6 Best Tips for Solo Travelers To Save Money at Disney
Written by
Sean Bryant
Edited by
Zuri Anderson
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Are you planning a Disney vacation as a solo traveler? Solo vacations to Disney can provide you with a lot of flexibility. Not only will you be able to go on the ride you want, but you can also tailor your entire day to your needs and wants.
The downside is that any trip to Disney, no matter if it’s solo or with a large family, is going to be expensive. Between flights, hotel accommodations, multi-day park tickets and food, the price tag can add up quickly. Luckily, there are things you can do to help save your budget.
Keep reading as we walk through six tips to help solo travelers save money on their Disney vacation.
Be Flexible With Your Dates
As a solo traveler, you likely have some flexibility with travel dates. Instead of planning a trip during an expensive time like spring break or late fall, consider traveling during the late summer when park tickets are a little less expensive.
For example, park tickets for the weekend of Oct. 10 would start at $164 per day. However, if you plan your trip for the weekend of Aug. 22, the ticket prices would drop to $119 per day.
Don’t Purchase Your Tickets at Disney Parks
Disney tickets are expensive, and the price continues to increase almost yearly. In addition to being flexible on the days you plan to visit, skip purchasing your tickets at the park entrance. Instead, purchase your tickets ahead of time from websites like Undercover Tourist.
Your savings will vary depending on the number of days you want to visit and the type of ticket you want, but many of their multi-day tickets are $40 or more off the gate price.
Use Single Rider Lanes
You’ll inevitably be waiting in line for most rides, no matter what park you visit. Purchasing a Lightning Lane pass might be tempting, but these can be pricey. Instead, you could utilize the single rider lanes available on some rides. These allow single riders to fill open seats. By using the single rider lane, you’ll be able to avoid a majority of the line. The only downside is that single rider lanes aren’t available on all rides.
Consider Stay Off-Property
It can be tempting to stay on the Disney property so you can make the rope drop each morning and not need to travel so far back to your hotel at night. However, booking a Disney Springs hotel can save a lot of money.
The commute each day will be a little longer, but the nightly rates are significantly less. For example, you could book the Wyndham Lake Buena Vista Disney Springs Resort for under $100. Not only is shuttle transportation available to all theme parks, but you’ll receive early entry each day.
Purchase Discounted Disney Gift Cards
You can purchase discounted Disney gift cards with a Costco or Sam’s Club membership. For example, Sam’s Club sells $200 gift cards for $190. These gift cards can be used when purchasing tickets directly from the theme park or for restaurants and souvenirs.
Skip the Bottled Water
It can be hot and humid if you’re visiting Disney World in the middle of the summer. Buying a bottle of water will be tempting, but don’t. Instead, go into any fast-service restaurant on the property and ask for a complimentary glass of ice water.
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Sources
- UndercoverTourist, “Disney World Tickets Discount.”
- Walt Disney World Resort, “Theme Park Ticket.”
- Sam’s Club, “Disney $200 Email Delivery Gift Card.”
