Maximize the Disney Magic, Minimize the Voodoo
Let me begin by declaring my undying love for Disney. I mean, who doesn’t adore it? The rides, the atmosphere, the shows – it’s all pure magic. But here’s the catch: I’m also quite frugal when it comes to spending money. Can you see my dilemma here? If you’ve ever experienced Disney, you know precisely what I’m talking about. Disney may sprinkle magic, but the way it can make your money vanish is more like the voodoo.
Despite the financial sorcery, my family and I still find ourselves drawn back every other year. Over the years, I’ve found various ways to maximize our Disney vacations so we can continue making wonderful memories together. Below are a few of my favorite Disney savings hacks.
Lodging:
Let’s kick things off with lodging options – the holy grail of Disney expenses. Whether you’re crashing inside the park or camping outside, this is where you can either spend or save the most money when planning a Disney trip!
Tip 1: Rent Disney Vacation Club Points
Disney Vacation Club (DVC) is Disney’s own timeshare system. DVC members purchase points to stay at the deluxe DVC resorts within the park. Now, lucky for us, not everyone can use up all the points they’ve bought, so they rent them out. If you’ve never dipped your toes into the world of DVC rentals before, I strongly recommend going through a reputable broker, like David’s Vacation Club. They make the process simple and eliminate the risk of being scammed.
Now, let’s move on to the big question: How much can you save by renting points? A lot! In my experience, you can stay at a deluxe resort for the same price or even less than a Disney value resort. For example, as of the time of writing this, booking six nights at the Boardwalk Villas (my family’s personal favorite) in July through Disney would cost $4,025.25. However, booking the same room for the same dates through David’s Vacation Club would only set you back $1,748. Not only will renting DVC points save you lots of money, but deluxe resorts offer more spacious accommodations, more amenities, and the perk of extended magic hours when they’re available. One more ride on Guardians of the Galaxy? Yes, please!
But wait, there’s always a catch, isn’t there? It’s likely that you won’t have the option to cancel your reservation when renting points. Now, I did recently read that David’s DVC Club is offering a cancellation plan, but I’ve never personally used it. What I have done, however, is purchase travel insurance separately for around $200 (which covered my reservation and four plane tickets). Better safe than sorry, right?
Tip 2: Stay Outside of the Park
Experience the magic without the park accommodations. There’s a plethora of rentals just outside Disney’s gates, offering affordable prices and luxurious amenities like game rooms, private pools, and movie theaters. As a parent, I particularly value the convenience of having a washer, dryer, and multiple bathrooms. Our exchange student from Spain will be with us for our next trip, so I’ve already secured a spacious condo nearby. While transportation to the parks may not be as seamless, the added comfort is well worth it.
Moreover, staying outside the park grants the freedom to explore dining options beyond Disney, potentially saving a significant amount. We often choose the convenience of a pizza delivery on our way back from the park or grab breakfast and lunch en route, enabling us to allocate more funds towards the Disney experience itself.
Oh, and don’t forget to schedule a visit to the Disney Character Warehouse to stock up on deeply discounted souvenirs while you’re outside of the park.
Tip 3: Load up the Camper!
If you happen to own a camper or motorhome, consider Fort Wilderness a must! It offers the unique experience of staying inside the park while saving on accommodations. One of my most cherished Disney trips was when we brought our motorhome along. Sure, the journey was a bit lengthy, but we made it fun by playing games along the way. The campground at Fort Wilderness is particularly enchanting during Halloween and Christmas, as all of the campsites are festively decorated.
We did opt to rent a golf cart, which turned out to be worth every penny for exploring the vast grounds and getting to the park transportation. If cutting costs on accommodations means extending your trip by an extra day or two, go for it! Non-park days are crucial for my family. When we Disney, we Disney hard! Having some downtime in between is key to keeping the magic alive. Use this time to explore different resorts or simply relax in your cozy Airbnb. This is especially beneficial if you’re traveling with children.
Tickets
Now onto the other significant expense for a Disney trip: park tickets. But fear not, there are ways to save without enduring a timeshare presentation!
Tip 1: Undercover Tourist
We’ve purchased tickets from Undercover Tourist multiple times, and their discount usually equals what you would spend on tax if purchasing directly from Disney. While it may not seem like much, the savings add up, especially when buying multiple tickets. Once you receive these tickets, you can link them to your Disney account and use them just like regular tickets.
Tip 2: Take Advantage of Rewards Credit Cards
Let me start by saying that you’re only saving money here if you pay off your credit card every month. Instead of using debit cards, we opt for a rewards credit card for everything. Until recently, we used our Disney Rewards card for all purchases and paid the balance in full each month. Depending on your purchases, you can receive 1-3% back in Disney dollars. On our last trip, I had over $1,600 in Disney Dollars to put towards tickets, which was a huge help. We recently switched to using an Apple card. While Apple’s reward percentages are similar, they are paid in USD, and you can opt to have your rewards deposited into a high-interest savings account (over 4% APR)!
Just a side note: You cannot use Disney dollars to rent DVC points or purchase tickets from Undercover Tourist. These can only be used directly with Disney. This is another reason we switched to the Apple card for rewards.
By adding a pinch of creativity and a touch of strategic planning, you can embrace the Disney magic and leave the voodoo in New Orleans. Remember, it’s not merely about the money spent but the cherished memories created with your loved ones. So, whether you’re strolling Disney’s Boardwalk or savoring a slice of pizza on the car ride back to your AirBnb, treasure the moments and the magic that Disney bestows. After all, these memories are truly priceless!
