We Asked Disney Regulars Their Best Money-Saving Tips For The Parks—And We're Doing All These From Now On

Walt Disney World...in this economy? The Most Magical Place on Earth (and one of our favorite places to eat in Central Florida) just dropped its 2025 holiday season pricing, solidifying the mouse house as more expensive than ever.

Nearly every park is now more than $125 a day, and several popular peak season days will be a buck short of $200 a ticket or about the cost of an upper deck ticket to the Iron Bowl.

If you and your family are planning to visit all four theme parks and maybe a water park (you really should, especially Blizzard Beach) during a popular vacation time when it’s easiest to use PTO days or leverage school breaks, that’s like going to the Iron Bowl five days in a row. And that’s not even accounting for lodging, meals, transportation, and premium add-ons, such as Lightning Lane passes, Memory Maker photography downloads, and more.

So how are people budgeting for a Disney World trip? And how do influencers, Orlando locals, and annual pass holders spend so much time in the parks without breaking the bank? They know the tricks, such as asking for free water at quick-service restaurants instead of buying a $5 Dasani bottle or bringing a reusable water bottle and refilling at various water foundations throughout the parks.

And that’s only the beginning of this theme park sage knowledge. We asked a dozen Disney World regulars (this writer included) how to save money on a Disney World vacation and were floored by these why-didn’t-I-think-of-that hacks, dupes, and money-saving tips.

BYOB (Bring Your Own Bubbles) 

I've covered theme parks for nearly a decade, and I have deep compassion for parents and caregivers who fall victim to the bubble wand. Because there is no escape. The bubbles will find you. And your kid will want one.

Honestly, it’s a lot more practical than a balloon, but bubble wands sell for around $30. I don’t know what kind of influence Big Bubble has on Disney, but the markup inside the resort is a racket. So, buy a bubble wand or two (because they’re not the best toy for sharing) before your trip. And if you’re flying, pack a TSA-friendly bottle of refill liquid so you don’t have to buy the more expensive bubble solution in the parks.

You can find a bubble wand—even a Disney-themed bubble wand—online from major retailers such as Amazon or Walmart or even sometimes at the dollar store or of the TJ Maxx variety. Facebook Marketplace is also great for scoring a discounted Disney Parks bubble wand from someone who didn’t heed this advice and now has an empty, overpriced bubble wand and an uninterested tween who doesn’t play with toys anymore. 

Take Inventory Of Your Rewards Programs 

There are a lot of Disney fan podcasts, blogs, YouTube channels, and TikToks full of great tips for navigating Disney Parks. But for saving money at Disney World, Lou Mongello is the expert in the field. The man wrote the book on it.

Host of WDW Radio, one of Mongello’s best budget-savvy hacks is taking stock of what rewards program points you already have that could help keep your out-of-pocket costs low. “Hilton Honors, Marriott Bonvoy, or even general travel credit cards like Chase Sapphire Preferred can be redeemed for hotel stays or even park tickets, depending on the program,” he said.

Mongello also added that Marriott operates the Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin Hotels, which are on Disney property, and you can redeem Marriott Bonvoy points for stays. 

Bring Your Family To Work 

Another great tip from Mongello is to attend a convention at Disney World because you’ll have access to a discounted ticket not available to the general public. Disney World hosts hundreds of conferences across the resort and attendees have access to special park tickets for a fraction of the cost.

"If you're attending a conference in the area, take advantage of discounted conference attendee tickets, which allow entry starting at 1 p.m. or 5 p.m. for a lower price," he said. "These special rates are available through your conference organizer and are valid around the conference dates."

Top Off The Tank On Disney Property 

If you’re road-tripping to Disney or filling up a rental car on the way back to MCO, Mongello swears that gas prices inside the Disney resort area are cheaper than in the surrounding Orange County area. Gas stations at Disney? Yep! There are three Speedway stations on property.

“Gas stations on Disney property often are actually lower than off-property prices—usually a few cents less per gallon,” he said, “meaning you can fill up without overspending, even while in the 'Disney bubble.' These simple strategies can help stretch your budget and maximize your time on vacation!"

Splurge On Breakfast, Not Dinner 

Reservation dining at Disney is a splurge, particularly character dining, but you can save by waking up early.

"Breakfasts are going to be way cheaper," said Krystal Butherus of @busyinflorida. She and her husband Ness Lucier are in the parks weekly and opt for breakfast reservations at popular buffets or character experiences rather than lunch or dinner where menu pricing is slightly higher. “For our anniversary, we did Topolino's Terrace, but we did it for breakfast,” she said. “Yes, it was still pricey, but it was way cheaper than doing it for dinner."

Disney's Pretty Flexible About Kids' Meals 

Another tip from the Busy in Florida couple is sharing entrees: "The best way we save money is to mobile order kids meals," she said. "There are several places where the kids meals are so big that we could probably even split them sometimes. But we also split entrees if we go to a quick-service place and don't get a kid's meal. That’s another way to save money."

Don't Fall For The Premium Cocktails 

Disney's Animal Kingdom, Hollywood Studios, and EPCOT all have multiple bars often advertising premium, specialty cocktails. But just because it’s not on the bar menu doesn’t mean the bartender can’t make it. If you’re on a budget, go back to the basics.

"The best way to save money is buying shots instead of really sugary-sweet cocktails," said Butherus.

Water Bottles Aren’t Just for Water 

Butherus and Lucier are big fans of collapsible water bottles and not just for the free water fountains. "We can save sodas or cocktails if we’re about to go on a ride or an attraction, too," she said.

Not Every Day Has To Be A Park Day 

Disney Springs (Disney World’s outdoor dining and retail center) can feel like a theme park. There’s tons to see and do in a day, and there’s no admission price.

"If you have little kids, just do Disney Springs or do a character breakfast [at a resort],” said Butherus. “When my son was really little, he didn’t even realize we weren’t [at a Disney park] just being at Disney Springs doing the LEGO Store and the train ride. And you can still pin trade at Disney Springs or any of the hotels."

Find The New Shoulder Season 

You can try to avoid school holidays, but there will always be crowds at Disney with various conferences, cheer competitions, and other big events hosted at the resort in traditional tourism "shoulder seasons." But park pros, such as wheelchair travel expert Cory Lee, have found a sweet spot where ticket prices go down and crowds thin.

"Several times in the past five years or so, I’ve gone in late February, and it’s been fantastic,” he said. “Disney resorts are cheaper then, it isn’t too crowded in the parks, and the weather is usually nice."

Put Mickey In Your Wallet 

“With my Disney Visa card, I can purchase theme park tickets with my Rewards Dollars, and I get discounts for dining and on merchandise within the parks,” said Lee. “This card has no annual fee, so it’s a good way to save some money at Disney World."

Rethink That Park Hopper 

"In the past, I’ve purchased Park Hopper tickets before arriving at Disney World," said Lee. “But then I never even used the Park Hopper, so it was a waste of money. Now, I never purchase Park Hopper. Honestly, there’s so much to enjoy in each park that I can easily stay busy from the time the park opens until it closes. Park Hopper is an added cost, so it’ll help you save some money by just visiting one park per day."

Be A Big Kid At Heart

Drinking around the world at EPCOT is a rite of passage for some Disney fans, and Orlando local Craig Outler said the key to surviving this journey is taking breaks around the world for free souvenirs.

“Visit each country’s Kidcot table,” he said. “You will do a free craft, and enjoy your drink.”

While these locations are intended for kids, Cast Members (Disney's term for employees) are happy to include adults. The craft is typically a coloring project. Outler said to just be respectful of kids in the space. He added that other parks, such as Animal Kingdom and Magic Kingdom, have free scavenger hunt activities, too.

Rent The Runway But For Disney Hotels

Few Disney regulars are in the parks more than Molly McCormack and her husband Alan McCormack. The two are co-creators of Mammoth Club along with Max La Due. And while the McCormacks are Orlando locals, they love a stay at Disney’s luxe resorts, too. But they rarely pay full price because they rent Disney Vacation Club points from other DVC members.

“Use a DVC rental service,” said Molly McCormack. They love working with DVC Rental Store, and McCormack said they have the best, most flexible policies. "You can stay at places like Disney’s Boardwalk for the price of Disney's Caribbean Beach Resort. This also means you get access to extended hours which may mean you can avoid buying Lightning Lane passes.”

Shop The First Day, Not The Last 

“Take time to visit the Disney Outlets on International Drive and the Kissimmee Walmart on 192 for souvenirs,” said content creator and Orlando area local Erin Kittenbaum. “These locations have heavily discounted items, including some that may still be full price in the parks.”

And while most folks wait until the last day of their trip to shop, Kittenbaum said to flip your schedule. "Do your souvenir shopping the first day or second so that you can enjoy them on the trip," she said. 

Don't Sleep On This Costco Perk 

Disney gift cards can be used for nearly every purchase at Disney World, from tickets to hotels to meals to merch and more. And it’s a fairly-known hack to buy these gift cards at Target because you can save five percent with a Target RedCard.

However, Costco sometimes rolls out an even better promotion. “Buy Disney gift cards from Costco when they have deals like buy $75 get $25 free,” said Kittenbaum. “Basically free Disney money! Use these to help fund the trip or make purchases on property.”

Consider Third-Party Rentals 

While Disney has several rental options in the parks, from scooters to strollers, Kittenbaum said other local companies offer lower rates.

“If you are in need of a wheelchair, ECV, or stroller, rent from an outside vendor,” said Kittenbaum. “This cost will save you mega bucks and most companies deliver straight to the [Disney resort] hotel."

Skip The Cake At Your Disney Wedding

A Disney Fairytale Wedding is major Disney goals, and Savannah Thomas of @snackvannah and her wife Margo Thomas had a stunning EPCOT wedding at the Japan Pavilion with a reception at the France Pavilion–two locations that don’t come cheap. They saved “significant” money by skipping traditional wedding cake and serving different desserts.

“We opted for Dole Whip Cream Puffs and Mini Churros with the most glittery caramel sauce I’ve ever seen,” said Thomas. “The Disney chefs were fantastic to work with, and we were really able to create our dream custom menu."

Thrift And Sew Your #DisneyStyle

Disney fashion runs the gamut, from themed Spirit Jerseys to designer label collabs to obscure Disney Bounds, or subtly dressing up as a Disney character by color-blocking your clothing without actually wearing a costume. Children 13 and younger are allowed to wear full costumes in the parks, whereas adults and teens 14 and older are only allowed to wear costumes during specific ticketed events such as Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party.

But all those looks add up. That’s why content creator Taryn Bench of @benchlandia makes most of her family’s outfits.

“Create your own Disney style by thrifting Disney Bounds, making custom outfits with a Cricut machine, or sewing them yourself,” she said. “No one will look as cool as you when you make it yourself! T-shirts at the parks range anywhere from $25 to 80, but you can make your own for less. For costumes, I love to go to the thrift store and see what I can find. I have been able to take sheets and curtains and transform them into princess dresses and pirate getups—all without breaking the bank!"