Planning a Disney trip can feel like preparing for an epic quest with treasure hunts for the best deals. There are tons of tips out there—some are gems, some are a lot of work, and some are downright ridiculous. But here’s the real magic: these 8 proven tips to save big on your next Disney trip are the ones we use all the time! And they actually work.
So, if you're looking to make the most out of your Disney experience without breaking the bank, these tips will be your guiding light through the magical world of Disney. Let's jump in!
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1. Never Pay Full Price
First things first: never, and I mean NEVER, pay full price for anything Disney-related. Disney loves sprinkling pixie dust in the form of discounts, and there are always deals to be found. Whether it’s park tickets, hotel stays, or dining packages, keep an eye on Disney’s official website for the latest offers.
There are everything from military discounts to bundle deals, hotel-only discounts, and even Disney+ subscriber discounts. New discounts are released each season. Be sure to check Disney's official website right here to see which discounts are live right now. Most discounts are announced a season in advance.
Don't sleep on Disney's Value Resorts! These resorts are typically very competitively priced and come with lots of perks and extra magic. We love staying at Pop Century or Art of Animation on our budget trips to use the Disney Skyliner.
If you plan to go to Disney more than once a year, you may benefit from the discount of an Annual Pass. Passes are pricey, especially for an out-of-state member, but if you plan on spending more than 10 days in the theme parks in a given year, then you can really save big by having an annual pass. We get anywhere from 25-35% off all of our Disney resort stays just by having an annual pass plus discounts on food and merchandise, which really adds up!
If you want to know more about what discount Disney is offering, be sure to sign up for our newsletter! We send out emails each time new discounts are live. Your wallet will thank you!
2. Go During Lower Crowd Times
Timing is everything! If you can swing it, plan your trip during the off-season. Not only will you save money on hotels and flights, but you’ll also enjoy shorter lines and a more relaxed park experience. You'll get to do more in the parks, see more of the magic, and won't need multiple days to accomplish the same things in the same parks.
Think January, February, and early May or September—any time kids are in school and the weather’s not scorching hot. Bonus: lower crowd times often mean more magical moments with characters!
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3. Use Disney Gift Cards to Save Big On Your Disney Trip
Here’s a pro tip: buy Disney gift cards at a discount from places like Target (hello, 5% off with a RedCard!), Costco, or Sam’s Club. You will see this tip a lot. And honestly, it can feel like a lot of work for a small return. But I love this tip because it helps you stay on a budget better than if you were spending on a credit card.
Load up on these cards and use them to pay for everything from park tickets and resorts to meals and souvenirs. I find it works best for us to use them on meals and shopping because they really help me stick to a budget. We typically pay for our resort and Anual Passes on a cash-back credit card (which we always pay off immediately - I never advocate going into debt for Disney), and then we use the gift cards for additional things like meals, snacks, and shopping. You’ll also feel like a savvy Disney pro when you swipe that card.
4. Skip Genie+ & Lightning Lane (If You Aren't Going During Peak Season)
I know, I know—Genie+ and Lightning Lane sound super tempting. But if you’re visiting during off-peak times, you can save a chunk of change by skipping these add-ons. With fewer crowds, the standby lines are usually manageable, and you’ll have more time to soak in the magic without constantly checking your app. Honestly, we rarely purchase this add-on and can still ride a ton of rides.
You need to be a little strategic, like taking advantage of early morning hours for resort guests or staying late. We always hit the most popular rides early (or really late) for the lowest ride time, then check ride times throughout the day and never stand in a line that's longer than 45 minutes. This system works really well for us!
5. Plan Your Dining Ahead of Time
Food can be one of the biggest expenses at Disney, but with a little planning, you can keep those costs in check. Make a budget and stick to it, and don’t be afraid to bring your own snacks and meals into the park. All of the menus for every dining option are available on Disney's website. Before your trip, go ahead and check out the menu and the prices so you are prepared.
Split meals and snacks with your travel buddies to try more things without overstuffing (or overspending). Disney portions are normally on the large size. If you are used to smaller portions at home, splitting food at Disney may be a great option.
There are many times when I will just get a kids' meal and be completely satisfied. For me, I hate wasting food. So I would rather get a smaller portion or split a meal and then get a snack later if I'm hungry than just throw some food away when I'm full. And while character dining is fun, limit yourself to one special meal to save money. Trust me, you’ll still get plenty of character love throughout your trip.
6. Use Rebate Sites to Earn Cash Back Towards Your Trip
Who doesn’t love getting money back? Before you book anything, sign up for rebate sites like Rakuten (use my LINK to get a 10% bonus!). You can earn cash back on everything from flights to hotel stays, daily purchases, and even park tickets. It’s like getting paid to plan your vacation. Use that extra cash to splurge on a special souvenir or a Mickey-shaped treat—or stash it away for your next Disney trip.
7. Pick Either All 4 Parks or Park Hopper, But Not Both
Decisions, decisions. When it comes to park tickets, you can save money by choosing either the standard 4-park option or the Park Hopper, but not both. If it’s your first time or you want to take it slow, stick to one park per day. We are HUGE advocates of not going into a theme park every day of your trip. You will exhaust yourself and miss a lot of the magic while tirelessly pushing yourself through the parks. I only recommend purchasing all 4 parks if you are going for 5 days or longer. After two days in a theme park, your body and mind will need a rest. Don't believe me? Read more about our thoughts on this here!
If you’re a Disney veteran looking to maximize your experience, go for the Park Hopper and enjoy the flexibility of hopping between parks. With this option, you can buy fewer days and just hit the highlights in the parks you love to make the most of your budget. Either way, you’ll save a bit and have a magical time.
8. Get Your FOMO Under Control Before Going
Last but not least, manage those expectations! And I know this sounds like a terrible option, but it's really true!! Disney is huge, and there’s no way to see and do everything in one trip. Get your FOMO (Fear of Missing Out) under control before you go. In my own personal life, I have found that the fear of missing out or not doing all of the things can cause me to overspend in the hope of creating the perfect trip. But in actuality, doing all of these things isn't going to make the perfect trip...it's just going to make you tired!
List and prioritize your must-dos, but leave room for spontaneity and relaxation. And know that even if you don't grab that Instagram-worthy snack or make it on the hottest new ride, you will still have a wonderful time. Remember, the best part of Disney is the magic you make along the way—not just checking off a to-do list.
So there you have it, folks! 8 proven tips to save big on your next Disney trip that we swear by. Follow these tips, and you’ll have a magical time without breaking the bank. Happy planning, and see you at the happiest place on Earth!
Planning A Disney World Trip? Check out these additional Magical Resorts Guide resources you will love:
Love these Disney budgeting tips! Can't wait to give them a try. Thanks for another great post!