The average 5-day long Disney vacation for a family of 4 costs almost $4,000. This isn’t a trip that most people can afford to take without a lot of planning!
There are a few ways that you can make your trip to the Disney parks more affordable. We’re here with some quick Disney hacks that will save you time and money so you can enjoy your trip.
Read on to learn more.
1. Bring Your Own Snacks and Water
Many people aren’t aware that you can bring your own snacks and water to the Disney parks (within reason. You cannot bring alcohol into the Disney parks even though you can purchase it at several of them).
Why is this a hack? Because if you buy all of your snacks and drinks at the parks, you’re going to be spending a lot of money and wasting a lot of time in long lines.
Even water bottles are expensive. If you must buy a drink at the park, consider spending extra money on reusable souvenir cups and bottles so you can keep using them throughout your stay (tip: buy them on day one).
For a bonus hack, freeze a water bottle and put it at the bottom of your snack bag so you can keep your other snacks cool without wasting space with an ice pack.
2. Use Gift Cards to Your Advantage
Here’s something that not a lot of people know. You can use Disney gift cards at the park, as well as on Disney tickets and resorts.
So why is this a hack? You’re spending the same amount of money at the end of the day, right? Not at all!
When you buy Disney gift cards ahead of time, you can save up to 20% of the total cost. This means that you’ll be saving a lot of money on tickets and things within the park.
This is one of our favorite Disney hacks to save money.
3. Stay at a Disney Resort Hotel
Many people think that they’ll save money by staying at another local hotel close to the Disney parks, but this isn’t actually the case most of the time (especially if you drove to your hotel).
While the Disney resort hotels are expensive, they come with free shuttles to the parks. This saves you money on parking. There are also plenty of activities at the resort hotels, so you can spend a day having fun between park visits without spending more money.
If you want the full Disney experience and you’re willing to spend a bit more money, consider joining the Disney Vacation Club. You can check out DVC shop resales to save a few dollars or sell your own DVC membership.
4. Be Strategic About Souvenirs
Everyone knows that it’s tough to leave Disney without a few souvenirs in hand (especially if you’re traveling with children). Here’s our hack. Buy some of them before you arrive at the park.
You can buy the fan-favorite souvenir, the classic Mickey ears, for less money online (especially if you buy them secondhand) than you’d spend in the parks. This is a great way to save a few dollars while still enjoying a fun Disney trinket.
Bonus: you won’t have to waste time hunting for your ideal Mickey ears or standing in long lines at the souvenir shops!
Try These Money-Saving Disney Hacks
A Disney vacation isn’t going to be cheap, but these Disney hacks will save you a few dollars on your next trip. Buy souvenirs ahead of time, look for discounted gift cards, stay at the Disney resort hotels, and bring plenty of snacks! You’ll make the most of your Disney vacation.
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