With vacations under way and summer around the corner, you might be thinking on planning a trip to the "Happiest Place on Earth." I'm here to give you the options to make it easier for you to budget and be able to enjoy your vacation hassle free. Before you start going Disney crazy, actually set yourself aside and think, “What is my budget? Who am I going with? For how long do I want to stay?” These two questions will set the tone for your getaway! If you are looking for ease and worry free, then your best bet is to get a Walt Disney World Resort.
Now, I know what you guys are thinking, "That is so expensive!" Not exactly. If you are going by yourself, or if you are that great friend who likes to splurge and invite people along, then Disney has a variety of budget friendly resorts which are all extremely cute and themed. If you are going in a big group and splitting the bill, then see how much everyone is willing to pay for the hotel. Prices vary for suites that can fit nine adults. See if anyone is an annual passholder! Passholders and Florida residents usually get great discounts on hotels and 10 percent off of everything. The alternative is that you can just stay at Kissimmee, Florida, which is about a mere 15-minute drive away. Now there are advantages and disadvantages to both staying in and out of the actual resort area.
Advantages of staying in the resort area.
If you buy anything at the park, you don't have to carry it with you! They deliver it to your hotel.
The hotels all have amazing themes.
You do not have to move your car at all during your stay because they have free transportation all day to all of the parks, resorts and Disney springs (most know it as Downtown Disney).
You get Magic Hours! Every day a different park is reserved for resort guests only, one hour before the park opens to the general public. Yes, that means no lines on your favorite rides!
If you buy the hotel and park tickets together, they have a magic your way package which gives you a discount.
Disney Magic surrounds you even after you leave the park.
Pools are generally amazing.
So is the staff.
Two words. Magic. Bands.
You get to buy a Disney dining plan. (I'll get to that later.)
Disadvantages of staying in the resort area.
Rooms are more expensive.
Budget-friendly hotels run out quick, especially when planning last minute.
Dining is more expensive.
You might feel more confined to the Disney area.
Advantages of staying outside of the resort area.
Rooms are generally cheaper. You can get rooms that fit more people for a cheaper price.
Easy to find rooms last minute.
Better access to non-Disney areas.
Not surrounded by the Disney magic 24/7.
You might get free breakfast.
Disadvantages of staying outside of the resort area.
Getting to and from parks is generally a hassle.
Parking is a pain. (All you want to do after a long day in the park is go straight to bed, not look for your car.)
Parking can be closed during holidays (yes, this actually happens).
You have to pay for parking ( unless you are an annual pass holder).
It wastes gas.
Quality and service in hotels varies a lot.
Not surrounded by the Disney magic 24/7.
Disney dining plan.
There are various dining plans that you could choose from but only two that actually make sense.
There is the quick service dining plan which costs $40 (tax included) a night and includes two quick service (entree, drink and desert) meals and one snack per night of stay per person. You also receive one refillable resort drink mug that is valid throughout your stay. If you plan accordingly and make sure you get a bang for your buck, then you could save about $10 by getting this plan. If you don't plan accordingly, then you could lose money.
The other one would be the PLUS dining package which costs $63 (tax included) and includes one sit down service (tip not included), one quick service and one snack per person per night of stay. You also receive one refillable resort drink mug that is valid throughout your stay. The good thing about this one is that you can go to an expensive restaurant or a character dining experience and not have to worry about the bill later. With this one i have saved about $60 in one trip total which is great. The key is planning ahead, because although it is harder to lose money with this one, it is still possible.
Also, call to see if they have the option of a free dining plan with your resort reservation. Disney does that sometimes, but if you don't ask, they don't tell!
Now that you have the meals and beds planned for, make sure that you download the Disney experience app to help you keep track of everything from checking in to fast passes.
The experience app helps you with:
Fast Passes. You can get three fast passes on the app before you even step foot in the park!
Dining reservations. You can reserve it and look at available times right on the app.
Wait times and locations. The app tells you the wait times of all attractions and their locations. Lost? The app lets you know where you are walking to!
Getting your pictures. Just tap the magic band in the picture kiosks of the rides or from the photographers around the park and you have your pictures on the app ready to download for, wait for it, free!
You can even buy merchandise!
With these tips your disney vacation should be hassle free and a great time! be sure to make the most of what you got! No matter where you stay or what you choose to do, disney will make sure that you are having a great time!
