Not Made Of Money

Since we live in Florida we have quite a few choices when it comes to visiting theme parks. However, the costs are so expensive and over the years we’ve learned a few ways to stretch our vacation dollars. Since we live close enough to make a 1-day visit we don’t have to worry about hotel costs. However, if we were going to Disney and planned to stay at a hotel, I would make use of one of the budget resorts (like the All Stars) and go during the off season when discounts are available. These rooms need to be booked way in advance though because they are popular. A great money saving site called Mousesavers.com provides a wonderful listing of available discounts and lots of other ways to save a buck!

Another site I can highly recommend is Intercot. This is for the Disney Resorts only. There is an active discussion board where people relate their latest trip experiences, what’s new at the theme parks, and specifically all kinds of tips relating to accomodations. You can find out when is the best time to visit, and ask questions related to your own trip.

One thing we have done in the past is to borrow an up-to-date theme park guidebook from the library. (i.e. The Unofficial Guide To Walt Disney World 2007 or Birnbaum’s Walt Disney World 2007). You’ll want the latest edition of these guidebooks as they are updated yearly. From cost cutting to time saving tips, each of these is a must read for trip planning.

We’ve saved money on all theme park related merchandise by purchasing it anywhere but at the theme parks. In the past I’ve found Mickey Mouse t-shirts at Walmart for a fraction of what they sell for in the parks. Several discount stores located in the Disney vicinity offer Disney themed merchandise like stuffed animals, hats, posters, etc. Even the Disney Store in your local mall or online will have clearance sales where you can purchase Disney merchandise inexpensively! I’ve found t-shirts and pajamas for 75% off. Invariably, Florida weather is known for those afternoon rain showers so I purchase the rain ponchos at my local dollar store or even in Walmart before making the trip. Then I store them in my backpack where they are ready to go if we need them. Other items to buy before a trip to any theme park include extra film, baby diapers, and batteries.

Next to the admission prices, food is our family’s biggest expense. We try to eat as few meals as possible inside the theme parks. We bring a lot of snacks in our backpack and usually leave the park and eat at a restaurant in the area. Even water is extremely expensive if you purchase it in the theme parks, and with the Florida heat, keeping the family well hydrated can cost a bundle. For an inexpensive drink, take empty water bottles with you and some of those single serve drink mixes. Fill each water bottle with water from the water fountain, add your powdered drink mix, and you’ll have the most inexpensive drink in the park!

If you are staying on site, another way to save on food is to ship some non-perishable food items to your hotel before you arrive. You’ll need to check with your hotel before doing this, but it is a great way to save on food costs. Otherwise, some people make trips to a local grocery store and purchase items so they can fix sandwiches and breakfast food in their hotel room.

If you do plan on eating meals at restaurants inside the theme park, check out the menus ahead of time so you can see your choices and the prices. This site offers up to date menus to help you plan.

Take advantage of free stuff to do. When my children were really little, they enjoyed just riding around on the monorail! However, there are lots of free things you can do which take the focus off “buying stuff”.

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