How to Make the Best Disney World Vacation Budget Planner

Welcome to the Best Disney World Vacation Budget Planner guide! Are you dreaming of a magical Disney vacation without breaking the bank? Look no further! We’ve got you covered with all of the categories and price ranges you need to consider for your trip to the Walt Disney World Resort.

Disney World Vacation Cinderella Castle

In this blog post, we cover all of the various categories you NEED to include in your Disney World Vacation Budget Planner. By the end of this post, you will know every Disney World budget category to plan for and what the estimated price might be.

Prices vary from season to season, with surge pricing happening during the busier times at Walt Disney World. To make it easier, as we cover quite a bit in this guide, I have highlighted the price ranges in each category. Happy Budgeting!

This post is all about how to save money in Disney World, and there is a fillable budget planner google sheet! Fill out this form to get sheet direct to your email. Please don’t forget to check the spam folder if you don’t get it in 15 minutes.

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Transportation to Disney World

When considering your transportation costs you need to consider the cost of driving vs flying, and if flying, the cost of getting to the airport and getting from the airport to Disney property or your off-site hotel or accommodation.

Driving to Disney World

If you are lucky enough to be able to roadtrip to the Disney World theme parks then you just need to add the cost of gas to your Disney budget planner. If you want to be even more detailed you can consider the extra cost of the wear and tear on your car, but that can be tricky to factor in. For gas price estimations take the gas price per gallon and then consider the amount of miles you will be driving on your Disney trip, and how many miles per gallon your car gets.

For example, as a kid, we would travel from our home in Jupiter, Florida to Walt Disney World. Jupiter is 148.9 miles away from Disney World. Double that for roundtrip and add in some miles for traveling around the Disney resort area and you get about 340 miles for a 4-5 day trip. My car gets about 19 miles per gallon.

340 miles (roughly, it depends on how much you drive around the resort area) divided by 19 miles per gallon= 17 gallons needed to complete the trip. 17 gallons x 2.50/gallon (this will also vary along the way but usually not by much)= $45.

Getting to the Airport

You can do this by driving yourself but you must consider the cost of parking at the airport. It likely will be cheaper, depending on how long your Disney trip is, to take a ride share (Uber or Lyft) or Taxi to the airport. This is highly variable (the average cost being between $20-60 or more) based on what city or town you live in and how far away the airport is from your home. Just remember to factor it into your Disney Budget Planner.

Cost of Flying to Disney World

Disney vacation flight window seat

Again this is highly variable and depends on where you live and when you are traveling. The best time to go for cheaper flights is usually when the kids are in school, i/e not a holiday weekend, holiday season, or the summertime. But as of the last few years the summer times have had some cheaper flight ticket prices so always compare dates if you have some flexibility. Flights typically start around $200- $400 or more round trip.

Getting to Disney World from the Airport

Though the free (well free to Disney resort hotel guests) Magical Express bus is no longer a thing there are still some other (paid) options for transportation to Disney World from the airport

Rental Car:

Another option is to rent a car from one of the many car rental agencies located at Orlando International Airport or Sanford International Airport (the second closest airport to Walt Disney World). Having a car gives you the freedom to explore the area at your own pace and provides easy access to Disney World and other attractions in the Orlando area. Keep in mind Disney Resort hotels do charge for parking, however, that will cover parking at the parks.

Private Transfer Services:

For a more personalized and hassle-free experience, you can also consider private transfer services. These services offer door-to-door transportation from the airport to your Disney resort. One option that came along after Disney’s Magical Express went away is the Sunshine Flyer, now known as the Sunshine Flyer: Mears Connect Driven by Sunshine. This is a paid bus service, offering a standard or express service (less stops), for $13 per child, and $16 per adult.

Rideshare Apps:

Rideshare apps like Uber and Lyft are widely available in the Orlando area and offer a convenient and cost-effective way to get to Disney World from the airport. Simply download the app, request a ride, and you’ll be on your way in no time. The estimated cost for this usually runs $35-$45.

Disney’s Minnie Van:

In the past Disney’s Minnie Van service could pick you up at the airport and take you to your Disney resort hotel. These cute and whimsical vans operated by Disney cast members made it extra fun but, sadly, this is not currently an option. It may return in the future and we will keep you posted!

Each transportation option has its own advantages and considerations, including costs, convenience, and flexibility. It’s important to weigh these factors and choose the option that best suits your family’s needs and preferences. Also, consider where you are staying when making your transportation decisions. We usually do a ride share to our Disney Resort Hotel because Disney has many free transportation options from their hotels to the Disney parks. This includes buses, boats, monorails, and even a skyliner, all depending on which Disney hotel you are staying at. Off-site hotels sometimes offer a bus to the parks but there won’t be as many options for times.

Disney World Tickets

When planning your trip to Disney World, one of the most important considerations is purchasing the right tickets. With a variety of ticket options available, it’s essential to understand your choices to make the most of your Disney vacation budget. Let’s explore the different ticket options, keeping in mind the lower end of the price range will include the cheapest times to go. This usually means off seasons like when kids are in school and non-holiday times. RunDisney races are also peak times so tickets will be more expensive then.

Single-day ticket:

Perfect for a short visit or if you only plan to visit one park during your stay. These tickets provide access to one park per day, such as Magic Kingdom, Epcot, Disney’s Hollywood Studios, or Disney’s Animal Kingdom. Single day ticket prices range from $109-$164.

Multi-day ticket:

If you want to explore more than one park or spend several days at Disney World, multi-day tickets are a cost-effective option. These tickets allow you to visit one park per day for the duration of your ticket. The more days you visit, the cheaper per day the park tickets are. For example, for a 4 day trip to Disney World during one of the most expensive times of the year, going to one park per day, your price would be $154 per day for 4 days vs $164 per day for a single day ticket. Make that a 6 day ticket and it drops to $122 per day. Of course those extra days come with extra hotel costs and dining costs so you have to consider your overall budget. Disney World does offer discounted multi day Florida resident or military tickets. If this applies to you the tickets can be as low as $82/day!

Park hopper ticket:

For the ultimate flexibility, park hopper tickets enable you to visit multiple parks in one day. This means you can start your day at Magic Kingdom, hop over to Epcot for lunch, and end the day with an evening stroll through Disney’s Animal Kingdom. This is an additional cost, typically $65 per day, with the cost per day going down the longer your vacation. You also can’t purchase park hoppers just for partial days of your Disney vacation- it’s either all or nothing.

Water park ticket:

If you’re looking to cool off and have some water fun, consider adding water park tickets to your Disney World Budget planner. Disney World offers two amazing water parks: Blizzard Beach and Typhoon Lagoon. These tickets can be purchased separately or as an add-on to your theme park tickets. The structure of this varies so it’s difficult to estimate price. If you are purchasing the park-hopper ticket you can do the park-hopper plus which adds the water parks (but ups the park hopper price). To book a water park ticket at the cheapest price it’s best to just book one day on it’s own if you aren’t doing the park hopper.

Annual passes:

If you’re a frequent visitor or plan to make multiple trips to Disney World in a year, an annual pass can offer great value for money. With an annual pass, you can enjoy unlimited access to the parks, special discounts, and exclusive perks- BUT you have to either make park reservations or schedule your trip on the “Good to Go” days. Hopefully, this will change even more in the future and the system will go back to a non-park reservation system. Also, all Walt Disney World Annual passes have some type of blockout dates, with the lowest rate pass having the most blockout dates. Blockout dates are dates you can’t visit the Disney parks with your annual pass.

When it comes to purchasing tickets, it’s important to buy from authorized sellers to ensure validity and avoid scams. You can purchase tickets directly from the official Disney website or through authorized travel agents. Keep an eye out for discounts and promotions, as Disney occasionally offers special deals on tickets for certain time periods or specific groups of guests.

By understanding the ticket options available and planning ahead, you can make the most of your Disney World experience while staying within your budget.

Disney Hotels vs Off-site Hotels

disney deluxe resort riviera

There are pros and cons to staying at a Disney resort hotel vs an off-site hotel. Another option you could consider, if you have a large group, is a rental property like an AirBnB or VRBO. We won’t cover those as the prices vary so much and there are so many options. But here’s my take on the pros and cons of staying on Disney property vs an off-site hotel:

On-site Disney Resort Hotels:

Cost – Over $150+/night for the Disney Value Resorts. Disney Moderate Hotels average $260 or more, and Disney Deluxe hotels are the most expensive type at $650 or more. There are certain times of the year when Disney Hotel Discounts are in play and can lower these costs per night, sometimes as low as $105 per night for a value resort through Priceline or similar websites.

– Pros – Early park entry (30 minutes), free transportation, package delivery, Disney theming for all Disney resort hotels. Disney Deluxe Hotel guests also get extended evening hours where they can stay at certain parks on certain nights for 2 hours after the parks official closing time.

-Cons – Limited dining options for Disney Value resorts, though they do always have a large food court style restaurant. They also have higher parking fees BUT you may not need a car if you stay at a Disney resort as they have free transportation to the Disney World parks.

Off-site Non-Disney Hotels:

– Cost – As low as $60-150/night, and sometimes this price is for a family suite

-Pros – Cheaper rates, kitchens, bigger rooms, often they have free breakfast and sometimes free dinner or happy hour, sometimes free shuttles, and off-site activities

-Cons – No early entry (there are some exceptions to this at Walt Disney World), can be farther away (sometimes), and often you must arrange transportation

While staying on-site provides convenience and Disney magical touches, off-site hotels provide the biggest opportunity for savings. For example, a family suite at an off-site hotel for 3 nights can cost the same as one night (during certain seasons) at a single standard room at Disney’s Value Resorts. As long as you don’t mind arranging your own transportation, staying off-site is one of the most effective ways to cut costs while still enjoying everything Disney World has to offer. Just be sure to factor in costs for transportation and parking if staying off-site.

Disney World Dining

Disney Sci Fi Diner Restaurant Disney Dining Reservation

Disney World offers a wide range of dining options to suit every palate and budget. Whether you’re craving a character dining experience, a table-service restaurant, or a quick-service meal, there is something for everyone to enjoy.

Disney Dining Plan

One of the popular dining options at Disney World is the Disney Dining Plan. This plan allows you to pre-purchase meal credits that can be redeemed at various dining locations throughout the parks and resorts. It’s a convenient way to budget for your meals and make the most of your dining experience BUT it usually doesn’t save you money. To learn more check out my full blog on the Disney Dining Plan. Just know that the only way the Dining Plan will save you money is if you regularly go all out with your meals on vacation. However, if you truly want to budget for everything ahead of time, it’s an easy way to make sure all of your meals are planned out and prepaid for. You have to be staying at a Disney Hotel and have booked a vacation package to book the dining plan. The cost is $94.28 per adult per night ages 10 and up and $29.69 per child per night ages 3 to 9 for the standard Disney dining plan. The cost is $57.01 per adult per night ages 10 and up $23.83 per child per night ages 3 to 9 for the quick-service meals dining plan. All members of the party must have a dining plan.

Character Dining

For those looking to have a magical encounter with their favorite Disney characters, character dining is something to budget for. These meals offer the opportunity to meet and take pictures with your favorite characters while enjoying a nice meal. Some are buffets and some character meals are served family style. The cost for these usually runs $35-65 plus tip for adults, kid 3-10 have a slightly reduced price, and kids under 3 are free.

Table Service Restaurants

If you prefer a more leisurely dining experience, there are plenty of table-service restaurants to choose from. These restaurants offer a wide variety of cuisines, from American classics to international flavors. Advanced dining reservations are highly recommended for most Disney World table service restaurants, as they can fill up quickly. You can book your advanced dining reservations as early as 60 days before your trip. If the restaurant you have your heart set on is all booked, check out one of these Disney Dining reservation tools to help. Table service restaurants typically cost $27 or more for adults, and $13 or more for kids.

Quick Service Restaurants

If you’re on the go and need a quick bite to eat, Disney World has a multitude of quick-service restaurants. These restaurants offer a variety of options, from burgers and fries to salads and sandwiches, or more unique foods at some locations. They are perfect for a quick and convenient meal while exploring the parks, and you don’t need any advanced reservations. You can even use mobile order on the Disney World app, which I highly recommend during busy times at the park as even the restaurants can get long lines. With mobile ordering, you can browse the menu, place your order, and pay directly from your smartphone. When your order is ready, you simply pick it up from the designated mobile order pick-up counter, saving time and avoiding queues.

Saving money through bringing/preparing your own food

If you are looking to save a lot of money on your Disney family vacation then you could consider going to the grocery store or ordering from a grocery delivery service. This will lower your overall Disney World cost significantly and allow you some easy and favorite food options while at the park. You can bring in all different types of food to the parks. You can’t bring in large coolers (a small cooler bag is ok), knives, alcohol, or glass.

Disney World Extras

Epcot spaceship earth

In addition to park tickets and dining, Disney World offers a variety of extra experiences and services to enhance your vacation. These include park hopping, the Memory Maker photo package, Genie Plus, the Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique, and a wide array of Disney World souvenirs.

Park Hopping

Park hopping allows you to visit multiple parks in one day, giving you the flexibility to explore different attractions, shows, and dining options across the Walt Disney World Resort. With park hopping, you can start your day at Magic Kingdom, enjoy lunch at Epcot, and end the evening at Disney’s Hollywood Studios or Disney’s Animal Kingdom. See above for pricing on this magical extra.

Memory Maker

Capture all your magical moments with the Memory Maker photo package. With this service, Disney’s professional photographers (often referred to as Photo Pass) will take high-quality photos of you and your family throughout the parks. These photos can include iconic attractions, character encounters, and even ride photos. You can access and download all your photos digitally, making it easy to preserve your Disney memories. To get the best price on Memory Maker you must purchase it at least 3 days before your trip. This extra will add $185 to your Disney budget sheet if pre-purchased vs $210 if purchased during or after your trip.

Genie Plus

Genie Plus is a premium service that provides access to Lightning Lane attractions. With Genie Plus, you can enjoy shorter wait times and skip the regular standby lines for select attractions. There is also a free Genie service that includes features like personalized itineraries, restaurant recommendations, and real-time tips to help you make the most of your park day. Note that there is an additional cost for Genie Plus on top of your park ticket. This cost can vary from $15-$35 per day per person as Disney now uses “surge” type pricing.

Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique

The Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique is a magical salon experience where young guests can be transformed into their favorite Disney princess or knight. Fairy Godmothers-in-training will give them a royal makeover, complete with hairstyling, makeup, and costumes. This enchanting experience is perfect for young Disney fans who want to feel like royalty during their visit- but it comes with a big price tag of $99.95 all the way up to $229.95 for the most expensive package.

Disney World Souvenirs

It’s difficult to walk away from a Disney vacation without purchasing at least one Disney souvenir. From themed merchandise to collectibles, there are countless options to choose from. Whether you’re looking for Mickey ears, a Spirit Jersey, toys, or home decor, you’ll find it all in the various gift shops throughout the parks and resorts. Don’t forget to check out Disney Springs, a shopping and dining district where you’ll find even more Disney World merchandise. Keep in mind you can save money by pre-purchasing Disney toys or clothing ahead of time as you can watch for sales!

Conclusion

In conclusion, it’s best to consider all of these categories in your Disney World Vacation Budget Planner. This comprehensive guide is designed to help you navigate the complexities of planning a Disney World vacation while staying within your budget.

Remember to plan ahead and take advantage of any available discounts or promotions to further reduce your costs. With careful planning and the help of your budget planner, you can enjoy the Disney magic even more, knowing you have the costs covered ahead of time!