There is so much information on saving money on or for your Disney vacation. If you are an avid Disney researcher there may not be new information here. This is my take on things for what it is worth. The truth of the matter is that it is a pricey vacation. However, in my humble opinion it's one of the best bang for the buck vacations. 

The first thing to know is that all you need to book a trip is $200. The balance will be due a month prior to your travel. You can book your trip pretty far in advance, often about 18 months. This is a hack I often use, especially if I am looking to stay in a particular resort. Book it and then watch for the promotions. Often you can save money on the trip you booked or upgrade if you choose. Most of my family trips we stay at a Deluxe resort using this method while paying the moderate rate. I have done this at both Walt Disney World in Florida and Disneyland in California. If you don’t want the hassle of watching for promo day, I offer my free services as a humble travel advisor. I have saved my clients thousands on their trips not to mention their time. 

Flexibility is another way to save some cash. While it is true there are not as reliable non-busy times as there used to be, there are times that seem to consistently offer discounts. Of course the best of these generally are in the summer when it tends to be really hot or during times when U.S. schools are typically in session. September is often a good month. If you are a die hard ride fan and are not interested in festivals or special events, seek dates that don’t include these and there will be deals. Skip including a Saturday in your trip. Weekdays can be cheaper than the weekends. Again, using a travel advisor is a great way to find out when to get the best promos. (We can get started with my simple free quote form.)

Take a quick trip. The longer you stay the more it costs. From Indiana, Orlando is a little over 2 hour flight and there are several nonstop options. Choose your priority park(s) and skip the other(s). For me, Disneyland is a little trickier for my version of a quick trip. For the travel time and expense that it takes to get there I want to be there for at least 4 days…make it 5 who am I kidding. 

Take a resort only trip. Skip the parks entirely. This is on my bucket list. I haven’t done it yet, but there is so much going on at the Disney resorts I am looking forward to some day taking advantage of the outdoor movies, s’mores, lots of pool time, dining, scavenger hunts. The list goes on and on. 

Disney is generous with its customer loyalty. There are often discounts available to Disney+ subscribers or Disney Rewards Visa holders. Are you by chance reading this while you are on a Disney vacation or do you have one coming up? Book your next trip while you are there. Future Stay offers keep guests coming back year after year. Simply call 407-934-7639 either while you are on your trip or up to 7 days after. Remember, to book all you have to do is put down a refundable $200 deposit. You can cancel with a full refund more than 30 days prior to check in.

Booking your trip in advance allows for time to save up that money in increments or make payments. If you are a salaried employee like me this is mission critical. A Disney Rewards Visa also offers 6 months at 0% interest to pay off Disney vacations when you use your card to pay for the trip. When I fell in love with Disney many years ago, I began a vacation savings account where a portion of each paycheck is automatically transferred to that account. This has been a game changer in my ability to go to my happy place. My husband and I also started the “Disney Jar”. Instead of buying each other gifts, on holidays we add a predetermined amount to the jar and we use that as our spending money at Disney. 

While there is no getting around the fact that Disney is expensive, for me it is still a good value for my travel dollar. I am at maximum enjoyment in the Disney bubble and with a little planning and incremental saving I have been able to make it work for me and my family. Maybe there is a tip or two here that will get you there as well.