Unlocking Budget Disney World tips: Top Tips for Saving Money at Walt Disney World 💰💫

Charles (Chuck) Sieber

1/28/2024

a man with a hammer breaking the  piggy bank
a man with a hammer breaking the  piggy bank

We're about to embark on a journey that's music to every traveler's ears – saving money while having the time of your life at Walt Disney World Resort! 🤑✨ Now, I understand if you're thinking, 'Disney and budget – can they really go hand in hand?' Believe it or not, my friends, it's entirely possible to experience the Disney magic without breaking the bank. I'll share essential tips on budgeting for your magical Walt Disney World Resorts vacation.

Choose the right resort for your needs.

Disney has four categories of resorts: value, moderate, deluxe, and deluxe villa. Each one has its pros and cons, depending on your budget, preferences, and travel party size. Value resorts are the cheapest, but they have smaller rooms, fewer amenities, and less theming. Moderate resorts are a step up, with larger rooms, more dining options, and more immersive theming. Deluxe resorts are the most expensive, but they offer the best locations, transportation, dining, pools, and services. Deluxe villa resorts are similar to deluxe resorts, but they offer more spacious accommodations with kitchens and laundry facilities. Save money by choosing a resort that suits your needs and expectations, without paying for things you don't care about or use.

a sign that says pop century resort
a sign that says pop century resort

Consider renting Disney Vacation Club points.

Disney Vacation Club (DVC) is Disney's timeshare program, where members buy points that they can use to book stays at deluxe villa resorts. Sometimes members have extra points that they can't or don't want to use, so they rent them out to non-members for a fraction of the cost of booking directly with Disney. This way, you can stay at a deluxe villa resort for much less than the rack rate and enjoy all the benefits of being a DVC guest.

DVC Rental Store:

The DVC Rental Store is the largest and fastest-growing service for DVC Rentals in the United States. They match Disney Vacation Club Members who want to rent DVC points with Guests who would like to book accommodations at one of Disney’s 15 exclusive DVC resorts. You can contact them at 1-855-DVC-RENT x131. dvcrentalstore.com

David’s Vacation Club Rentals:

This is one of the most popular sites for renting DVC points. It’s also recommended for its low prices. dvcrequest.com

DVC-Rental.com:

Another popular site for renting DVC points. dvc-rental.com

Disney Vacation Club:

The official site where you can rent DVC points. Disney Vacation Club

Please note that it’s always a good idea to check the terms and conditions before renting points from any service.

Skip the dining plan.

Disney offers several dining plans that you can add to your resort reservation, allowing you to prepay for your meals and snacks at most Disney restaurants. However, unless you plan to eat a lot of expensive food or drink a lot of alcohol, you are unlikely to save money with the dining plan. In fact, you might end up spending more than you would if you paid out of pocket. The dining plan also limits your flexibility and choice, as you have to use a certain number of credits per day and per meal. You might be better off skipping the dining plan and paying as you go, using discounts like Annual Pass-holder discounts if applicable.

Bring your own food and drinks.

One of the great things about staying at a Disney resort is that you can bring your own food and drinks into your room and even into the parks (as long as they are not in glass containers or alcoholic). This can save you a lot of money on snacks and beverages, especially if you have a fridge or a kitchen in your room. You can also order groceries online from services like Instacart or Amazon Prime Now and have them delivered to your resort for a small fee. This way, you can stock up on essentials like water, milk, cereal, fruit, sandwiches, etc., and avoid paying the inflated prices at the resort or park shops.

Budgeting for Your Trip 💰

First things first, I'll share essential tips on budgeting for your magical Walt Disney World Resorts vacation. We'll help you create a budget that's as comfortable as Cinderella's glass slipper. We'll break down all the expenses you might encounter, from park tickets to accommodations, dining, and souvenirs. With a well-thought-out budget, you'll have the peace of mind to indulge in the Disney experiences you love most.

Plan ahead and book early.

Disney often releases discounts and exclusive offers for resort stays, but they are limited and sell out fast. If you book your vacation package well in advance, you can take advantage of these deals and lock in your price. You can also use a travel agent who specializes in Disney vacations for personalized assistance and exclusive deals.

a large white building with a red roof and a tower
a large white building with a red roof and a tower

Source: Sixflashphoto - Disney's Grand Floridian Resort & Spa

a cable car over a hotel
a cable car over a hotel

Source: Disney - Disney's Caribbean Beach Resort

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