How much spending money should a family of 4 take to Disney World?

A family of four should expect to spend a minimum of $6,000 once on-property for seven nights at Walt Disney World, including food, hotel, theme park tickets and add-ons. But a trip to Disney World can also be done for far less. Here's how: Cut back on theme park days with free or cheap activities.

What is the best way to use money at Disney World?

Cash is widely accepted all over Walt Disney World at the theme parks, Disney Resort hotels and at Disney Springs. You may run into a few stands or kiosks that can only accept digital currency , like the carts that sell bubble wands and glow items or the balloon handlers.

How much does it cost for a family of 4 to eat at Disney?

When you consider all of the various ways you can eat at Disney World, a family of four should expect to spend roughly $200 – $300 per day on dining. This estimate is based on one Quick Service meal, one Table Service meal, and one purchase of snacks and drinks for all four people.

Is it better to take cash or card to Disney World?

If you're using cash, you'll need to get in line at every dining location, so a Disney Gift Card is an excellent idea for convenience . One thing you want to remember while planning your dining experiences at Disney World is that to make Advanced Dining Reservations, you'll need a credit card as a placeholder.

Does Disney World accept $100 bills?

I have brought $100 bills to WDW several times and have never had any trouble having them accepted in the parks and resorts.

Can I use my debit card at Disney World?

You'll be happy to know that the Walt Disney World Resort accepts cash, Mastercard, and/or Visa credit and debit cards for transactions within the Theme Parks and Resorts . If you are a Guest staying at a Walt Disney World Resort hotel, you can link your debit/credit card to your room charge account.

What is the cheapest way to park at Disney World?

Complimentary Self-Parking Here's what to know: Standard self-parking is complimentary for day Guests while they enjoy select dining, shopping, entertainment and recreation experiences at Disney Resort hotels. Overnight self-parking is complimentary to Guests staying at Disney Resort hotels at Walt Disney World Resort.

How much cash should I carry at Disney World?

Around $50 per day per person is a good start. A bit of extra cash is great for buying snacks, souvenirs, and alcohol. Disney prices are higher than regular stores, but they offer unique items and services you can't find anywhere else.

Is 3000 enough for spending money at Disney?

Disney World Budget Estimates for Families of Five Based on hotel, ticket, and dining plan prices for 2024 as of November 19, 2023. If you are a family of 5 looking for a quick weekend getaway to Disney World, you can do it for as little as $3,000 .

What is a good amount of money to bring to Disney World?

Spending Money on your Disney World Vacation Around $50 per day per person is a good start. A bit of extra cash is great for buying snacks, souvenirs, and alcohol. Disney prices are higher than regular stores, but they offer unique items and services you can't find anywhere else.

What should my budget be for Disney World?

For four people (two adults, one teenager and one kid) spending three nights and three days at Disney World — with one of those being a non-park day — the total cost came to $3,662.94. That breaks down to $915.74 per person for the trip, which is the equivalent of spending $305.25 per person per day.

Top Secret 7 Ways to Save Money at Disney World for Families (2024)

The Walt Disney World Resort in Orlando, Florida is considered by most to be the Most Magical Place On Earth. There are four parks as well as two water parks to enjoy. From world-class rides to character greetings to outstanding restaurants, Disney World can be one of the best trips you will ever take. However, this vacation destination can come with a hefty price tag. Not to worry – we’ll share our top 7 ways to save money at Disney World for families in 2024.

#1 CHOOSE A VALUE HOTEL

The biggest way to save money at WDW is to carefully consider your overnight accommodations. Disney classifies their hotels into three categories: Deluxe, Moderate, and Value. These resorts can range anywhere from $150 a night for a value room to over $2,000 a night for a deluxe suite.

Value hotels include the All-Stars (Music, Movies, and Sports), POP Century, and Art of Animation (Little Mermaid rooms). If you’re part of a family who loves to spend all day at the parks and less time at the hotel, your room type might not be a big concern.

These wonderful and affordable resorts also have larger-than-life decorations and newly refurbished rooms to keep you in the Disney mood for the duration of your stay. Additionally, if you’re traveling with a larger party, the All-Star resorts offer affordable family suites that sleep up to 6, saving you on the booking of two rooms.

#2 VISIT DURING OFF-PEAK SEASON & WATCH FOR SEASONAL DEALS

Unlike many other theme parks, Disney World’s tickets and hotel prices vary by time of year. The Christmas season, spring break, and summer are considered peak pricing. If you’re looking to score the lowest prices on hotels and tickets, some off-peak times include the last week of August, the first week of September, the first week of November, and the first week of February.

These are fantastic times to visit with lower crowds and costs. As a bonus, tickets to fall events such as Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party and Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party are at their lowest price during these weeks. Disney will also offer seasonal deals throughout the year, such as discounted dining packages beginning in 2024 and up to 35% off rack rates for hotel rooms. This is one of the many great ways to save money at Disney World for families.

#3 SPLIT A MEAL OR BRING YOUR OWN

If you’ve ever dined at a quick service or table service restaurant at Disney World, you know the portions can be huge! Whether you’re choosing Epcot’s Regal Eagle Smokehouse, Magic Kingdom’s Skipper Canteen, or Hollywood Studios’ Docking Bay 7, it’s possible to significantly cut your food budget by splitting a meal with your family. The parks at Disney are also unique in that they allow guests to bring in outside food.

#4 TRAVEL WHILE YOUR CHILDREN ARE YOUNG

Did you know children two and younger can visit the parks completely for free? As long as a child has not yet reached their third birthday, Disney will not charge for attendance! Once a guest turns three years old, they will move up into the next pricing tier. This tier is additionally discounted over adult ticket prices which will begin at age ten.

Get these Disney ears on Amazon for your kids!

#5 BUY SOUVENIRS IN ADVANCE

In recent years, the prices for souvenirs such as bubble wands, Mickey ears, clothing, and other commemorative items have soared in price. A great way to curb this part of your budget is to visit Amazon before your trip.

Amazon has copious amounts of deeply discounted items at a fraction of park prices. We have seen ears for as low as $4.99 (a discount from $20), Loungefly backpacks in the $40 range (down from $88), and custom shirts for just $11.95 (typically priced at $24.99 or more).

#6 COLLABORATE WITH AN OFFICIAL DISNEY TRAVEL AGENT

Disney travel agents can help you plan every step of your vacation from beginning to end. Travel agents for destinations around the world can often charge a pretty penny for their services. However, official Disney travel agents offer their services completely free of charge!

Agents often have access to the very best deals around. They can tell you which hotels and room categories are currently offering the lowest prices, recommend specific travel dates, and find the biggest discounts.

If you were to book a package and a discount is later released, these wonderful TAs can call in and have the new discount applied to your trip. They are also able to automatically make your payments on time, book dining reservations with ease, and secure after-hours and special party tickets for you, saving you a considerable amount of time in addition to money.

#7 SKIP GENIE+ AND INDIVIDUAL LIGHTNING LANES

Before the park closures in 2020, Disney offered a free skip-the-line service known as Fast Pass. This allowed you to book return times for rides and shows in advance to save time standing in line.

The newly introduced and similar service, known as Genie+, comes with a considerable price tag and is difficult to budget for. This add-on can cost anywhere from $15 on a Tuesday at Epcot to $25 on a Saturday at Magic Kingdom and is priced per person, per day.

It could cost a whopping $125 for a family of 5 to utilize Genie+ for a single day on a higher-priced weekend date! Because the prices vary by day and also by park, it can be extremely difficult to budget for this service in advance. Disney also offers pay-to-ride tickets known as Individual Lightning Lanes.

You could pay upwards of $60 for a family of four to skip the line at Rise of the Resistance at Hollywood Studios. While you will wait somewhat longer in line, skipping Genie+ will profoundly lower your budget.

More Ways to Save Money at Disney World for Families?

Whether you’re traveling to the Walt Disney World Resort for a honeymoon, a special birthday celebration, or a family reunion, there are ways to score enormous savings and keep your budget as low as possible. Utilize a Disney Travel Agent, split meals, and stay at a value resort. You won’t be disappointed by any of your choices and will have your Most Magical Vacation at the Most Magical destination.

Do you know of more ways to save money at Disney World for families? Let us know in the comments!

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**Note: You may not have permission to use any of these pictures. They are copyrighted by Michelle Richardson and Becky Beach.