Many travelers try to save money by staying off-site and driving to the parks. While accommodations are going to be more affordable farther away from the parks, you'll also have to pay for parking and you'll miss out on the Magic Hours--time the parks are open only for resort guests. When you stay on-site, you get free transportation to all the parks via boats, monorails and buses. If you are on a budget, choose one of the value or moderate priced resort options.
Disney World prices are determined by seasons--five of them to be exact. The resorts operate on four seasons--value, regular, peak and holiday. You'll also find a fifth season -- summer -- for the value and moderately priced resorts. To save the most money, schedule your vacation during the value period (January, February, August and September). Here's an example of how much you can save: a two bedroom villa at Saratoga Springs costs $900 per night during the holiday season, $790 during the peak season but less than $600 per night during the value season.
Tickets can be added to any Disney World vacation package. These tickets are called Magic Your Way because you can choose which parks to visit. You can purchase tickets for 1 to 10 days. The more days you purchase, the lower the cost per ticket. Keep in mind that Walt Disney World includes four main theme parks--Magic Kingdom, Animal Kingdom, Hollywood Studios and Epcot. You don't necessarily need a ticket for every day you will be staying in Orlando. You should also leave time to explore the free sections of Disney, such as Downtown Disney and Disney Boardwalk, and to relax by the pool. Remember to add the Park Hopper option so you can visit multiple parks on a single day which is convenient for visiting the restaurants and for viewing the fireworks.
Another good way to save money, especially if you are staying at a resort, is the meal plan. With the plan, you pay an upfront fee that covers your dining costs. For example, if you purchase the Deluxe Meal Plan you receive one breakfast, one lunch, one dinner and two snacks per day during your entire stay at the resort. Quick-erve and sit-down restaurants are included, as are character breakfasts and some special event meals. Tips are not included. Generally, you'll save about 50 percent on the cost of your meals at Disney if you choose one of these meal plans. Another option is to book a villa that includes a kitchen or kitchenette so you can prepare most of your meals. Food at Disney is expensive!
Staying one week in Disney may seem like a long time until you actually arrive and see everything you'd like to do. Plan ahead and discuss with your family some of the must-do activities. The two Disney water parks -- Typhoon Lagoon and Blizzard Beach -- can be added to your Magic Your Way tickets for a reduced price if those are must-do attractions for your family. Miniature golf is also available and costs around $11 per game per person so plan accordingly. Night life is also available for parents at the Boardwalk and at Downtown Disney. These locations are free to enter but costs for alcoholic drinks and activities are a bit pricey (domestic beers at Planet Hollywood in Downtown Disney, for example, are almost $6 each).
