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Disney Bound? 3 Money-Saving Hacks You Must Know Before Heading to Orlando

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Known as the happiest place on earth and the ultimate dream destination for kids all over the globe, Disney World is a magical place for kids and adults alike to visit and enjoy. However, if you’ve never been to Disney World before or if it’s been quite some time since your last visit, you might experience some sticker shock upon planning your trip. With rising prices and inflation, many families have to make huge sacrifices to give their families the trip of a lifetime.

Before you head down to Orlando, take heed of insider tips and plan carefully so you can enjoy the magic of Disney World without breaking the bank too much. Here are three essential hacks to help you save money on your next Disney World vacation.

Hack #1: Trade Saturday for Monday 

One of the most effective ways to save money on your Disney World trip is to avoid visiting the parks on the weekends at all costs. Like most popular travel destinations, hotel rates, flight costs, and even park crowds tend to be significantly higher on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays. By visiting during the week, you can enjoy lower prices and generally shorter wait times. Keep in mind, however, that the parks will still be busy, but it’s usually a noticeable difference compared to visiting during peak weekend times. For even more insight on the best times to visit the park, we found this detailed blog article from Disney Tourist Blog that offers expertise and predictions on crowds and more for 2024-2025. 

Hack #2: Consider Accommodations that aren’t Disney-Owned 

Staying at a Disney-owned resort offers convenience, but it also can come with a hefty price tag. This is a topic that’s heavily debated, but generally, you can place your bets on saving more money if you stay at an off-site hotel or vacation rental from Airbnb or Vrbo. You can rest assured knowing that there are plenty of off-site and affordable off-site options in the Orlando area that offer easy access to the parks. Plus, another perk of staying off-site is that you can often find great deals on sites like Groupon for local attractions and restaurants if you’re looking for things to do in Orlando if you need a break from the park, or if there’s inclement weather. 

Hack #3: Buy Disney Gift Cards in Advance

One hack many people don’t even think of is buying Disney gift cards in advance to use at the parks. What we mean by this maximizing your spending power by purchasing Disney gift cards at a discount before your trip as retailers like Target and Sam’s Club offer discounts on gift cards, allowing you to stretch your dollars further. For example, using a Target RedCard can save you 5% on Disney gift cards, which means if you buy a $500 dollar gift card, you will end up spending $475 for something that’s a $500 value. These cards can be used for everything from park admission to merchandise and dining while on Disney properties, making them a convenient and cost-effective way to manage your vacation budget.

While there are plenty of other budget hacks out there for Disney World, these are three that are fairly simple and don’t require tons of expertise and research beforehand. By using these hacks, you can significantly reduce the cost of your Disney World vacation without sacrificing the magic.