Depending on how and when you plan to visit Walt Disney World
and its four theme parks in Orlando, you may pay between $99 (value) and $119 (peak) for a one-day ticket, before taxes, into one park, per person; one-day ticket prices vary by season and theme park. Stay longer, and the daily fee lowers a bit, but it can all add up, and so we thought we’d take a look at how you can save money during your visit to see Mickey, Minnie and the gang.
Pack It In
When I visited Walt Disney World a few years ago with my sister and nephew, Disney veterans themselves, I was surprised to learn guests can in fact pack their own snacks and drinks to enjoy throughout the day. In our backpack, we brought along sandwiches and a few bottles of water, and bought a snack or two whilst in the parks. This saved us a considerable amount of money, and even time so we could focus more on having fun.
© Matthew Clausen | Dreamstime.com
Stay Offsite
Staying on Disney property offers several benefits, including transportation to the parks, as well Extra Magic Hours, or extra time before or after regular operating hours to enjoy with less crowds. However, staying off of Disney property will likely save you some money, and there are loads of options around Disney World, off of International Drive and in nearby Kissimmee. A lot of these off-site hotels run shuttles to the theme parks, which can save you money on parking, too.
Opt In
If you do decide to stay at one of the Disney World resorts, consider adding a pre-paid Disney Dining Plan to your stay. This year, the plan includes one quick-service meal, one table-service meal and two snacks for each night of your stay. You’ll also receive a refillable drink mug to use at self-service beverage islands at Quick-Service locations at any Disney Resort hotel. Quick-service meals include one entrée and one non-alcoholic beverage for breakfast, lunch, or dinner; table-service meals include one entrée (or buffet or family-style meal) and one non-alcoholic beverage for breakfast, and one entrée (or buffet or family-style meal), one dessert and one non-alcoholic beverage (or one alcoholic beverage for guests 21 and older) for lunch or dinner. Snacks vary from ice cream to fruit to soft drinks.
Military Discount
Active and retired members of the U.S. military receive a discount on four- and five-day Park Hopper tickets for up to six people, including the Eligible Service Member or his or her spouse. In 2018 (Jan. 1 through mid-December), the four-day Park Hopper ticket with the discount is $225 (plus tax) per person, and the five-day ticket is $246 (plus tax) per person, for substantial savings.
Read This Next
#WhereverFamily
Insta FeedDestinations / Africa
Sep 28, 2026Elewana Collection Expands Family Safaris Across Kenya, Tanzania
Safaris are popular family travel experiences for many reasons, from immersive wildlife encounters to educational moments to unforgettable memories. Elewana Collection recently expanded its family safari offerings. These programs span several properties in Kenya and Tanzania, each tailored to reflect the natural and cultural wonders of each location.
Sponsored Content
Best of Both Worlds
Enjoy the best of both worlds when you fly with TAP Air Portugal thanks to the Portugal Stopover program. With the program, TAP passengers, whether traveling for business, leisure or both, can stop in Portugal for up to 10 days at no additional airfare on the way to their final destination. What does this mean for travelers wishing to explore by both land and sea? It means after flying to Portugal with TAP and experiencing the country in an entirely new way, travelers can then embark on scenic river and ocean cruises from Portugal’s port cities, or fly with TAP to another European destination.
Destinations / Europe
Sep 28, 2026Add Variety to Your European Vacation with Side Trips
Most trips to Europe center around the larger cities, partly because they contain the most popular attractions and partly because they are the landing point for most trans-Atlantic flights. But even if your family plans to spend most of their time visiting the highlights of Paris, Rome or London, consider exploring nearby towns on a daytrip or an overnight break from the city crowds.
Destinations / North America
Sep 25, 2026Celebrate the Holidays with Winterfest from Delaware River Waterfront Corporation
We don’t want to rush fall, especially since it just started, but we want to put Independence Blue Cross RiverRink Winterfest on the family traveler’s radar. Starting Friday, Nov. 27, Delaware River Winterfest will turn Philadelphia's waterfront destination into a winter wonderland. Family travelers can expect ice skating, warm cabins, firepits, festive food and drink options, and other holiday fun.
Sponsored Content
Celebrating 25 Years of The Peninsula Chicago
June marked The Peninsula Chicago’s 25th anniversary, commemorating a quarter century for the hotel as a pillar of luxury on North Michigan Avenue.
Destinations / Asia
Sep 25, 2026Japan: The Next Big Thing in Leaf Peeping
If you’re like me, you grew up with the knowledge that autumn comes with beautiful shades of red, orange, yellow and purple as the leaves on the trees prepare for the coming winter. And you probably, like me, know there are some really great places around the country to see those colors in all their glory. But America isn’t the only country where nature puts on this annual show. Japan enjoys plenty of the changing colors of the season as well, and it just might be the next “it” place for leaf peeping.
ShareThis