a year! catch the tram next time. Another benefit of
the Annual Pass is you don't feel you have to attend the parks for
every hour they are open."
"We pay our childrens allowance with Disney dollars, that
way they have their own money to spend and something to look forward
to. Also believe it or not the tooth fairy brings Disney dollars
as well at our house." Tracey S.
"We wanted to have quick breakfast stuff, drinks and snacks,
plastic bowls, etc. - instead of lugging them with us on the plane,
we shipped a box via UPS 4 days to the Resort to hold for us (we
called to make sure - no problem - allow about 4 days) - it was
a 50lb box and it only cost $23 to send. Better than carrying it
with you - we have enough to take! We then get a refrigerator, get
the milk and bread at the Resort and you are set to go! No telling
what it will save us - Spend y o ur money on other stuff!"
"We really enjoy all of the sit-down restaurants at Walt Disney
World, but they are way too expensive to eat at for all meals. To
save money but still enjoy the dining experiences, we go to the
local Wal-Mart and buy breakfast foods and individually packed snacks.
We eat breakfast in our resort and take the snacks to munch on during
the day at the parks. Then we eat our "dinner" early, around 4:00.
We still get the lunch price, usually, and because it is at an off
time, the restau r ants usually aren't as crowded."
"When buying a soft drink, ask for "no ice" and you will get
twice as much drink for your money, and the drink will still be
cold, as the dispenser keeps it chilled." Linda D, England
"When staying near or on Disney property, try not to buy gas
for rental cars right near there. They charge over .30 more than
anyone else (except near the air port). Try to find a station further
down the road. You'll be glad you did. Do the same when returning
the car. Also, don't buy groceries, supplies, etc. at places named
"Groceries" or "Supermarket". They charge way more than other places.
Down here in Orlando we have Publix and WalMarts like everyone else.
Remember that a t Disney, convienience costs a lot. You may know
this already, but I get so mad that these places feel they can charge
so much and usually get it!"
"Instead of spending an arm and a leg on shirts, hats or other
Disney logo stuff at the parks....go to the area Walmart, Target
or whatever discount store like that they have in Florida, and buy
them there for a fraction of the cost that you can get them for
in the parks." Carrie ~~ Chicago
"Take some bread then purchase a turkey leg in the parks add
some fries and you have a meal for 4 for under $10. If you time
share tour for tickets be determined not to buy since most time
shares offer far less than you will pay to get one. Also put the
time share presenter on notice of the time and what time you expect
to leave at the end of 90 minutes request your tickets."
"My family of six stayed at the Days Suites on Hwy 192 for
$55/night. We had a full kitchen, bedroom with 2 full beds and vanity
area, living area with murphy bed and a decent size bath. My husband
is an early bird and with the kithen he was able to cook my family
a full breakfast each morning. (of course we used paperplates, etc.)
We also packed 2 small coolers each day, one with drinks the oterh
with sandwiches and snacks. We placed these in the lockers each
morning and had a pic n ic later. This saved us a ton of money and
with a family of six we needed the savings. One more thing, I purchased
insulated cooler the size of a 20oz drink bottle before and we put
a water bottle in daily and refilled it for free at the parks."
"Last year we stayed 'off-site' in a very good hotel. We are
returning in June so I e-mailed the hotel to say that we are returning
guests and could be reserve a room. The hotel has replied saying
that as returning guests they are more than happy to charge us the
same room rate as last year - $10 per night less than this years
new prices! And I didn't even request this. If you find a hotel
you like, stick to it and you never know what they will offer!"
"Disney's Dining Experience get you 20% off all table service
meals and the food courts at the AllStar Resorts The cost is $55
to $60 but may only be for Florida residents."
"Bring drink mixes while in the parks. When kids get thirsty,
instead of paying a ton of money for drinks, fill a water bottle
with water from the drinking fountain and add mix!"
"We actually learned this one when we went to Disneyland.
The water is horrible there, too! We filled our ice bucket the night
before and accidentally let it melt. The water tasted much better
than the tap water!
The other one flies in the face of reason. Consider staying in an
on-site concierge room. We stayed at the Polynesian and we got our
money's worth from the food they serve at the lounge and then some.
We ate breakfast there and several lunches and dinners. We aren't
big eaters, so it hit the spot. The cooks also made special treats
for guests with special dietary needs. Plus, we could take all the
bottled water we wanted. And we loaded up on the candy goodies and
boxed cereal for the kids to snack on in the parks. Plus we had
a great view of the Magic Kingdom from our balcony."
"If you're planning to stay on-site, and you don't mind switching
hotels twice, I highly recommend staying at a non-Disney hotel the
first and last night of your visit. On the first morning when you
wake up, you can check-in early at your hotel and get your park
passes. The resort hotels will store your bags for you, or you can
keep them with you. Your passes are good as soon as you pick them
up, which means you can spend the day at the park of your choice
and actually move in to your room when you are through playing.
On the morning you check out of the resort, your passes are valid
until midnight. You get one more full day of playing, then you rest
up at your off-site hotel before heading home. I personally saved
nearly $400 on a 7 day vacation with this tactic, and I didn't lose
any park time.
One more note about joining the Disney Club before booking an on-site
vacation. I don't know if the price is the same everywhere, but
I paid less than $30 for my family Disney Club membership, and not
only did I manage to book a discounted on-site vacation package,
but that package included $50 worth of Disney Dollars (for Disney
Club members only) which I picked up upon checking in. That alone
paid for the Disney Club membership right there! I don't know if
this is a limited time offer or not, but it's definitely worth checking
into the perks of the Disney Club before booking a trip!" Jon
Severson
"My family saved money on our WDW trip by renting a vacation
home 3 miles from Disney. We were there for a week so we got a free
rental car from the agency we rented the home from. The house was
cheaper than the resorts plus we got a 3 bedroom house with our
own pool and jacuzzi. We also saved $$ by being able to cook meals
rather than eating out every meal. I would highly recommend renting
a vacation home or condo to anyone!"
"On the trip over,for younger kids, bring a bag of pipe cleaners
that you can buy just about everywhere,(except the parks) and let
the do whatever they want with them.Make bracelets,rockets,"art",ect.
It's a lifesaver and will keep those "Are we there yet?"'s from
popping up." ~*Rachel*~ Keestyle@AOL
"We ate at the Land (Epcot) for 21.50 for all of us. Family
of four.2 adults and kids age 6 and 9. Pasta and Potato was the
place. We had veggie lasagna, potato and salad and kids had mac
and cheese kids meal. It was all we needed for lunch and it being
kind of hot that day." foley@starfishnet.com
"Always plan your budget before you visit WDW and get information
on resorts,restaurants,and other things you might be interested
in at WDW."
"We always eat dinner In Japan.We have learned over the years
,to save money we make a reservation for the last time slot for
lunch.This way by the time u eat it is really like eating an early
dinner plus you get the benefit of the lunch menu prices which are
about half the dinner menu." mary vaughn Pendowske@aol.com
"STAYING AT FT. WILDERNESS IS A BIG MONEY SAVING TIP!! WE
PRE-COOK 99% OF OUR FOOD."
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