I don’t mention it often here on the blog, but I probably should – I’m a travel agent who specializes in Disney vacations! So I thought I would bring you some more tips about trip planning. If you’re thinking about going to Disney anytime soon I would love to help you plan your trip. Many people don’t realize it but the services of a travel agent are completely free and hugely beneficial. You can email me at my travel agent email here: [email protected]
One of the most common reasons why people tell me they can’t go to Disney World is because it’s too expensive. And I get that, I definitely do. Disney is not a cheap vacation. But I believe it doesn’t have to be totally out of your budget if you’re flexible and a little bit creative (this is where working with a travel agent helps – I can get you the best rates available!). It is possible to take a family of 4 to Disney for under $2,500 and stay on Disney property, and here’s how.
And yes, it’s possible to go for even less than this if you’re creative, willing to make more compromises, etc. If you’re curious about going to Disney as cheaply as possible, let me know in the comments and I’ll do a future post on it!
Time of Year
This will probably make the absolute biggest difference in the cost of your trip. If you can travel during an off-time you will save a ton of money. The best times to go are in January and September. The worst times are around any holiday or right in the middle of the summer.
Resort
Disney has lots of resort options, but they have a number of affordable value resorts, so you should definitely look into these. They are really fun for families and kids, with themes like the movies, music, or sports. Or Pop Century, which has areas themed after different decades. The rooms are mostly standard hotel rooms that sleep 4 (though there are options for bigger families), and you get all the perks of being in a Disney hotel. Staying off-property is another option, though I would keep in mind that there are sometimes hidden costs with staying off Disney property.
Special Offers
Here’s another way that flexibility comes into play. Disney often offers discounts on packages or a certain percent off the price of the room. Sometimes these offers are only available for certain resorts or certain dates, so if you’re able to be flexible you can take advantage of these deals and save a good bit of money.
Length of Stay
Obviously the longer you stay, the more it will cost. I recommend staying 4 nights – that gives you three full days and two half days (depending on how long your travel time is). The full days are probably best spent at Magic Kingdom, Epcot, and Hollywood Studios. Then you can do Animal Kingdom with a half day. That means 4 day tickets (no park hopper) should cover what you need.
Food
If you’re willing to bring/prepare most of your own home you can do this trip for under $2,000. But if you want a taste of Disney food, the Disney dining plan is a great way to go so you know upfront how much money you’re spending. The quick service dining plan gives you two meals per day plus one snack. Learn more about the various Disney dining plans and which one might be right for you here.
Transportation
You’ll notice I didn’t include how you’re getting to Disney World here because it can vary so widely depending on where you’re coming from. If you’re driving or flying makes a huge difference, so this is something I left out of the equation.
Example
Let’s look at a trip for a family of 4 – 2 adults and 2 kids under the age of 10. For them to stay 4 nights from January 24-28, 2016 at Pop Century resort, with 4 day park tickets and the quick service Disney dining plan, it would cost around $2,150. Not too bad considering that covers your hotel, tickets, and food at Disney! Of course this price can vary based on the dining plan you choose (or no plan – without the dining plan you’re looking at around $1700). I wanted to show that it is possible to do a Disney vacation without spending $5,000 or more, like you often hear of people doing.
Does a Disney trip sound more possible to you now? If you’re thinking about booking please send me an email at [email protected] and I’d be happy to help you plan your trip! Planning Disney trips is my favorite thing to do 🙂
I think it’s great that you share this – I’m sure loads of families are looking for how to visit WDW for less! 🙂 I had no idea you were a travel agent as well, how exciting! I can’t wait to head back to WDW, hopefully I’ll be able to go in the spring!
I always thought Disney was way more expensive.
I have been dying to go back and visit and hope to be able to make the trip in the next few years.
xoxo, Jenny
People don’t realize, but Disney doesn’t have to be super expensive! It can be, of course (if you want deluxe accommodations, two weeks there, etc.), but it’s fairly affordable and definitely worth it. Hope you get to go back soon!
I didn’t know they had a dining plan. I’ve never gone as an adult but can’t wait now!
I never thought we could afford to go to Disney, but this really helps. I want to wait until the twins will remember the trip, so I’m going to give it another year or two….but, then I’m emailing you for sure!!!!
I would love to plan a trip for your family someday! There are certainly ways to do it on a budget 🙂
Whoa! I had no idea you are a travel agent! This past summer my family did a trip to Disney World (it’s actually how I came across your blog!), but if we ever go back, I’ll be sure to utilize your services!
I hope you do get the chance to go back! I’d love to help you plan a trip!
I haven’t gone as an adult (well I did once but it doesn’t count since I was still with my mom and siblings) and I didn’t know how much it costs, so thanks for bringing it up.. I now need to save so we can go soon(ish)!
I hope you’re able to plan a Disney trip soon! It’s a ton of fun as an adult too 🙂
I just e-mailed you. Let’s DO THIS!
Wonderful, I’m so excited to help you plan!
Interested for November or December…3 adults and 4-5 kids.
Sounds great, I will send you an email!
Any thoughts for families of 5? We love Disney but it’s so hard because the room is so much more expensive for 5 people. 🙁
You’re right, adding that 5th person does bump the cost up. There are still affordable options though – some of the moderate resorts recently added murphy beds to a number of their rooms to now accommodate 5. If you’d like to explore more options and see what we can work out email me at [email protected].
Thanks for sharing!! It’s always good to have options. Here is my main concern being that I live so far away from Disney world. It would cost me more to travel there than the trip it’s self. Is there a way to get there without spending a couple thousand just to get there? I’m coming from Utah.
You’re right, that’s definitely the toughest part. I could of pieces of advice I can give: if you can travel on Tuesdays or Wednesdays those are usually the cheapest days to fly. Start monitoring for airfare as early as possible so that if you see a reasonable price you can book it before it goes back up again. Though I haven’t personally used them, there are budget airlines that are much more affordable. Ones like Frontier and Spirit. However, they have a lot of hidden fees for things you might not think of otherwise (a fee for printing your boarding pass at the airport, luggage fees, snacks on the plane, etc.). But if you do your research and are prepared so you don’t get hit with any of those extra charges that can be a really reasonable way to fly.
Hi Becky!
I would love to get more advice from you! I’m looking to plan a Disney/Universal trip 2 adults/2 kids 13 & 9yrs old. We live in NJ and we would rather not drive. I also have questions about the meal plans because our son has a peanut/tree nut allergy. I have looked online for help with planning and I get overwhelmed with all the choices. If I have an idea of how much it would cost it would help! Would love your input/help if this is your forte. ?
I’d be happy to help you plan your trip! Just sent you an email 🙂
Just sent you an email, i’m planning a trip for 2 adults, you just gave me a lot of hope that i can stay well within my budget!