There are three classes of accommodations at the Disney Resort: Value, Moderate and Deluxe. Rooms at the Value Resorts -- Pop Century and all three All-Star resorts -- ranged from $82 to $160 per night, as of October 2010. Guests staying at a Walt Disney World property receive free transportation to and from the airport and to the theme parks, making car rental unnecessary.
In recent years, Disney has offered some money-saving packages that include free meal plans, free hotel stays or other upgrades and perks for guests staying at Disney properties. These incentives are generally only available for a limited time and on specific travel dates and may have other restrictions. For example, a recent offer for a free meal plan included dining at specific restaurants within the resort. However, even with restrictions, Disney's exclusive deals can make a trip less expensive.
Disney hotels are not the only option for park visitors. In towns surrounding the parks, such as Lake Buena Vista, Kissimmee and on Orlando's International Drive, hotels are available at many price points. According to Frommer's, the average Orlando hotel room is about $101 per night, with many hotels offering lower rates. Many hotels also offer free meals, free transportation to the parks or other perks, such as discounts for AAA or AARP members.
Attending a time share presentation can often earn you free Disney park tickets or reduced-cost accommodations. In exchange for these benefits, you will spend a minimum of two hours listening to a sales presentation for a timeshare property. Depending on the size of your family, this can be a significant savings. According to Walt Disney World, in 2010, a one-day, one-park adult ticket cost $82, and a child (age 3 to 9) ticket cost $74. When planning your trip,also consider staying at a timeshare property. If you meet the property's qualifications, you can stay at a resort for free or at a reduced rate. See Resources for links to some properties that offer this type of special. Be sure to read the fine print on any deal to confirm the time commitment for a presentation and any fees or charges.
Consider purchasing a $30 Orlando Entertainment Book, which offers coupons and deals for everything from meals to souvenirs. (Note that these coupons are for non-Disney establishments.)
Throughout the year, Disney designates certain weeks as "Value Seasons." In 2010, Value Seasons included most of January, August, September and the weeks between Thanksgiving and the week before Christmas. Confirm your exact dates before booking, but room rates during Value Season at Disney resorts and other area hotels can be as much as 30 percent lower compared with the rest of the year.
