Walt Disney World on a Budget: How to Save and Still Have the Vacation of Lifetime

If you're like most people who want to visit Walt Disney World in Orlando, Florida, you save and save, and save (and then save some more) in order to afford the trip of a lifetime to visit Mickey Mouse. I once read a statistic that said the average family saves for seven years for a Walt Disney World vacation. I'm lucky, because living in Orlando means I'm just down to road from the Magic Kingdom. But if you're not fortunate enough to live in Orlando and must save to visit the most "Magical Place on Earth" here are some tips to a more affordable Walt Disney World vacation.

Don't Pay Full Price for your Walt Disney World Theme Park Tickets
Tickets for the Disney theme parks can be expensive. A one day, one park ticket can cost around $80 dollars. There are ways to save money, often substantial savings, if you know where to look.

If you are member of, or a family member of someone in the US Military, there are discounts available on base or at Walt Disney World (often, members of the US Military get in for free).

AAA Members can get discounts at the gate or in advance through your local AAA office. Often times, depending on the number of days you're planning on visiting Walt Disney World the cost of becooming a member of AAA is worth it just to get a discount on your park tickets.

T he Magic Kingdom is Just as Magical in the Off Season
Walt Disney World is the least busy, and hotels are less expensive, during off-peak times. Besides visiting during off-peak times to save some money, the parks are less crowded and you'll wait in line for rides much less then you would other times. The off-peak times for Walt Disney World are basically anytime that schools are in session (that leaves out summer, Christmas to New Years, and Easter). Generally, the least busy period is the first week of January. And being Florida, it's not always cold in January, and the temperatures can be in the 70s.

Ask About the Disney Dining Plan when Booking your Walt Disney World Hotel
If you're staying at one of the hotel on Walt Disney World property, ask about the Disney Dining Plan. For a set price per day, per guest, you can dine at your choice of over 100 restaurants throughout Walt Disney World. The Disney Dining Plan allows you to prepare by knowing exactly how much you'll spend on meals each day.

For about $37 per day for adults, and $11 per child, you'll receive credits for one full service meal (appetizer, main course, dessert, and beverage), one counter service meal (Disney speak for fast food), and one snack. These credits can be used at most dining location and, for snacks, at most carts throughout the parks and the entire Walt Disney World resort (including restaurants in hotels, Downtown Disney, and the water parks).