We’ve Been Visiting Disney for Over 50 Years: 16 Insider Tips To Save Big
Written by
Gabrielle Olya
Edited by
Molly Sullivan
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Planning a Disney trip can be magical — and expensive. But with the right strategies, you can enjoy the parks without blowing your budget.
Retired couple Paula and Scott Anderson are frequent Walt Disney World visitors and have been for decades. Scott started visiting the Disney theme parks in 1968 when he took his first trip to Disneyland, and Paula has also been visiting since she was a child. Now that they live next door to Walt Disney World, the longtime theme park fans spend much of their retirement at the Happiest Place on Earth — and have mastered how to do it savvily.
Here are their top tips for saving on your next trip to Disney.
Visit the Disney Website for Deals
Check the Disney website for any special offers they may have during the year that meet your travel plans. It’s easier to save money when you plan early.
Save on Lodging With Disney’s Value Resorts
The largest expense on a Disney vacation is where you choose to stay. Walt Disney World offers Value Resorts that are less expensive than the Moderate and Deluxe resorts; however, they offer the same benefits such as early entry into the parks, refillable souvenir beverage mugs and complimentary transportation around Walt Disney World.
Stay at a Good Neighbor Hotel
Good Neighbor hotels may not offer the themed Disney experience like the Disney Resorts do, but they can often be a budget-friendly alternative. Rooms at these hotels can be purchased using earned hotel points, a reliable third-party agent or other membership discounts.
Travel During Off-Peak Season for Cheaper Tickets
Disney ticket prices vary depending on the day of the week and the time of the year. During the most popular times, like the holiday season, prices will be higher. They tend to be lower in February and after school starts.
Become an Annual Passholder
Both Disney World and Disneyland offer discounts on Disney tickets, resort costs, food and merchandise if you are an annual passholder.
Take Advantage of Any Discounts You May Qualify For
Military members can purchase tickets through the Morale, Welfare and Recreation (MWR) facility on a military installation, through the Military Salute Program and the GovX.com program.
Other organizations that offer discounts include AARP, AAA, certain banks and id.me. Florida and California residents and first responders can also get discounted tickets. Check all available programs to find the best savings.
Be Smart About When and How You Buy Tickets
Purchase your tickets in advance rather than at the park, bundle tickets with a hotel and consider day-based tickets versus park hopper tickets.
Skip the Pricey Lightning Lane Passes
Maximize the use of early entry when staying at a Disney Resort or Good Neighbor Hotel versus purchasing Lightning Lanes. Early entry gives the flexibility to ride high-demand attractions with lower wait times without incurring an additional cost.
(Note: Beginning Jan. 5, 2026, Disneyland Resort will offer a Lightning Lane entry with a Disneyland Resort Hotel stay.)
Cut Food Costs by Bringing Snacks and Drinks Into the Parks
You can bring food, non-alcoholic drinks and water into the parks. Soft-sided coolers and reusable ice packs are allowed in the parks to keep breakfast bars, snacks, baby food and other on-the-go foods fresh.
Forgot to pack these items? No worries — you can have groceries delivered to your Disney Resort.
Order Off the Kids’ Menu (Even If You’re an Adult) or Share Meals
Ordering off the kids’ menu offers a cost-saving opportunity. Kids’ meals often come with sides and a drink, and have enough food for most adults. Disney servings are large enough that sharing meals is another great option.
Skip Expensive Character Dining Experiences
Character dining is offered throughout all parks and can be very expensive. Character meet-and-greets in the parks are free, and you can save a lot of money by skipping character dining. Disney characters also randomly walk through the Disney resorts, interacting with guests.
Evaluate the Disney Dining Plan Before You Buy
Consider purchasing the Walt Disney World dining plan only if it aligns with your eating habits and the value of the credits. Doing your homework early is a must before purchasing these plans.
Take Free Transportation When Available
Disney Resorts at Walt Disney World do not charge for parking; however, there is a parking fee at each Disney Park, except for Disney Springs in Orlando, Florida. When staying at a Disney World Resort, bus service, Skyliner, boat or monorail may be available to and from each of the parks.
Compare the Prices of Parking to Other Alternatives
Alternative transportation to and from the resort may be available through a third-party provider; however, coordinating this type of transportation should be done as early as possible.
Lyft and Uber services are additional transportation methods, and costs can be estimated through each vendor’s application. Depending on the distance, this can be a cost savings to avoid paying Disney parking fees.
Buy Disney Gift Cards in Advance
Disney gift cards are an easy way to keep your Disney vacation on budget. When planning early, gift cards can be purchased to manage some out-of-pocket expenses, such as food at kiosks and table-service restaurants, as well as merchandise. These can be purchased — often at a discount — at retailers such as Costco, Sam’s Club and Target.
Save on Disney Souvenirs by Shopping Ahead
Prebuying souvenirs can also be a huge cost savings. Disney T-shirts, ears, toys and other items can be purchased from Target, Amazon and other retailers for a lower price than buying these items at the parks and resorts.
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