Quick 5: Ways to Save on your Walt Disney World Vacation

Going on vacation doesn't come cheaply.  There are many ways to save for your Disney vacation, but that's another post.  How about a few ways to easily save on the bottom line without feeling like you are being Scrooge McDuck!

1) Bring or order bottled water and snacks.  Disney allows you to bring non-alcoholic drinks and snacks into the parks.  Hard-sided coolers are not allowed, but small soft-sided ones are fine, as well as just throwing some granola bars into your bag.  If you live close enough and are driving be sure to pick up a case of water at your local supermarket, a bottle of water at Disney is $2.50.  If you don't live close enough I work with a wonderful local delivery service that will shop wherever you'd like and deliver right to your resort for a small fee, just let me know you'd like grocery delivery when you book your trip and I will assist.  I almost always order groceries for our trips, I even had the delivery service bring me Mickey shoes from the Outlet once!  Ha!  We typically enjoy a breakfast in the room before heading out to the parks, plus since I'm picky about my coffee, it's a perfect way to ensure a happy Mom each morning... :-)

We have grilled out several times while staying at the Deluxe Villa resorts! Disney has BBQ tools you can borrow and the food was delivered.  Fort Wilderness Cabins and Campground also offers the opportunity to grill.

2) Free ice water in the parks.  You can visit any Quick Service location and ask for a free glass of ice water.  You will typically receive a small cup; however, you can ask for a larger one.  This water is from the soda machines and just like tap water, so if you don't like Florida water, you won't like this.  See #1 above for a better option!  OR, bring some lemonade mix-packets to flavor your water but still quench your thirst.

3) Bring glow sticks and other trinkets from home.  Everyone likes to take home a souvenir, but cut down on the "Moooooooom, I want this!!!" syndrome by surprising your kids with a few trinkets from the Disney Store (or better yet, the Disney Outlet!) in the room each day.  You can even get creative and have a letter from Mickey with the gift.  It will be a magical moment before you even leave the room and save your pocketbook.  Each night as the sun sets you'll see glowing carts chock full of fun glowing items and while the prices aren't terrible (some as low as $5), if you break out your Dollar Store glow sticks right a the same time, chances are your little ones will be just as thrilled!  Easy savings, happy kids.

My glowing child!

4) Visit during off times and book in advance.  Avoid spring break and holidays.  I know that is tough with kids in school, but if you can, DO IT.  Your overall vacation will be less expensive and the parks will be less crowded giving you more for your dollar.  Plus, if you book in advance, at least 3 months, chances are very good you will get a discount during the off seasons.  Disney sometimes includes a smaller discount for peak times, so booking in advance is always a great idea to help you save.

5) If you have teens or kids 9 and under and want to do a sit-down meal each day, including character meals, purchase the Disney Dining Plan.  While I will fully agree it's value isn't quite what it used to be in past years, it's still a GREAT deal if you have kids.  Character meals are especially expensive at Walt Disney World.  By using your Disney Dining Plan credits for these meals you typically end up saving quite a bit.  The children's portion of the Dining Plan is still a great bargain which balances out the higher cost for the adults.  If you have teens the Dining Plan can also be awesome because it's a lot of food to fill those hungry bellies.  Plus your teen boys can order a steak at every single dinner if he'd like and you don't have to cringe at the prices!

Do you have a great tip for saving on your Walt Disney World vacation?  I'd love to hear about it!  Post in the comments below or share on my Facebook page.

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