One option is to stay off site. While there are many perks to being an onsite guest, if it’s not in the budget, it’s just not in the budget. You won’t have access to Extra Magic Hours (one of the parks opens early or stays open later for resort guests only).
You won’t have access to Disney’s Magical Express if you’re flying in, so you’ll need to figure in the cost of getting to the resort in your budget.
You will need transportation to the parks. Some offsite properties have scheduled shuttles to the Ticket and Transportation Center where you can then use Disney’s transportation. If a hotel shuttle isn’t available or isn’t convenient, you’ll have to decide if renting a car and paying for parking or using a ride share service like Uber/Lyft would be more cost effective. Of course, that’s not an issue if you are driving in.
Your FastPass+ window will be at 30 days instead of 60 days for onsite guests. That can present a challenge if you MUST DO the newest or most popular attractions and don’t want to wait in a long line.
There are some major money saving strategies to be had for your compromise, though! For example here are some perks to renting a villa.
Washer and dryer. You can save on luggage fees, pack less and do laundry when it’s convenient. Or if you’re driving, you can take clean clothes home and have one less hassle when unpacking.
Full kitchen! You can go to the local Walmart or Publix and stock up on groceries. You can take food and drinks into the parks. Disney does stipulate no alcohol and no glass bottles. You can take a cooler as long as it’s soft-sided. Just taking your own water and preferred sodas can save a fortune on vacation! You can have quick breakfasts in the villa and pack a light lunch and snacks. Not eating out for every meal is a huge money saver.
While we’re at the local Walmart, they have great selections of Disney souvenirs at a much better price than the parks. Target is also a good source for discount souvenirs. But my all time favorite place to souvenir shop is at the Character Warehouse. This is Disney’s outlet store and there are 2 nearby.
Reasonably priced restaurant choices. So, maybe you don’t WANT McDonald’s while you’re on vacation. Or, maybe you do.
If you need to get your family to Walt Disney World on the smallest budget possible, this is one of the biggest money savers there is IF you’re willing to put a little more work into your vacation
I am a wife, a mom, and a grandma living in the heartland of America. I have been going to Walt Disney World since 1979, I recently took my first trip to Disneyland and I have cruised with Disney Cruise Line. My Disney obsession was passed down from my mom and I, in turn, have passed it to my granddaughter.
