- People ask me all the time how to get the best deals - it's going to cost - there's no cheap vacation no matter where you go. But to get the best deal - don't go during peak season. Watch for special offers and do the following :
- The package deals are worth it! When you book the resort, dining, and tickets together - it does save you money in the long run.
- Book 6 months in advance or as soon as possible. Reservations for resorts are easy to make at any time - but restaurants and special events are NOT. So to get all of the good stuff. Book early. You can always cancel if something comes up.
- Check for specials every week if you are planning on going. Even if you have already booked your vacation - if a new special comes up - you can always call them and they will apply the special offer to your package. Of course, if I'm your travel agent, I will check that for you. :)
- Get the Park Hopper! There are a lot of times that we may only spend the day at 1 park, but I am always thankful I can leave and go to another if I want to. Say for instance - you really want to see Fantasmic! at Hollywood Studios, but they day you are there the show gets rained out. Well the next day you have an awesome day at Animal Kingdom and wish you could still catch Fantasmic! - if you have the Park Hopper option, you can just pop over there at no extra charge. To me it's like having a little insurance.
- Look at the rates on the hotel rooms. You can now see what the room costs at different times of the year - the lower the rate - the less crowded it usually is. We like to go after Spring Break and before Summer Break. I also enjoy going in the fall after fall break and before Thanksgiving. Remember that anytime kids are out of school - it's CROWDED. If those are the only times you can go I recommend going in the cooler months. You will still have to deal with the crowd but at least you won't have to deal with the heat AND the crowd. You can always use Epcot as an "educational trip" if you need to pull the kiddos out of school.
- The DINING PLAN is awesome and worth it! See which one meets your family's needs.
- CLOTHES - to be comfortable at Disney World I wear the original Croc shoes. I know they are not pretty, but my husband and I both believe they are the most comfortable shoes to be in all day without getting blisters. You have to remember shoes will get wet if you ride water rides and these have never made a blister. I go for comfort over looks when I'm on vacation because I want to enjoy every square inch of these parks.
I also carry a light jacket and yoga pants in my backpack because I usually freeze in the restaurants. I change in the rest room before being seated for supper. So, for those cold natured people like myself - it's worth the backpack space.....even in the summer. - For your LITTLE PRINCESS - this is a budget tip. If you do not have $200 to let your little princess get a make over at the Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique, make a Wal-Mart run before you leave on vacation, buy her favorite princess costume (including the tiara) plus some glitter spray for her hair. You will see little princesses all over Magic Kingdom and this way you can recreate the look on a budget. She will never know the difference, but your wallet will.
- BOATS - When there is an option to ride a boat instead of a bus somewhere. Take it. Magic Kingdom has boat transportation to several resorts. You can also ride a boat between Epcot and Hollywood Studios. The boat drops you off at the back of Epcot, near World Showcase so it's almost like a private back entrance. A lot less crowded and a much shorter line.
- 'Ohana's for Fireworks. It's difficult to get dining reservations at 'Ohana's no matter the time, but it you are lucky enough to time it right and request a window seat - it is an awesome experience to watch the fireworks from there. They pipe in the music as well, so you get the whole experience, in a much more comfortable seat.
- S'mores - As much as you pay for your trip, take advantage of all the inclusions Disney resorts have to offer. Whether you are staying at a resort or not, call one to find out when they do their nightly campfire. Not every resort does this and the ones that do have various times so call several until you find out which one fits your schedule. They give each person in your group a S'mores "kit" to enjoy roasting (and eating) for free. UPDATE - as of November 2015 they are now only doing roasted marshmallows - still fun, but carry your own chocolate and graham crackers if you want a S'more.
- PHOTO OPPORTUNITIES : At Animal Kingdom ask one of the photographers to get your picture with Simba. Also ask a photographer at Magic Kingdom to get your picture holding Tinkerbell in your hand. When you look at your PhotoPass pictures - you will see why.
I had to crop the Olaf picture because my mom didn't like her part of the picture lol
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