Are you looking for proven ways for saving money on a Disney Trip? Well then just look no further. After too many, trips to count, to Walt Disney World and five trips to Disneyland – I would love to share some of the smartest ways and ideas that you can implement to save money in advance and ways to cut costs of your trip.
Purchase Disney Gift Cards
First, Disney gift cards are a versatile way to make your trip easier and more budget-friendly. Use them to buy souvenirs, pay for meals, or even make a payment on your resort or Disney package.
One of my favorite ways to save money is purchasing a Disney gift card each month. Pick them up at Target, Acme, Giant and even CVS. Want to save a little extra? Purchase them at BJ’s Wholesale Club they are sold at a discount.
Suggest Disney Gift Cards as Gifts
Can’t decide what to buy? These gift cards make the perfect present for Birthdays, Christmas or Easter. They fit perfectly in your Christmas stocking or Easter baskets. Kids and adults love to save Gift Cards for something special, like a custom droid from Droid Depot or a lightsaber from Savi’s Workshop!
order Groceries for delivery
Second, let’s stock up on groceries in your room! Having breakfast items like cereal, milk, fruit, and instant oatmeal in the room can make those early mornings easier. And having snacks like crackers, pretzels, trail mix, and energy bars are perfect to have in the room or take along to the park to keep hunger in check. Keeping everyone happy means fewer meltdowns and avoiding the dreaded hanger! Order a case of water to have in the room those bottles will be useful for keeping everyone hydrated throughout the day.
Many companies deliver to the Disney Resorts, Amazon Fresh, Instacart, Garden Grocer and Publix – the local market.
Bring snacks to the park
Third, Having snacks on hand can make your stay feel a bit more like home and make park days run much smoother. When our daughter was little and I’d pack peanut butter and jelly crackers in a Tupperware container for the park. The food was a lifesaver especially while waiting in line and you want something familiar. Kids love a treat but having their favorite snacks on hand will save the day.
Refillable Resort mugs
Fourth, You can purchase the Disney Resort refillable mug for $22.99 plus tax at the food court, quick service locations, and some gift shops. Once you buy it, Disney activates the mug, allowing you to use it for the next 14 days. During that time you can refill it with unlimited soda, tea, coffee or hot chocolate at any Walt Disney World Resort hotel. This is a perfect way to save money as it pays for itself with a little over 4 refills of soda or coffee beverages. Do you drink coffee daily or dining at your resort or others resorts -drink costs can add up. Cut that cost by grabbing some Disney mugs!
*Jeneice’s tip*use your mug for free water refills in the parks and take it home as a souvenir. At the end of our trip we gave two of our mugs to a family of five, and they were excited. Hopefully, with the new expansions at the Disneyland Resort, they start offering refillable resort mugs there too!
did you know you can get Free Water in the Parks?
Fifth – Did you know that you can get free cups of ice water at all of the counter service restaurants?
In Florida there are two different types of weather you will encounter: hot and hotter. And it is important to stay hydrated! Thirsty just visit a counter service restaurant and politely ask for ice water. Many quick Serve restaurant locations have cups of water prepared already!
Bring Your Own Waterbottle or hydroflask
Bring your own water bottle and refill it at any Water Bottle Refill Stations located throughout the parks and resorts. This is cost effective and everyone already has their own bottle from home.
Exclusive Discounts
So the following Discounts are exclusive to Annual Passholders and Disney Vacation Club members but I wanted to share them to remind you to use them! Sometimes we leave somewhere and didn’t use the coupon or forgot a discount. So be sure to have your Annual Pass and/or Disney Vacation Club cards in your mobile wallet.
Annual Passholder Discounts
As an Annual Passholder at Walt Disney World or Magic Key Pass holder at Disneyland you have many perks. You’ll receive discounts on Select Experiences, Events and Entertainment, Dining, Exclusive Passholder Merchandise and Sports and Recreation. Also discounts on Resorts are offered throughout the year.
Visit Disney World or Disneyland for a complete up to date list of discounts.
Disney Vacation Club Members
Are you a Disney Vacation Club Member? DVC members can save money at Walt Disney World and Disneyland on many sit down dining locations, merchandise, events and experiences and even boarding at Best Friends Pet Hotel.
Disney Vacation Club Members check out your discounts you can search by park or resort.
Wrap uP!
I hope that you have found an idea or two to help you save money on your Disney trip! These can be really helpful for the beginning stages of planning your trip and are some of my most used personal and favorite ways to save money when planning a Disney vacation. I can’t wait to share more money saving tips for Disney! Get started planning your dream vacation and make that magical trip a reality for you and your family!
After you’ve started planning be sure to check out my packing blog !
