Disney Money Saving Tips

My sister is planning a family vacation to Disney World, so she asked me if I had any Disney money saving tips.

I went on a Walt Disney World vacation a several years ago and we had a fantastic time. The rides, the shows, the food, the weather...we had a ball!

But the one thing I remember was the bill. Ouch. Everything at the Disney resorts is expensive. You cannot go to Disney World without spending, especially if you have kids with you.

That said, there are some ways to trim your expenses. Here are some Disney money saving tips to help you:

• Shop around for travel packages. Prices for Disney World vacation packages can vary wildly. Visit a few different travel agencies and price them out. Then try calling the resorts yourself to make arrangements. You may be able to get a better deal on your own.
• If possible, drive to the resort area rather than flying and you'll eliminate the cost of airfare.
• Visit during the off-season. Both on-site and off-site hotels offer better rates during autumn and winter.
• Pick up a copy of The Entertainment Book for the Orlando area. It contains discounts both inside and outside of the resorts.
• Purchase items such as film, diapers, and sunscreen before your trip. Once inside the parks, you'll find those items marked up significantly.
• Wait until the last day before buying souvenirs. It will give you time to decide what you really want and by avoiding impulse purchasing, you'll buy less.
• If you are booking your trip in advance, be sure to purchase the tickets to the parks at the same time. The prices for Disney World tickets are not going to go down, but they might go up. Buying ahead protects you from any last minute increases.
• Check the park maps to find out where and when the characters will be appearing and skip the meals with characters, which are more expensive.
• Keep a look out for theme park restaurants where kids eat for free or at a discount.
• Eat outside the parks. The prices are much less expensive.
• Bring your own water bottles with you. If not, when the weather is hot and you're thirsty, you'll find yourself paying through the nose to keep the family cool and refreshed.