Fairytale Journeys Travel

7 Budget Hacks for Your Disney World Vacation

One of the most common Disney World misconceptions is cost. People often say, “Disney is too expensive.” But it doesn’t have to be that way!  Here are 7 budget hacks to save money on your Disney World Vacation

1. Be Smarter with Souvenirs

Cut down on impulse buys in the parks by bringing affordable versions of Disney souvenirs with you. Items such as bubble wands, Mickey ears, and toys can be purchased at home. Surprise the kids with them throughout your trip! Alternatively, Disney gift cards make great gifts for birthdays and holidays leading up to a trip.

2. Become a Disney Visa Cardholder

The Disney Visa offers reward dollars on all purchases. You can then use these rewards toward purchases at most Disney World locations, including restaurants, shops, and entertainment. You can also take advantage of discounts at park retail locations and exclusive character meet-and-greet opportunities. Any payments toward your vacation package with the card are interest-free for six months.

**Fairytale Journeys is not an affiliate of Disney Visa, nor do we earn any incentives from our clients signing up as card holders.

Disney Visa card

3. Take Advantage of Store Reward Programs

Many stores offer cash back or discounts on gift card purchases. You can use Disney gift cards to make payments on your vacation balance. Target Redcard holders earn 5% back on gift card purchases. Shopping clubs like Sam’s Club and BJ’s sell gift cards for a discount. When you purchase gift cards from grocery stores like Giant Eagle or Kroger, you can earn cents off every gallon of gas. You can also stack savings when you buy gift cards with your credit card, many of which offer cash back on purchases.

4. Use a Payment Plan

The deposit to secure your Disney vacation package is only $200. After that, you can make payments at intervals and amounts convenient for you. Breaking up the total into installments, it can help build the price of your vacation into your monthly budget. Discuss a payment plan with your Travel Advisor and they will take care of the payments for you!

Disney Payment Plan

5. Add the Disney Dining Plan to Your Package

Disney has announced that dining plans will return in 2023. There are so many reasons to love the dining plan! The cost per meal is objectively less than purchasing food a la carte. When you have prepaid, there is less stress over budgeting. Each member of the travel party also receives a refillable mug that can be used for free refills of coffee, tea, and fountain beverages at your resort for the length of your stay, saving you money on beverages.

When dining plans return, your Travel Advisor can help you plan out the best ways to utilize Table Service, Quick Service, and Snack credits to get the most value out of your plan. Not all Table Service and Quick Service offerings are created equal!

6. Save On In-Park Snack Purchases

One of the best ways to save money on food is to bring snacks and breakfast items from home or have them delivered to the resort via delivery service. Save time and money with a yogurt or smoothie from your minifridge or snack on a granola bar while you hurry to the parks for Rope Drop. Little known fact: outside food and non-alcoholic beverages are allowed in Disney Parks. Pack some snacks and fill up your water bottle and you won’t have to purchase those items in the parks. Of course, you’ll want to budget or save some snack credits to get at least one Mickey-shaped snack!

Mickey Snacks at Disney

7. Book with a Travel Agent That Specializes in Disney Destinations

Disney periodically releases special offers on rooms or vacation packages. One of the services a travel advisor provides is applying these offers to qualifying bookings. There are often limited rooms available for these offers, but when your trip is booked with an FTJ agent, you can rest assured knowing that your agent is up early on release days to secure those savings on your behalf.

Your Fairytale Journeys Disney Vacation Planner will tailor a trip to all your needs, including your budget. All aspects of a Disney vacation are customizable, from the resort to several park days and dining options. Fairytale Journeys travel advisors are well-acquainted with all of these options and will suggest ways to plan a magical trip within your budget. And if you’re not already working with a Fairytale Journeys Disney Travel Agent, contact one to help you plan your next vacation.

SUSANNE HAYS

My love for Disney began when I was a young girl, and my parents took me to Disney with my brothers for a boy scout trip. During High School, I attended Benjamin Russell in Alexander City, AL, where I was a majorette in the band. We were given the opportunity to perform at Magic Kingdom during one of their parades, which was a dream come true and such an honor to have been chosen. Walt Disney’s vision was to dream, believe, dare, and do. I think this is still true today!

I began my travel experience at another home-based travel agency, where I learned about the travel business. During this time, my love for Disney and the magical experience Disney offered became the focus of my travel business.

The many years of experience in sales and the importance of customer service, loyalty, and dedication for every client to have a magical experience is when Fairytale Journeys, LLC was created. For the past 20 years, my family and I have visited Walt Disney World, Disney Cruise Line, and Aulani. I enjoy helping others plan their magical vacations to WDW. I give each client the personal service that they should have. I ensure everything is taken care of for their magical vacation from the beginning of the reservations to the end. That’s why it’s so important to book with a travel agent so that you can receive a personal touch on your vacation.

I am here to help my clients with dining reservations, itineraries, travel arrangements, and most of all, dedication to making sure that each of my clients receives the best price for their magical vacation!

I have an undergraduate degree in Fashion Merchandising and a Masters’s Degree in Elementary Education. I am married to Steve Hays from Huntsville, AL, and we have two boys, Wilson and Garren Hays.

Graduate of College of Disney Knowledge
Universal Parks & Resorts Specialist

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