All kids dream of going to Disney World. Even Super Bowl players proudly announce after winning the big game, “I’m going to Disney World!” 

But because Disney World is steadily getting more expensive, families are desperately looking for ways to make their kids’ dreams come true without breaking the bank. 

Experts claim that the average Disney World vacation this year costs between $4,710 and $7,435. Or, put another way: $235 to $372 per person per night. [source]

The base ticket prices rise every year, with 2022’s starting price now nearly $448 for 4 days with the cost increasing to as much as $597 on high-traffic days.

Now factor in the 2022 introduction of the Genie Plus fast pass system. Starting this year, a family of four can expect to pay an additional $60 to $240 per day in addition to the ticket price to ensure they get to ride their favorite rides.

The former FastPass system was free to use. Let’s just say it – Disney is expensive. But that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t take your family to the most magical place on earth.

Instead, you should use these tips to plan a budget-friendly Disney vacation. 

1. Use Disney World Discounts 

Before you purchase any tickets or hotel rooms, check to see what discounts Disney World is offering. They do run special offers from time to time that add up to substantial savings, such as free meal plans for booking a room at an on-site hotel. 

For example, at press time, there is a special offer to save up to 25% on rooms for Disney+ subscribers and discounts for U.S. military members. You’d hate to book a hotel and then discover you could have gotten a better deal directly through Disney World. 

2. Work with Disney Travel Agent 

Don’t have hours to spend searching for the best Disney deals? Find yourself overwhelmed by the number of options? You need to book a Disney travel agent. 

A travel agent that specializes in Disney not only knows the parks inside and out but also knows when and how to score the very best deals. 

For instance, Disney travel agents are well aware of when special discounts will drop and are well connected.

In addition to planning around these discounts, they can apply these discounts to already booked trips saving you time and money.

3. Avoid Popular Times 

Disney operates on a sliding scale for base ticket prices depending on the expected foot traffic. This means that the most popular days will cost more.

What this means for you is that a 7-day park hopper can increase from $582 to $785 just because of popularity. 

Hotels in the Disney World area operate the same way. One of the most effective budgeting tips for Disney is to avoid these popular times. 

Plan your Disney trip off-season or during the week. You’ll experience smaller crowds and enjoy lower prices.

4. Buy Disney Gear Online & Ahead of Time

Disney knows a thing or two about selling merch. The parks have souvenirs galore, and you are going to want to buy something. And, if you have kids, you know they will.

Instead of spending top dollar and paying those theme-park prices, look for Disney gear on Amazon before your trip. Build excitement for the trip with your kids by shopping with them online.

Use Amazon to purchase:

And don’t forget to stock up on other gear, like ponchos, before you head to the park. It is significantly cheaper to buy the things you will need and want before you arrive.

5. Don’t Buy the Dining Plan 

Quick service meals at Disney cost around $15-$20 for adults and $9-$12 for kids. Snacks cost between $5-$9. Meals add up fast.

A family of four could easily spend $120 for lunch and dinner in a Disney park each day, and we are not even talking about snacks. 

But you don’t have to buy the dining plan or even eat in the park! Pack a cooler and eat outside of the park as often as possible.

Additionally, a bottle of water at Disney costs $3.50 and sodas cost $4.00.

Avoid paying for water by taking in your own water bottle. You can fill up a water bottle for free in the park!

6. For the Most Savings, Stay Off-Site

Disney is home to a variety of resort hotels, but you pay significantly more for the perks of staying on property. Even their value resorts are pricey.

Instead, book a hotel or Airbnb off-site. In addition to being cheaper, many of the off-site hotels offer perks like pools, transportation to the parks, and free breakfast.

Since you will be staying most of your day at the park, it doesn’t matter all that much where you sleep at night as long as it is safe, comfortable, and cool!

7. If You Must Stay On-Site, Choose a Disney Value Resort

If you are set on staying on a Disney property (understandable given the perks of Extra Magic Hours and on-site transportation), choose to stay in one of Disney’s value resorts.

These resorts are the least expensive, but they are still filled with all the Disney charm guests have come to love.

You can expect the same type of Disney décor, entertainment, and on-site resort perks as the more expensive-tiered Disney properties.

Your room may be smaller, but again, you likely won’t be in it long enough for it to matter.

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