Did you know that an average family of four spends at least $6,000 on a trip to Disney World? That doesn’t take into account what they’d spend at other Disney parks around the world or even when taking a cruise and participating in Disney excursions.
In short, a Disney vacation is a magical experience for all, but it can be expensive. Are you planning a trip to Disney but worried about the cost? Have no fear!
There are plenty of ways to save money on your Disney excursions. In this quick guide, we’ll outline some tips for reducing your expenses while still having a great time. So read on and start planning your magical getaway today.
What Are Disney Excursions?
Disney Excursions are special experiences booked through the Disney Cruise Line that allow guests to explore more of their destinations during their cruise. These excursions can range from snorkeling trips to theme park visits and everything in between.
Disney hand-selects each excursion, ensuring they meet the high standards of Disney quality and providing peace of mind for guests. So, whether you want to check out the Mayan ruins in Cozumel or attend a Flamenco show in Spain, Disney Excursions have something for everyone.
However, when you disembark from a Disney cruise, you’re free to do whatever you want. So, you can look for excursions offered by local tourism agencies. Or, you can choose to explore the city by yourself!
How to Save Money on a Disney Vacation
Aside from looking into Disney Excursion alternatives, there are other ways that you can save money on a Disney vacation.
Whether you’re setting sail on a Disney cruise ship or are planning a family trip to Disney World, here are some tips for visiting Disney and saving money on your next vacation.
Travel During the Off-Season
When it comes to planning a Disney vacation, one key factor to consider is travel time. Of course, visiting during peak season means crowds and higher prices for hotel rooms, travel, and tickets.
Traveling during the off-season can not only save you money but it can also give you a more enjoyable vacation experience. Fewer crowds mean shorter lines for rides and attractions, as well as less stress when trying to make reservations or secure FastPasses.
Plus, the weather during off-season times (typically fall and early winter) can still be pleasant in many parts of the country. This is especially true if you’re taking a Disney cruise to the Caribbean.
Get a Disney Chase Visa Card
If you’re planning on visiting Disneyland or Disney World anytime soon then we suggest getting a Disney Visa Card from Chase.
Not only does this card offer a variety of perks at the parks, such as 10% off select dining and merchandise purchases, but it also allows you to earn rewards toward future Disney vacations.
You can even customize your card with a favorite Disney character or attraction. And let’s not forget about the welcome offer: new card members receive a $150 statement credit after spending $500 in the first three months.
Shop Around for Excursions
When exploring a port on a Disney cruise, it can be tempting to just stick with the excursions offered by Disney. And while they do offer some great options, it’s important to shop around and see what else is out there.
For one thing, the excursions offered by Disney are often more expensive than those from independent vendors. And not only will shopping around save you money, but it can also give you access to unique experiences that may not be available through Disney.
Plus, booking an excursion through a vendor outside of Disney doesn’t mean sacrificing quality or safety; reputable vendors are just as committed to ensuring your comfort and security as Disney is.
Sell Your DVC
If you’re interested in visiting Disney World but want to save money to afford Disney tickets then you might want to sell your DVC if you have one.
Disney Vacation Club, also known as DVC, is Disney’s version of a timeshare program.
By buying into the Disney Vacation Club, members can access Disney resorts for a set number of points per year. These points can also be used to stay at other participating hotels and vacation spots around the world.
In addition to accommodations, Disney Vacation Club members receive discounts on dining, merchandise, and Disney experiences like character meet-and-greets and special events.
However, if you no longer need to invest in DVC then you can sell your timeshare to make a profit! Talk about savings.
Sign Up for Bounce Back Offers
Disney Bounce Back offers are deals on Disney park tickets and hotels for guests who have recently visited a Disney destination. These offers allow guests to save money on their next Disney vacation by offering discounted rates on tickets and hotel stays.
Typically, Disney Bounce Back offers are sent via email after a guest has completed their stay at a Disney hotel or park. These offers are only available for a limited time and can be either tied to specific dates or flexible for a range of dates within a certain time frame.
So, if you’re feeling the Disney bug again shortly after your last trip, be sure to keep an eye out for those Disney Bounce Back offers! They could be just the thing to make your next magical vacation even more affordable.
Learn More About Managing Family Finances
Chances are Disney Excursions aren’t the only thing you struggle with learning how to budget. We know just how difficult it can be to manage family finances. That’s why we’ve created a library of resources to help you learn how to budget wisely.
While you can browse our entire finance section for tips and resources, we suggest you start here by checking out our guide on 5 Tips to Help With Your Finances This Year.
Alison Lurie is a farmer of words in the field of creativity. She is an experienced independent content writer with a demonstrated history of working in the writing and editing industry. She is a multi-niche content chef who loves cooking new things.