As a longtime Disney enthusiast and planDisney panelist, Shonette Holbrook knows how to make the most of a trip to the “Most Magical Place on Earth” — without overspending. She first visited Walt Disney World on her honeymoon over 30 years ago and has since been back numerous times with her children — and now grandchildren.
Check Out: 3 Reasons Disney World Has Become Unaffordable for the Middle Class
Read Next: I'm a Retired Boomer: 6 Bills I Canceled This Year That Were a Waste of Money
Holbrook shared her top money-saving tips with GOBankingRates to help families plan smarter Disney vacations.
Watch for Seasonal Disney Deals
Keep an eye on the Special Offers, Deals & Discounts page on the Disney websites. You’ll often find seasonal promotions to save on tickets, resort hotels and, from time to time, free dining offers.
Explore More: 6 US Cities Where You Can Still Enjoy a Luxury Vacation for Cheap
Use Discounted Disney Gift Cards
These gift cards can be used for everything from resort hotels and theme park tickets to food at the parks. By purchasing gift cards in advance — and sometimes at a discount from retail stores — you can spread out the cost of your trip and save a little, too.
Travel During Off-Peak Times
If you want to keep your costs down, consider traveling during the “off-season.” Parks usually get busier and more expensive during holidays and spring break. Traveling on weekdays can also help reduce costs. By simply thinking about when you travel, you can keep your trip within budget.
Plan a Day at Your Resort
Plan for an “off” day during your vacation. You don’t need to buy a theme park ticket for every day of your trip. Spend a day relaxing by your resort hotel’s pool and enjoying the free activities offered to Disney guests daily. From dance parties and campfires to trivia games and more, you’ll discover plenty of magical ways to enjoy your day at the hotel.
Bring Your Own Water Bottle
I can’t tell you the money I have saved by skipping the soda pop and opting for water bottle refill stations to stay hydrated.
More From GOBankingRates
- 3 Luxury SUVs That Will Have Massive Price Drops in Summer 2025
- I Paid Off $40,000 in 7 Months Doing These 5 Things
- 5 Types of Cars Retirees Should Stay Away From Buying
- 10 Unreliable SUVs To Stay Away From Buying
This article originally appeared on GOBankingRates.com: I’m a Grandparent and Disney Expert: 5 Smart Tips To Save on Your Trip
