Avoid the biggest crowds and save some money by scheduling your Disney World vacation during the offseason: mid-January to mid-March, excluding Presidents Day Weekend; mid-April to mid-May, excluding Spring Break; mid-September to mid-November, excluding Halloween weekend. The parks are also less busy Tuesday through Thursday. [1] X Research source
Disney employs travel agents that are available to assist you. The phone number for this service is 407-939-5277 (U. S. ). [3] X Research source You may (or may not) save money by booking an all-in-one vacation package; you’ll definitely save time. Decide how you’d like to experience Disney—value, moderate or deluxe— and look for a travel agent that can put together a trip for you, making sure they know which are your and your family’s favorite characters or franchises.
Disney resort guests receive free transportation to and from the airport. If you drive in, you will have the luxury of parking for free. You will also have the ability to enter the park early and stay after regular hours. [4] X Research source
Search for flights every day. Use online tools to find deals on flights. Consider flying in or out on a Tuesday, Wednesday, or Saturday. [5] X Research source If you’re working with a traveling agent, make sure to get your deposit in as early as possible, as they will be watching for promos that may drop between your deposit and the final payment, repricing it for you.
For budget-conscious Disney vacationers, driving is often the most cost-effective option. In addition to saving money, road-tripping to Disney is an excellent way to see America. If you are flying and not staying at a Disney resort, you will need to rent a vehicle. [6] X Research source Off-site hotels are inexpensive alternatives to the Disney resorts. They are ideal for couples and families vacationing on a budget. If you are vacationing at Disney with a large group, consider booking a local timeshare or vacation home. [7] X Research source
United States Military members are eligible for discounts through the Shades of Green Foundation. [9] X Research source Disney also offers group rates. [10] X Research source
Start jotting down a prioritized list of must-see Disney attractions. Note the shows and exhibits you want to see while you are in each park.
If you are staying at a Disney Resort, take advantage of Extra Magic Hours (EMH). Every day a different Disney park offers EMH for guests of their resorts. The park either opens 1 hour early or stays open 2 hours later than normal. Visiting a park on an EMH day ensures that you will have additional time to explore and enjoy the magic of Disney. [13] X Research source
For instance, if the Magic Kingdom has a parade at 5:00 pm and fireworks at 9:00 pm (and both are on your list), see if you can squeeze in a “must do” character dinner and a few high-priority rides in the vicinity. Even if you do end up buying “Park Hopper” tickets so you can visit multiple parks in a single day, limiting travel between parks whenever possible will make your day that much less hectic and tiring.
You’ll find plenty to do at your lodging resort, especially if it’s a Disney property. You can hit the pool(s), play games, shop, or just sleep! If you can’t stand just hanging around the pool all day, head over to Disney Springs on your “free day” — it’s full of shopping, dining, and activity options. [15] X Research source
If your kids can still fit in the seat, bring (or rent) strollers, even if they don’t use them anymore at home. Worn-out five-year olds equals cranky preschoolers equals a less than “magical” day. [16] X Research source Likewise, if you’re traveling with anyone with any type of mobility limitation, check into getting a wheelchair or motorized scooter — even if they usually don’t use one at home. Or, at least schedule more frequent breaks and less hectic days.
Be an optimist — think of this trip’s “cut” list as the beginning of the “must” list for your next Disney World vacation!
Guests may chose to buy a one day or multi-day ticket. The cost of tickets becomes considerably cheaper the more days you plan to visit. For an additional fee, you may add a “Park Hopper Option” to each ticket. This allows you to visit multiple Disney theme parks in one day. Fans of water parks can select the “Water Park Fun & More Option. ” Save money by combining the “Park Hopper Option” and the “Water Park Fun & More Option. ”[20] X Research source
Create your itinerary with the My Disney Experience Planner, which is available on the Disney website. [22] X Research source