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Disney on a budget... is it possible?

10 tips to help you curtail the damage to your wallet

If you've started planning a trip to the Walt Disney World Resort in Florida, you'll be all too aware of mounting costs. First there are your flights to Florida, then your accommodation, and you haven't even bought the park tickets yet! If you're wondering how you're going to budget for it all, stop worrying because American Holidays has put together 10 tips on how to do Disney on a budget.

1. Plan your Disney holiday off season
If possible try to avoid visiting the Walt Disney World Resort during the holidays and weekends; this is when prices are at their highest and the theme parks most crowded. Avoid the main school holiday dates, and remember the US holidays too.

2. Don't pay gate rates
Check Disney’s special offers page before you buy tickets anywhere else. For example, if you book selected dates in 2012 and stay at the Disney resort your whole family can eat for free!

3. Buy a Disney 14 Day Ultimate Ticket
If your family is planning on spending the majority of the holiday visiting theme parks, it may be worth buying a 14 Day Ultimate Ticket. This entitles you to 14 days of unlimited admission to: Magic Kingdom Park, Epcot, Disney MGM Studios and Disney's Animal Kingdom theme park. You also receive unlimited admission to Disney's water parks, Disney's Pleasure Island, Disney's Wide World Sports complex and Disney's Quest Indoor Interactive Theme Park. Plus, you're entitled to use of the Walt Disney World transportation system, which includes: the monorails, water launches and motor coaches. The ticket doesn't have to be used consecutively and is valid 21 days from the first day of use. Each day it is used at any park or attraction constitutes one full day of use.

4. Consider whether you need the extra expense of hiring a car
There are regular free buses which provide transport to the Disney parks and use of them is included in some accommodation and park tickets. If you're staying in a Disney Hotel there are buses that take you directly from the hotel to the parks and other area attractions.

5. Look out for discount coupons when you arrive
Free publications such as I Love Orlando magazine, often contain discount vouchers for Disney attractions, restaurants and shops. You can pick up the magazine in airports and hotels so keep your eyes peeled! It's also worth checking the back of receipts in the Disney parks, as they sometimes give a percentage discount off your next meal.

6. Bring all the essentials
Most items cost more inside the parks, so try to remember to bring everything you need, such as: spare batteries, sunscreen, mini fans, rain ponchos and sunglasses, so you don’t have to buy them again once you are inside.

7. Bring a packed lunch or snack pack
Food inside the Disney parks costs a premium, so bring a backpack with snacks or a packed lunch. It's also a good idea to bring a water bottle which you can refill as often as you like from the free water fountains provided in the parks. If you prefer chilled water, you can also get FREE ice water at any counter service restaurant within the Disney Parks - just ask!

8. Dine at all you can eat buffets in the resort
For the days you do want to treat your family and eat inside the parks, all you can eat buffet restaurants can be good option, providing a fixed cost for your family and helping you to budget your spending money. Make lunch your main meal and fill up with an all you can eat buffet, as this is normally priced cheaper than dinner inside the parks.

9. Buy your Disney souvenirs from outlet stores
If you have young children it's likely you will be hassled to buy souvenirs and gifts for friends back home. Try and hold out buying gifts from the stores within the Disney World theme park, as there are outlet stores all over Orlando which sell Disney merchandise at significantly lower prices.

10. Have the PhotoPass photographers use your camera
It’s not easy getting a photo of the entire family, which is why the Disney PhotoPass is a great option that Disney offers. However, it can become expensive to order all the photos you want. Instead, when you have your photograph taken by the PhotoPass Photographers in the parks, ask them to also take a photo with your camera. That way you get the advantage of a professional photographer's eye, as well as a couple of snaps for free!

Finally, be sure to check out the American Holidays' special offers page for great last minute and early booking discounts on Disney holidays and park tickets.