To reduce spills and the need to buy bottled water, use attachments that turn traditional water bottles into sports bottles for kids.
Budget
Disney budget tips.
What to buy, what to skip, and where spending actually saves time.
Order diaper supplies and other essentials through a grocery delivery service to avoid packing them.
If you want to save money for upcoming merchandise, consider waiting until after the Fourth of July for Halloween-themed items.
Check gift card balances online as you might find unexpected funds, like a $100 balance on an old card.
Skip the Galaxy Ripple chocolate bar in the UK pavilion for its exorbitant price and opt for the Arrow peppermint or other more reasonably priced British sweets.
Use a filtered water bottle, like the Brita, to easily refill with palatable water from any tap in Disney World.
Adventures by Disney includes all tips in the trip cost, so you do not need to tip guides or staff beyond the final tip for your adventure guides.
To get a gold coin from the donkey attraction, tap your credit card; it dispenses two coins.
When driving, consider visiting a Character Warehouse on your arrival day before the crowds increase, especially before a holiday weekend.
Qualify for the Magical Extras Card by purchasing a Disney World vacation package; pick it up at your hotel's front desk for discounts on shows, mini golf, dining, and more.
Use Marriott Bonvoy points for a stay at Swan and Dolphin Resorts during the holiday season to save money on peak travel dates while still accessing Disney resort benefits.
Consider unique Epcot souvenirs like art prints from festival booths, personalized items from country pavilions, or the 'pick a pearl' experience in Japan instead of generic merchandise.
When in Nassau, the straw market offers many trinkets, but for better quality souvenirs like magnets, check the official Nassau Cruise Port shop or the market near Fort Charlotte.
To save money on Lightning Lane selections, purchase your pass for a less expensive park (like Animal Kingdom) and then park hop to your primary park (like Magic Kingdom) after scanning into your first attraction.
Pick up water, drinks, and snacks at Walmart to bring to your Disney resort or parks, which can save money compared to on-site purchases.
Look for the new Ariel and Flounder sidekick plush toys, as well as Moana and Heihei items, in the Tomorrowland shops at Magic Kingdom.
Consider renting DVC points through services like David's DVC Rentals to save 20-50% or more on deluxe Disney accommodations compared to cash rates.
If you're looking for a more subtle souvenir, consider the baseball cap with 'Walt Disney World' and '71' on the side.
Teachers can receive 25% off stays at Disney Springs area hotels this summer if booked by August 31st and completed by September 7th, 2026.
Book your Animal Kingdom hotel and tickets through the provided link for the cheapest rates.
Consider purchasing a multi-day ticket for Animal Kingdom on a weekday during the off-season, as these are the cheapest ticket options available.
Look for promotions like the '4-Park 4-Day Magic Ticket' or 'Free Dining Plan for Kids,' which can be combined with room discounts for substantial savings.
Skip the Lightning Lane 'perks' for rides unless you are visiting during a very busy period, as the cost can add up significantly for a family.
Take advantage of off-peak travel times, such as weekdays in September, to find cheaper hotel rates, similar to mid-range hotels in other popular vacation spots.
Decide in advance which specific upgrades, like Lightning Lane access for certain rides, are truly worth the cost for your family, as not all are essential.
Character dining experiences can be less valuable than free-roaming character interactions, saving you money and potentially offering better engagement.
The Drury Hotel in Disney Springs offers significant value with a $0 resort fee, complimentary nightly happy hour with three drinks, a light dinner, afternoon snacks and popcorn, and a full hot breakfast including Mickey waffles.
For the most budget-friendly option among the Disney Springs hotels, consider the Holiday Inn.
Consider a grounds-only entry ticket for Biltmore if you don't want to splurge on the house tour, as it's a more budget-friendly option.
To keep souvenir cups with specialty drinks cold longer at Epcot, fill the cup with ice water first, then add the specialty drink.
Visit the gift shop at Port Orleans Riverside to find resort-specific merchandise, including beignet ears and mugs.
Children can use the provided kids' shopping carts in the gift shop at Port Orleans Riverside to select their own souvenirs.
Annual Passholders can purchase a special squeeze bottle at Homecoming in Disney Springs for $24 and get refills of moonshine for $16 through July 31st.
Book a DVC rental for a significant saving on Deluxe Villa stays, potentially cutting costs by up to 50% compared to rack rates.
Consider purchasing inexpensive lightsabers at shops like Target or Amazon for around $10-$20 to avoid the much higher cost of official Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge lightsabers.
Purchase refillable Dollywood mugs for multi-day use; buying three or more makes them $18.99 each instead of $25.
Book the $50 kids tickets through Getaway Today for an extra $2 off per child per day.
If you check into a Disney resort during the summer, you can receive complimentary tickets to a water park (Blizzard Beach or Typhoon Lagoon) for the day of check-in.
Booking Disney after hours events through provided links can unlock special deals, such as resort stays up to 30% off, kids dining for free in 2026, and adults at kids' prices.
If you're a Magic Key holder, consider renewing your pass now, as Disney is offering a $100 dining card incentive.
Purchase resort refillable mugs for coffee drinkers on a seven-night stay at French Quarter, as they include coffee and can be refilled with other beverages.
Use the Gachapon (capsule toy) machines in the Japan pavilion to get a unique souvenir.
Visit the VIP Passholder Lounge in Morocco for complimentary snacks and refreshments if you are an annual passholder.
Bring portable snacks like pretzels, protein bars, or fruit snacks and have them delivered to your hotel to save money and avoid emergency purchases in the parks.
Consider the Tiana themed graduation ears and hats if you or someone you know is graduating.
Tips are not included in the Disney Dining Plan; remember to tip servers who work just as hard.
Use refillable mugs purchased at Dollywood for free soft drink refills in both the parks and hotels throughout the season.
Consider purchasing a refillable Dip 'n Dots cup for discounted refills on ice cream dots.
Check Getaway Today for potential savings on hotels and park tickets, as they may offer lower prices than booking directly through Disney.
To avoid impulse souvenir purchases, take photos of items you like on your first day and make your purchases on subsequent days to stay within budget.