- I'm a mom of three kids, and we have been on many Disney vacations.
- I always choose to stay in a hotel room with a kitchen so I can prepare my own meals.
Trips to Disney World are fun, whimsical, and magical. Paying for it, however, is a different story. Everything comes with a price — especially that Disney magic.
As a longtime Disney fan and parkgoer — we've been over 100 times as a family, thanks to having an annual pass for several years — I've had plenty of opportunities to cut my budgetary chops at the "happiest place on Earth."
Yes, doing Disney on a tight budget is possible, and no, you won't have to sell your soul or sacrifice a child to do it. For example, my tightest budget was around $1,200 for four of us, while staying on the property for three nights. I was not a pass holder and had to pay for tickets then as well.
There are things you will need to pay for
First, some things, such as theme-park tickets, are hard to scrimp on. It's a big budget item. Try to avoid going during the busiest times of the year, especially since Disney's new ticketing system charges higher prices during peak times, such as Thanksgiving to the new year, Easter, spring break, and the Fourth of July.
The summer is always the peak family-vacation time and typically the hottest temperature wise. Avoid it if possible because prices are higher, so is the likelihood that your kids will have multiple meltdowns a day.
Where you can save money
I've found that real saving opportunities happen in the four categories below:
Accommodations
Try to book either a Disney hotel or one nearby since they offer free shuttles to and from the parks. That way, you won't have to spend on gas and parking. Also, do your best to get a room with a kitchen. This doesn't mean you must cook full meals — this is a vacation, after all — but eating in your room can save so much money. My favorite place to stay on Disney property is in a cabin at the Fort Wilderness Resort's campground. Each cabin sleeps six and has a full kitchen, plus a deck with a grill. And you still get daily housekeeping services.
Transportation
If you fly in, don't rent a car. Transportation options such as ride-hailing and buses will get you from the airport to your hotel. You'll save on not only rental fees and gas but also parking. Again, transportation to and from the parks is free if you stay on Disney property or in a nearby hotel. Many hotels, including those on Disney property, charge daily parking rates in addition to parking at theme parks.
Food
Bring your own food inside the park. My biggest spending pet peeve is how much it costs to eat meals on Disney property. It can run a family of five well over a $100 a day. Disney allows guests to bring food and beverages into the parks. We've always brought a soft cooler with fruit, snacks, sandwiches, and refillable water bottles. This also cuts down on waiting in lines or kids throwing tantrums if there's not what they want to eat around. We let the kids pick one Disney treat each day, which clamps down on the begging and gives everyone something to look forward to.
Souvenirs
Give the kids a spending-money budget. Believe it or not, Disney does have cheaper souvenirs, so you can direct your kids to the section they can afford. Because the reality is no parent wants to spend $20 on a balloon that will soon float away or be popped. I also buy Disney shirts from Walmart, Target, or Amazon before I go. They'll be just as good and save you from spending double inside the park.
I've found that prioritizing my money and time in advance can make my family vacations run smoother. The time together is what matters; the less stressed I am, the happier everyone will be. And that's what a Disney family vacation should really be about.