Cheaper Ways to Visit Disney World
By Deals Orlando • Oct 25th, 2009 • Category: Orlando TipsSo the economy is down; we spend less on clothes, less on dining out, and even mow the lawn ourselves, but the kids still yearn to see Mickey … that life size mouse who brings dreams to reality. This year Disney celebrates The Year of A Million Dreams and what child doesn’t dream of actually becoming a princess or a pirate? We know our children grow up too quickly, so in order to preserve memories and make new ones, we have tightened our belts, followed our budgets and planned our Orlando vacation with some “cheap” alternatives. Most resourceful and money saving strategies call for some clever pre-planning, and here are some innovative suggestions that I hope come in handy on your next trip to Disney.
Flying to Orlando?
It isn’t always necessary to rent a car once you land at Orlando Airport. There are no ground and transportation charges if you sign up for Disney’s Magical Express which is a free shuttle from the airport to Disney World. The prerequisite is you must stay at a Disney property.
Free ticket to Disney World?
Disney offers free admission on your birthday during 2009. You must sign up in advance
http://disneyparks.disney.go.com/disneyparks/en_US/WhatWillYouCelebrate/index? If your birthday and travel plans coincide with Disney’s “ off season”, your savings can be huge. Time is money and right now from late August through September and part of October, ( hurricane season in Florida ) is “value season.”
Which Disney World tickets to buy?
Always make sure you purchase your tickets from a reputable merchant. In Florida it is illegal to resell partially used tickets. The best advice on which tickets to buy is to use a calculator and figure out your needs. If you call Disney direct, often you will be given special codes for discounts, but you must call Walt Disney World and you must ask them for available discounts. Another useful hint … if your stay is for 6 days, chances are you will not use the tickets for the day or ½ day of arrival and departure. Why pay for a full day?
Cheap Disney Resort to stay at?
One of the best kept secrets is Fort Wilderness, which is a beautifully maintained campground with 799 campsites. A 10 person campsite is $43.00 a night… $4.30 per person which even includes nightly entertainment and surprise visits from Disney characters.
Dining on the cheap?
Think about dining outside of Disney. There are certainly many themed restaurants and something for everyone. You can find free discount coupons by planning ahead. Check the Entertainment Book of Orlando for 2-for-1 coupons and in the Orlando Sentinel are frequently coupons for such restaurants as Planet Hollywood, Ponderosa and McDonald’s offering “kids eat free” with the purchase of one adult meal.
More cheap tips?
- Those light/glow bracelets and necklaces at night are expensive at Disney. Get some at the Dollar Store before you leave. They usually cost less than $1.00
- Buy souvenirs outside of the resort. They are much less expensive.
- Bottled water in Disney is $2.50 a bottle. Get a reusable bottle with a filter. Bringing your own water into Disney is permitted.
- Eat breakfast in your hotel. It’s a lot more convenient, time saving and “ cheaper.”
Enjoy your vacation!
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