Expert Tips: Save Money at Disney Parks with These 9 Strategies (Video Guide)

These money-saving tips will come in handy for your next trip to Disneyland or Walt Disney World.

It’s no surprise that the Disney Parks draw millions of guests every year as people from around the globe flock to the popular theme parks to see the iconic characters, experience the rides and attractions, and eat tasty theme park treats. In 2018, an estimated 20.9 million guests visited the Magic Kingdom park at Walt Disney World in Orlando, Florida, and over 18 million paid a visit to its sister park, Disneyland, in Anaheim, California, making these two of the most-visited theme parks in the world.

Of course, a visit to see Mickey Mouse can be pretty pricey — a one-day, one-park ticket to Disney World will set you back around $109 per person (plus tax), while a ticket to one of Disneyland’s parks starts at $104, depending on the date. The entry fee alone can be enough to scare people off, especially if you’re thinking about taking the entire family to the parks. However, with a little extra planning, you can save hundreds on your Disney vacation. Here are 9 ways to save money at the Disney Parks before, during, and after your vacation.

Before Your Disney Vacation:

Buy a Disney vacation package

One of the easiest ways to save on a Disney vacation is to take advantage of the company’s vacation packages. With the vacation packages at Disney World, guests can choose from more than 25 Disney Resort Hotels and customize their tickets to access all four theme parks (along with the two water parks). A sample package that combines accommodations and park tickets for a family of four staying for six nights and seven days costs around $106 per person, per day (for a total of $2,967), marking huge savings compared to purchasing tickets and booking a hotel separately. Similar vacation package options can be found for Disneyland, too.

Find accommodations just outside the park

Though it’s tempting to stay within the park’s borders, it may be more cost-effective to look for accommodations just outside its walls. Hotels outside of Disney World and Disneyland tend to be significantly cheaper than those with the Disney branding. Moreover, families might find larger, more comfortable accommodations in homes booked via Airbnb. Additionally, staying in a home means you’ll likely have access to a kitchen, allowing you to save even more by cooking some meals.

Visit Disney during the off-season

In 2018, Disney World unveiled new dynamic pricing. This implies that tickets are more expensive during popular times to visit (like school breaks and holidays), but it also means that visitors can find cheaper tickets on off-peak days, which typically occur during the off-peak seasons. If you can plan a trip to Disney World or Disneyland during a slower season, you’ll not only enjoy cheaper tickets, but you’ll also encounter fewer tourists and shorter lines for your favorite rides, making it a significant advantage.

Use points to book your Disney vacation

According to The Points Guy, there are several credit cards that allow cardholders to purchase Disney tickets or book Disney hotels using points. Cards like the Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card, the Citi Premier Card, as well as the Disney Visa are noteworthy options.

During Your Disney Vacation:

Take the Magical Express Bus from the airport

If you have arranged for one of those aforementioned Disney vacations or are staying at one of Walt Disney World’s hotels, you can score a free ride to and from the Orlando International Airport on the Magical Express Bus. As an added bonus, they will even deliver your bags straight to your room, further enhancing your convenience.

Pack a lunch

If you’re attempting to save a few bucks during your Disney vacation, you might want to pack lunch. A quick meal can easily exceed $50 for a family of four inside Disneyland or Disney World, excluding snacks. On the bright side, bringing your own lunch allows you to bypass restaurant lines and get to your favorite attractions more quickly.

Skip the Park Hopper Pass

If you’re visiting either park for multiple days, you may feel tempted to upgrade your ticket with a Park Hopper Pass, which adds about $60 per person, per day, depending on your ticket package. This pass allows you to visit multiple parks in the same day. However, as anyone who’s ever visited a Disney park will tell you, you truly need an entire day (or more) to really experience each park. Therefore, forgo the upgrade and opt for a different park for each day of your vacation instead.

After Your Disney Vacation:

Print your own photos

Throughout your time at the Disney Parks, you’ll undoubtedly encounter several photographers offering to take your picture. However, you’ll need to pay to download those photos through Disney Photo Pass, and that cost can really add up. Whether you have a DSLR camera or simply snap photos on your phone, you can document your entire Disney experience on your own to save some cash. Then, use a website like Shutterfly to print those same 4×6 photos for just 18 cents each.

Buy souvenirs outside the parks

While it’s tempting to buy souvenirs like Mickey ears when you’re at Disney World and Disneyland, you can save a significant amount of money if you shop online before or after your trip. Anyone looking for deals can also find a Disney Outlet near them.