I originally wanted to call this post “Walt Disney World on a Teacher’s Salary.” As a teacher in South Carolina, I have to find new ways to keep the magic alive on a budget. My family loves to come to Disney as often as possible but as many people know, it’s costly. What used to seem like a place for everyone, now seems like a place for those who can afford it. Have no fear! I feel like just a small alteration in expectations can save you money and possibly allow you to visit more often. On a recent episode of the “Dis Unplugged Podcast,” the team suggested a ballpark figure of around $2500 for two. That may or may not have included airfare. I’m going to try and suggest some ways that will make it less than that! Most Disney fans have come up with innovative ways to save on their vacations. I hope to give some helpful ideas for those who do not travel to the parks frequently.
Expectations
The expectation for most people when they come to WDW is to “do it all.” Of course, “do it all” is virtually impossible and would send your budget “to infinity and beyond!” Not the topic of this article! Seriously, though, some of us come to WDW and want to do it all and initially think we would be disappointed if we did not do it all. The first step to going to Disney is altering the expectation that you must do everything. This was a difficult first step for me, as it is for most people. My goal is to just get my family to Disney property – in the “World” – and go from there. To a certain degree, going to WDW is, in part, just being “there.” So for the rest of the article, just allow your expectation to be “happy just being there.”
Length of Stay
For most people, when we travel to Disney, we want to make it count! Meaning that we stay as many days as possible. I’ve always liked to stay five nights. It just seemed to be the perfect length. The only problem? It costs more to stay more. So I have taken one night away. This helps me save money. Because your expectation is to just get to WDW, adjust the length of stay. I find four nights are enough, knowing we will be back again.
Resort
Probably no surprise here. I stay at the Value Resorts. I choose from Pop Century or the All-Star Resorts. Generally the All Star Resorts are the cheapest. What I like most about Disney Resorts is the quality and atmosphere. Sure, these rooms are very basic and are considered standard among most hotels but I’ve never left with the feeling that I stayed at a dump. I’ve always felt the rooms are clean and amenities are what I payed for. Room prices change with the season but I will use $160 per night to help calculate. According to the rate chart, rooms can go as high as $199 or as low as $96. Total cost for four nights -$640.
Tickets
This is the part that always gets me. $105. According to Allears.net, from 1990-2002 (12 years) prices increased $19.00. From 2002-today ( 13 years), prices have jumped $49. Unfortunately, the prices are not going down and for those of us on a budget it really changes how we vacation at WDW. For a four night stay, I only get two day park tickets. You can save on multi-day tickets but ultimately have to pay more than a two day price. You will have to decide what two parks you want to visit or you could add the Park Hopper option for an additional cost. Total cost for two people – $400.44.
Food
I have never created a scenario in which the Disney Dining Plan can save me money. I always bring boxed cereal with me on a trip. I can easily run down to the food court at the resort and pick up some milk for a few bucks. For lunch, I always take snack food in the park. Crackers, bottled water, maybe even a PB & J sandwich. This can hold me for awhile. Some people that do not travel to Disney may not know that you can bring items in the park. Snacks will probably not get you through the day. I try to make it to 4:00. It is between lunch and dinner. This helps me limit to buying food in the park once per day. If you can, try to eat a table service meal at least once. I prefer ‘Ohana. Two can dine for around $80 plus tax and gratuity. I always try to split entrees in the parks when I can. The biggest money saver in this category is to bring in your own food. Total Cost – Up to you (maybe $300 ballpark for four days)
Explore
There’s tons to do in WDW. Use the third day to explore. Take a stroll on the Boardwalk, walk around Downtown Disney, and visit the various resorts. It’s always fun to go over and ride the monorail to Epcot and around the Magic Kingdom area. One of the best kept secrets is the fishing hole over at Fort Wilderness. You can rent poles and bait and have a fun time catching fish surrounded by the beautiful Fort Wilderness area. An exploration day is also a good day for those that want to relax. A pool day is fun and free! It’s just fun to hang out by the pool or travel around the resort.
Additional Ideas
There are so many ways to visit WDW. This post really focuses on those who want to stay on property. There are many off site hotels as well as a few non-Disney hotels on property. Also, be on the lookout for free dining. Usually once a year, Disney will offer a free dining deal with guests who stay at select Disney resorts. If you are flexible when you can vacation, you may be able to wait on special offers. For professions such as teachers, you may be limited to a certain window to vacation.
Bottom Line
Those who love Disney will find a way to get there. Sure, traveling with a smaller budget might not get you everything you want but you can do it. For two people following these steps, it will cost around $1300.00 (with food). That does not calculate travel costs. I only live a few states away and can travel in one day. Some people may have a longer drive or have to take air transportation. The final price is really up to you. I know people who visit Disney and never set foot inside the park during a vacation. I hope these simple ideas will give you a start, at least, on how to think differently when planning your trip to Walt Disney World.
