How to Plan a Budget-Friendly Disney World Trip

Growing up we only had the budget to go on a Disney World vacation once. How to do Disney World on a budget was an important task I learned in childhood.

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I had siblings, two working parents, and money was always stretched. That has always stuck with me, to travel as cheaply as possible. It’s not the things we get on vacation, but the experiences we share.

You are starting to plan your dream vacation to the Most Magical Place on Earth but just how much do you need to budget? I’m determined to help you save money, and spend less on your next Disney trip to the Walt Disney World resort.

With careful planning and creative strategies, you can experience Disney magic without breaking the bank.

Creating a Budget for Your Disney Vacation

Creating a budget for your Disney vacation is essential to avoid overspending and ensure a magical experience. Prioritizing expenses, such as park tickets, accommodations, and food, will help you set realistic expectations and make the most of your trip. Tools like the Every Dollar app can assist in tracking expenses and organizing your budget.

To save money on your Disney adventure, consider strategies like comparing prices in advance, contemplating lodging on-site with complimentary transportation, visiting during the off-season or at least busy times, flying into Orlando International Airport, or selecting a rental car for a cost-effective Disney World trip.

By making concessions throughout the vacation, you can experience Disney magic and explore the world on a budget without breaking the bank.

How Much Does a Trip to Disney World Cost?

It is still possible to book a budget trip for about $4,000 for a family of 4 if you can cut costs in many areas. A baseline trip for a family of 4 in 2024 averages $6,865. 

It’s not unheard of for families to easily spend $10,000 – $15,000 on a Disney World trip for a family of 4 or 5. Prices at the Disney theme parks are at an all time high so it’s a good idea to budget out your trip ahead of time.

Let’s take a look at the details for your family to set a realistic budget.

How Long to Stay at Disney World

The most common length of a Disney vacation is 4-5 days. We suggest staying for 6 days to allow for rest days in between your park days. This is only if your budget allows for that many days. You can spend more or less days to keep everything in your spending range.

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What is a Realistic Budget for Disney?

Your budget will look different depending on how many members are in your family, time of year, dining options, park tickets, length of vacation etc. A Disney World budget can be broken down to these categories with the average spend:

Step 1: Choose the Best Time to Visit Disney World

Visiting Disney World during off-peak seasons such as January, February, late August, and September, can result in lower prices and fewer crowds. Save money on ticket prices, resorts, and transportation to Florida simply by choosing an optimal time of year.

If you want to avoid higher travel fees, avoid holidays like Halloween, Christmas, or New Year’s. Spring Break is another busy time of year that starts mid March until the end of April. Events like runDisney can also increase crowds, so be sure to check the calendar before booking a trip.

Step 2: Transportation to Florida

Decide if you are flying or driving to Disney World. Driving to Disney World can also be a cost-saving option, especially for those located in the southern region.

To find the most economical airfare to Disney World, utilize price trackers such as Kayak, Scott’s Cheap Flights, and Google Flights. To secure the best flight deals, it’s recommended to book your flights several weeks to a couple of months in advance, depending on the season.

Flights cost an average of $400 per person for a round trip ticket to Florida. This will vary based on the time of year, air carrier, and where you are flying from. Of course you can find cheaper flights or more expensive flights.

If you are flying, you will need to consider transportation from Orlando International Airport (MCO) to Walt Disney World, with an average cost of $60 for an Uber or Mears transportation.

Driving to Florida costs an average of $482 with gas, tolls, and road trip food. If you live further than a day’s drive you may also need to factor in hotel costs to this number. If you are driving and staying off property, you will need to consider parking fees.

Read Also: The Cost Of Driving to Disney World (Broken Down)

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Step 3: Transportation in Florida

Transportation costs can also impact your Disney vacation budget. Save on transportation by taking advantage of Disney’s complimentary transportation services, carpooling, or utilizing ride-sharing apps like Uber or Lyft.

If you’re staying at a Disney resort, you can enjoy free transportation to and from the parks and your hotel. For those staying off-site, consider carpooling or using ride-sharing apps to save on transportation costs.

If you decide to stay on Disney property, consider one of the resorts that have the Skyliner access.  Staying here will give you the option to rope drop EPCOT and Hollywood Studios. These resorts include:

• Disney’s Yacht and Beach Club
• Disney’s Pop Century
• Disney’s Art of Animation
• Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort
• Disney’s Riveria Resort
• Disney’s Swan, Dolphin, or Swan Reserve

I like the Swan, Dolphin, and Swan Reserve as they are Marriott hotels, and right after the back-to-school time frame, rooms can be found for less than $150 each night.  That’s the price of a value resort, with deluxe accommodations. 

Staying on property, you don’t have to spend any extra on transportation to Disney World. If you are staying off-site, you will need to budget for parking fees, car rental, or Uber/Lyft. This will average about $100 a day.

Is Parking Free when you go to Disney World?

Parking is not free at Disney World, with fees starting at $25 per day. However, guests staying at Disney resorts can enjoy complimentary parking at the parks and their hotels.

If you’re flying into Orlando International Airport (MCO), consider using budget airlines like Southwest, JetBlue, and Spirit to save on airfare. Additionally, carpooling or using public transportation to reach Disney World can help you save on transportation costs.

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Step 4: Accommodation Options: On-Site vs. Off-Site

When planning your Disney vacation, it’s essential to weigh the pros and cons of staying on-site at a Disney resort versus off-site accommodations. Factors to consider include transportation, amenities, and overall cost.

Transportation is a key factor to consider when deciding between on-site and off-site accommodations. Staying on-site at a Disney resort offers the convenience of complimentary transportation to and from the parks, as well as to and from the airport.

On-Site Accommodations

On-site accommodations at Disney resorts offer perks like free transportation and Extra Magic Hours, but can be more expensive than off-site options. For example, the total cost of a five-night stay at Disney’s All-Star Sports Resort, including taxes and fees, is $903 (roughly $160 a night before fees).

Guests staying at Disney resorts can enjoy complimentary benefits such as Extra Magic Hours, free parking, and free transportation from their resort to the parks. Note you will still need to get from the airport to Disney World on your own dime.

For those looking to save money, consider staying at a Disney hotel, such as one of the Disney value resorts like the All-Star Music, Movies, or Sports Resorts, which are typically more budget-friendly than other Disney World resorts. These no-frills accommodations, located on a Disney property, They are generally situated farther from the parks, but their lower price point can make them a viable option for budget-conscious travelers.

Value Resorts average $200 per night, Moderate Resorts average $350 per night, and Deluxe Resorts average $700 per night. If you plan to stay on property for five nights, a family of 4 will pay an average of $1,000 – $3,500 per night. This cost can rise drastically for families with more than 5 people who need to book multiple rooms.

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Off-Site Accommodations

Off-site accommodations can be more budget-friendly and offer more space than on-site options but may require additional transportation planning. For example, vacation homes in Kissimmee can be a cost-effective alternative for larger groups, as dividing the expense of a vacation home is more economical than booking multiple hotel rooms. 

An airbnb or vacation rental can definitely save a large family money.

When staying off-site, consider your transportation options, such as complimentary shuttles with restricted schedules, Ubers/Lyfts (which can cost up to $40 per day), or renting a car.

Average cost is about $100 to $150 per night. Keep in mind you will need to add transportation or parking at the parks as well. This is an average of $500 – $750 for off property resort hotels.

The best way to save money on accommodations is to stay off site. The Walt Disney World Swan, The Walt Disney World Swan Reserve, and the Walt Disney World Dolphin are great ways to save money and still get the perks of an on site Deluxe Resort. This resort is owned and operated by Marriott, but is walking distance to EPCOT and Hollywood Studios.

Getting a Marriott credit card is the cheapest way to book a hotel room. You can use points to pay for the resort room.

Read Also: How to Redeem Marriott Points Staying at Disney World

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Step 5: Disney Ticket Costs

Tickets start at $109 for a standard ticket per person per park day. Right now you can get a 4 day park pass for $99 a day per person as a special offer. As a Florida resident or Military member you can also get a discount on .park tickets.

Unfortunately Disney does not offer discounts to teachers or nurses for park tickets.

If you are going to Disney for 4 or more days, I would consider not buying a park hopper ticket. There are plenty of things to do in each of the parks and long lines may prevent you from fully utilizing the park hopper option. 

The water parks are also a great lower cost option for one of your vacation days.

There are many scams out there for Disney tickets, so make sure you are purchasing from a reputable place. Big box stores like Costco and Sam’s Club or Undercover Tourist are great places to look for discounts.

Does Costco sell Disney tickets?

Costco has Disney packages that include Disney World Tickets. Costco does not offer tickets separate from the packages.

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Step 6: Eating at Walt Disney World on a Budget

During your Disney vacation, food expenses can add up quickly. I like to save money by bringing my own food and snacks, and seeking out affordable dining options within the parks. Going to a grocery store or having groceries delivered can help you save money on food. We often order breakfast and snack items to keep the room to lower food costs.

Purchasing a Disney Dining plan can also help you stick to your food budget. The quick service dining plans are $57.01 per day for adults and $23.83 per day for kids under 9. The standard dining package is $94.28 per day for adults and $29.69 for children under 9.

Quick service restaurants range from $15 – $34.99 per meal per person. Table service restaurants have a larger range. Most are $35 – $60 though there are some meals that can cost more than $60 per person. 

If you are going to eat all quick service meals, it will be about $85 per day for adults. If you would rather do table service restaurants, it will be about $160 per day for adults. You can look up restaurants on the Disney website or My Disney Experience App to see price ranges and menu prices for the restaurants you are interested in for your trip if you need a more accurate budget.

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Bring Your Own Food and Snacks

Packing your own food and snacks can help you save money on meals and avoid expensive in-park dining options. You can bring any food and snacks that are not contained in glass containers or hard-sided coolers. Consider packing items like sandwiches, jerky, cut-up vegetables, and whole fruits for meals at Disney.

To save on beverages, bring a reusable water bottle and refill it at the water fountains throughout the parks.

Read More: Best Grocery Delivery Tips for Walt Disney World

Affordable Dining Options in the Parks

If you do decide to purchase food at the parks, look for budget-friendly dining options like quick-service restaurants and kids’ meals. Meals at Pecos Bill Cafe, for example, are priced at $15 or less and provide a substantial amount of food, with options featuring Southwest flavors such as nachos, fajitas, and rice bowls.

Another tip is to focus on quick-service restaurants rather than table-service meals, as they typically offer more affordable options. Quick-service restaurants also tend to have shorter wait times, so you can get your food faster and get back to the attractions.

My husband and I share a number of quick service meals. Like the nachos from Pecos Bill’s its easy to share. Another option is to get the kids meal at a quick service as you get a drink and some type of fruit.

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Step 7: Souvenirs on a Budget

Disney souvenirs can be a significant expense during your trip, but there are ways to save money on these keepsakes. One option is to purchase Disney merchandise before your trip, either online or at local retailers.

Read More: Best Disney World Souvenirs That Are Worth Buying

Alternatively, look for deals on Disney products at drug stores, supermarkets, outlet malls, and other assorted stores in Orlando. By planning ahead and shopping around, you can bring home cherished memories without breaking the bank.

How much spending money should I take to Disney?

About $200 per day to cover additional snacks, meals, or treats not in your dining budget as well as souvenir money and tip money. Souvenirs are an extra cost that you don’t necessarily need, but it is nice to build some cushion into the budget for them if you can.

You may want to keep small bills for tips for housekeeping, the valet, or bell services. $40-100 should be enough for tips depending on how often you use those services.

Tips for a Tight Budget in Disney World

• Plan Ahead: Setting your realistic budget ahead of time and researching costs can help keep you from overspending. Choose the cheapest times of year to visit and take advantage of special offers.
• Park Tickets: There is so much to do in Disney World without park tickets. You can save money on park tickets by having a water park day which is a lower cost. Not getting the park hopper option and not needing Lightning Lane passes help keep costs down.
• Stay on property to lower transportation costs.
• Pack Your Own Food
• Use gift cards
• Eat at more quick service dining places and skip character meals.
• Bring water bottles with you and refill them in the parks
• Have the photopass photographers use your phone to take pictures and skip paying for the Photopass Service.
• Utilize rope drop or Early Theme Park Entry and skip paying for Lightning Lanes.
• Bring a poncho with you and avoid splurging for the expensive Disney ponchos

Free and Low-Cost Activities Outside the Parks

While the theme parks are the main attraction, there are plenty of free and low-cost activities to enjoy outside the Disney park as well. Walt Disney World, also known as the Magic Kingdom, provides the backdrop for Disney Springs, a shopping entertainment and dining district. Here guests can discover a great selection of options ranging from signature restaurants to big-name retailers.

Disney’s Boardwalk offers dining, entertainment, and nightlife options, all within close proximity to the various Disney parks.

Resort hopping is another fun way to explore the various Disney resorts and take a break from the theme parks. By incorporating these activities into your Disney vacation, you can maximize your enjoyment without spending a fortune.

Read Also: 103 Things To Do at Disney World Without Park Tickets

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How to save with Disney Gift cards?

Disney gift cards can help you save money on various expenses during your trip, such as park tickets, hotel stays, and dining. You can purchase discounted Disney gift cards through retailers like Sam’s Club or Costco, and use them for your vacation expenses.

However, it’s important to exercise caution when using Disney gift cards for hotels or park tickets, as they may not be accepted. By planning ahead and purchasing discounted gift cards, you can save on your Disney vacation expenses.

Read Also: 100 Smart Tips to Save Money at Disney World