#theresorts

It's no secret that being a lover of the "Mouse House" can be costly.  Whether you are going for that once in a lifetime trip or for your weekly visit, with a bit of planning, some faith, trust and pixie dust, you can find some money saving options for making the most of your Disney dollars.

photo courtesy of cheapskateprincess.com The recent increase in food and beverage at the parks, the ticket increases and all have a lot of Mouse lovers stating that they are feeling like they are being priced out.  It's understandable with the average salary increases not keeping up with the average increases in theme park tickets, room rates, etc.   I hope to help you save some money on your next trip to Walt Disney World with a few tips and tricks I've learned over the years. If you're local and like to go often- consider a pass option.  Passholders save money on rooms, food & beverage and merchandise and there are a variety of pass options available.   Passholders also get free parking at the theme parks, so with the admission and parking already paid for plus the discounts available to you, most passes pay for themselves in just a few visits.  Also, consider Tables in Wonderland, which is available to Florida Residents, Annual Passholders and DVC Members and offers 20% off on food and beverage including alcohol.  This is an extra cost, but also pays for itself in no time, especially if you go often or go with a group.

Fish and Chips from the UK in World Showcase at Epcot is one of my favorite quick serve options Coming from out of town?  If you prefer to plan your trip yourself, do your research and plan ahead to get the most out of your time and money.  Book your stay, plan your meals and Fastpasses ahead of time whenever possible. Consider peak times vs. "slow" times at the parks, as room rates will vary greatly.  Christmas time is truly a magical (and I say once in a lifetime) trip, but airfare and room rates are high during the holidays and the parks are often crowded, leaving you spending a lot of your trip time standing in line for rides, food and drink and that Mickey magnet you just gotta have. Consider a Disney Vacation Club hotel.  These are intended to be vacations homes.  They have full kitchens, complete with dishes, silverware, etc and washer/dryers (think apartment).  Just bring groceries and you can save money on dining out all the time.  Additionally, since you can wash clothes in your room, you can travel lighter and not pay extra baggage fees on the plane.  Yep, laundry soap is included in the room. Travel agents can be helpful in searching down package deals, planning your itinerary and such, but make sure you let them know what your budget allows and stick to it.  Don't let them spend more than you can afford.  The fact of the matter is that you are spending little time in your hotel room (usually) with all there is to do, so if you can't afford the Deluxe Resort, it really doesn't matter.  Truth be told, there isn't much difference between the rooms outside of proximity to the parks.  Consider staying off property for additional savings.  Many offer complimentary shuttle service to the parks (and some to/from the airport as well) so getting there isn't a problem, skip the rental car if you can. Always ask.  Sometimes, you can get an upgrade at little or even no cost.  It doesn't hurt to ask if it's available.  If you're celebrating something special like a honeymoon, birthday or anniversary, let them know.  Sometimes, they can offer you special little touches that can easily be turned into keepsakes from your trip! From the monorails, boats, buses and the Skyliner, there are lots of transportation options available from your hotel to the parks, shopping and dining.  Once you get to your starting point, Disney transportation can get you around from there.  Taking advantage of these transportation options can also save you from paying for parking at the theme parks.  Looking to have a little fun outside of the parks?  Need a "rainy day" back up plan? Try the Disney Transportation Challenge! So once you get here, how do you keep staying on budget?  You can DIY a lot of those must have's (ears and autograph books, etc) and I have a board on Pinterest you can look at for some great, creative ideas.  If you're not particularly crafty, you can purchase some great reasonably priced  items on Amazon, Etsy or at Hot Topic. Never, ever pay for water at the parks.  I cannot stress this enough.  Bring your own water bottle and refill it at one of the fountains or stop at a quick service restaurant and ask for a cup or two of ice water - it's free.  Friends of mine bring their own liquid flavorings (Mio, Dasani, etc.) and skip paying for lemonade or iced tea.  Another great way to save your Disney dollars! Pack snacks! Walt Disney World does allow you to bring food into the park. No alcohol, no glass containers or plastic straws are allowed though, so be sure to know before you go! For more info on how to save money on your next visit or to learn more about Disney Vacation Club rentals, click here.