5 Easy Ways to Save Money on your Next Disney Vacation
Disney vacations can be expensive, but there are a few simple strategies you can use to stay on budget and still have an amazing time. Here are some of my favorite tips for saving money on a Disney trip:
Look at Menu’s Online
Before you go, take some time to check out the menus for all the restaurants at Disney, both quick service and table service restaurants have the full menus and pricing to help you budget. This way, you'll have a good idea of what you'll be spending on food and can plan accordingly. You can find all the menus on the Disney website or the My Disney Experience app. Consider looking at the menus for both lunch and dinner, as prices can vary between the two. (typically lunch is a little cheaper)
Share everything:
Sharing meals with your travel companions is a great way to save money and try a variety of different dishes. Plus, you'll get to sample more things throughout the day. This is especially helpful if you're visiting a restaurant that serves large portion sizes or if you're not very hungry. This can also be helpful at the Epcot festivals so that you can sample even more of the many offerings throughout the park!
Don’t Buy Water
Water bottles can be expensive at Disney, so save money by bringing your own water bottle or asking for free cups of ice water from any quick service location that sells fountain drinks. This is a small but easy way to save a few dollars every day as those water bottle prices can add up! Don’t forget, you can also have groceries sent to your hotel through services like Instacart and Garden Grocer. If you aren’t a fan of tap water, this is an easy way to get a case of waters sent to your hotel!
Order a Kid’s Meal
If you're not super hungry or if you're a picky eater, consider ordering off the kids menu. Many restaurants still have great options for kids and the prices are much cheaper. You might not get as much food as you would with an adult entree, but it can be a good option if you're not looking for a full meal. You can do this at some sit down restaurants too! Just be aware that they may charge you the adult price. Always ask your server if you are unsure!
Use Disney Gift Cards
Preload Disney gift cards with the amount you intend to spend on food. Then, if the gift card runs out for the day, you'll know you're done spending. This is especially helpful during the Epcot food festivals, when you might be tempted to try a lot of different dishes. By using a gift card, you can easily track your spending and make sure you don't go over budget.
By following these tips, you'll be able to enjoy your Disney trip without breaking the bank. Remember to also plan for other expenses, such as souvenirs and tickets for rides and attractions, and consider purchasing a Disney vacation package to save on accommodation and tickets. With a little bit of planning and budgeting, you can have the magical Disney vacation of your dreams.
