Disneyland or Disneyworld on a Family Budget!
Has your family dreamed of a Disney vacation? Are you hoping to go on a budget, and not sure if that's even possible? While a Disney vacation can be very costly, the good news is that with careful planning and thought, you can have a family Disney vacation on a budget! Here are some ways that your family can save a lot of money, while still enjoying the best of what Disney parks have to offer.
The first tip that can save you big money is to not buy a whole Disney package. Although a package is convenient, often allowing your family to stay right in the Disney parks, it is definitely a lot more expensive! You'll find much cheaper accommodation outside the resorts, in the area surrounding the theme parks, whether you are going to Disneyland or Disneyworld. And usually hotels in close proximity to Disney parks offer a free shuttle service, so getting to and from the parks is not a problem.
The next tip is to go during the off season. You'll find October-April the cheapest times to go, so you might consider taking the kids out of school. Not only will you likely save more money on hotels, you might also find discounts on park tickets. Generally speaking, make sure you avoid any holidays, including long weekends, holidays, or even regular weekends.
It's always good to plan your Disney vacation well in advance - you might find that tickets to the park are cheaper when you buy them this way. You'll also avoid any possible price hikes between the time you plan your vacation and the time you actually go. Also, if you are buying your park tickets from a travel agent, don't accept their first price. Always ask for a discount. In fact, that is a good practice no matter where you are spending good money. I remember one time we stayed at a nice hotel with our baby, and asked for a "cute baby" discount - which we got! It never hurts to ask.
The cost of food on your Disney vacation can quickly add up - but again, with some planning, you can save hundreds of dollars. As you are not allowed to bring outside food into the parks, it is a good idea to eat a hearty breakfast before going in the morning. If you are at a hotel that offers a free continental breakfast, then you'll save even more. Check ahead of time what restaurants there are in the park, as well as their prices. That way, you can plan to visit the more affordable ones when it gets close to lunch/dinner time, rather than finding everyone hungry and just going to the closest one. You can also save money on beverages if you buy bottled water inside the park, and refill them throughout the day.
When planning your Disney holiday, you also want to consider the costs and benefits of driving vs. flying. Although it can be much more convenient to fly, the cost of driving can be significantly less. Even a 10-12 hour drive (as painful as that sounds) is manageable with children if you are prepared and take breaks. Remember, if you are going to drive, make sure to bring plenty of snacks, drinks, and food for meals to avoid frequently eating out, and further increase your savings!
Our final tip is to consider buying your souvenirs outside the Disney parks - or at least visit them at the end of the day, with each child having a certain budget. You can even plan ahead and have your children earn the money for souvenirs before the holiday. They will appreciate them all the more, and will also be more careful in what they choose.
It is possible to have a Disneyland or Disneyworld holiday on a budget. All you need is a plan, and you'll soon be on the family vacation of a lifetime for a lot less than you thought possible!
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