As a mom, I know how important it is to experience the Disney magic without breaking the bank. Here are five real ways to save money while still having an amazing trip:

1. Stay at a Value Resort

If you’re traveling with kids and trying to stick to a budget, staying at a Disney Value Resort is one of the best ways to save.

While the rooms are smaller, they are efficient, well laid out, and filled with Disney magic. Plus, you’re not going to be in the room much anyway!

Although I’d love to stay at a moderate or deluxe resort, I prefer to splurge in other ways. Value Resorts are still packed with amenities, entertainment, and the Disney experience — without the high price tag.

They all have food courts offering a variety of good meals, even for picky eaters like my family.

Some people suggest staying off-property to save money, but honestly, Disney’s Value Resorts are comparable in price (sometimes even cheaper!) and come with extra perks.

Pro Tip: Splurge on the resort’s refillable cups. It’s a one-time purchase that saves you a lot on drinks over the course of your trip!

2. Add a Disney Dining Plan

If available, adding a Disney Dining Plan to your vacation package can save you a LOT of money.

When we went without a dining plan, we spent an insane amount on food — way more than we expected.

The dining plans can offer serious value, especially if you plan to eat at the parks frequently.

3. Bring Your Own Quick Meals

If you don’t want to purchase a dining plan, keep simple meals and snacks in your room.

Things like lunch meat, bread, and chips are perfect.

You can take the free shuttle back to your resort for lunch, enjoy a couple of hours by the pool, and then head back to the parks for the nighttime shows.

It’s a relaxing and budget-friendly way to break up a busy Disney day.

4. Use Disney’s Free Transportation

Disney offers free shuttle buses between the resorts, parks, and Disney Springs.

There’s no reason to pay for parking and then walk forever to your car after a long day.

The shuttles run constantly, and we rarely had a long wait.

The only time it was crowded was right after the Magic Kingdom fireworks — but even then, the ride was quick and much better than trekking to the car!

5. Visit One Park Per Day

Save money by skipping the Park Hopper option and visiting just one park each day.

Honestly, we didn’t even use our Park Hopper passes — and I wish I hadn’t bought them.

You really need at least one full day to experience each park.

• Animal Kingdom: You can do most of it in half a day.
• Hollywood Studios: Small but packed with popular rides — lines get very long by afternoon!
• EPCOT & Magic Kingdom: Huge parks with lots to do; plan for a full day at each.

If you only have two days at Disney, I recommend:

• Morning at Hollywood Studios, afternoon at EPCOT
• Morning at Animal Kingdom, afternoon at Magic Kingdom

And whatever you do, don’t miss the Magic Kingdom fireworks — they’re pure magic!

Bonus Tips:

• Best Days to Visit: Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays are typically the least crowded.
• Best Time of Year: Visit during the school year to avoid huge crowds.
  It might even be worth taking your kids out of school for a few days if their attendance record allows for it. Some schools may excuse the absence with a written request.

Disney will always have crowds, but smart planning and budgeting will help you get the most out of your trip — and the memories will be priceless!