Planning a vacation can be a daunting task, but with the help of these tips, you can have a great time without breaking the bank. From finding deals on hotels to planning your meals, read on for advice on how to plan the perfect family Disney vacation.
Decide What You Want Out of Your Disney Vacation
Planning a family Disney vacation on a budget can be fun and somewhat challenging. Here are some tips to help make your trip easier:
- Be realistic about what you’re willing to spend. Do you want to stay in fancy resorts or go for more affordable options?
- Think about how many people will be travelling with you. Each person will have their own wants and needs, so it’s important to figure out how much money each person is willing to spend.
- Consider what attractions and shows you would like to see. Some parks have more expensive options than others, so it’s helpful to know ahead of time what you’re interested in.
- Make a list of things you’ll need before your trip and stick to it! This will save you time and money in the long run.
- Don’t forget about souvenirs! Whether you’re looking for traditional Disney items like Mickey Mouse ears or something more unique, souvenirs can be expensive. Plan ahead and see if there are sales or discounts available beforehand.
Do Your Research to Find the Best Deals on Hotels and Car Rentals
Starting your family Disney vacation on a budget can be done by doing some research and looking for the best deals on hotels and car rentals.
- For hotels, try looking for deals online or in the newspapers. For car rentals, try renting through a company like Thrifty, Dollar Rent A Car, or Enterprise.
- Be sure to consider the amount of time you will be staying at each Disney park and attraction. Some parks may be more expensive than others and attractions may also have longer wait times.
- Lastly, plan your trip around the holidays so you can take advantage of special offers and discounts.
Create a List of Kid-Friendly Activities in the Area
Disney Vacation Club is the perfect place to spend a family vacation. Planning a Disney trip on a budget can be done by using these top tips.
- Plan your trip around special events. Disney offers many special events that can be great deals. For example, the Easter Bunny event at Magic Kingdom costs only $69 per adult and includes admission to both parks that day! Another event, Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party at Magic Kingdom, costs only $39 per person and includes admission to both parks and select evening attractions.
- Consider buying tickets at discount stores. Many theme parks sell discounted tickets in bulk at nearby stores, such as Walmart or Target. Discounted tickets usually provide better value for money since they allow more people to visit the park at once.
- Consider staying on property instead of touring off site. Staying on Disney property allows guests to take advantage of all the park has to offer without having to worry about traffic or long lines. This is especially helpful if you have small children who are afraid of large crowds. Several Disney resorts offer discounts for stays that include breakfast and/or dinner reservations in one of the resort’s restaurants.
Pack a Last-Minute Checklist to Make Sure Everything Is Prepped Before You Leave
Planning a family Disney vacation on a budget can be an exciting adventure, but it can also be stressful if you don’t know what to expect. To make sure everything goes smoothly, prepare a last-minute checklist to help pack and plan your trip.
Here are some top tips to help you save money while planning your family Disney vacation:
- Research the different Disney park tickets prices in advance. You can find ticket prices for different days and times online or at the park itself. Compare prices to get the best deal.
- Plan ahead by packing your own food and drinks. This will save you money both before and during your trip. Purchase supplies in advance if possible, or plan on buying them at the park while you’re there.
- Prepare for crowds by scheduling your trip during low season or off-peak times. This way, you’ll avoid long lines and more crowded attractions and parks.
- Plan your transportation in advance by looking at travel websites or contacting airlines to find the best rates for bringing multiple people together.
- Check room rates and availability online before arriving at the resort so that you’re not disappointed when you actually check in.
- Double-check all of your Disney park tickets before packing your bags. You might be able to use them at another Disney park if you visit during a different time or day.
- Make a list of emergency numbers and contact information for family and friends who will be accompanying you on your Disney trip. Include contact information for the front desk and any other important places you’ll need to reach while you’re away.
- Get organized with an itinerary before leaving home. This will help you plan which attractions to visit, when, and how long each one should take.
- Take plenty of photos and video recordings of your family’s Disney vacation! These memories will last a lifetime, and it’ll be so much fun to relive them again and again after returning home.
Have Fun Planning It All Together!
One of the best things about planning a family Disney vacation on a budget is that you can have a lot of fun doing it all together. Here are some tips to help make planning a breeze:
- Get organized. Before you even start thinking about what Disney parks you want to visit, figure out where you want to stay. Start by creating a list of all the resorts and how much each one would cost per night. You can also look for package deals and discounts online.
- Think outside the resort box. If you’re looking for something different than the standard Disney experience, consider exploring some of the nearby areas such as Orlando International Airport or Universal Studios.
- Talk prices! When it comes to Disney tickets, don’t assume that everything is going to be expensive. Often, there are ways to get discounts or free admissions through special offers or programs offered by the parks themselves. Check online or ask your friends and family if they know of any deals that might be available to you.
- Make use of transportation options. If driving is an option for you, factor in parking fees and tolls when tallying up your expenses. Consider using public transportation options like the Disney bus service or the Disney theme park monorails.
- Get creative with your budget. There’s no need to be constrained by traditional Disney costs if you’re looking to save money on your vacation. Consider exploring off-the-beaten-path attractions or taking advantage of lower-priced meal deals at popular restaurants in the area.