50 Money-Saving Disney Vacation Hacks You Need to Know

Ready for some money saving Disney Vacation hacks? Planning a Disney vacation can be magical, but it doesn’t have to break the bank! After researching, planning, and experiencing Disney many times myself, I’ve rounded up the ultimate list of Disney vacation hacks that have saved me hundreds of dollars!

Use these Disney vacation hacks to save on park admission, food, souvenirs, and more, so you can focus on the magic without the stress of overspending!

Disney Vacation Hacks To Save You Money

1. Look for Discounted Disney Gift Cards

Buy discounted Disney gift cards through stores like Target (with a RedCard discount) or Sam’s Club. You can save 5-10%, and use these cards for park tickets, food, and even merchandise.

2. Stay Offsite for Major Savings

Offsite hotels are often less than half the price of Disney-owned hotels, and many offer free shuttles to the parks. This is one of the best money saving Disney vacation hacks! I’ve got a bunch of hotel reviews if you’re looking for a hotel near Disneyland.

3. Bring Your Own Snacks and Water

You’re allowed to bring snacks into both Disneyland and Disney World, so pack lightweight snacks and reusable water bottles to save on snacks and drinks. Here’s a post on what you can bring into Disneyland/Disney World.

4. Consider Multi-Day Park Passes

The per-day cost drops significantly with multi-day tickets, making it cheaper to extend your Disney vacation. More days at Disney, but you pay less per day! Yes, please! This is one of my favorite Disney vacation hacks.

5. Use Disney Vacation Packages with Meal Plans (Disney World)

Bundling tickets with a meal plan can lead to serious savings if you plan to eat most of your meals in the parks.

6. Rope Drop for Fewer Lines and Cheaper Fast Food Breakfasts

Arriving early means shorter lines and, if you eat before park restaurants open fully, breakfast options are often cheaper. I’ve got a full guide to rope dropping at Disneyland!

7. Maximize the Lightning Lane Multi Pass System for Line Skipping

Lightning Lane Multi Pass is an additional cost, but using it strategically means you’ll skip long waits, leaving more time for other attractions. It’s important you understand how to use Lightning Lane Multi Pass, or you could be wasting your money and wasting your money is definitly not one of my Disney vacation hacks! Check out this guide to using Lightning Lane Multi Pass at Disneyland.

8. Take Advantage of Free Celebration Buttons

Get free buttons at Guest Services for birthdays, anniversaries, or “first visits” as a fun, free souvenir.

9. Use Disney’s Free Transportation

Use free Disney transportation systems like the monorail, ferry boats, and buses instead of renting a car or paying for rideshares.

10. Eat Big Meals Outside the Parks

You’ll find cheaper options in nearby restaurants or your hotel room with groceries you bring or have delivered.

11. Buy Park Tickets Through Authorized Resellers

Authorized sellers like Get Away Today often offer discounted tickets, saving you on park admission. They also have great deals on hotels! Use my code MIX10 to save an additional $10 on packages. This is one of my favorite money saving Disney vacation hacks.

12. Bring or Rent a Stroller from an Offsite Company

If you need a stroller, renting from an offsite company is usually cheaper than renting in the park. I love using OC Baby Gear for Disneyland vacations.
Use code mixin5 for $5 off your rental! 

13. Take Photos with Your Own Camera

Ask Disney PhotoPass photographers to take pictures with your own camera or phone—they’re happy to do it!

14. Split Meals

Disney’s portions are generous. Splitting a meal can save you money, especially if you’re feeding little ones.

15. Skip Park Hopper Passes for Savings

If you’re okay staying in one park per day, forgoing the Park Hopper option can save a significant amount.

16. Keep an Eye Out for Limited Time Promotions

Disney sometimes offers special ticket discounts or hotel deals, especially for groups like military families. You can always find the best promotions through Get Away Today.

17. Skip Souvenirs Until the End of Your Trip

By waiting until the end of your trip, you’re less likely to impulse buy, which can save you money.

18. Plan a Free Disney Springs Day (Disney World)

Disney Springs offers free admission, live entertainment, and shopping, making for a fun, budget-friendly day.

19. Use Mobile Order for Faster, Cheaper Meals

Mobile ordering through the Disney app can save time and sometimes even money by avoiding impulse buys in line.

20. Take Advantage of Free Park Maps for Keepsakes

Disney maps and park guides make great free souvenirs that you can save and scrapbook.

21. Invest in Refillable Popcorn Buckets

Buy a popcorn bucket at the beginning of your trip for low-cost refills, perfect for a family snack.

22. Download Free Apps for Wait Times and Show Schedules

Free apps like the My Disney Experience app let you plan your day around low wait times, saving time and stress.

23. Bring Ponchos and Rain Gear from Home

Avoid expensive in-park rain gear by bringing your own inexpensive ponchos and umbrellas. Check out my guide to Disneyland in the rain if you’re visiting during the rainy season!

24. Avoid Weekend and Holiday Visits for Lower Prices

Park tickets and crowds are lower on weekdays, saving both time and money.

25. Plan Rest Days to Avoid Burnout

A rest day lets you enjoy your resort or explore nearby areas without added park ticket costs.

26. Use Free Wi-Fi in the Parks

Both Disneyland and Disney World offer free Wi-Fi, so you can save on data charges.

27. Explore Disney’s Free Attractions and Shows

Both parks offer free entertainment, like parades, fireworks, and character meet-and-greets.

28. Look for Cast Member Trading Pins

Pin trading is a fun, inexpensive way to take home unique souvenirs.

29. Refill Water Bottles at Free Water Stations

Refill your bottles at hydration stations to avoid buying bottled water.

30. Take Advantage of Disney Visa Cardholder Perks

Disney Visa cardholders get perks like discounts on merchandise, food, and exclusive character photo spots.

31. Buy Glow Sticks and Light-Up Toys Before You Go

Stock up on inexpensive glow sticks or light-up toys from dollar stores instead of buying the pricier versions at the park for nighttime parades. This is one of my best Disney vacation hacks for families with little ones!

32. Travel During Off-Peak Seasons for Lower Prices

Visiting in January, February, or September often yields lower prices on hotels and flights. Check out my Disney Park Crowd Calendars!

33. Shop for Disney Merchandise Outside the Parks

Target, Walmart, and other stores offer Disney items for much less than in the parks.

34. Watch Fireworks from the Esplanade(Disneyland)

You can watch Disneyland fireworks for free outside of Disneyland! Just find a spot in the esplande in between Disneyland and California Adventure Park.

35. Plan for Mid-Day Breaks

Leave the park mid-day, avoiding peak food and merchandise prices, and return later for evening attractions.

36. Earn Rewards on Disney Purchases

Use cashback or rewards cards to get money back on tickets, hotels, and meals.

37. Consider Renting Disney Vacation Club Points

Renting points lets you stay at Deluxe Disney properties for less than booking directly.

38. Attend After-Hours Events Instead of Full Day

Disney’s after-hours events can cost less and let you experience the parks with shorter lines.

39. Save with Disney’s Child Swap Service

Families with young kids can use Child Swap to avoid double waits. Child Swap(or rider switch) is on of the best Disney vacation hacks for families with young kids! I’ve got a helpful guide to Rider Switch at Disneyland!

40. Buy Essentials on Amazon before your trip

Don’t over pay for things at the Disney parks! Buy any items you might need on Amazon before your vacation. Disney will have what you need, but it will cost you a ton! Don’t skip this. It’s one of the most important money saving Disney vacation hacks. Check out my post about what to buy on Amazon before your Disney vacation!

41. Pack a Portable Charger

Save on charging fees by bringing a portable battery to keep your phone powered for photos and mobile orders.

42. Get a Free Celebration Call (Disney World)

At Disney World, stop by your hotel’s front desk to request a complimentary celebration call from a Disney character to mark a special occasion.

43. Plan Souvenir Budgets with Kids

Set a souvenir budget and let kids choose to avoid unplanned spending.

44. Look for Free Photo Ops

Find photo ops with Disney-themed backgrounds outside of rides for memorable, free photos.

45. Use Your Rewards Points to Cover Flights or Hotels

If you have airline or credit card rewards, use them to cover travel expenses like flights and nearby hotels to save on trip costs.

46. Choose Your Park Days Strategically

Some days have lower admission prices; planning around these can save on tickets.

47. Bring a Collapsible Cooler

Keep snacks and drinks cool in a small, collapsible cooler for long days in the parks.

48. Schedule Offsite Dining with Free Kid’s Meals

Some nearby restaurants offer free kids’ meals, adding up to big savings for families.

49. Ask for Free Cups of Ice Water

Most quick-service locations provide free ice water if you ask! Staying hydrated is so important and bottled water will cost you a pretty penny in the parks! This is one of the most popular Disney vacation hacks!

50. Bring Your Own Autograph Book

Avoid paying high prices for Disney autograph books by creating a DIY version or bringing a small sketchbook. Or, Instead of buying autograph books, use free printables that kids can color and collect signatures on.

With a little planning and these Disney vacation hacks, you can experience the magic of Disney without overspending! From finding the best ticket deals to saving on meals and souvenirs, these tips will keep more money in your pocket while still letting you enjoy every magical moment. Whether you’re heading to Disneyland or Disney World, each of these Disney vacation hacks can make a big difference in both your budget and your overall experience.

Follow Along

Make sure to check out my YouTube videos for helpful info and my podcast for lots of Disney planning information! You can find it on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen to podcasts. Just search for “Mix In Some Magic” Follow me on Instagram or Facebook for lots of Disney tips and fun and make sure you join my Disney planning Facebook group! It’s a great place to ask all your Disneyland planning questions and get expert help.