One of the biggest roadblocks for families when it comes to planning a Disney vacation is the high cost. But believe it or not, it is possible to pull off a Disney vacation on a budget.
Here are some money-saving tips to help you save at both Disneyland in Anaheim, California, and Walt Disney World in Orlando, Florida.
Avoid eating in the park
Not everyone knows that you can bring your own food to the parks, store it in a locker and eat at one of the picnic areas outside the entrances.
Just don’t pack it in a hard-sided cooler — that’s where Disney draws the line. Also, plan on packing snacks to keep in your bag and enjoy throughout the day, and bring a water bottle to refill at drinking fountains. And be sure to eat breakfast at the hotel before heading in to save money and to avoid wasting time once in the park.
Choose the best ticket option for your family
There are two types of Disney Parks tickets: The 1-Park Per Day ticket, which, as the name suggests, allows entrance to one park a day, and the Park Hopper ticket, which allows entrance into multiple parks each day.
Park hopping is easier at Disneyland, where the theme parks are within walking distance. It’s a bit more complicated at Disney World, where the theme parks are spread out; a Park Hopper pass may be less necessary there.
Pick the right hotel
Disneyland is surrounded by hotels offering lower prices than the official Disney accommodations. Some of these hotels are even closer to the action than the official Disney resorts.
At Walt Disney World, though, you’re better off sticking with an on-site Disney-owned hotel to take advantage of perks such as dining meal plans, early entry and transportation access.
Buy Disney gift cards at Target
Disney gift cards can be used at almost all locations inside Disneyland and Walt Disney World for dining, Disney-owned hotels, park tickets and souvenirs.
Pack the essentials
Taking the time to stop at a convenience store or shop on Amazon before your visit can help you save money while in the parks. Think spur-of-the-moment purchases such as rain ponchos, fans/water misters, sunscreen and other weather-related items. These will cost you at the parks, so it’s best to come prepared.
Buy souvenirs in advance
If you have kids, buy that princess dress at a cheaper retailer before your visit. Buy glow sticks in advance so that you can hand them to the kids when they beg for the light-up toys sold before nighttime shows. You can also find a wide variety of cute (and cheap) mouse ears on websites like Etsy. As for Disney shirts, you can find reasonable prices for those at stores like Walmart and Target.
Experiencing a Disney vacation is a magical experience that every family should get to enjoy without breaking the bank.
Photo via Disney.
Planning a trip? Check out these articles for more inspiration and advice:
9 easy ways to earn travel rewards you’ll actually use
Disney vacation pros dish on budgeting for trips
10 ways to save on your first — or next — Disney vacation
The article How to Budget for a Family Trip to Disney originally appeared on NerdWallet.
