There’s nothing more magical than a trip to Disney World—the castles, the fairy tales, the thrills, your favorite animated stars come to life. But as prices rise with every passing year, it’s become one of the most costly vacations a family, couple, or group of friends can take.
How to make the hit to your bank account hurt a little less? Follow these 12 cost-saving tips for visiting Disney on a budget.
Say YES to...Staying on property.
Some might argue that Disney’s hotels are pricey, but you get far more from them than just the room you sleep in. Complimentary around-the-clock shuttles to every Disney park mean zero parking and rental car fees—not to mention easy access to Disney’s Extra Magic Hours, when certain parks open earlier or stay open longer on select days. And, while “value” hotels like Pop Century and All-Star Movies may not be the most glamorous options (we're looking at you, Grand Floridian), they get the job done. Want something even cheaper? Camping at Disney's Fort Wilderness Resort is an adventurous and wallet-friendly alternative. An added perk: Magic Bands—electronic bracelets that serve as your ticket to parks, rides, and even your hotel room—are free when you stay at a Disney resort. Stay outside the park boundaries and they’ll cost around $15 a pop—that's a $60 hit for a family of four.
Say YES to...Buying tickets up front
It pays—literally—to plan ahead. Every extra day you spend inside a Disney park cuts dollars off park admission as a whole. Current regular admission rates top out at $115 per adult per day ($109 per child), but stay three days and that price per day drops to $96 (and $90). Stay four days and it drops to $87.50 (and $82.50)...you get the picture. Also, if you already know you’re headed to Disney in the coming year, don't wait to buy. The parks rack up their entrance fees every year, so if you plan ahead, you can invest before those increases take effect.
Say YES to...Visiting during non-peak times
Holidays, while festive, are a disaster when it comes to crowds and cash. Halloween, Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Year’s, Spring Break, basically all of summer—avoid them if you can. Admission prices during peak times begin at $119 pre-tax, whereas if you visit during a "Value" window, rates drop to $99. Mid-January to March and late August through early October usually provide the best deals. And, of course, staying during the week is FAR cheaper than on a weekend. This calendar can help you track costs and see which days Disney designates as "Peak" verses "Value."
See the rest of the story at Business Insider