Planning a Disney World trip in 2025 doesn’t have to break the bank. With a little foresight and some smart strategies, you can significantly reduce costs while still enjoying all the magic the parks have to offer. Here are the best ways to save money on your Disney World vacation:
1. Book Your Trip Early for Discounts
Why it works: Disney frequently offers discounts on hotel rooms, park tickets, and vacation packages, especially if you book months in advance.
How to do it: Keep an eye on Disney’s official website or sign up for Disney emails to get notifications on seasonal promotions. Booking early also allows you to secure the best deals and discounts on flights.
2. Stay at a Disney Value Resort
Why it works: Disney’s Value Resorts, like Pop Century, Art of Animation, or All-Star Resorts offer budget-friendly accommodations without sacrificing Disney perks like free transportation and early park access.
How to do it: Book at a Value Resort instead of higher-priced Deluxe Resorts or Disney Springs hotels. These resorts often offer rooms starting as low as $100 per night, making them perfect for those looking to save.
3. Use Disney’s Free Transportation System
Why it works: Disney’s extensive transportation system includes buses, monorails, boats, and the Skyliner, all of which are free for Disney hotel guests.
How to do it: Stay at a Disney resort and use the free buses or Skyliner to get around the parks instead of renting a car or paying for rideshare services. This saves you parking fees and transportation costs.
4. Skip the Park Hopper Option
Why it works: The Park Hopper option allows you to visit more than one park in a day, but it comes with an extra cost. If you’re trying to save, visit one park per day.
How to do it: Purchase a basic park ticket for one park per day and focus on enjoying all the attractions in that park. You’ll save money on tickets and still have plenty to see and do.
5. Buy Tickets in Advance
Why it works: Buying tickets ahead of time online often comes with a small discount compared to buying them at the gate.
How to do it: Visit Disney’s official site or authorized third-party sellers like Undercover Tourist to find discounted tickets, especially for multi-day park passes.
6. Use Mobile Ordering for Quick Service Meals
Why it works: Dining at Disney can be pricey, but using mobile ordering helps you avoid longer lines and sometimes higher prices at full-service restaurants.
How to do it: Download the My Disney Experience app and use it to place orders for quick-service meals. Many quick-service restaurants offer great meals at more reasonable prices compared to sit-down dining.
7. Bring Your Own Snacks and Drinks
Why it works: Disney parks allow you to bring in your own snacks, non-alcoholic drinks, and small coolers, which can save a lot on food costs throughout the day.
How to do it: Pack a backpack with bottled water, granola bars, fruit, or other easy-to-carry snacks. This will save you from having to buy expensive bottled water or snacks in the park.
8. Look for Discounts on Dining
Why it works: Character meals and table-service dining can add up quickly. However, you can find discounts, coupons, and promotions that help reduce the cost.
How to do it: Consider visiting Disney Springs or the resorts outside of the parks for cheaper dining options. Many restaurants offer “early bird” specials or discount coupons found in Disney’s promotional materials.
9. Shop for Souvenirs Outside the Parks
Why it works: Souvenirs in the parks can be significantly more expensive than similar items sold at Disney hotels, resorts, or stores outside the parks.
How to do it: Head to Disney Springs or a nearby outlet mall for discounted Disney merchandise. You can also shop at Disney’s Character Warehouse for major deals on last-season items.
10. Take Advantage of Free Experiences
Why it works: Disney offers plenty of free activities and entertainment that can enhance your trip without costing a dime.
How to do it: Watch the Electrical Water Pageant from the shores of Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort or visit the BoardWalk area for free entertainment. Explore the Disney resorts’ themed activities or participate in a free tour, like the free daily Animal Kingdom Lodge tour or the Grand Floridian Resort tour.
11. Plan Your Meals Around Disney’s Free Dining Days
Why it works: Disney offers free dining plans during certain promotional periods, which can save you hundreds on meals.
How to do it: Look for promotions that include a free dining plan, typically offered during the off-season months (like fall or early spring). If your trip aligns with these offers, you can save a lot on food.
12. Use Cashback and Reward Points
Why it works: You can save money by using credit card rewards, cashback offers, or frequent flyer miles.
How to do it: Use a credit card that offers travel rewards or cashback for purchases, and consider redeeming travel points for flights or hotel stays. Some cards also offer discounts on Disney products and experiences.
13. Avoid Peak Travel Times
Why it works: Disney World’s prices fluctuate depending on the season. Visiting during peak holidays or school breaks can be more expensive.
How to do it: Plan your trip during the off-season, such as early January through mid-February or late August through early November, when ticket prices, hotel rates, and crowds are lower.
14. Consider Off-Site Hotels with Free Shuttle Service
Why it works: Staying at an off-site hotel with a free shuttle to the parks can be significantly cheaper than staying on Disney property.
How to do it: Look for nearby hotels, motels, or vacation rentals that offer free shuttle service to Disney parks. Compare prices and check reviews to ensure the hotel offers good value and reliable transportation.
15. Rent Strollers or ECVs Outside the Parks
Why it works: Disney charges a daily rental fee for strollers and electric scooters (ECVs). Renting them from off-site providers can save you money.
How to do it: Rent a stroller or ECV from an off-site company, like Kingdom Strollers or Scootaround, which can deliver the equipment to your hotel, often for a fraction of the price Disney charges.
Final Thoughts
Saving money on your Disney World trip in 2025 is all about being strategic with your planning and spending. From booking in advance and staying at value resorts to using mobile ordering for meals and bringing your own snacks, there are plenty of ways to keep your costs down while still experiencing the magic. With a little preparation, you can enjoy a budget-friendly Disney vacation that’s packed with unforgettable memories!