Are you interested in planning a trip to Disney World for your family of four? If so, it’s important to consider the costs and factors involved in making your vacation a success. How much does it cost for a family of four to go to Disney World?
In this article, we will provide you with an overview of the expenses you can expect to incur and the factors you should take into account when planning your trip to Disney World.
Whether you are a first-time visitor or a seasoned Disney fan, this guide will help you make informed decisions about your vacation.
A family trip is a great way to spend quality time with the whole family. What better way to spend quality time with your family than a trip to Disney World?
I agree; getting the cost for such a trip is essential so you don’t end up blowing your budget. Not to worry, this article will give you in-depth knowledge of the cost and budget to take you and your family of four on a mind-blowing trip at Disney World.
Example Disney Budget For A Family of 4
As you can see by looking at the expenses above, this is a trip that requires planning. The plan is to enjoy yourself without feeling limited.
After all, if you are going to make the trip of your dreams to Disney, I think you will not enjoy it the same when you are limited in money.
How much it costs to go to Disney depends on each family’s plans. You can design your trip to Disney according to your budget. Below is a simple budget draft for a family of four.
6-Day Trip for 2 Adults, 2 Children Ages 11 and 6
Park Tickets: $2,391
Food: $1,300
Accommodation: $830
Car rental and transportation: $640
This brings the total budget to a sum of $5,161 for a trip to Disney World.
What Is the Average Cost of a Disney Vacation
To calculate how much it costs to go to Disney, I recommend spending $ 200 and $ 250 a person daily for a comfortable budget.
If you have a family of four and they are going to visit for four days, then calculate to spend about $ 4,000 if you want to travel “at ease”. By this, I mean that you bring money to pay for the trip, and you are not super short.
But your trip can be cheaper or more expensive; it all depends on your taste and budget. For example, some do not have to pay for a hotel because they can stay with friends. Others can travel by car and save on the expense of the plane.
Here, I make the report of these expenses during the trip to Disney. The list is ordered from the most expensive to the least expensive because nothing is cheap at Disney.
If what you spend seems exaggerated, I can tell you that we plan for you to travel with ease.
Budget Cost for a Family of 4 at Disney World
Planning a trip to Disney World can be exciting, but it can also be overwhelming, especially when it comes to budgeting. If you’re trying to plan a trip to Disney World on a budget, you’ll be happy to know that it’s definitely possible.
Let’s explore the budget cost for a family of four at Disney World so you can start planning your dream vacation without breaking the bank.
When planning a budget vacation to Disney World, your best bet is to stay at an offsite hotel. Luckily, you can find a good spot during the low season for $50-$75 a night.
| Trip Type | Adults | Kids (3-9) | Ticket Days | Nights | Offsite Budget Hotel |
| Full Week | 2 | 2 | 4 | 7 | $3,186 |
Medium Cost for a Family of 4 at Disney World
The medium cost for a family of four at Disney World can vary depending on a few factors, such as the time of year, accommodation choices, dining options, and ticket types.
On average, a medium-cost trip to Disney World for a family of four can range from $4,00 to $6,000 for a 5-day stay.
This would include a moderate hotel room, park tickets, and meals at quick-service restaurants.
However, if you choose to stay at a deluxe resort, dine at sit-down restaurants, and purchase park hopper tickets, the cost can increase to over $10,000.
To save money, consider visiting during the off-season, when hotel rates and park ticket prices are lower.
You can also bring your own snacks and drinks into the park to avoid spending money on expensive food and beverages.
| Trip Type | Adults | Kids (3-9) | Ticket Days | Nights | Disney Value Resort | Disney Moderate Resort |
| Full Week | 2 | 2 | 4 | 7 | $3,830 | $4,747 |
Deluxe Cost for a Family of 4 at Disney World
The deluxe cost for a family of four at Disney World can be quite expensive but also an unforgettable experience.
A deluxe trip to Disney World typically includes a stay at one of the luxurious Disney resorts, world-class dining experiences, and exclusive access to park attractions and events.
On average, a deluxe trip to Disney World for a family of four can range from $6,000 to $15,000 for a 5-day stay. This would include a stay at a deluxe resort, park hopper tickets, and meals at sit-down restaurants.
While a deluxe trip may seem costly, it is important to note that it offers many benefits that cannot be found in a budget or medium-cost trip.
For example, staying at a deluxe resort provides easy access to the parks, as well as exclusive amenities such as complimentary transportation, early park entry, and late park hours.
Additionally, dining experiences at Disney’s signature restaurants, offering unique and delicious meals with impeccable service, can be a highlight of the trip.
| Trip Type | Adults | Kids (3-9) | Ticket Days | Nights | Disney Deluxe Resort |
| Full Week | 2 | 2 | 4 | 7 | $6,309 |
Disney Accommodation Costs
When you start planning the trip, the hotel prices may scare you. The ones that seem like good options and are located near the parks cost $150 to $200 a night.
How much you’re willing to spend on your accommodations is really going to depend on the type of vacation you are looking to have. You can go from $30 per night to over $500.
If you are not going to spend much time in the room, try not to spend too much. I recommend you look for other lodging alternatives. Instead of getting to a hotel, try contacting a Disney Travel Agent or using Airbnb.
You can decide on a condo with two bedrooms, a living room, a dining room, a full kitchen, two bathrooms, and a washer and dryer.
Accommodations
When it comes to planning a trip to Disney World, one of the biggest decisions you’ll have to make is where to stay. Disney World offers a variety of accommodation options, from value resorts to deluxe villas, each with their own unique benefits and price points.
Disney Value Resorts
Disney’s value resorts offer affordable accommodations without sacrificing the fun and magic of a Disney vacation. These resorts are perfect for families on a budget who still want to experience all the excitement of staying on Disney property. The estimated cost range for a family of four at a value resort is between $110-$200 per night.
Disney Moderate Resorts
Disney’s moderate resorts offer a step up in amenities and theming from the value resorts, while still being budget-friendly.
These resorts offer more dining options, larger rooms, and additional recreational activities. The estimated cost range for a family of four at a moderate resort is between $200-$350 per night.
Disney Deluxe Resorts
Disney’s deluxe resorts are the most luxurious and expensive accommodations on property. They offer the highest level of theming, amenities, and dining options.
Deluxe resorts are perfect for families who want to splurge on their Disney vacation and experience the ultimate in Disney luxury. The estimated cost range for a family of four at a deluxe resort is between $400-$800 per night.
Off-Site or Non-Disney Hotels
Staying off-site or at a non-Disney hotel can also save you money on accommodation costs. While you may miss out on some of the perks of staying on Disney property, such as early park access and transportation, you can often find more affordable rates and additional amenities.
It’s important to consider the cost-benefit of staying on or off-site when planning your Disney vacation.
Park Ticket Costs
It’s hard to believe, but people spend more on theme park tickets than airline tickets from Dallas-Fort Worth, Texas, to Orlando, Florida.
A single admission ticket to Disney World parks costs between $100 and $120 per person, depending on the season. Children over 9 years old pay an adult ticket, but the difference is not great, it’s like about $5.
If you are going to visit Disney for several days, which is the joke of making the trip there, I recommend that you buy an admission pass for multiple days because it is cheaper. You can get affordable tickets via Undercover Tourist and Getaway Today.
Disney Tickets
You can purchase a five-day admission pass to the Disney World parks. It will cost you about $370 per person, for a total of $1,480 for all four.
This pass can be used to visit the Magic Kingdom, Epcot Center, Hollywood Studios, or the Animal Kingdom. Some families go two days to Magic Kingdom, two days to Hollywood Studios, and one day to Epcot.
Universal Studios Tickets
Ticket prices at Universal Studios and Islands of Adventure are comparable to those at Disney World. A single ticket costs $110 for adults and $105 for children. However, they sell a pass for $165 per adult and $160 per child, that allows you to visit both parks on the same day. However, I do not recommend buying it.
There are too many games and attractions to see in each park, plus too many people. Considering the time you spend waiting in line to enter each attraction, I recommend dedicating a day to each one to enjoy yourselves well.
If you have to choose between Universal Studios and Islands of Adventure, I would recommend visiting Universal Studios.
Do not miss the secret world of Harry Potter, which is so secret that we hardly find it. How can you imagine there is a hidden gate in the park to enter? I’m not telling you cos I wouldn’t want to ruin the surprise.
However, Tickets to Universal’s parks may cost you almost $800. In total, you can spend $2,280 on tickets for seven days.
Food Costs
If you arrive at an apartment with a kitchen, this will allow you to buy food in the supermarket and make all the breakfasts and several dinners in the store.
Those who have gone to any theme park will surely agree with me. The food is very expensive and not very good. On average, you can spend $100 a day inside the park buying lunch and a few snacks.
To give you an idea, a bottle of water or soda costs $5 inside Disney World, and a hamburger costs like $15. Someday, for three smoked turkey legs that are irresistible to the eye, you may pay almost $50. This, in my opinion, is an eye to the face!
Although Disney offers food packages, after reviewing the menus and the price, you may decide that it is not the best option for you. If your budget is very limited, consider preparing your sandwiches at the hotel or wherever you are staying. Also, pack a plastic bottle to constantly fill it with water, and don’t forget to pack snacks in the bag.
At Disney, they let you in with food, as long as it’s simple, like sandwiches, fruit, and snacks. In addition to the meals in the parks, your budget can include enough to eat in restaurants for several days during the trip.
If you follow these guidelines, you may spend about $1,400 on meals and grocery expenses during the days of your vacation (9 days, according to my calculation).
Disney World Miscellaneous Costs:
When planning a Disney World vacation, it’s important to remember that there are other expenses to consider beyond just accommodations, tickets, and food.
Some of the additional costs that you may encounter include souvenirs, parking, and additional activities. Here are some estimated costs for a family of four:
Souvenirs:
It’s hard to resist the temptation of buying souvenirs when you’re at Disney World. From Mickey ears to t-shirts, there are plenty of options to choose from. On average, a family of four can expect to spend around $150-$200 on souvenirs during their trip.
Parking:
If you’re planning to drive to Disney World, you’ll need to factor in the cost of parking. The standard parking fee at Disney World is $25 per day, but it’s important to note that this fee is subject to change. For a week-long trip, a family of four can expect to spend around $175 on parking.
Additional Activities:
While there’s plenty to do at Disney World without any additional costs, there are also plenty of paid activities that you may want to consider.
For example, you can take a backstage tour, attend a dessert party, or even go on a hot air balloon ride. The cost of these activities varies greatly, but on average, a family of four can expect to spend around $200-$300 on additional activities during their trip.
It’s important to keep in mind that these costs are just estimates, and the actual amount you spend may vary based on your personal preferences and the duration of your trip.
However, by factoring in these miscellaneous costs ahead of time, you can ensure that you’re prepared for all the expenses that come with a Disney World vacation.
Disney Transportation Costs
When it comes to transportation options at Disney World, there are several choices for visitors to choose from. Some of those options include rental cars, shuttles, and Disney’s Magical Express.
Rental Cars
If you prefer to explore Disney World on your own schedule, renting a car is a good option.
There are several car rental companies located at the Orlando International Airport (MCO) that offer vehicles to travelers. The cost of renting a car depends on the type of vehicle you choose, the duration of your rental, and other factors like insurance and gas.
I personally like to use Turo when renting cars as it’s much easier.
Shuttles
Another popular transportation option at Disney World is taking a shuttle. There are several shuttle companies that offer transportation services from the airport to Disney World.
These shuttles can accommodate large groups of people and are ideal for families. The cost of a shuttle ride varies depending on the company you choose and the distance you’re traveling.
How Much Does It Cost For A Family Of Four To Go To Disney World Estimated Transportation Costs
The cost of transportation for a family of four at Disney World can vary depending on the transportation option you choose and the duration of your stay.
If you choose to rent a car, you can expect to pay anywhere from $30 to $100 per day.
If you opt for a shuttle, the cost can range from $20 to $50 per person each way.
You can also Uber for about $50 each way.
What Is The Cheapest Time To Go To Disney World?
Undoubtedly, the best months to travel cheaply to Disney are January and September, as the number of visitors falls on these dates. This low turnout is due to the school calendars. For the first weeks of these months, children have already entered class, so the Parks have a moderate number of visitors.
This makes it easier to access attractions, shorter lines, and a quieter environment. Another factor is the weather; it would be winter and autumn, respectively, and that makes the walk through the parks more bearable.
At this time, humidity and heat have decreased, so it is an excellent time to withstand long walks.
Finally, the best reason is that prices for everything go down to the maximum -except the entrances to the parks that remain constant throughout the year.
How Can I Go To Disney for Cheap
I know you’re wondering if there’s a cheaper way to spend quality time with your family at Disney World, well your right. Below are some tips you have to follow to make your family trip appear a bit on the cheap side.
Travel in the cheap months
As I mentioned earlier, the best months to travel cheaply to Disney are January and September. This is because there is always a low turn-up of visitors at this time of the year.
As a result of the prices of everything within that period drop, allowing you to spend less.
Buy the right tickets from one of the above retailers
Plan your stay well, the more days you buy the cheaper the tickets to the parks if you want to visit 3 Disney parks it is better to buy what you need and nothing more.
For example, I have never purchased or found the need for park hoppers. You can get affordable tickets from Undercover Tourist and Getaway Today.
Save on transportation when booking your hotel
If you are going to stay in one of the Disney hotels, the price you pay for your stay includes transportation to the parks, whether by bus, boat, or monorail.
If you stay in independent hotels, many of them also have this service included. Make sure of that before making your reservation.
Take advantage of the coupon book
In almost every hotel, warehouse, or restaurant, you will find notebooks with discount coupons.
You can find good savings on restaurants, transfers, tickets to other attractions, and shows to travel cheaply. It does not hurt to take a notebook of those; they are free.
Find a hotel with breakfast included
Something else your cheap Disney trip can do is save you money for breakfast. Many hotels have a continental breakfast option, which is quite attractive. If you go to another place, the bill will be more expensive, while if you do it with the hotel, you will eat what you want to eat without paying more.
Take your food to the parks so you don’t spend a lot
Disney is one of the few parks in the world to let your food into any of the parks. Inside the parks, restaurants (even the simplest ones) turn out to be expensive: a hamburger, a soft drink, or even a bottle of water can cost more than double their real value.
That is why you organize your backpack very well from the day before and prepare yourself some good sandwiches, snacks, and drinks.
Is The Disney Dining Plan Worth It?
This question has no correct answer because the importance that each person gives to food on their trips is different. From our point of view, we can suggest the following:
1. If you are one of those who care more about the experience inside the parks and do not care about food, you have to choose the Disney Fast Service Meal Plan.
2. If food is an important point for you and your companions, but you have a somewhat restricted budget, then the Disney Meal Plan is the ideal one for you.
3. Finally, if food is a decisive factor in your vacation experience or you will spend more time in hotels than in parks, the Disney Deluxe Meal Plan would be your ideal option. Of course, as long as you are also willing to spend a good part of your budget on this service.
Cost: Family 4 Disney World
While a Disney World vacation can be a dream come true, it’s no secret that it can also be quite expensive. However, there are ways to save money and still have a magical experience. Here are a few tips to help you cut costs:
1. Plan Ahead: Planning ahead is key when it comes to saving money on a Disney World vacation. Research the best times to visit, purchase tickets in advance, and consider staying at a hotel off-property.
2. Look for Discounts: Disney often offers discounts on tickets, hotel rooms, and packages. Keep an eye out for these discounts and take advantage of them when you can.
3. Bring Your Own Food and Drinks: Food and drinks inside the park can add up quickly. Consider bringing your own snacks and drinks to save money.
4. Use Disney Transportation: Disney provides free transportation to and from the parks for guests staying at their hotels. Take advantage of this service to save money on transportation.
Do Your Own Research and Budgeting
While these tips can help you save money on your Disney World vacation, it’s important to do your own research and budgeting to determine the best options for your family’s vacation. Every family’s needs and budget are different, so it’s important to take the time to figure out what works best for you.
Consider looking into different hotels, ticket packages, and transportation options to find the best deals. Make a budget for your trip and stick to it. Doing your own research and budgeting can help ensure that you have a magical Disney World vacation without breaking the bank.
