25 Great Ways to Save Money at Disney World

25 Great Ways to Save Money at Disney World

by Ryan Wiseman

Believe it or not, you can live it up at Walt Disney World Resort - whether you plan on visiting Disney's Magic Kingdom, Epcot, Disney-MGM Studios or Disney's Animal Kingdom - without making a huge dent in your wallet. By planning ahead, seeking out the best online deals and following the money-saving tips listed below, you can enjoy significant savings on your Disney World vacation getaway - without sacrificing any of your family's comfort or enjoyment.

1. Seek out discount Disney World tickets, budget accommodations convenient to Disney attractions and individually tailored Disney vacation packages before you arrive in Orlando.

2. If possible, plan your Disney World trip during the off-season and you will usually discover significantly lower airfares and hotel/resort rates.

3. If you are staying at a Disney resort, take advantage of complimentary transportation to all Walt Disney World theme parks, water parks and Downtown Disney.

4. Some of the area factory outlet stores such as Orlando Premium Outlets sell Disney merchandise at significantly lower prices than you will find at stores within the Disney World theme parks.

5. Check out some of the free things to do at Disney World such as strolling around Disney's Boardwalk and Downtown Disney, or hiking through the Disney Wilderness Preserve.

6. Take the family to one of the all-you-can-eat buffets that lie just outside Disney World property such as Bill Wong's Famous Buffet, Sweet Tomatoes, Boston Lobster Feast, Golden Corral, Ponderosa, Sizzler, Captain Nemo's Seafood Feast or Angel's Lobster, Crab & Prime Rib Buffet.

7. If you don't mind staying off Disney property, you will discover numerous budget motels and hotels (many of which provide complimentary transportation to Disney World theme parks) along Highway 192 in Kissimmee just East of the main entrance to Walt Disney World Resort.

8. Look for free publications such as I Love Orlando magazine, which contain a multitude of discount coupons to Disney area attractions, restaurants and specialty shops.

9. Before you book a hotel or motel, check if they offer guests a complimentary continental or full breakfast each morning.

10. Check out comprehensive online guides to Disney World such as Orlando, Florida Guide for in-depth information on Disney World discount tickets, accommodations and vacation packages.

11. For larger families, reunions or any other get-together at Disney World, it may make better financial sense to look into renting a vacation home, many of which offer enclosed garages, private backyard pools and washer/dryers.

12. If you are visiting one of the Disney World theme parks with young children, don't forget to bring along a backpack with some snacks or juice boxes.

13. You don't have to shell out big bucks to stay on Disney World property at one of Disney's budget all-star resorts - Disney's All-Star Movies Resort, Disney's All Star Music Resort and Disney's All-Star Sports Resort (all of which offer complimentary transportation to Disney theme parks and feature onsite food courts).

14. Instead of spending a fortune at a Disney character breakfast, take your kids to Town Square at Main Street, U.S.A. for autograph and photo opportunities with Disney characters.

15. Choose the appropriate Disney World ticket deal based on your family's length of stay in Orlando and remember not to overdo things - you will want to schedule time for rest and relaxation during your trip.

16. If you choose to eat at the Disney World theme parks, try to make lunch your big meal of the day when prices are considerably lower than for dinner (especially at Epcot's World Showcase).

17. Whenever you leave one of Disney World's theme parks, make sure to get your hand stamped. Then after you rest awhile and enjoy a cheaper dinner off site, you can head back to the park after the crowds have thinned out.

18. You may want to schedule your Walt Disney World vacation around one of Disney's highly acclaimed annual events and festivals, many of which are included with the price of admission such as the Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival, Star Wars Weekends, Epcot International Food & Wine Festival, Festival of the Seasons, ABC Super Soap Weekend, Festival of the Masters and Holidays Around the World.

19. Carry your own water bottle into the Disney theme park and you can fill it up at any of the abundant water fountains throughout the day.

20. Establish a budget for Disney World souvenirs and stick to your budget (no matter how many cool gifts you see as you stroll through Epcot's World Showcase!).

21. If you are an AAA or AARP member, take advantage of any special rates or discounts that are available during your Disney World vacation.

22. Many off-site hotels and motels with onsite restaurants offer "Kids Eat Free" deals (one child eats free per paying adult).

23. Purchase such necessities as film and sunscreen before you arrive at Disney World, since prices at the theme parks are more expensive for such items.

24. If you are staying at one of the Disney resorts, take advantage of Disney's Magical Express, which provides complimentary shuttle service to and from the Orlando International Airport (reservations are required for Disney's Magical Express).

25. If possible, try to avoid Disney World during holiday weekends and Spring Break when prices are higher and the theme parks are most crowded.

Save Money On Your Great Disneyworld Vacation

Save Money On Your Great Disneyworld Vacation

by John Murray

A family vacation to Disneyworld is a dream come true for many families. However, not everyone has the finances to make their dreams come true. Its not that they don't want to go. It's just that they feel they cannot afford it and don't pursue it further. We're not going to fool you, Disneyworld vacations can be expensive, but you can save a huge amount of moola while enjoying the magic even if you're working with a shoestring budget.

In this article, we will expose the many secrets to planning an affordable vacation for you and your family. By following our tips, you can save up to 40% on the listed prices! Sound interesting? Well it is.

Now, we've got to be honest with you. We are not suggesting that you sleep in a cheap motel with roaches and ants, miles away from all the magic while feasting on peanut butter crackers in your room. Instead, we'll discuss proven tips that will allow you to stay in a resort hotel with great amenities, dine at great-tasting restaurants on property and still save substantial amounts of hard-earned moola.

First of all, you should know that there are member websites that guide you to particular resources that teach you how to save on vacations. The savings include:

- Accommodations on property, and outside.

- Tickets to the theme parks

- Dining on property, and at parks outside.

- Tickets to Universal and other attractions

- And much more!

To find one, do a search on "google" or another search engine for Disneyworld member discounts or search for "Disney World resort companies". You may find some great and economical vacation packages that are similar to these:

5 nights at a beautiful Resort - 5 days of fun for a family of 4 to all Parks, including all meals. For only $1,510.

3 nights accommodations near Disney - 4 tickets to Magic Kingdom, Epcot, and MGM Studios, including all meals. For $1,040.

5 night honeymoon vacations that include hotel, tickets and meals at over 100 restaurants for $1,200!

That's right. With the quick flick of a mouse, you can plan an inexpensive Disneyworld vacation through various resort companies trying to attract new clients. The savings will be unbeatable for lodging and you may even get free passes which will allow you to access to all of Disney's parks, MGM Studios, special cartoon exhibits, and much more! In addition, you may discover that Disney World vacations include visits to the four major theme parks such as Epcot or the Magic Kingdom, among other attractions.

In addition, you will also find substantial discounts on food. For instance, some resort companies offer free food and even feature complimentary character breakfasts so you and your children can enjoy their meals with Cinderella, Winnie the Pooh, and other popular characters.

In conclusion, you can make your family's dream come true even if you're working with a limited budget. All you have to do is choose an affordable option, plan your vacation through a resort company, or take advantage of some great member sites.

Californian Travel

Californian Travel

by Bob Braban

The Pacific Coast Highway & Beyond

With US $ selling at a very good rate, there cannot be a better time to visit the USA than now. We suggest this trip because it offers enormous and diverse opportunities and represents tremendous value for money. Any traveller with even a moderate amount of confidence can plan and execute this trip without the aid of a tour operator. The basics require only air travel bookings, car hire, insurance and an adventurous spirit. Accommodation for the arrival night should be booked in advance, but there are adequate motels and hotels available along the route for c$40 - $50 per room per night. By booking just one night ahead, you can retain total flexibility in your itinerary. Stay at a Hotel/Motel and ask them to ring ahead for you for the next day. Don't forget, if you are over 55 years of age, they will even give you a Senior's discount rate!

The recommended itinerary is to start and finish the trip in San Francisco. You can have a very worthwhile trip in two weeks, but if you can take three, the possibilities are commensurately greater. This short article does not set out to fix an itinerary, simply to convey the possibilities for travellers. There are excellent route ideas available free from the California Tourist Board. They offer a wealth of information including a 36 page .pdf entitled 'Best of California Drives '

If you are worried about hiring a car and driving in America, don't be! Driving discipline is generally a great deal better than in Britain and the roads are excellent. The freeway system is less perplexing than the M25 and the sign posting is top quality. Within two or three miles, the average driver is quite at home.

San Francisco is one of America's greatest cities and it is quite easy to lose two or three days just taking in the atmosphere. Even the beggars have 'techno-style', one even bragging about his web site at www.loosechange.com. In addition to the many cultural attractions, a ride on a cable car through the city streets, a visit to Alcatraz to be given a conducted tour by an ex-con and a look at the Golden Gate Bridge are essentials. If time permits and the season is right, a trip to nearby Muir Woods to see the Salmon moving upstream to spawn, is also rewarding.

Leaving San Francisco, head down the coast to Santa Cruz. The Pacific Coast Highway 1 follows the coast-line all the way to Los Angeles. The road is generally not busy and the views are the some of the most stunning in the USA. Along the route, stop at Monterey, visit Cannery Row, made famous by John Steinbeck and take a look at the excellent aquarium before visiting one of the top quality sea-food restaurants lining the harbour where Elephant seals work at their daily quest to take over some of the magnificent yachts moored at the pier. At certain times of the year, it is also possible to take whale-watching trips from this and other coastal towns on the route. From the Pacific Coast Highway, on some occasions one can see the whales tracking north.

A little further south one comes to the famous golf complex at Pebble Beach and the charming little town of Carmel, where Clint Eastwood did a spell as the Mayor. San Luis Obispo, Santa Barbara and Malibu also feature on the route and, if time permits, a slight detour to visit Solvang, a Scandinavian oasis in the USA, is well worth the effort. And so to Los Angeles, the home of the Hollywood movies and the original Disneyland. Its worth a visit and it would be a pity to travel to the area without taking a look around, but there is little doubt that the greatest value is in having a quick look around and pointing the vehicle's nose in a northerly direction towards the Mojave Desert, Death Valley, and Sequoia, Kings Canyon and Yosemite National Parks. If you are on the three week trip, Las Vegas is also a possibility. Vulgar? Yes it certainly is, but it is also one of the worlds uniquely exciting cities and well worth a visit. There are many people who were dragged kicking and screaming to Las Vegas and have made a dozen return trips since that first shock. If you have even more time, you can visit the Californian wine regions in the Napa Valley, Lake Tahoe, Carson City and a host of other places. If you see a signpost for 'Rough and Ready" give it a miss; as a tourist attraction it falls a little short!

If time forces choices, make certain that Yosemite is on the list. Drive to the charming little town of Mariposa, book into a motel, and catch the public bus to Yosemite. This national park is so stunningly beautiful that it will live in your memory forever. Steep cliffs, giant trees and waterfalls plunging from the high sierra, make this one of the most memorable places on earth!




Things to Remember

The People - Throughout most of the USA and particularly California, people are particularly friendly. Get used to being greeted by perfect strangers who will find it odd if you do not respond. Make a habit of saying "good morning" etc. to people you meet, they will be surprised if you do not. When they say "have a good day", they mean it!

Insurance - You should always have good travel insurance. When you hire a car it is wise to take the additional 'CDW' (Collision Damage Waiver)" cover. It is not expensive and gives peace of mind. Americans are generally good and courteous drivers, but are less obsessed by their cars than Europeans and are not quite as concerned about bumps.

Restaurants - If you troop into a diner or some other restaurants after about 8.30 p.m., you may be confronted only by the cleaning staff! Americans tend to eat early in the evening and a lot of eating facilities close after that demand is met. Naturally, there are restaurants that are open very late, but you may have to look around for them.

Security - There was a time when US cities were generally thought to be places where the public was at peril. The situation has changed over recent years. Naturally there are places where it is not advisable to go, particularly in cities. But, providing one follows the rules that would apply in any other city in the world, there should be no cause for concern. Apply the rule: "When in doubt - ask". If you are not sure, then steer clear.

Traffic Discipline - Read advice on local traffic rules before taking to the road. Observe speed limits carefully. There are far more police cars on the roads than in the UK and they are hot on speeding and road discipline. If you are stopped, remain in the vehicle and be polite. The California Highway Patrol and local police forces are extremely courteous; if you act in the same way, you may be lucky enough to get away with a little advice! Two real differences to remember:

1. If your road is clear, it is legal to turn right at a red light after coming to a complete stop, providing there are no signs prohibiting you from doing so. This is an excellent rule and helps to keep the traffic flowing.

2. At Stop signs, you must stop. You then proceed in the order in which you arrived at the junction/crossroads. If you were third to arrive and stop, it will be your turn when the other two have departed. Its all very logical and works well.