Disney World Tips 

See all four parks.

While Magic Kingdom is the most iconic Disney World theme park, each of the four parks is well worth a visit. If you have the time, it’s a great idea to budget a day for each theme park. 

Get familiar with on-property transportation options.

Because the property is so expansive (it’s the size of San Francisco!), you’ll need a little help getting around. Thankfully, Disney World has you covered with an extensive, included transportation system of buses, boats, gondolas, and the famous Monorail. 

Go resort hopping.

There are more than 20 hotels at Walt Disney World, and thanks to their fun themes, many are worth visiting in their own right. Spot giraffes from dinner at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge, grab a Dole Whip or tiki drink at Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort, and stroll the lively promenade at Disney’s BoardWalk Inn. 

Don’t miss Disney Springs.

This dining, shopping, and entertainment district has something for everyone, and it’s a great place to go for a bite to eat after a day at the theme parks. 

Prepare for summer storms.

Summer rainstorms are common in Florida, so having a poncho or umbrella on hand is always helpful.  

Disneyland Tips

Book a nearby hotel to save money.

While staying at a Disney hotel offers plenty of perks, travelers hoping to save money will be happy to know that there are tons of affordable hotels within walking distance of the park.

Or, splurge and stay on site for exclusive perks.

In addition to the Disney hotel benefits listed above, guests staying at Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa can take advantage of a special Disney California Adventure Park entrance connected to the hotel. 

Get immersed in Disney history.

As the first Disney park, Disneyland is packed with history and nostalgia. You can experience that yourself when you ride still-operating opening-day attractions and spot Walt’s apartment. 

Spend the extra money on Park Hopper passes.

Hopping between Disneyland Park and Disney California Adventure Park takes just a two-minute walk, so we recommend getting a Park Hopper ticket so you can experience both in one day.

How to Save Money at Disney World and Disneyland

Bring your own snacks.

Did you know you can bring snacks to the theme parks? Stashing a few items in your bag can help you save a few bucks on pricey in-park eats. 

Use the ticket calendar to save money.

Disneyland and Disney World use dynamic ticket pricing, so the tickets are more expensive on busier days. That typically means that tickets during holidays, school breaks, and weekends are more expensive, while midweek tickets during off-peak times cost less. Visiting during these less crowded times may require some flexibility, but you’ll be rewarded with shorter lines and lower prices.  

Use points to book a hotel.

There are major chain hotels very close to both Disneyland and Disney World. You can easily find Marriott, Hilton, Hyatt, and more properties near Disneyland Resort. The Walt Disney World Swan, Dolphin, and Swan Reserve are Marriott Bonvoy properties located close to Epcot and Disney’s Hollywood Studios. 

Check for special offers.

Always check to see what special offers are available on the Disney website — there may be a money-saving package available for your trip.

Include a resort day in your itinerary.

Tickets are one of the greatest costs for a Disney vacation, so spend a day outside the parks taking advantage of your hotel’s included amenities and activities. 

Don’t pay for water.

You can always ask for free cups of water at Disneyland and Disney World dining locations, so you don’t need to shell out for a bottle every time you’re thirsty. Better yet, bring a water bottle to refill throughout the day so you can stay hydrated.

Buy T-shirts (and other souvenirs) before your trip.

Target, Walmart, and H&M — so many retailers sell relatively inexpensive Disney apparel these days, so this is an easy way to save money on your Disney trip.

Start planning your next getaway