The (Most Expensive) Place on Earth?
Skip the Character Meals
Dining at Cinderella's Castle sounds like a dream come true and Chef Mickey's is a sure hit for the kids. But eating with your favorite characters will cost at least double what you'd pay to eat elsewhere in the park. If you're hoping to save a few bucks, opt for the meet-and-greets instead. You can avoid the lines by using fast passes or waiting until the park traffic dies down toward the end of the night. And the meet-and-greets have professional photographers and cute scenery, something the character meals are lacking.
Travel With Pocket Change
One of the cheapest souvenir options—a pressed penny—requires just 51 cents. For two quarters and a penny, your kids can walk away with a prized coin that forever reminds them of your trip. Or you could go really crazy and show up to Disney with a mini M&M canister packed full with quarters and pennies—allowing your kids to collect coins at multiple locations. It's a souvenir with the added fun of having to hunt down the pressed penny machines—that alone ups the value in most kids' eyes.
Pre-Purchase the Extras
When it comes to Disney souvenirs, you know you'll be tempted to buy them all—especially when your kids spy other vacationers flaunting autograph books or Disney pins. Pro tip: You can buy that stuff for much cheaper on Amazon ahead of time. Show up with your autograph books, pressed penny books, trading pins and lanyards, and you could save yourself about $50 per kid.
Avoid the Meal Plans
Disney touts their meal plans as a way to save, but unless you have a huge appetite and are willing to research how to get the most out of your meal plan money, you're probably better off just spending as you go. Most people struggle to use all of their meal plan snack credits and unless you're choosing the most expensive meals at the places you dine, it's hard to balance out the cost.
Now, if your resort stay includes a meal plan, that's a different story—and it's a deal you could very well save money with!
Enjoy the Pool
Don't make every day a park day. Not only will you wear yourself and your kids out, you'll also blow through your Disney budget in record time. Instead, plan a day or two of nothing. Lounge by the hotel pool, take advantage of the free resort activities (like movies on the lawn) and relax both your body and your wallet.
Have Your Stroller Waiting for You
If you've got kids under 6, you're going to want a stroller. Even if your child hasn't needed a stroller in years, you'll want one at Disney. (With all that walking? Trust us.) Save yourself money by reserving one ahead of time at any of the companies that deliver directly to Disney resorts. Kingdom Strollers is one option—and they'll even bring you bottled water with your stroller drop-off. These companies are cheaper than renting a stroller inside the parks and the convenience can't be beat.
