Travel Destinations

Planning to visit Disney World this year? Hoping to be able to save money on that trip? Saving money on where you stay can greatly contribute to an affordable Disney vacation, and exploring all of your options will help you make the right choice for your family budget.

Several things will affect your choice of accommodations at Disney World. When you go, whether you will need transportation while there, and even the size of your family will all need to be taken into account.

The busier times of year, such as holiday weekends, Christmas/New Years, and summer, tend to be more expensive on Disney resort properties, and you may find many of these rooms booked, especially if you are not planning far in advance. For this reason, during peak season, and on short notice, off-Disney properties may be the most economical.

What about family size? If you have several children and need more than one motel room, you may instead want to consider larger “suites”, villas, or rental homes as a way to save money.

You will also want to think about how you will get around to the theme parks. If you stay with Disney, you will be able to use their free resort transportation. If you stay off-site, then you will need to see if your hotel/motel has a free shuttle, or you will need to rent a car or van.

Now, what choices will you have then for accommodations at Disney World?

Increasingly, many families are choosing vacation homes or condos. This type of property will provide more space for your family, usually sleeping from 4 to 16 people comfortably, which can be an important factor. Since family size for many means multiple hotel rooms, a vacation home will very likely be a cost savings. In addition, with access to a kitchen, being able to easily prepare and eat in for some meals will also be a cost savings for your vacation.

Another option is to choose an off-site property. Staying in a non-Disney hotel/motel will likely cost less, possibly much less than a Disney World resort property. But make sure that this is truly the most economical option for you, but finding out if the hotel offers things like free breakfast, or free park shuttles. See if you will need a car rental.

If you really want to stay on a Disney World resort property, you may find that their resort guest “perks” may actually make this the most affordable option for you. Disney offers free transportation to and from the Orlando airport as well as between the theme parks, meaning that it is not necessary for you to pay for a rental car. And their “Extra Magic Hours” will allow you additional time in the parks adding value to your vacation. Plus Disney offers some very attractive promotions regularly which may make an on-Disney property your most affordable choice.

Once you choose, before booking, make sure to compare your pricing options, whether you stay on or off Disney property. It is not unusual to get a better price from websites like Expedia and travelocity, than the one you are quoted by Disney or the off-site hotel. Also be sure to check for discounts through groups like AAA and AARP. If you are a teacher, ask about discounts as well: the Walt Disney World Swan and Walt Disney World Dolphin often have teacher promotions.

It is possible to have a very affordable Disney vacation. Careful research and comparison of all of your accommodation options will help to insure that your vacation will be remembered for the fun you had, and not the money you spent.

Nancy Bobby has been traveling to Disney World for over a decade. Her most useful guide to save hundreds of dollars on a Disney vacation has been the Ultimate Disney World Savings Guide. Get help with your own affordable Disney family vacation and receive her free Disney vacation guide at her blog www.theaffordablemouse.com.