How Much Does A Disney Vacation Cost [Updated 2024]

Average Cost of a Disney World Vacation

Someone somewhere is sitting at home wondering if a Disney vacation is within their reach based on the question, how much does a Disney vacation cost? Well, I’m here to tell you that it is.

Seriously. To help you get a better idea of the costs of a Disney vacation, here’s my breakdown of the things to consider and how much some vacations could cost.

Often, you’ll hear exclamations of how expensive a Disney trip is, but with good budgeting and planning, it is manageable. While I lay out my price estimate below, you can watch the video to see me walk through the steps I take to figure out a Disney vacation budget.

We will go through each part of the vacation, how much you can estimate, and why. I break the vacation down into six categories: Getting to Walt Disney World, Accommodations, Getting Around Walt Disney World, Food, Disney World Tickets, etc. 

To start off, think about how much a domestic vacation with your family usually costs. I don’t mean visiting Aunt Helga up in Vermont, where the only money you can plan on spending is a few groceries, ski rentals, and some hot chocolate.

Think of a full-blown vacation, how much you’d approximately spend, and write that number down.

In my case, we are only two people and can spend about $ 3,000 on a full-fledged vacation. Follow me as I walk through the average costs of every category and help you understand how much that ideal Disney vacation will cost.

Your first quote should exceed what the eventual total is. The idea for my readers is to go back through and find ways to cut costs in each category. It’s a lot easier than you think. You can follow along with me in the video at the bottom of this post!

Average Cost of a Disney World Vacation: Getting to Walt Disney World

The first thing you need to consider is how you’re going to get to Walt Disney World. Are you going to fly, or drive?

If you live in the US, then driving is always a possibility, but it can be a very long trip. Driving from the New York/New Jersey area can be up to a 16-hour drive, which can be hard to manage no matter who you’re traveling with. 

You also have to factor in money for gas, stops for food, and whether you’d need to stop overnight somewhere, which would add fees for a hotel.

A trip from the Northeast would cost around $200 with gas fees and all other things considered. I recommend using the AAA gas calculator to help you figure out how much gas will cost round-trip. It asks where you are going and your type of car and bases the calculation on that. 

On the other hand, you might have to take a plane to Disney World. An example trip from the NYC area to Orlando is usually between $200-$325 round-trip per person. If you plan ahead and keep an eye on flight prices, you can usually get a good price, so I’m going to estimate flight pricing as $250 per person roundtrip. 

Walt Disney World Accommodations

There are six options for accommodations when visiting Walt Disney World. These are staying at a hotel off-site, staying at one of the Disney Springs area hotels, meaning they are not Disney-owned but are on Disney property, staying on-site at one of Disney’s resorts, renting Disney Vacation Club points, or staying at a rental home in the Orlando area. 

Staying Off-Site 

One easy way to find affordable accommodation is by staying off Disney World property. Nearby options like the Clarion Inn Lake Buena Vista and Wingate by Wyndham Kissimmee, normally priced around $70-$90 a night, are within a 15-minute drive from Walt Disney World but at much lower prices than on-site.

There are plenty of great options here, and you don’t need to rent a car. With Uber, it’s just as easy to get to the parks, and you don’t have to pay for parking. 

Disney Springs Area Hotels

At the beginning of 2019, Disney added two hotels, the Hilton Orlando Bonnet Creek and the Waldorf Astoria Orlando, to this category.

That means that these hotels are designated as Official Walt Disney World Hotels and, therefore can take advantage of Disney’s Early Theme Park Entry. In most cases, you can also use the 60-day advance Genie+ privileges. 

The other hotels are: 

• Drury Plaza Hotel Orlando
• B Resort and Spa
• Hilton Orlando Buena Vista Palace
• Hilton Orlando Lake Buena Vista
• DoubleTree Suites by Hilton Orlando – Lake Buena Vista
• Holiday Inn Orlando Disney Springs
• Wyndham Garden Lake Buena Vista
• Shades of Green at Walt Disney World Resort
• Walt Disney World Swan & Dolphin Resort

A few, including the Hilton Orlando Lake Buena Vista and the Swan & Dolphin Resort, also offer character dining options.

B Resort and Spa, has a general price range between $60-$250 a night, depending on the time of year and other factors. You can also save money by using services like Priceline Express Deals.

Staying at one of these Disney Springs Area Official WDW Hotels is the perfect way to get a better rate while still taking advantage of things like Early Theme Park Entry. and Genie+, and is definitely worth looking into if you want the best of both worlds!

Staying On Disney Property

It’s a wonderful experience when you can stay at one of the Walt Disney World Resorts. In their Value category are all three All-Star Resorts, the Art of Animation Resort, and the Pop Century Resort.

With a good deal, you can stay here for as low as $80 a night, though you really need to look and keep an eye out for these opportunities. 

When it comes to choosing a hotel for your Disney World vacation, there are plenty of options available, ranging from budget-friendly to luxurious.

If you are looking for a more affordable option, there are a variety of value resorts located on the Disney World property. These resorts offer comfortable accommodations at a lower price point, with amenities such as themed swimming pools, food courts, and transportation to the parks.

For those who want to stay on the Disney World property but are willing to pay a bit more, there are also moderate resorts available. These resorts offer more amenities than the value resorts, such as table service restaurants, themed rooms, and additional recreational activities.

If you are looking for the ultimate in luxury and comfort, there are also deluxe resorts available at Disney World. These resorts feature premium amenities such as fine dining restaurants, spas, and concierge services. They are located close to the parks and offer convenient transportation options that make getting around the parks a breeze.

Renting DVC Points

There are also Disney Vacation Club villas available for those who prefer a more home-like experience. These villas feature kitchenettes or full kitchens, separate living and sleeping areas, and additional space to spread out and relax.

The Disney Vacation Club is Disney’s timeshare program. But even if you aren’t a member, you can rent points to allow you to stay at one of these deluxe resorts. Pricing has gone up over the years for these points, so as of now, you will generally be paying at least $225 a night to stay here.

Though it is possible to pay as low as $150 if you look for deals, even at the higher price, this is definitely worth your money. You would be staying at one of the top resorts at Walt Disney World.

A few options are the Animal Kingdom Villas, Bay Lake Tower at the Contemporary Resort, and the Beach Club Villas. If you are interested in learning more about the Disney Vacation Club, you can check out my guide here. 

Rental Home/Airbnb

You can rent someone’s home in the area for around $80 a night, whether it’s a townhouse, apartment, or full house. This can be a great way to get that more homey feel while on vacation. Many great companies can broker a deal for you, and it’s as easy as a quick Google search.

The company I listed in the video, All Star Vacation Homes, has since closed up shop. A great alternative is Airbnb, where you can find a stylish, comfortable place to stay for as low as $68 a night, maybe even lower. 

If you want to know more about Walt Disney World and Orlando accommodations, check out my post about staying at Disney on a budget.

Average Cost of a Disney World Vacation: Getting Around Walt Disney World

There are many different ways to get around Walt Disney World. You could rent a car, but that’s only really a good option for people who intend to travel off-site a lot. For a 7-day, 6-night stay, a rental car would typically cost $150-$200 for the whole trip.

But you also have to think about buying gas, tolls, and parking fees, usually about $20 a day off-site. 

This is where staying on property can be a huge benefit. Disney’s free transportation system is amazing and connects you to all the parks and resorts by bus, boat, monorail, or gondola. Also, if you must rent a car, you can park it for free at the resort where you are staying.

So, for this estimation, I’d use the Disney transportation system, and for any off-site travel, there’s Uber. The cost of this for the whole trip would be around $40. 

Parking Costs at Disney World

Parking at Disney World is available for both standard vehicles and oversized vehicles, such as RVs and buses.

As of 2024, the standard parking fee is $25 per day per vehicle, while the fee for oversized vehicles is $30 per day.

Additionally, if you leave the parking lot and return on the same day, you will not be charged again as long as you keep your parking receipt.

It’s worth noting that parking is not included in any Disney World park admission tickets, so you’ll need to budget for it separately if you plan to drive to the parks.

If you’re staying at a Disney Resort, you can enjoy free standard parking at all Disney theme parks for the entire duration of your stay.

This means you won’t have to pay the daily parking fee for your standard vehicle.

However, it’s important to note that this complimentary parking benefit is only available for guests with bookings at Disney-owned and operated resorts and not for guests staying at other hotels or off-site accommodations.

Food

Dining is surprisingly the most expensive part of the vacation. This is because of things like meal plans, restaurants, and just having food for everyone throughout the trip. But there are many easy ways to limit your spending on food!

First, I’d suggest buying some groceries when you first arrive and try to have breakfast at your accommodations. 

At the parks, you also might want to buy a treat, whether it’s a Mickey ice cream bar, popcorn, or something like that. These items can be very expensive, but you can’t help it when you get hungry during the day. One way to help this is to pack some snacks and plan your meals ahead of time.

Also, restaurants around Disney tend to have large portions, so if you have a fridge at your accommodations, you can eat leftovers later on. As for costs, I’d say that for a family of 4, you’d spend around $60 a day for lunch (so $15 per person), and $150 a day for dinner. 

Average Cost of Disney World Tickets

Since I made the original video, ticket pricing has gradually increased over the years. I still recommend the 3-day ticket, which allows you to go to one of the parks for three days over a 5-day period, which means you don’t have to visit the parks for three consecutive days.

Pricing right now depends on when you visit and will most likely be between $350 to $450 for the full 3-day ticket per person. Youth tickets are slightly cheaper, and that’s without any park hopper or water park add-on. 

Other Disney Vacation Costs

I’m considering the items you’ll want to buy during your visit for this category. Generally, this would be souvenirs, experiences, and other treats.

You know you’ll want to buy those Mickey ears for a great picture in front of the castle. You should set a per-person limit for this, which can really help you minimize costs. 

One thing you can do to set a limit is to buy Disney gift cards for specific amounts. It works really well when you are traveling with kids to easily keep track of how much they’ve used.

Also, you can buy Disney merchandise through other avenues like Walmart or JCPenney for way lower prices and bring them with you to surprise the kids each day. 

Budgeting for this category is super important because this is definitely where your spending can get away from you. I start my estimation for this category for a family of 4 at $1000, meaning each person gets $250 to spend. 

Total Estimation

Totaling up the numbers listed above, we have:

$250 flight per person = $1000

Getting around WDW = $40

$80 per night accommodations = $560

$350 per person park tickets = $1400

Food = $1200

Etc = $1000

Total = $5200

Goal = $2000 – $3000

Given I estimated $ 3,000 for a family of 2, this final estimate for a family of 4 is great, and prices can be cut lower in other ways, like really minimizing the etc category budget to $200 total or finding an amazing deal on flights or accommodation.

Also, if you find a place to stay through Airbnb, the cost of accommodations could be as low as $400. 

If you’d like more help with budgeting your Disney trip, you can take a look at my ebook.

Average Cost of a Disney World Vacation Overview

You know, when I am planning Disney vacations I always think of them in three levels deluxe, moderate, budget.

Deluxe being as expensive as it gets, similar to the deluxe resorts at Disney World. Budget being the cheapest we can get without sacrificing quality.

Disney vacations can vary greatly in cost depending on how they are planned. For example, if you opt for a deluxe vacation package, you can enjoy the highest level of luxury and comfort during your stay.

This may include staying at one of the deluxe resorts at Disney World, where you can enjoy premium amenities, top-notch service, and most importantly, proximity to the parks. However, this level of luxury comes at a high price point.

On the other hand, if you are looking to save money and plan a budget-friendly Disney vacation, there are plenty of options available to you as well.

You can opt to stay at one of the more affordable hotels or resorts outside of the Disney World property, or choose a budget-friendly package that includes fewer perks and amenities. With a bit of planning and research, it is possible to have a great Disney vacation without breaking the bank.

Additionally, there are also moderate Disney vacation packages that strike a balance between luxury and affordability. These packages offer a good mix of amenities and value, and can be a great option for those looking to enjoy a comfortable and enjoyable Disney vacation without overspending.

Ultimately, the cost of a Disney vacation depends on a variety of factors, including the type of package, the length of stay, the time of year, and the activities you choose to participate in.

Real Average Cost of a Disney World Examples

Average Cost of a Disney World Vacation For 4

The average cost of a Disney World vacation for 4 people can vary depending on the type of package you choose, the time of year you visit, and the length of your stay.

However, on average, you can expect to spend around $3,000 to $6,000 for a 5-day trip including hotel accommodations, park tickets, and meals.

Keep in mind that this cost does not include transportation to and from the resort, souvenirs or any additional activities outside of the park.

Trip Type	Adults	Kids (3-9)	Ticket Days	Nights	Disney Value Resort	Disney Moderate Resort	Disney Deluxe Resort	Offsite Budget Hotel
Weekend	2	2	2	2	$1,821	$2,053	$2,559	$1,504
Partial Week	2	2	3	4	$2,413	$3,733	$4,139	$2,384
Full Week	2	2	4	7	$3,830	$4,747	$6,309	$3,186

Average Cost of a Disney World Vacation For 3

On average, a five-day trip to Disney World for a family of three can cost around $2,500 to $5,000, with park tickets, accommodations, food, and transportation being the main expenses.

However, this cost can increase significantly if you choose to stay in a luxury resort, opt for park hopper tickets, or participate in special events and experiences.

Trip Type	Adults	Kids (3-9)	Ticket Days	Nights	Disney Value Resort	Disney Moderate Resort	Disney Deluxe Resort	Offsite Budget Hotel
Weekend	2	1	2	2	$1,490	$1,725	$2,231	$1,283
Partial Week	2	1	3	4	$1,973	$3,166	$3,696	$1,946
Full Week	2	1	4	7	$3,263	$4,180	$5,742	$2,624

Average Cost of a Disney World Vacation For 2 Adults

I was mostly planning Disney vacations for 2 adults until we had our first baby, so this is definitely an area of expertise for me!

The chart that I made shows that for 2 adults, you can spend anywhere between $1,000 to $6,000. Once you factor in the rest of the budget items we discussed, the budget can increase a great deal.

Trip Type	Adults	Ticket Days	Nights	Disney Value Resort	Disney Moderate Resort	Disney Deluxe Resort	Offsite Budget Hotel
Weekend	2	2	2	$1,159	$1,397	$1,903	$962
Partial Week	2	3	4	$1,534	$2,599	$3,253	$1,508
Full Week	2	4	7	$2,696	$3,613	$5,742	$2,062

Average Cost of a Disney World Vacation, 5 Day Vacation

The average cost of a 5-day Disney vacation can vary depending on the time of year, type of accommodation, and the number of people in your group. It’s important to note that the cost of park tickets alone can account for a significant portion of your overall expenses.

As you can see on the chart I made, a 5 day vacation can cost anywhere between $1,500 and $5,000 for just hotel and tickets. The entire budget will be between $2,300 and $6,500.

Adults	Kids (3-9)	Ticket Days	Nights	Disney Value Resort	Disney Moderate Resort	Disney Deluxe Resort	Offsite Budget Hotel
2		3	4	$1,534	$2,599	$3,253	$1,508
2	1	3	4	$1,973	$3,166	$3,696	$1,946
2	2	3	4	$2,413	$3,733	$4,139	$2,384

How Much Should You Budget For Your Disney World Vacation

Planning a trip to Disney World can be an exciting but daunting task, especially when it comes to budgeting. It’s important to have an idea of how much you can expect to spend on your vacation, so you can save up accordingly and avoid any financial surprises along the way.

The cost of a Disney World vacation can vary greatly depending on a variety of factors, including the time of year you visit, the length of your stay, the type of accommodation you choose, and the activities you plan to do. Generally speaking, however, you can expect to spend anywhere from $3,000 to $6,000 or more for a family of four, depending on your preferences and choices.

To get a better idea of what you can expect to spend, consider the following expenses:

1. Accommodations: The cost of your hotel or resort will depend on the level of luxury you desire and the time of year you visit. Disney World offers a range of options, from budget-friendly hotels to deluxe resorts, with prices ranging from $100 to $500 per night or more.
2. Park tickets: Admission to Disney World’s four theme parks is one of the biggest expenses you’ll encounter. Prices vary depending on the length of your stay, with single-day tickets starting at around $109 for adults and $103 for children. Multi-day tickets and park hopper options can add up quickly, so be sure to factor in this expense when budgeting.
3. Food and dining: Disney World offers a wide range of dining options, from quick-service eateries to fine dining experiences. Expect to pay around $15 to $25 per person for quick-service meals, and $35 to $65 per person for table service meals.
4. Transportation: If you’re flying to Orlando, you’ll need to factor in the cost of airfare. Once you arrive, you can either rent a car or use Disney’s transportation system, which includes buses, boats, and monorails.
5. Souvenirs and extras: Finally, be sure to budget for souvenirs and any extra activities you plan to do, such as character meet-and-greets, photo packages, and special events.

By considering these expenses and doing some research ahead of time, you can create a realistic budget for your Disney World vacation and avoid any unwelcome financial surprises. Happy planning!

Practical Advice: Make Your Disney Vacation More Affordable

Disney vacations are a dream come true for many families, but the cost can quickly add up. Fortunately, there are ways to make your Disney vacation more affordable without sacrificing any of the magic. Here are some practical tips to help you save money on your next Disney trip:

1. Plan ahead and book early: By booking your Disney vacation early, you can take advantage of discounts and special offers that may not be available closer to your travel dates.
2. Choose the right time to visit: If you can be flexible with your travel dates, consider visiting Disney during the off-season. Prices are typically lower, and the crowds are smaller.
3. Stay at a Disney resort: While staying at a Disney resort may seem more expensive, it can actually save you money in the long run. Disney resorts offer complimentary transportation to and from the parks, as well as other perks like Early Theme Park Entry. and free MagicBands.
4. Bring your own snacks and drinks: Food and drinks can be expensive in the parks, so consider bringing your own snacks and drinks to save money. You can also refill your water bottles for free at any of the water fountains throughout the parks.
5. Use a Disney credit card: If you’re a frequent Disney visitor, consider using a Disney credit card to earn rewards and discounts on your purchases.

If you’re really looking to do Disney on a budget, you should check out my more in-depth posts about how to save on the average cost of a Disney World vacation.