Travel Photos and Travel

A trip to Disney World has become practically a right of passage for families in the United States. Since it’s opening in 1971 Walt Disney World has risen to mythic status; the Magic Castle and Mickey Mouse are symbols that almost anyone born after 1971 could identify before they even entered school. Unfortunately for today’s generation of parents, who may themselves, have happy memories of trips to Disney World, the park’s cultural status brings with it a huge amount of pressure to take and have the perfect “magical” trip. It is telling that many of the Disney World vacation planning websites start off advising would be visitors not to let themselves get overwhelmed. A huge pressure point of course is financial. If you let it or can afford it; it is certainly possible to spend overwhelming amounts of money on your ideal Disney vacation. However, it is also possible with a lot of planning and a little bit of discipline to visit the world’s most famous theme park on a budget. Here is a list of tips to help you save money while still making lovely family memories.

1. Devote some time to doing research at least 6 months in advance. Certain restaurants and particularly lunches with Cinderella or the Disney Princesses actually fill up this far ahead of time.

2. Decide what your priorities are: do you want 7 days of nothing but Disney World, do you plan to rent a car and visit other sites in Florida, are you within driving distance or will you be flying? Depending on your answers to these questions the most economical solution for you will vary. For example if you are flying down specifically to visit Disney World than you can stay on-site at a resort. You should also contact a travel agent about possible package deals. If you will be renting a car- then stay off site in a less expensive hotel. You can also book a hotel outside of the park and stay in Orlando. It is a lot cheaper than staying in the park and many Orlando hotels have shuttles into the park for free.

3. If at all possible visit the park during off-peak times to avoid lines and frustrations. If you have to visit during peak times- decide ahead of time which rides you absolutely must go on and which you can give a pass if the line is just too crazy. Think of silly games to play with your children while in line, heck, make friends with other kids and parents waiting in your line.

4. Keep careful track of your food budget. You can save a lot of money eating breakfast in the hotel. Don’t forget to bring plenty of snacks and water to munch on during the day. If your kids are older than 5 give them some pocket money in the morning and let them chose how to spend it be it on ice cream or souvenirs. They will be surprisingly more frugal than you would think.

5. Maintain your sense of humor and (I have to say it) try not to get overwhelmed. Something is bound to go wrong so when it does remember to laugh it off. In the end your kids will remember the wonder of the trip not the long lines of lost dinner reservation.