I traveled from New York City to Disney World and back in 24 hours. It was exhausting, but I saved hundreds of dollars.

Gabbi ShawAug 14, 2024, 00:52 IST

Getting to the "most magical place on Earth" is getting more expensive.Getty Images; iStock; Natalie Ammari/BI<ul class="summary-list"><li>I traveled from New York City to Disney World in Orlando and back in less than 24 hours.</li><li>By only visiting for a day, I saved money on a hotel, a car rental, and meals.</li></ul>I love all things Disney, but I haven't been able to justify <a target="_blank" class href="https://www.businessinsider.com/disney-world-too-expensive-hard-to-do-everything-former-employee-2023-12">spending the money visiting</a> Disney World as an adult. The last time I went was in 2013 on a high school trip, and admittedly, I didn't pay for that.<a target="_blank" class href="https://www.businessinsider.com/disney-ceo-bob-iger-admits-disneyland-price-hike-aggressive-profits-2023-3">Disney ticket costs</a> have skyrocketed over the last couple of years — a three-day park-hopper ticket during the December peak season costs as much as $586 per person — and with the added costs of airfare and lodging, I just haven't been able to swing it. For a family of four, the costs are even more mind-boggling: They could spend $2,300 just to get into the park for a single day. Add food and hotels, and the final total could easily <a target="_blank" class href="https://www.businessinsider.com/how-family-spent-10k-disney-world-trip-tips-2024-1">reach $10,000 for a multi-day trip</a>.With costs that high, it's no wonder Disney and other theme parks across the country have reported downturns in attendance. Disney's chief financial officer, Hugh Johnston, said on the company's earnings call in August that "the lower-income consumer is feeling a little bit of stress," the <a target="_blank" class href="https://www.wsj.com/business/americans-are-skipping-theme-parks-this-summer-0dfbffbc">Wall Street Journal</a> reported.But some TikTokers think they've found a cheaper way. Earlier this year, I saw multiple <a target="_blank" class href="https://www.tiktok.com/t/ZTNg9JNxg/">TikTok videos</a> showing people flying to Orlando from cities like New York or Chicago and back in just one day in a bid to lower the overall costs of visiting Disney World. I was immediately intrigued: I could fly Spirit Airlines, a low-cost carrier, take an Uber from the airport to the parks and back, spend a whole day at <a target="_blank" class href="https://www.businessinsider.com/category/disney-world">Disney World</a>, and then be back in New York in less than 24 hours, all without having to pay for a hotel.I decided to see if it was a viable, cost-effective option.Here's how I traveled to Disney World and back within 22 hours, how much I spent, and how I was able to survive a day in Orlando's scorching summer heat.

To start my day, I essentially woke up in the middle of the night. I was dressed by 3:13 a.m.

Waking up at 3 a.m. was tough.Gabbi Shaw/Business Insider

Luckily, I had packed my bag the night before so I was ready to go.

I opted for a Baggu bag for this full day.Gabbi Shaw/Business Insider

I packed items, including a portable charger and a handheld fan, that proved to be invaluable during my day at Disney.

All my supplies fit pretty easily.Gabbi Shaw/Business Insider

By 3:45 a.m., my mom and I were out the door. We had parked at LaGuardia Airport by 4:24 a.m. — still plenty of time for our 6 a.m. flight.

The parking lot at LaGuardia's Terminal A wasn't as empty as you'd think for 4 in the morning.Gabbi Shaw/Business Insider

I flew Spirit Airlines to Orlando since it was cheaper than most airlines. It cost me $236 round-trip.

The only airline inside of Terminal A at LaGuardia is Spirit.Gabbi Shaw/Business Insider

Since I only had a personal item, I was unaffected by Spirit's extra charges.

Nothing is free on a Spirit flight, not even water.Gabbi Shaw/Business Insider

And since it was a short flight, I didn't mind my lack of TV or the inability to recline my seat.

The backs of the seats were just pockets for brochures.Gabbi Shaw/Business Insider

In a pleasant surprise, the flight landed at 8:21 a.m., 36 minutes early. It was go time.

There's a Disney store inside the Orlando airport.Gabbi Shaw/Business Insider

Since getting on rides was a big priority for me, I spent a little more on ensuring I could skip lines.

My mom and I were ready to go.Gabbi Shaw/Business Insider

Since my time slots for rides were in the afternoon, we took an Uber straight to Epcot. I was in the park by 9:32 a.m..

The Epcot sphere has been here since the park opened in 1982.Gabbi Shaw/Business Insider

My mom and I were pretty hungry, so we made a beeline for the France pavilion. I had seen a spot for pastries on TikTok that I thought would be a great way to start the day.

France was one of the few pavilions that was busy in the morning.Gabbi Shaw/Business Insider

My mom and I were pretty hungry, so we made a beeline for the France pavilion. I had seen a spot for pastries on TikTok that I thought would be a great way to start the day.

We got items to share, but it was challenging to find a seat, especially since it was already in the 90s by 10 a.m. and we didn't want to sit outside.

The food selection was great.Gabbi Shaw/Business Insider

Our first ride of the day was Remy's Ratatouille Adventure, which opened in 2021.

Remy's Ratatouille Adventure takes riders inside of Gusteau's, the restaurant from "Ratatouille."Gabbi Shaw/Business Insider

We walked through the countries, but many weren't fully open yet. I think most people head to Epcot in the afternoon or evening to eat lunch or dinner.

The Germany pavilion at Epcot was a ghost town.Gabbi Shaw/Business Insider

On the way out, we stopped at Mission: Space, which opened in 2003.

Mission: Space is nearby the sphere, which actually houses a different ride, Spaceship Earth.Gabbi Shaw/Business Insider

I tried to get on the Virtual Queue — another way to get on popular rides — for Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind, which opened in 2022, but it was hopeless.

Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind is one of the most popular rides at Epcot.Gabbi Shaw/Business Insider

I tried to get on the Virtual Queue — another way to get on popular rides — for Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind, which opened in 2022, but it was hopeless.

Our time slot for TRON was from 1:55 p.m. to 2:55 p.m., so we decided to head to Magic Kingdom, where it's located, via the monorail at 1:20 p.m.

The Monorail is one of a few ways to get around the four parks.Gabbi Shaw/Business Insider

We were there by 1:44 p.m. Since we had time to kill, we posed for pictures — which we didn't realize would cost $75 to download — went shopping, and walked along Main Street USA.

Taking photos in front of Cinderella's Castle is a must.Gabbi Shaw/Business Insider

We were there by 1:44 p.m. Since we had time to kill, we posed for pictures — which we didn't realize would cost $75 to download — went shopping, and walked along Main Street USA.

Then it was time for TRON, which opened in 2023. It was worth the extra $20.

TRON Lightcycle Run is located in Tomorrowland.Gabbi Shaw/Business Insider

But by the time we got off, it was already time to head to Hollywood Studios for our upcoming Lightning Lane time slots.

Cinderella's Castle will always be iconic.Gabbi Shaw/Business Insider

Luckily, I was able to switch our first slot in Hollywood Studios, the Tower of Terror, to an hour later. That gave us time to grab ice cream to cool down.

Mickey Mouse ice cream is a staple.Gabbi Shaw/Business Insider

That meant we also had time to ride Under the Sea: Journey of The Little Mermaid, which opened in 2012.

This was brand-new the last time I was at Disney, but now I can feel its age.Gabbi Shaw/Business Insider

This was a relaxing way to kill time ... but it did stop twice halfway through the ride.

You watch scenes as scenes from "The Little Mermaid" are brought to life in front of you.Gabbi Shaw/Business Insider

The breakdowns ate up a little bit of our time, so we decided to head over to Hollywood Studios for our last three rides. We took the bus.

There are tons of buses at Disney World.Gabbi Shaw/Business Insider

Thankfully, the bus was right there when we decided to leave, and we crossed the gates into Hollywood Studios by 4:17 p.m.

Disney Hollywood Studios was known as Disney-MGM Studios until 20008.Gabbi Shaw/Business Insider

We booked it over to Tower of Terror, a classic ride that's been there since 1994. The wait time was 30 minutes, but with Lightning Lane, I was on the ride in less than 15 minutes.

The Hollywood Tower of Terror looms over the park.Gabbi Shaw/Business Insider

We booked it over to Tower of Terror, a classic ride that's been there since 1994. The wait time was 30 minutes, but with Lightning Lane, I was on the ride in less than 15 minutes.

Our next time slot was Toy Story Mania! from 4:50 p.m. to 5:50 p.m. Since we had a bit of extra time, we ate at Rosie's All-American Cafe.

Chicken fingers and fries are a classic.Gabbi Shaw/Business Insider

Then it was time to head over to Toy Story Land.

Walking around Toy Story Land made me feel like a kid again.Gabbi Shaw/Business Insider

Toy Story Mania! opened in 2008. I had been to Disney twice before when it was open, but the line was always too long.

Slinky Dog Dash gets you up close and personal with some of your favorite characters from "Toy Story."Gabbi Shaw/Business Insider

Now, with Lightning Lane, I was on in 10 minutes— and this ride is worth the hype.

You feel like you're inside Andy's room when you enter Toy Story Mania!Gabbi Shaw/Business Insider

Our final Lightning Lane was for Mickey & Minnie's Runaway Railway, which opened in 2020, from 5:50 p.m. to 6:50 p.m.

Mickey and Minnie's Runaway Railway is a newer attraction.Gabbi Shaw/Business Insider

Our flight was at 8:45 p.m. — we were cutting it close by the time we got to this ride at 6 p.m.

Hollywood Studios is set up to look like a studio backlot.Gabbi Shaw/Business Insider

After a perfect — if not extremely hot — day, this was when Mother Nature turned on us.

All of a sudden, it became a torrential downpour.Gabbi Shaw/Business Insider

But we made it to the airport relatively quickly. We were through security by 7:17 p.m.

The Orlando airport wasn't super busy.Gabbi Shaw/Business Insider

Our flight was delayed by just over an hour. We finally landed back in New York City at 12:30 a.m.

I had to purchase a sweatshirt in the airport.Gabbi Shaw/Business Insider

For people who had been up for 22 hours and walked over 23,000 steps, we felt surprisingly fine. The adrenaline was most likely still pumping.

It was hard to believe we went to Florida and back in a day.Gabbi Shaw/Business Insider

While it took me almost two days to fully recover, it was worth it. I had so much fun at the parks, and I'd do it again ... just not in July.

Magic Kingdom is really magical.Gabbi Shaw/Business Insider

A couple rents its 40-foot-tall fire tower on Airbnb for over $260 a night — over 1,600 are on the waitlist for the property's 65 spots

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I traveled from New York City to Disney World and back in 24 hours. It was exhausting, but I saved hundreds of dollars.

To start my day, I essentially woke up in the middle of the night. I was dressed by 3:13 a.m.

Luckily, I had packed my bag the night before so I was ready to go.

I packed items, including a portable charger and a handheld fan, that proved to be invaluable during my day at Disney.

By 3:45 a.m., my mom and I were out the door. We had parked at LaGuardia Airport by 4:24 a.m. — still plenty of time for our 6 a.m. flight.

I flew Spirit Airlines to Orlando since it was cheaper than most airlines. It cost me $236 round-trip.

Since I only had a personal item, I was unaffected by Spirit's extra charges.

And since it was a short flight, I didn't mind my lack of TV or the inability to recline my seat.

In a pleasant surprise, the flight landed at 8:21 a.m., 36 minutes early. It was go time.

Since getting on rides was a big priority for me, I spent a little more on ensuring I could skip lines.

Since my time slots for rides were in the afternoon, we took an Uber straight to Epcot. I was in the park by 9:32 a.m..

My mom and I were pretty hungry, so we made a beeline for the France pavilion. I had seen a spot for pastries on TikTok that I thought would be a great way to start the day.

We got items to share, but it was challenging to find a seat, especially since it was already in the 90s by 10 a.m. and we didn't want to sit outside.

Our first ride of the day was Remy's Ratatouille Adventure, which opened in 2021.

We walked through the countries, but many weren't fully open yet. I think most people head to Epcot in the afternoon or evening to eat lunch or dinner.

On the way out, we stopped at Mission: Space, which opened in 2003.

I tried to get on the Virtual Queue — another way to get on popular rides — for Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind, which opened in 2022, but it was hopeless.

Our time slot for TRON was from 1:55 p.m. to 2:55 p.m., so we decided to head to Magic Kingdom, where it's located, via the monorail at 1:20 p.m.

We were there by 1:44 p.m. Since we had time to kill, we posed for pictures — which we didn't realize would cost $75 to download — went shopping, and walked along Main Street USA.

Then it was time for TRON, which opened in 2023. It was worth the extra $20.

But by the time we got off, it was already time to head to Hollywood Studios for our upcoming Lightning Lane time slots.

Luckily, I was able to switch our first slot in Hollywood Studios, the Tower of Terror, to an hour later. That gave us time to grab ice cream to cool down.

That meant we also had time to ride Under the Sea: Journey of The Little Mermaid, which opened in 2012.

This was a relaxing way to kill time ... but it did stop twice halfway through the ride.

The breakdowns ate up a little bit of our time, so we decided to head over to Hollywood Studios for our last three rides. We took the bus.

Thankfully, the bus was right there when we decided to leave, and we crossed the gates into Hollywood Studios by 4:17 p.m.

We booked it over to Tower of Terror, a classic ride that's been there since 1994. The wait time was 30 minutes, but with Lightning Lane, I was on the ride in less than 15 minutes.

Our next time slot was Toy Story Mania! from 4:50 p.m. to 5:50 p.m. Since we had a bit of extra time, we ate at Rosie's All-American Cafe.

Then it was time to head over to Toy Story Land.

Toy Story Mania! opened in 2008. I had been to Disney twice before when it was open, but the line was always too long.

Now, with Lightning Lane, I was on in 10 minutes— and this ride is worth the hype.

Our final Lightning Lane was for Mickey & Minnie's Runaway Railway, which opened in 2020, from 5:50 p.m. to 6:50 p.m.

Our flight was at 8:45 p.m. — we were cutting it close by the time we got to this ride at 6 p.m.

After a perfect — if not extremely hot — day, this was when Mother Nature turned on us.

But we made it to the airport relatively quickly. We were through security by 7:17 p.m.

Our flight was delayed by just over an hour. We finally landed back in New York City at 12:30 a.m.

For people who had been up for 22 hours and walked over 23,000 steps, we felt surprisingly fine. The adrenaline was most likely still pumping.

While it took me almost two days to fully recover, it was worth it. I had so much fun at the parks, and I'd do it again ... just not in July.