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When I asked for help planning a Disney vacation on a budget, I got so many emails sharing money saving tips. This week, I will be sharing a bunch of those tips with you. So, here are 10 misc. tips shared by readers, that will help you plan a budget friendly trip to Disney. Thanks to everyone who submitted tips! Lots more ideas coming soon!
1.Travel during Value season – room rates are a lot lower and usually during the end of August through October they offer the free dining plan. This will save you hundreds of dollars. You can trade in your meals for special character meals including Chef Mickey, Cinderella’s castle dinner, etc.
2. Bring your own stroller. We bought an umbrella stroller for our 3 year old for $12. (our twin 5 year olds took turns in it too as they got tired of walking!) The airline doesn’t charge you for checking a stroller unlike other luggage. It was easy and light to transport. Stroller rentals at the park are around $16/day. (I totally agree with this one! We picked up a stroller at Goodwill for around $12)
3. Bring your own snacks into the park. Also if you are traveling during hot weather, bring your own misting fans. They sell them at the park for around $15 and everyone is buying them. We bought ours at Wal-mart before we left for around $5. Bring your own ponchos if you are going during a rainy time.
4. The longer you stay the cheaper the tickets per day: a 10 day ticket costs about the same as a 4 day ticket.
5. Go Priceline (or hotwire) and do betterbidding.com first! I stayed at the Safari Sheraton for about $50/night right next door to disney. (I had several people recommend betterbidding.com, I am going to have to check it out!)
6. If you want Disney paraphernalia check out your local Disney stores. They always seem to have sales and their stuffed animals go on sale regularly. So, shop before you go to the park.
7. Make your own breakfast each day instead of eating out. We always eat breakfast in our room. We bring Styrofoam bowls and plastic spoons. I often bring shelf stable soy milk and boxes of cereal from my stockpile.
8. The Walmarts in Orlando have shirts for $5, Towels for $5, and posters for $4. Walmart is way cheaper than many of the other grocery stores you find around Disney. I also had someone mention finding some great deals at the Publix grocery store.
9. If you stay in the resort, try watching the Magic Kingdom Fireworks from the beach at the Polynesian Hotel. It has the firework music piped in and is a good choice for nights you aren’t planning to be at the park. They sell Dole Whip nearby too! (We love Dole Whip, it’s a must for any Disney trip)
10. My kids will still wear fanny packs and I pack them the night before with a small juice box, a granola bar, gum, candy, wet wipes and anything else that will keep them from asking for snacks before lunch. I tell them that they can eat/drink it without asking.
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