If you’re planning a trip to Disney World in 2024, you’re probably already anticipating the magic, excitement, and memories that await you. However, it’s no secret that a Disney vacation can be expensive, and it’s important to budget accordingly to make the most of your trip without breaking the bank.
That’s why I’ve put together this guide to budgeting for Disney World 2024. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a seasoned pro, our tips and tricks will help you save money, make the most of your time in the parks, and ensure that your Disney vacation is everything you’ve dreamed of and more.
From accommodations to dining to souvenirs, we’ll cover it all to help you create a budget that works for you and your family. So, let’s get started on planning your magical Disney adventure!
Understanding Walt Disney World Costs
As someone who has visited Walt Disney World on a budget, I understand the importance of understanding the costs associated with a trip to the resort.
It’s easy to get carried away with all the exciting attractions, shows, and character experiences, but it’s important to keep in mind the costs associated with each aspect of your trip.
One of the biggest expenses when it comes to a Disney World vacation is lodging. Disney offers a variety of on-site resorts, ranging from value to deluxe, with prices varying accordingly.
It’s important to do your research and determine which resort fits within your budget. Keep in mind that staying off-site may seem cheaper, but transportation costs can add up quickly.
Another major expense is park tickets. Disney offers a variety of ticket options, including single-day tickets, multi-day tickets, and park hopper options. It’s important to determine how many days you plan on visiting the parks and which ticket option makes the most financial sense for your trip.
Food and beverage costs can also add up quickly at Disney World. While there are plenty of dining options available, they can be quite expensive. Consider bringing snacks and drinks into the parks to save money, and research quick-service dining options that fit within your budget.
Transportation costs, such as flights and rental cars, also need to be factored into your budget. Keep in mind that Disney offers complimentary transportation from the airport to your resort if you stay on-site.
By understanding the costs associated with a Disney World vacation, you can create a budget that works for you and your family. With a little bit of planning, it’s possible to enjoy all the magic of Disney World without breaking the bank.
Breakdown of Disney World Costs
(5 nights/6days)
Accommodations (Disney All Star Resort): $1,145.20
Transportation (Flights and Round Trip Airport Shuttle): $680
Tickets (4 day base tickets): $1,815
Food (Disney Quick Service Dining Plan): $828
Souvenirs: $200
Total: $4668.20
Budgeting Disney World Hotel Overview
Planning a trip to Disney World can be exciting and overwhelming at the same time. One of the biggest expenses of any trip is the cost of accommodation, and if you’re on a budget, finding affordable options can be a challenge.
However, with a little bit of research and careful planning, it is possible to find a budget-friendly hotel at Disney World that meets your needs.
One of the first things you should do is figure out how tight your schedule. As you plan, you will see how drastically a change of dates will save you money.
When searching for a budget-friendly hotel, consider staying at one of Disney’s value resorts. These resorts offer affordable rates while still providing the Disney experience.
They may not have all the bells and whistles of the more expensive hotels, but they still offer comfortable accommodations, pools, and transportation to the parks.
Another way to save money on your hotel stay is to look for discounts and deals. Disney often offers special promotions and packages that can help you save money on your hotel stay. You can also use GetAwayToday or a Disney Travel Agent to build the best vacation for you.
Finally, consider staying off-site. While staying on-site at Disney World does have its perks, such as early entry to the parks and transportation, staying off-site can be much more affordable. There are many hotels and vacation rentals located just outside of the parks that offer lower rates and still provide easy access to Disney World.
Budgeting for Disney World hotels requires research, planning, and a willingness to be flexible. By setting a budget, considering value resorts, looking for discounts and deals, and exploring off-site options, you can find a budget-friendly hotel that allows you to enjoy all that Disney World has to offer without breaking the bank.
With a little bit of research and careful planning, it is possible to find a budget-friendly hotel at Disney World that meets your needs.
Budgeting Disney World Food Overview
There are ways to budget and save money on food while still enjoying all that the parks have to offer. Here are some tips on how to budget for food while at Disney World:
There are three main meals a day in addition to snacks and drinks. I begin with a cost per meal:
Breakfast – $25/person/day
Lunch – $45/person/day
Dinner – $60/person/day
Snacks – $15/person/day
Drinks – $15/person/day
Want to simplify this? You can opt into the Disney Dining Plan. Want to save money? Keep reading ways to save.
- Bring snacks: Pack some snacks and drinks in your bag to munch on throughout the day. This will help hold you over until your next meal and save you money on expensive park snacks.
- Share meals: Many of the meals at Disney World are large enough to share, especially if you have young children. This can be a great way to save money and still enjoy delicious meals.
- Eat off-site: If you have a car or are willing to take a short Uber ride, there are many affordable restaurants just outside of the parks. This can be a great way to save money on food while still enjoying delicious meals.
- Use groceries to eliminate your breakfast budget, your drink budget, and 75% of your snack budget.
Breakfast – $0/person/day
Lunch – $45/person/day
Dinner – $60/person/day
Snacks – $5/person/day
Drinks – $0/person/day
By following these tips and being mindful of your spending, you can easily budget for food while at Disney World and still enjoy all the magic the parks have to offer.
Real-life Examples of How Families Have Saved Money on their Disney World Budget
Here are some real examples I have used to save my clients money when booking their Disney vacation.
Example 1
For those who can, I suggest the leverage of credit card rewards towards their Disney trip. Don’t spend a dime more than you intended to, all you need to do is pay for things you were already paying for with your credit card.
When you do so, you can accumilate rewards to then use towards your flights, hotel stay, etc. Crossing one thing off of your list is huge.
When using credit card rewards for a Disney World vacation, it’s important to be strategic. Make sure you’re using a card that offers rewards that are valuable to you, and consider the fees and interest rates associated with the card. It’s also important to pay off your balance in full each month to avoid interest charges, which can negate the value of your rewards.
Example 2
One family was able to save a significant amount of money on their Disney vacation by simply buying groceries. Instead of eating out for every meal, they decided to purchase groceries and have breakfast and coffee in their hotel room.
This not only saved them money on costly restaurant meals but also allowed them to have more control over their diet and nutrition. Plus, it gave them a chance to bond as a family and discuss the fun of the day.
Not only did they save money on food, but they were also able to use their credit card rewards towards their flights and hotel stay, as I mentioned earlier. By being strategic with their spending and utilizing credit card rewards, this family was able to have an amazing Disney vacation without breaking the bank.
Frequently Asked Questions: Budgeting Disney World
What are some tips for saving money on Disney World tickets?
To save money on Disney World tickets, I recommend purchasing them in advance. You can also look for discounts through third-party websites or by purchasing multi-day tickets. Another option is to visit during the off-season when ticket prices are lower.
How can I plan a Disney World vacation on a budget?
To plan a Disney World vacation on a budget, I recommend setting a budget and sticking to it. Look for affordable accommodations, such as off-site hotels or vacation rentals.
You can also save money on food by bringing your own snacks and meals into the park. Research free or low-cost activities to do at Disney World, such as exploring the resorts or attending parades and shows.
What are some affordable accommodations near Walt Disney World?
Some affordable accommodations near Walt Disney World include off-site hotels, vacation rentals, and campgrounds. Look for options that offer shuttle service to the parks to save on transportation costs.
How can I save money on food at Disney World?
To save money on food at Disney World, consider bringing your own snacks and meals into the park. You can also look for quick-service restaurants that offer affordable options, such as kids’ meals or snacks. Another option is to share meals with family or friends to cut down on costs.
What are some free or low-cost activities to do at Disney World?
Some free or low-cost activities to do at Disney World include exploring the resorts, attending parades and shows, and visiting Disney Springs. You can also take advantage of the free transportation options, such as the monorail and buses, to explore the parks and resorts.
How can I make the most of my Disney World budget?
To make the most of your Disney World budget, I recommend setting a budget and sticking to it. Look for affordable accommodations and transportation options. Plan your meals in advance and bring your own snacks and meals into the park. Research free or low-cost activities to do at Disney World and prioritize the ones that interest you the most.
Want more?
Check out the newly updated Disney on a Budget ebook!
Walt Disney World on a Budget: Infographic
Terri Ramsey Beavers
Monday 17th of October 2016
These are really great tips. I will have to keep them in mind when we travel back to Disney. I think it's a smart idea to bring along Mickey Ears instead of to keep buying more.
Elizabeth O.
Monday 17th of October 2016
It's important to have a budget that your family can adjust to when going to Disney. These are really helpful and it's not also going to come in the way of you and your family from having fun.
Agnes Dela Cruz
Sunday 16th of October 2016
What a wonderful time spent. I wish I can bring the whole gang to Disneyland.
Rosey
Sunday 16th of October 2016
I have been to Disney on a budget. It's easier than it sounds, but you have to prep the kids first, lol
Erlene Amat
Sunday 16th of October 2016
We're in SoCal, so we go to Disneyland and agree about the meals. We try to eat outside of the park because that saves us at least $100 per meal.