Cheap Disney World Spring Break Ideas

A vacation at Disney World can be very expensive, and for most people this year, beyond their spring break budget. But, if your heart is set on some time at Disney World, there are several ways to save money and make this trip budget friendly.

Airfare - Visit travel sites (Travelocity, Expedia, Best Fares, etc.) to check out airfare prices often. You can sign up for mailing lists for several of these websites; those mailing lists can be specific to where you want to travel, and when a deal comes up, you can be notified about deals via email (and sometimes, text.) Many people do not realize though that these travel sites actually increase your airfare; they make money from fees added on to the airfare. So, if you find airfare that fits within your budget on a travel site, head immediately to the airline's official website. You will most likely find the same flight for a little bit cheaper. Start searching early; with my companies trying to boost their sales, there are a lot of great deals out there to be found on airfare.

Hotel - Many people think it is more cost effective to stay off-site (i.e. not at a Disney World resort.) But, think again. Disney World offers value resorts (All-Star Movies, All-Star Sports, All-Star Music, and Pop Century) with affordable rates, even during busy times like spring break. Although the cost per night may be a bit more expensive than an off-site hotel, you need to factor in the additional costs for not staying on Disney property.

For example, if you stay at a Disney World resort, you will be treated to complimentary transportation. This includes transportation to and from the airport (if you're flying), and transportation from your resort to every park, other resorts, water parks, etc. If you do not stay at a Disney resort, you will have to pay for transportation costs (renting a car if you fly, daily parking, etc.) So, the extra nightly cost will most likely save you a bit of money in the long run with transportation.

Pins/Codes - For many years, Disney has sent out what they call a PIN (or, a pin code.) These elusive and magical codes are randomly sent out to people via email and regular mail. No one ever knows why Disney World sends PIN codes to whom, or when a PIN will even be released. But, if you are lucky enough to receive one, they will offer you some sort of great discount not open to the general public.

Now, with even a major destination like Disney World hurting for visitors, these PIN codes are being sent out quite frequently. Simply go to the Disney World website and fill out the information to be included on their mailing list; make sure you list the specific month you want to attend, and be sure to pick the option to receive discounts via email and mail.

Before this year, I (nor, anyone else I know) had never received one of these PINs. But, in the past two weeks after updating my information on the Disney World website, I have received two PINs - one for 40% off my hotel stay and another for a $500.00 gift card with a certain package deal. (You can not combine PIN codes though; only one per reservation.)

Military Discount - This year, Disney is offering many deals unlike any they have offered before. This deal could help you budget and be able to afford a spring break trip. This is a military discount (for career military members, or retired military members) for 40% off hotel rooms, and additional savings on park tickets. Each member of the military will receive a free multi-day park ticket, and additional tickets may be purchased for less than half the normal cost.

4/3 Deal - Disney is also offering a current buy 4 nights/park tickets and get 3 nights/park tickets free deal. Basically, if you pay for 4 nights hotel stay (at a Disney resort) and 4 days worth of tickets, you will get 3 more nights and 3 days of park tickets for free. There are a few black out dates and this deal books quickly, so make sure to check this one out in advance and book early if you think this will make a Disney World trip fit within your budget.

Birthday Celebration - As a part of the new Disney World promotion ("What Will You Celebrate?"), Disney is offering free admission to every one on their birthday. If you, or someone in your party, is lucky enough to have a birthday land during your spring break trip, that person can get in free on the actual day of their birthday.

You must register in advance on the Disney World website and bring proof of the birthday for park admission. Or, if you are already an annual pass holder but happen to go to Disney World on your birthday (and, register online in advance), you will receive a gift card worth the value of a one-day admission ticket to the parks. You can use this gift card inside the park on food, souvenirs, etc. If you are celebrating your birthday, you will also be given a special birthday button; make sure to wear it! You will receive well-wishes all day, and may even be given a special treat when you eat at Disney that day.

Resort Hop - Once you are there, take a day and just visit all of the resorts. This will save you a bit extra from paying for tickets (although, not much as increased ticket days are normally not much more than a $10.00 difference per day.) But, if you are traveling with a large family on spring break and need to save a little bit of money to make a Disney World trip fit within your budget, checking out the resorts is a great way to pass the time.

Each resort has at least one themed pool, a gift shop, and various food courts or restaurants. And, Disney knows how to theme resorts better than anyone. I would highly recommend visiting the Animal Kingdom Lodge, the Grand Floridian, and the Contemporary. Each of these resorts displays Disney's amazing style of encompassing guests in to their own special world while visiting.

Stick with Counter Service Meals - Even if your heart is set on eating at many of the expensive table service (sit-down restaurants), give up that idea if you are on a budget. Stick with counter service meals (Disney World's equivalent of fast food); I have never had bad food at Disney, so you are not going to go wrong no matter where you eat. Many counter service meals are rather large, and you can easily split them between multiple (young) children, or as a snack between several people.

If you want to do a special meal, pick just one. I would recommend Chef Mickey's (at the Contemporary Resort), Crystal Palace (in Magic Kingdom), or Cinderella's Royal Table (inside the castle at Magic Kingdom.) These restaurants are all character meals (you family can meet-and-greet characters during their meal), and offer wonderful food.

Pre-Purchase Souvenirs - If you are traveling with young children, chances are that they may not understand that you are working on a budget just to take this spring break trip, and Disney World is full of tempting choices when it comes to souvenirs. So, purchase your souvenirs in advance.

Although they are few and in-between now, there are several Disney Stores still out there. Or, you can order from their website. (There are always great sales.) You can also watch for items that you are interested in on Ebay; look up Disney t-shirts. You will pay much less online in advance than you would at the parks. Then, pack these items with you and give them to your children when you see their eyes wandering towards over-priced souvenirs at Disney World.

Find Free Activities - Once you arrive at Disney World, steer clear of activities that you know are going to cost extra. If your children want to go to a water park, take them to pools at different resorts instead. (Many of them have wonderfully themed slides, too.) Do not go near areas you know are going to include arcade games as they are all overpriced. (But, pay attention to the information guide that Disney will send you in advance with your confirmation. This year, that guide includes free arcade gaming at your resort, a free souvenir from the Hard Rock restaurant, and deals on extra activities like putt-putt golf.)

Keep in mind there are other things to do at Disney World instead of visiting parks; you can spend a whole day at Downtown Disney (no entrance fee) playing at the Lego Store, eating at the elaborate McDonald's, and walking through the different stores.

Also, if you are traveling with children on your spring break vacation, spend a lot of time doing the character meet-and-greets. This is a great way for your child to meet their favorite Disney characters (for free), and to create some great photograph memories. (Many children like to have the characters sign an autograph book; these books can be expensive at Disney World, so buy a Disney themed paper spiral in advance and use that instead.) There are so many things to see and rides to ride (free!), you do not need to spend money on extra activities.

Disney World can be an expensive spring break destination, but as long as you do not go overboard, you can definitely make it fit within your budget. Just remember, even if you have to cut out special meals or stay at a resort that is not your first choice, a trip on a budget is better than no trip to Disney World at all!