How to do Walt Disney World Resort in Florida on a Budget

Walt Disney World Resort is a fantastic destination for young families looking for an exciting and unforgettable holiday. If you’re planning a trip to Walt Disney World with your kids, here’s how you can save some money without losing any of the magic.

1. Bring your own Disney merchandise

Make your holiday even more magical by bringing your own Disney costumes, ears and other goodies with you from the UK, if you already have them. That way, the excitement can start immediately and won’t cost you any extra. Jazz up your photos, hotel room and daily outfits with your own gear, and carry the wonder of Disney throughout every aspect of your trip. Your kids will love the added holiday magic and will be less inclined to want a goodie when in the Disney Parks too. Win-win!

2. Take advantage of kids eat free offers in Orlando

Many restaurants around the Orlando area offer kids eat-free discounts on selected days and meals, so do your research beforehand and plan your dinners wisely. When holidaying at Walt Disney World Resort, many guests often choose an off-site hotel along International Drive, and many of the food places around that area are fantastic choices for family-friendly dining. If they don’t do kids eat-free offers, they’ll at the very least do a cheaper kids menu, offering healthy, filling meals that are perfect for little ones.

Keep reading to discover even more tips for eating at Walt Disney World while on a budget!

3. Buy a cheap pushchair in Orlando

If you need a pushchair for your Walt Disney World Resort trip, it may be more cost-efficient to buy a cheap one when you arrive in Florida. Rather than deal with the hassle (and extra expense) of bringing your own pushchair from the UK, we’d recommend buying a cheaper one somewhere like Walmart and then donating it to a charity at the end of your holiday. This will also save you money on pushchair rental, which can cost more than a budget pushchair from a supermarket, especially if you need it for the whole holiday, and you won't have to worry about your own, likely more expensive, pushchair being damaged on the plane.

4. Make the most of added extras included with your Disney tickets

When you book your Disney Magic Tickets in advance you’ll get Disney Memory Maker included with your Theme Park admission. This gives you access to any Disney PhotoPass pictures and on-ride photos through your My Disney Experience account, and you can download as many of them as you like at no additional cost. That means the whole family can be in your holiday snaps as someone else will always be behind the camera!

Your Disney tickets also include a free game of mini-golf at either Disney’s Fantasia Gardens Mini-Golf Course or Disney’s Winter Summerland Mini-Golf Course for every day of your stay (when starting before 4pm). This is a fun activity that the whole family will love if you want to keep little hands busy while taking a break from the intensity of the theme parks.

5. Choose accommodation with good facilities for children

Picking a fantastic hotel with excellent facilities can even be a whole other form of entertainment for kids to enjoy. A good, family-friendly pool is a great way to spend some relaxing time away from the parks (we love the Big Blue Pool at Disney’s Art of Animation Resort), offering some well-deserved downtime for the adults as well. 

Whether you choose a Disney Resort Hotel, a Walt Disney World Partner Hotel or an Orlando Villa, you'll find plenty of family-friendly amenities, including swimming pools, play areas, games rooms and spacious accommodation. Disney Resort Hotels also offer magical extras such as poolside games, campfire activities and Movies Under the Stars.

Best of all, many of these amenities are included in your stay, so you can enjoy even more family fun without spending extra. Taking time to enjoy your accommodation is a great way to break up busy park days and create even more magical holiday memories.

6. Take your kids to Walt Disney World sooner, rather than later

While Walt Disney World Resort can of course be enjoyed at any age, taking your children while they are still under 10 will mean that they take advantage of the kids’ prices for tickets, and also enjoy other perks like kids’ menus at restaurants. Even better, if you have any children under 3, they’ll be completely free!

If you’re really keen to stick to a budget during your trip, this is definitely something to keep in mind - and also justifies you visiting Orlando ASAP!

7. Plan ‘free’ activities when in the Disney Parks

Mix up your holiday and take advantage of all that the Disney Parks have to offer. These are some great things to do when your little ones need a break from the attractions, and will come at no extra cost to you:

• Spot the hidden Mickeys - one of the most popular and fun things to do. Find the hidden Mickeys across the Disney Parks
• Spot animals at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge - you don’t need to be staying in the hotel to walk around the grounds of Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge. A short stroll around the area will see your kids encounter zebras, giraffes, gazelles, flamingoes and much more!
• Explore the Disney Parks in a scenic way, using boats or the Disney Skyliner
• Have a family picnic - bring your own treats and unwind in one of the many spaces in the Disney Parks

Walt Disney World Resort in Florida isn’t just for families; more and more adult groups are experiencing the adrenaline-inducing attractions, fantastic entertainment and restaurant options, and relaxing in one of the many nearby hotels and villas.

But how do you stick to your budget when travelling as a couple or group of friends?

1. Rent a car in Orlando

While many visitors to Walt Disney World Resort usually don’t feel the need to rent a car during their trip, if you’re travelling as a group of friends you may find that hiring a car costs very little extra, as you are splitting the costs between more adults. You’ll also be able to share the driving, which is perfect for the Florida road trips you should definitely take during those Disney Park away days. You’ll also be able to explore the Orlando area more too (our Florida Experts would recommend visiting Celebration, Winter Garden, and Altamonte Springs) sampling great restaurants and amazing nightlife. 

2. Make use of apps

There are loads of free and cheap mobile phone apps available to help you have a hassle-free holiday. If you’re worried about going over your spending limit, consider downloading a money tracker and input all your purchases into it as you go. This is great as a group, but also individually - it may be the case that you have a different budget to other members in your group, and this will help you keep track of what you’re spending. If you already use a banking app like Monzo, put your savings into a separate ‘holiday fund’ pot so you know that everything in there is available to spend.

Additionally, splitting the bill apps are a great way to make sure no one is paying too much/too little during dinner or drinks. You can easily make a note of who owes who what using these apps too. A quick research online will reveal which app is best for your group. ​

3. Plan your meals and drinks

When on holiday, it’s tempting to eat out every evening, especially if you’re travelling as a large adult group, and the drinks are often flowing too! Stay on top of your budget by pre-planning your dining habits as a group. Do some research before, and make sure to take advantage of local happy hours or lunch/dinner specials at restaurants.

Of course, you are still on holiday, so make sure you pick one or two nights to treat your group to a meal at a special restaurant. If you’ve been budgeting for the rest of the trip, this will feel like even more of a special occasion and you will enjoy it even more.

4. Stay in an Orlando villa

If you're travelling with family or friends, staying in an Orlando villa can be one of the best ways to stretch your budget. Instead of booking multiple hotel rooms, everyone can stay together under one roof, with villas available in a range of sizes from 4 to 14 bedrooms to suit groups of all sizes.

You'll have plenty of space to relax, your own fully equipped kitchen for preparing meals, and often a private pool to enjoy on your days away from the parks. Sharing the cost across your group can also make a villa fantastic value, while giving everyone much more room to spread out than a traditional hotel.

We offer villas in some of Orlando's most popular communities, including Reunion Resort, ChampionsGate and Storey Lake Resort, each offering fantastic facilities and easy access to the theme parks. If you're not sure which location is right for your group, our guide to choosing an Orlando villa can help you find the perfect fit.

5. Swap your Disney merchandise

Getting those all-important photos complete with Disney Ears and other merchandise is a vital part of any group trip to Walt Disney World Resort. Save money and swap and share your ears/clothing. This will make your photos look varied and fun, but means that you can split the cost of the merchandise and keep to your budget. Liven up your photos with your friends and create lasting group memories - and don’t forget that you’ll have Memory Maker included in the cost of your Disney Magic Tickets, so you’ll all be able to download your Disney PhotoPass photos to your phones at no extra cost

From popcorn to pizza, sandwiches to sushi, Walt Disney World Resort is full of dining locations that serve up some seriously delicious dishes. But with so many options to choose from, it can be a bit overwhelming, and it can be easy for your budget to go out the window.

But with a bit of forward planning, you can have your Mickey Mouse-shaped cake AND eat it.

1. Make your own breakfast

All of the Disney Resort hotels have beverage coolers (small fridges) in their rooms, and most offsite hotels will too. At the beginning of your holiday take a trip to a supermarket like Walmart or Target to stock up on things like yoghurt, milk, and fruit, as well as cereal and pastries, so you can have breakfast before you leave the room in the morning. Arriving at the parks with full stomachs means you won’t be tempted by the more expensive breakfast options available… and then you can head straight to your favourite attractions too!

If you’re visiting as a family, get your little ones to help you pick some breakfast items you can’t get in the UK. That way it still feels like they’re getting a holiday treat while keeping to your budget.

2. Bring your own snacks to the Disney Parks

You’re allowed to bring your own food into the parks (as long as it doesn’t need cooking) so while you’re at Walmart make sure you pick up some snacks too. Cereal bars, dried fruit, crisps, and other packaged goods are perfect to leave in your bag and take out as and when you need them. Not only will you save money compared to buying all your snacks in the parks, but you’ll always have something on hand if you’re peckish in a queue or waiting for a show.

You could even buy bread and fillings to bring sandwiches for lunch, saving your money for one restaurant meal per day.

3. Get free ice water at Disney quick-service restaurants

A small but simple tip here - filtered ice water is free across the quick-service dining locations throughout Walt Disney World Resort that also sell fountain drinks. One bottle of water costs around $4 so the savings will soon add up, especially if you’re visiting as a family, and if you bring your own reusable bottle you’ll be saving on plastic too!

To make it more exciting for the kids, bring a mini bottle of fruit squash to mix in with the water. In the colder months (rare in Orlando, but still a possibility!) free cups of hot water are also available to Disney Park guests. Again, you can even make your own tea using store-bought tea bags, or maybe treat the kids to a hot chocolate, using a sachet.

4. Purchase a Disney Resort hotel refillable mug

If you’re staying at a Disney Resort hotel, don’t forget to purchase a refillable mug from the quick-service dining location on the first day of your holiday. These cost $22.99* but once activated they can be refilled at any Disney Resort hotel quick-service restaurant, and at some pool bars, as many times as you like for up to 14 consecutive days. These can be used at the soda fountains (some hotels even have Coke Freestyle machines so you’ll have plenty of choice) as well as for coffee, tea, and hot chocolate.

With a regular fountain beverage costing $4.79*, it won’t take long for you to get your money’s worth from your mug. There are normally a couple of different fun designs to choose from (and different coloured lids so you can tell whose is whose) so once your holiday is over you’ll also have an additional souvenir to take home.

5. Buy sides and snacks in the Disney Parks

For a cheap but delicious food option, we’d recommend taking a look at the sides on the quick-service menus. For example, you can get a full portion of Chicken Fried Rice at Yak & Yeti Local Food Cafes in Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park for $7.99*, or New England Clam Chowder at Columbia Harbor House in Magic Kingdom Park for $6.79*. And don’t forget to check out snack locations too; at Eight Spoon Cafe in Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park, you can get Baked Macaroni and Cheese for just $4.99*!

6. Make the most of Disney all-you-can-eat buffets

All-you-can-eat buffets are one of the best ways to make sure you get value out of the money you’re spending on food at Walt Disney World Resort. Of course, the bill at the end of your meal will be more than you would spend at a quick service, but if you want to have a few nice sit-down meals as a family, a buffet is the way to go.

We’d recommend making a reservation for a late breakfast or lunch instead of dinner; if you fill your plates and your stomachs with as much food as possible you likely won’t need to buy much other food for the rest of the day, except for maybe some popcorn or ice cream as a treat during the fireworks.

Some of the cheaper all-you-can-eat meals at Walt Disney World Resort are:

• Breakfast - Boma at Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge ($39 per adult and $23 per child*)
  Known for its unique African-inspired dishes alongside breakfast favourites such as Mickey waffles, made-to-order omelettes, pastries and fresh fruit.
• Lunch and Dinner - Liberty Tree Tavern at Magic Kingdom Park ($44 per adult and $24 per child*)
  An all-you-care-to-enjoy feast featuring roast turkey, pot roast, mashed potatoes, stuffing, macaroni and cheese, seasonal vegetables and the famous Ooey Gooey Toffee Cake.

^{*Prices are correct at the time of writing but are subject to change.}

7. Make your Disney Character Dining reservations for breakfast

Character Dining isn't the cheapest way to eat at Walt Disney World Resort, but it's one of the best ways to meet your favourite Disney Characters without spending time queuing. If you're planning a special meal, booking breakfast is usually the most budget-friendly option, often saving around $15–20 per adult compared with dinner, while still offering the same magical character interactions.

Some of our favourite Character Dining breakfasts include:

• Tusker House Restaurant (Disney's Animal Kingdom Theme Park) – from $52 per adult / $35 per child*
   Characters: Donald Duck, Mickey Mouse, Daisy Duck and Goofy in their safari outfits.
• Cape May Café (Disney's Beach Club Resort)
   Characters: Minnie Mouse, Daisy Duck and friends in their beach attire.
• Garden Grill Restaurant (EPCOT) – from $49 per adult / $33 per child*
   Characters: Chip 'n' Dale, Mickey Mouse and Pluto in their harvest outfits.

^{*Prices are correct at the time of writing and are subject to change.}

8. Consider a Disney Dining Plan

If you're planning a stay at a Disney Resort Hotel, a Disney Dining Plan can be one of the easiest ways to manage your holiday budget. By paying for your meals before you travel, you'll know exactly how much you've spent before you arrive, making it easier to budget for the rest of your trip.

Even better, if you're visiting in 2027, keep an eye out for Disney's Free Disney Dining & Drinks offer. Eligible Hotel & Ticket packages include complimentary dining, helping you save even more on your Walt Disney World holiday.*

There are three Disney Dining Plans available for 2027:

Disney Quick-Service Dining Plan

• 2 quick-service meals per day
• 1 non-alcoholic/alcoholic drink per meal
• 1 selected snack or drink per day
• 1 Resort-refillable mug

Disney Dining Plan (Table-Service)

• 1 quick-service meal per day
• 1 table-service meal per day
• 1 non-alcoholic/alcoholic drink per meal
• 1 selected snack or drink per day
• 1 Resort-refillable mug

Deluxe Table-Service Dining Plan (New for 2027)

• 1 quick-service meal per night
• 2 table-service meals per night
• 1 alcoholic or non-alcoholic drink with each meal
• 1 selected snack or drink per night
• 1 Resort-refillable mug

Dining plans can be added to your package at the time of booking and will then be included in the cost of your overall holiday. If you book with a deposit, you can then spread the cost of your food over the months before your visit and by the time you arrive in Orlando it will have all been paid for in advance.

The Quick-Service Dining Plan is valid at over 90 locations and the Disney Dining Plan at over 170, so if trying as many Walt Disney World Resort restaurants as possible is a must-do part of your holiday experience these will allow you to do that while saving a bit of money in the long run. Your credits can be used at any time during your stay as they are rolled over day by day, and you can even combine your table-service credits to splurge at one of the resort’s signature restaurants like Le Cellier Steakhouse at EPCOT or The Hollywood Brown Derby at Disney’s Hollywood Studios.

^{*Subject to availability and offer terms and conditions.}

Outside of the theme parks, your hotel or villa is the place you’ll be spending most of your time during your holiday, so you want to make sure you pick somewhere that offers all the facilities you need while still staying within your budget.

Staying at a Disney Resort hotel

Staying on-site at a Disney Resort hotel can be cheaper than you initially think, especially when you take into consideration all the perks that come included with this stay. Hotel guests will get:

• Early theme park entry - enjoy access to the Disney Theme Parks up to 30 minutes before they officially open¹
• Complimentary WiFi - stay connected and share your Disney snaps
• Early access to Lightning Lane selections - Disney Resort hotel guests can make their advanced Lightning Lane Single Pass and Multi Pass reservations up to seven days prior to check-in, compared to ticket-only guests who can make their selections up to 3 days prior to their ticket start date
• Early access to advanced dining reservations - all guests can make their dining reservations from 60 days before their Walt Disney World Resort holiday, but hotel guests can make reservations for the first 10 days of their stay all in one go, instead of day-by-day
• Disney Dining Plans - These plans are a great way to budget meals without compromising on quality flexibility and choice. With selected Disney Dining Plans, you can even use your meal credits on those magical Disney Character dining experiences.
• Complimentary Transport - Get around the resort with a range of transport options, to and from your hotel. All hotels have a shuttle bus service, and select hotels also have access to boats, the monorail, and the Disney Skyliner.

Staying at a Disney Resort hotel is therefore an easy way to make the most of your Walt Disney World Resort experience, making your holiday hassle-free and extra magical. The hotels are also divided into a range of price categories, so you can easily determine which one is the most suitable for your budget.

Staying at a Disney Partner hotel

If you want to stay as close to Walt Disney World Resort as possible without paying onsite prices, we’d recommend booking a stay at a Disney Partner hotel. Located in popular areas such as Disney Springs Resort Area and Bonnet Creek, these hotels offer fantastic value for money, providing the quality and comfort you expect from internationally recognised hotel chains while still having some perks, including:

• Complimentary transportation to the Disney Parks
• Early Theme Park Entry at participating hotels*
• Walking distance to Disney Springs at selected hotels
• Disney Character Dining at selected hotels
• Spacious family rooms and excellent on-site facilities, including pools, restaurants and fitness centres
• Trusted hotel brands such as Hilton, Holiday Inn, Drury Plaza Hotel and Wyndham

With a range of accommodation to suit different budgets and travel styles, Partner Hotels are a great way to enjoy extra comfort and convenience while making your holiday budget go further.

If you're not sure which one is right for you, take a look at our guide to choosing the best Walt Disney World Partner Hotel.

^{*Available at participating hotels. Benefits are subject to change.}

Staying at an Orlando Villa

Travelling with a larger group? Staying in an Orlando villa can be one of the most cost-effective ways to enjoy your holiday. Instead of booking multiple hotel rooms, everyone can stay together under one roof, making it much easier to split the cost while enjoying far more space and privacy.

Our Orlando Villas are available in a range of sizes and are located in some of Orlando's most popular gated resort communities, including ChampionsGate, Reunion Resort and Storey Lake Resort. Many villas also feature fantastic facilities such as private swimming pools, fully equipped kitchens, games rooms and spacious living areas, making them perfect for relaxing after a day in the parks.

Having your own kitchen also makes it easy to prepare breakfasts, snacks or evening meals, helping you save money on dining throughout your holiday. If you're travelling with family or friends, an Orlando villa offers excellent value, flexibility and all the comforts of home.

Staying on International Drive

There are a number of budget hotels along International Drive that don’t offer quite as many facilities and perks, but make a perfect base if all you’re looking for is a place to sleep at night. The Rosen Inn, Days Inn and Holiday Inn are all popular choices for guests on a budget, and have the added benefit of being close to other Orlando attractions including Universal Orlando Resort, SeaWorld, Aquatica, and ICON Park.

These hotels don’t offer the same perks as the Disney Resort hotels, but it’s important to factor in any benefits they do have when comparing prices. Some of them may have breakfast included, free shuttle services, or better pool facilities, that might justify a slightly higher price point.

TOP TIP! Can’t choose between the benefits of a Disney Resort hotel or a cheaper offsite accommodation option? Experience the best of both worlds and split up your hotel stay, spending part of your holiday in a Disney Resort hotel, and the other half off-site in an alternative hotel/villa. This way, you can still get a taste of the fun and excitement that comes with staying in a Disney Resort hotel, yet will also save money by choosing to move to another style of accommodation for the rest of your trip.

We know that events like Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party, Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party, and Disney Jollywood Nights are highlights in the yearly calendar at Walt Disney World Resort in Florida. But we also know that for some people, the additional cost of these after-hours events might not fit into the budget.

But that doesn’t mean you have to miss out on Halloween and Christmas in Orlando, because there’s still plenty of fun to be had! Here’s how you can make the most of these seasons during your regular park days, plus a few tips for getting the most value for money if you do decide to add a party to your itinerary.

Christmas on a budget at Walt Disney World

• Disney Springs Christmas Tree Stroll (free) - During the Christmas season you can go on a hunt through Disney Springs to find all the elaborately decorated Christmas trees dotted around the shopping and entertainment district. They’re all themed after specific Disney films or Characters!
• EPCOT International Festival of the Holidays (included with park tickets) - Watch celebrity narrators along with a choir of cast members tell the story of Christmas in the Candlelight Processional, meet Santa Claus, and discover holiday legends told by Holiday Storytellers. For an additional cost you can enjoy festive food and drink from around the world too.
• Merry Menagerie at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park (included with park tickets) - Throughout the day interact with life-size artisan puppets of polar bears, penguins, reindeer, foxes and more as they play about on Discovery Island. These beautifully designed puppets make for the perfect photo-op, especially with the Tree of Life in the background.
• Disney Resort hotel Christmas decorations (free) - You don’t have to be staying at a Disney Resort hotel to enjoy certain amenities like dining and entertainment, or just to soak up the atmosphere and theming. During the festive season each resort hotel is decked out with custom decorations, and giant Christmas trees take pride of place in the lobbies. We love Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge, Disney’s Wilderness Lodge, and Disney’s Yacht Club Resort in particular at this time of year, but Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa is an absolute must-do. Not only does it have a magnificent tree, but you’ll also find a larger-than-life gingerbread house in the centre of the lobby that you can stand in - there’s even a small shop inside where you can buy gingerbread for yourself or as a souvenir for family and friends.

Halloween on a budget at Walt Disney World

• Minnie’s Halloween Dine ($63 per adult, $40 per child*) - Hollywood & Vine at Disney’s Hollywood Studios has Character dining with Minnie and friends for lunch and dinner all year round, but during the Halloween season things get a little bit spooky! This Character meal is the perfect alternative if tickets to Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party don’t fit into your budget, as it costs around half the price but you’re still guaranteed to see some Disney Characters in their Halloween costumes. Plus you’ll get a delicious all-you-can-eat meal of seasonal dishes too, including salads, pasta, steak, chicken, salmon and more!
• Disney’s Not-So-Spooky Spectacular Fireworks (free) - Disney’s Not-So-Spooky Spectacular is the fireworks show that happens twice a night during Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party, but if you visit the beach at Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort you’ll be able to see the fireworks without needing a party ticket. Of course, the only way to get the full experience is to be standing in front of Cinderella Castle, but this is a great alternative.
• Halloween Golf Cart Parade at Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground (free) - On October 30th and 31st, Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground is the place to be for Halloween celebrations. People staying at the resort have a campsite and cabin decorating competition, and many of them will go all out with inflatables and lights, so it’s well worth having a wander through the site to see what creations you can find. But the real showstopper is the golf cart parade, featuring carts elaborately themed to iconic Disney films and attractions.

Disney Halloween and Christmas party money-saving tips

1. Book Early

Some party dates are more popular than others, which means the cost of tickets is higher for these nights. If you book your Halloween and Christmas party tickets as soon as possible there’ll be better availability for the cheaper dates during your stay (these are normally the mid-week dates), saving you money before you’ve even flown to Orlando.

2. Don’t Worry About Expensive Costumes

Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party is one of the only opportunities for adults to dress up like their favourite characters at Walt Disney World Resort in Florida. But that doesn’t mean you have to spend a lot of money on an elaborate costume. Consider how the clothes you already own could be turned into a costume with the addition of a wig or other statement piece, or look into DisneyBounding instead.

For Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party, comfort is key. Many guests choose to wear festive pyjamas to the event, which you could purchase before your trip at places like Primark or Asda.

3. Make The Most of Treat Stations

During the Halloween party, guests can visit Trick-or-Treat Stations to fill up their bags with chocolate and candy, and at the Christmas party there are Holiday Treat Stations where cast members hand out cookies and warm drinks. These treats are all included in the cost of your party ticket, and you can visit them as many times as you like throughout the night. As all the treats are packaged up, any extras that you can’t eat on the night can be saved for you to take into the parks for the rest of your holiday, ready for when you need a snack.