The first step in planning any vacation is choosing the dates, and this is where you can possibly save the most amount of money. If you can be flexible with you dates - say, flying on a Tuesday or Wednesday instead of on the weekend, you can often save a bundle. Certain times of the year are much less expensive than other times, and if you can shift your vacation even by a few days or a week, you may be in for a windfall of savings. For example, the Disney Cruise is much less expensive the 3rd week of August than the 2nd week, and it is even cheaper the 4th week of August. Prices in September hit rock bottom, so flexibility is key to getting the lowest rates. The same holds true for the Disney resorts and hotels.
So many things that you will pay a premium for at the Disney parks or on the Disney Cruise are available outside the parks for a significant savings. If you have children, just picking up Disney autograph books and pens at Wal-Mart before entering the parks will save you a bundle. While you are there, grab some fold-up ponchos for the rainy season, portable fans with water sprayers for the summer, and all sorts of Disney clothing and souvenirs.
Be sure to carry enough camera batteries, band-aids and sunscreen when traveling, as you really want to avoid the major markups on these types of mundane items. While Disney has a policy against bringing food into the parks, I have never been stopped for carrying our own chilled sodas and water bottles, along with snacks to keep us going. While I never seem prepared enough to make sandwiches, I have discovered that some things such as Pringles (potato chips in a can) and fruit snacks travel well and don't melt in the Florida heat.
Eating out can take a major chunk of your money, so you'll want to consider such options as having your main meal at lunch time (same food for less money than dinner time), or signing up for a dining plan if you plan to spend the entire day at the parks and enjoy eating full meals. Another option is to eat a big meal before arriving at the parks, and then go out to dinner after leaving (assuming you aren't staying at the parks until midnight that night!) However, on a hot summer day, you'll have to give in and spend a bit extra for cold ice cream or smoothies to keep you going!
There are discounts on theme park tickets available from AAA or other ticket discounters, and for the most part, you will reap the lowest prices on admissions by spending the most number of days at one entertainment venue. In other words, 5 days enjoying the Disney parks will cost you much less than 3 days at Disney parks plus 2 days at Universal Studios parks. Universal Studios tickets are often available in a package deal along with Sea World, Wet 'n Wild and Busch Gardens, and Disney tickets get cheaper by the number of days, so that a 5 day pass isn't appreciably more than a 2 day pass. Plan ahead, possibly even planning one vacation for one area and saving the other parks for the next if you plan to return to central Florida.
One of my favorite money saving ideas is to simply do things that are free. My family and I enjoy spending a day at the Disney Marketplace, where your family can stroll the shops, trade pins, play in the interactive fountains, enjoy fun entertainment and play at Lego World - all for free! Strolling around CitiWalk at Universal Studios (free parking in the evenings) or exploring the magnificent hotels around the area are all free attractions just waiting to be enjoyed. Good luck and remember: a dollar saved is a dollar you can spend on your next vacation!
With its many locations, and personalization options, Disney Parks gives you the ability to design a one of a kind, memorable vacation. Beginning with the flight, and continuing through until the last day of the vacation, Disney offers many features and conveniences to help you plan the perfect vacation experience.
Before you begin sorting out the details, ask yourself a few questions. The first question you need to ask yourself is: Why am I going on vacation? Are you seeking thrills and excitement, or do you need some time to get away and relax? You may even decide you need a little of both.
The second important question to ask is: Who will be joining me on this trip? If you are going with your significant other to enjoy some romance, the vacation itinerary and focus will differ greatly from a vacation with a toddler. If you have a companion that has special needs, or a large party, it is recommended that you make arrangements prior to your trip.
Are you going to use a travel agent? A travel agent can help you make all the key decisions needed to take full advantage of Disney's hospitality. You can choose to make all the arrangements yourself, but this may cause you to miss out on certain packages and discounts only available through travel agencies. Once you have asked yourself these questions, your vacation plan will begin to take shape. The following are some additional tips:
Book an early flight. The sooner you arrive, the sooner you can enjoy the Disney resort. If you are on a tight budget, plan your flight for the middle of the week, which tends provide a savings over a weekend flight.
Book a hotel on a Disney property. Disney will transport you all around the theme parks and hotels, so you do not need extra transportation. Disney offers hotel guests a free service called Magical Express, where they take care of your luggage for you leaving you stress free, and on your way. It is worth noting that if you use this service, it may take up to four hours for your bags to arrive in your room. If you need a crib or bed guardrail, let them know early. A secret perk: when you purchase something in the parks, you can have it delivered to your room so you do not have to carry around 18 souvenirs.
Purchase a Park Hopper Pass for the amount of days you are going to stay. This pass allows you enter all the parks, and even some water parks. You will have complete freedom to roam from park to park in whatever order you would like. This pass will be attached to your hotel package, therefore attaching your room key, park pass, and credit card, all in one Disney card.
Get a schedule of hours and events early. Disney offers “Extra Magic Hours" at a selected park on a selected night, that allows all Disney hotel guest a chance to have park access after closing time. On many occasions this can mean short or even no lines for the resort attractions.
Plan your itinerary. With a schedule in hand, plan which parks you would like to go to on which night. This can always be changed of course, but scheduling will aid in the planning of meals and shows. If you plan on catching any shows, ask concierges which restaurants are close to where the show is playing. Some restaurants or shops offer perfect views of parades and fireworks displays.
Purchase the Dining Plan with your package. The dining plan is affordable and provides you with a counter meal, a sit down table meal, and a daily snack. It will more than pay for itself after you enjoy your first meal, hassle free.
Make reservations for all your meals if possible. The character dining and signature meals are the first to go. Any restaurant that serves a table meal will be hard to get into, especially during any peak time. If you arrive, and have a conflict with a reservation, or want to add one, the concierge at either the hotel or any theme park can assist you. Up to the minute scheduling access is available. Be aware that a dress code may be required for some of these restaurants.
Get acquainted with special considerations for young children. If you are traveling with small children, make yourself aware of the Baby Care Centers, just in case you need to make a stop to feed or change your little one. Learn of the Character Appearances scheduled throughout Disney, so that you can get a picture with the characters, and even an autograph. With these simple arrangements, your trip has a better chance to go smoothly. Lastly, make sure you have a great time, and take lots of pictures.
Both Stephanie Larkin & Craig Elliott Elliott are contributors for EditorialToday. The above articles have been edited for relevancy and timeliness. All write-ups, reviews, tips and guides published by EditorialToday.com and its partners or affiliates are for informational purposes only. They should not be used for any legal or any other type of advice. We do not endorse any author, contributor, writer or article posted by our team.
Stephanie Larkin has sinced written about articles on various topics from Kitchen Home Improvement, Marketing and Bahamas Vacation. Stephanie Larkin is the editor of http://www.CruiseLinesandPorts.com, as well as http://www.WaltDisneyCruise.net. She and her family love to cruise - her 3 children especially love the towel animals and chocolates left on the beds at night!. Stephanie Larkin's top article generates over 49500 views. to your Favourites.
Craig Elliott Elliott has sinced written about articles on various topics from Home Security, Education and Landscaping. About Author:Stephanie Larkin is a freelance writer who writes about topics involving vacations and the travel industry including