Let's face it - taking your family to Disney is expensive. It doesn't help when you're like me and you want to indulge in all the amazing food and drinks available across Walt Disney World.
Unfortunately, those memories and experiences come with a price that just seems to keep going up. The good news? There are quite a few ways that you can make that credit card bill sting just a little less when you get home from your magical adventure:
1. Grocery delivery services
- This one can be a total game-changer for a family trying to save money at Disney without taking away from the experience. Don't get me wrong - there's nothing like a character breakfast, but at $200+ per meal, that can get expensive really fast. And let's not even talk about the cost of a bottle of water in the parks...yikes!
Most of the major supermarkets will offer delivery to your Disney resort, hotel, Airbnb, etc. I've only used Walmart+ since delivery is free with our subscription, but other local grocers offer similar services, though some may charge fees. There are also private businesses that specialize in grocery delivery to Disney resorts. Many of them are owned by former Disney Cast Members (Disney's term for their park employees) as well.
P.S. - you can even get alcohol delivered!
2. Kids meals for adults
- There's no rule that says you have to be a child to order as a child!
You can order a kid's meal at just about any Disney restaurant, and while you can always get the kid-friendly staples like chicken nuggets and fries, most restaurants also have more adventurous options for the little ones (or for the frugal adult).
Keep in mind, this tip generally applies to quick-service meals at the parks and resorts. I've heard stories of this not working at the sit-down & signature dining experiences.
3. Renting DVC points/reservations
- If you're not familiar with Disney Vacation Club (DVC), it's essentially Disney's version of a timeshare-style program. Membership may be an option for those of you that go to Disney regularly, but even if you're not a member, you can still take advantage of staying at Deluxe resorts for a significantly reduced cost.
Most of the 1-bedroom and larger DVC rooms come equipped with a washer, dryer, and full kitchen as well.
4. Staying "off-property"
- If there's one thing that's abundant near Disney, it's definitely places to stay. Just about every hotel chain in the country has multiple properties in the area (great way to use your rewards), along with plenty of independent hotels and Airbnb/VRBO rentals. If you're traveling with a large group, renting a nearby house could potentially save you thousands of dollars compared to staying in a large suite at one of the Disney hotels.
5. Buying discounted gift cards
- Many major retailers sell Disney gift cards and will offer some type of discount. The warehouse clubs (Sam's, Costco, BJ's, etc.) often sell gift cards at a pure discount, while other retailers may offer discounts on gift cards if you have that store's credit card. While 5-10% may not feel like a lot at the time, when you take that into a $5,000 trip, a 10% discount is $500 saved!
I specialize in working with families that visit the Disney resorts (and go on Disney cruises) regularly, so if you'd like to learn more about how I help my clients, please feel free to reach out!