🌟 Save Money at Disney This Summer: Our Best Family-Friendly Tips
Our family at Magic Kingdom — proving you can create magical memories without overspending!
A Disney vacation is one of the most magical experiences a family can enjoy — but let’s be real, it can also get really expensive. As travel advisors and parents who love visiting the parks, we’ve tested dozens of ways to enjoy Disney without blowing the budget. And now, we’re sharing our best tips to help your family save money at Disney this summer!
Whether you're booking a last-minute summer trip or already have your dates set, here’s what you need to know:
🎟️ 1. Look for Summer Promotions
Disney often releases limited-time promotions, especially for summer travelers. This year, we're seeing deals like:
Free Dining Plans (on select packages)
Room discounts up to 30%
Special ticket offers for Florida residents and military families
👉 Not sure which promotion is best for your family? A travel advisor (like us!) can help you find the best combo of hotel, ticket, and dining plan for your budget.
Bring snacks — but leave room to treat yourself to fun Disney finds like this Chewbacca cookie! This is my favorite
🧃 2. Bring Snacks and a Refillable Water Bottle
Disney allows guests to bring in snacks and non-alcoholic drinks, which can save you $50–$100 per day for a family of four.
Pack lightweight snacks like granola bars, trail mix, or fruit pouches.
Bring a refillable water bottle — free ice water is available at most quick-service locations.
💡 Tip: Freeze a water bottle overnight so it stays cool longer in the summer heat.
💡 3. Skip the Park Hopper (Unless You’ll Use It)
Park Hopper tickets are convenient but come at a higher cost. If your family plans to stay in one park all day (which is common with younger kids), consider a base ticket instead.
This small change can save $60–$100 per ticket depending on the length of your stay.
⚡ 4. Reconsider Lightning Lane Add-Ons
Multi Pass and Individual Lightning Lanes can help you skip lines, but they also add up quickly — especially during peak summer days.
If your kids are happy with shows, smaller attractions, and parades, you can often skip these upgrades and still enjoy a full day of magic.
⏰ Pro Tip: Get to the park early and knock out your must-do rides before the lines grow.
🎁 5. Buy Discounted Disney Gift Cards
Buy Disney gift cards at a discount from retailers like Sam’s Club or Target (with a RedCard). You can use them for:
Park tickets
Food and merchandise
Resort stays
🎉 Saving just 5% can add up fast — especially if you're spending $1,500+ on your trip.
🏨 6. Consider a Split Stay
If you're visiting for 5+ nights, a split stay can save money and offer a unique experience. Here’s how it works:
Book a value resort for part of your stay
Upgrade to a moderate or deluxe resort for a shorter portion
This gives you access to better pools or dining (even extended hours at deluxe resorts!) while staying under budget.
🧳 7. Use a Travel Advisor (It’s Free!)
It doesn’t cost you anything extra to book with a travel advisor, but you get expert planning help, dining reservation reminders, and promotion tracking.
At Let’s Make Memories Travel, we do all of that — and more — to make your vacation stress-free and budget-friendly.
Disney magic is always worth it — and you can do it without breaking the bank.
🏰 Make the Most of Your Disney Vacation Without Overspending
With a little strategy and planning, you can enjoy all the summer magic Disney has to offer — without emptying your savings account. Whether you’re packing snacks, adjusting your tickets, or scoring a great promotion, every dollar saved gets you one step closer to your next Disney adventure.
📹 Watch the Full Video
Want to hear more about each tip? Watch our full YouTube video here:
🔗 Save Money at Disney This Summer - YouTube
