I Planned the CHEAPEST Disney World Trip in History

Psst – I have a SECRET. I JUST planned the CHEAPEST trip to Disney World! And I want YOU guys to do the same! So whether you’re looking to save a few bucks here-and-there OR you’re looking to save HUNDREDS, hang tight as we explore these money-saving tactics, here on DFB Guide.

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[kimberlymoler]

When my kids were little, I would visit thrift shops to find Disney character clothing in the weeks/months prior to our trip. Often the items were like new. We found embroidered items, fleece jackets, etc. for next to nothing. My kids were decked out for the entire vacation without spending a dime in the parks. The added bonus is that they didn’t match every other kid in the park. And, if they never wore it again, I didn’t feel like we wasted money on the souvenir.

[jp]

Note: this one takes TIME and willpower. When I realized my credit card offered Disney gift cards as a option for rewards points, I began putting all of the bills, groceries, gas... anything possible on it. But, always paying it completely. (Willpower) I did this for over a year, (time) cashing in points along the way. Folks, I just got tickets for one adult and three teenagers for three days in the park, with nothing out of pocket. NOTHING. If you have the time and your credit card offers it, this may be an option.

[anit_adventure]

My cheapest trip to Disney was $76 in 2018. Drove down from my home in SC, split the gas with my daughter. We stayed at the home of a friend of hers who was a CM and went to dinner at Disney Springs that night (I had poutine). My daughter had an interview with Disney first thing the next morning and was hired on the spot! We then drove over to Magic Kingdom, where we parked for free and were admitted for free with CM friend. Hopped to Epcot and Hollywood Studios. I ate snacks and kid’s meals all day. The next day we drove home, mission accomplished. She moved down there a month later and my trips every 2-3 months began, lol. I’ve never gotten out of it THAT cheaply again though! It was also my quickest trip, but it sure was memorable!

[magicalmoon]

One of my favorite cheap souvenirs is a Disney Park map (they're literally free other than paying for the park ticket) and the maps (in my opinion) are super cool

[LeadTrumpet]

Also note if you are flying especially this summer: the airlines have been canceling flights due to short staffing, weather, and/or air traffic control issues. This has been a problem with domestic and international flights.

[KyrinaSpellweaver]

The travel one. When I was a kid my parents would drive us from Baltimore to Florida for our Disney trips. They'd leave in the evening though and do overnight so my brother and I would be less annoying and awake. I still have so many positive memories of reaching the amazingly tacky South of the Border at some absurdly middle of the late time. They'd wake us up and we'd get a snack or something. I swear I never saw it when most of the place was open.

So many fun memories.

[virginiaseybold]

My husband and I did the break-neck, drive-straight-through trip from Houston to WDW last month. One of us was driving, and the other was sleeping. In the event we were both awake, we listened to music, laughed, and talked together to keep spirits high in the loooong trip. Honestly? It was worth

[daynastone]

One recommendation I wpuld offer is to actually drive at night. We leave after dinner and the kids sleep almost the whole way. We stop for a longer break at breakfast (and also avoid any morning rush/traffic) then we get into our hotel or resort around 11am and use the remainder of the day to rest up and get prepared for our first park day!

[GLJosh]

Pressed Pennies are some great souvenirs, unique to each park, small, and fairly cheap.

[tradingsystemsgroup]

6 months to a year in advance, get a Chase Sapphire card with the signup 80, 000 points. If you have a spouse (or sig other, friend), refer them the card after 3 months, then you get another 15, 000 bonus points for referring a friend, and they get 80, 000 points. Between those and the spend points gained, that should net you a healthy 185K points; transfer 80K to Hyatt points, transfer the rest to airline/rental car company; should all be free after that, except for food and park tickets.

[numberheatrocka]

Kinda shocked and disappointed DFB has never stayed at a “good neighbor” hotel considering how often they’re mentioned for saving money. Would love to see a review of a good neighbor experience

[NicoleIleneGreensher]

A tip I have done with past disney trips, is that I bring a lot of my own snacks, for both the hotel room as well as the park. I even bring food I can eat for breakfast, like a box of cereal that I always eat. Helps save a lot for the overall trip, being able to cut down on a meal a day.

[PhillyMikeUSA]

I’ve been watching DFB Guide for years so believe me when I say thank you so much for making this 2022 travel video. This one is extremely helpful and right on time.

[imsoboredhahaha]

As a next video idea, perhaps do a video on tips for guests who are coming to Disney World not from the US.

Like what about facilities available for guests who speak limited English? Tips and customs for tourists in the US to follow? Tipping? Etc…

[miamimickey]

Both of the Disney Good Neighbor Hotels you showed I have stayed at. The Residence Inn is fantastic because there is a ton of space. The Rosen Inn lake Buena Vista is an older hotel, but it is clean and has all you need for a good trip. The best part of both of these is that they are located on Palm Parkway which is 10-15min drive to Disney Springs and another 10min to the parks. Location, Location, Location. I am so glad to see these places in your video.
Thank you AJ for the details.

[markavolberding]

In regards to #4 and #5- we always place a Walmart grocery pickup order at the Supercenter right off 192 . Before I actually pickup the order, I go inside and get random souvenirs for the kids- that store has a huge section in the front with WDW and tourist stuff, and the kids have no clue it came from Walmart. They also have those fans and cooling towels you see people wearing, as well as Mickey ponchos for a way cheaper than you will find at other retailers.
As for the grocery pickup order...I only get stuff for breakfast, lunch and snacks- we have dinner out every night except one night when we eat all of the leftovers. Breakfast is fruit, yogurt, cereal and milk; lunch is PB&J, a variety back of individual chips, yogurt, fruit and cheese sticks; and snacks are trail bars, hummus, vegetables, cheese and crackers. We also usually get a case of bottled water and several gallons of water- Orlando tap water tastes terrible. My wife might get a bottle or two of wine, depending on the length of our stay. Looking at our order from last time, my wife also got a bottle of Starbucks cold brew concentrate.

[themeparksociety]

Driving in has its benefits. It makes the last day of your trip a lot more relaxed when you know that you don't have to catch a flight later on. The drive is long, but it's a lot easier to throw your dirty laundry in the trunk after the trip rather than to pack them up for a flight back home. Thanks for the awesome video DFBguide!

[paulahamilton]

So glad you mentioned the campground. You can put two per site. No matter what size. We have had 12 people one one site. Huge savings. If you do fly you didn't mention Orlando cheepest transportation from the air port or train station to hotel or even magic kingdom. Lynx is the city bus that cost only $2.50 per person per way. Just make sure you have single bills to pay. You could get to Orlando but way of Greyhound bus or even cheeper Mega bus company. $45.00 per person per way. Target is also a place that will deliver food sundries and other things to your hotel once there. Thanks for doing this video. Will you do one for Disneyland?. Thanks for your time

[allisongreen]

When I was a kid, my parents--dad in particular--made sure we had a very modest food budget and merchandise budget. And of course we stayed at the Hampton Inn.

[bueno]

I have stayed at the Rosen Inn. You won't confuse it with a Disney World hotel, but it's absolutely acceptable. It was clean and quiet, and the staff was friendly. You can also walk to Disney Springs from it if you're in shape and don't have little kids with you (maybe a 20-25 minute walk). There are more affordable restaurants and bars nearby as well. I recommend it for a cheaper option