How to do Disney for less than a lot

Sometimes the happiest place on earth isn’t always financially friendly.

Increasing resort fees and ticket prices make the Walt Disney World Resort an expensive place to bring a family of any size. This is still the place where dreams come true and families can budget their way to a magically fun time.

Having a steady job, no children and the everlasting childish spirit of Peter Pan also helps. That combination is what drove Brian Delisle to start his own Disney themed travel planning company.

“It started as just giving advice to friends and family. There isn’t much I haven’t done at Disney so I became the guy to talk to for Disney help,” said Delisle.

Delisle also worked at Walt Disney World for a year in 2007. He estimates he has taken over 100 trips to Walt Disney World and has visited every Disney park in the world.

Traveling at the right time of year is key. Summer vacation and spring break are easiest to book off. Mama Disney didn’t raise a fool, and the Disney parks resorts increase their prices during high volume months. Traveling during slow periods like September and January can keep the cost low while also keeping wait times at a minimum.

Deals and discounts are the current mindset at Disney. Nothing in life is free and it can seem like simply breathing the air at a Disney park will cost you. It could take a bit of searching, but packaging hotels, travel and park entry is an effective way to save money.

According to Delisle, an average five day trip for a family of four to Walt Disney World costs around $3500 USD. Nearly 20 per cent of that total is spent on hotel costs.

Stacey Bennett, a mother of three, recently returned from a week-long vacation to Disney and opted to stay on Disney property.

“Everyone seems to think staying in a Disney hotel is more expensive but we got a good deal,” said Bennett.

Disney offers all kinds of deals in an attempt to keep the money on-site. If you think Walt has enough money, you’re probably right, but booking accommodations with Disney earned Bennett discounted entry to the parks and a discounted rate to Typhoon Lagoon, Disney’s water park. With the money she saved on tickets, Bennett and her family were able spend more on food in the park.

Spending money on food at the park goes against Delisle’s advice however. Getting your money’s worth is not impossible, but making your own meals in the kitchenette provided in many of Disney’s hotels and resorts provide you with a cost-effective alternative.

Vacationing on a budget is not easy at Walt Disney World Resorts. With faith, trust and pixie dust, anything is possible.