Let’s talk Disney. There are a few things that one needs to know before booking a Disney Vacation. Let’s look into detail a few of the starter items you need to know before booking your magical vacation .
#1. Price
I know what your thinking . Duh! Who doesn’t think to plan a budget before going to Disney?!? Surprisingly not everyone , OR most for that matter . People often forget to include parking , , tickets , food, snacks , miscellaneous shopping, and tipping On top of their hotel room. Now , in saying this , some of you have already lost interest Because instead of sugar plums dancing around your head they are looking more like dollar signs . But I assure you, Disney CAN be done on a budget!
When planning your Disney vacation it is very important to note your party size as well as age group. This will tell you if you are staying in 1/2 or 3 bedrooms OR are you going to stay in the deluxe bedrooms . Remember , Disney also offers 1/2&3 bedroom villas which also include a full size kitchen . Although the rooms themselves are expensive this amenity could prove to help lessen the food cost associated with your vacation . The bulk of your money will be used in the Hotel, then tickets then food . Dining Plans are usually not a way to “save” money, however do allow you to pay for their convenience up front and thus eliminate the worry for added food costs .
#2. When you Disney
What time you choose to go on your Disney vacation does matter . Believe it or not , Disney does have “ off times” , but they are more like “adventure times”. These times are when Park attendance is a little slower than the big holidays . Do you want to go during the summer ? How about in Jan/Feb? Fall or spring with the kids ? Remember , when your children are off so are everyone else’s and that is when everyone goes to Disney. You also have to know when international travel is the highest, usually in July/Aug for the WDW area. This isn’t to say it’s any less fun , it’s to say to know when you want to go. June/July and Aug run a higher risk of high heat and hurricanes , while Jan/Feb run unpredictable weather and the higher chance of sickness ( it is flu season after all ).
#3. Food
Disney has an insurmountable amount of food . From all areas in Epcot , to character meals , to adult only dining . Each dining experience can be as much or as little as you’d like . Remember that character breakfasts will always be more money since you are paying for the experience . However , don’t think they are just for the young, for most of us are still young at heart and enjoy the character interaction .
For those on a budget, the Dining Plan might be an option for you and your family . Set up for convenience the Dining Plan ( DP) can be purchased only a few days before your Trip, however budgeting for it would be a must. The Dining Plan while not exactly saving you money, will save you time when thinking about what’s on the menu. ** coming soon: see the blog dedicated to Dining Plans **
#4. Tickets
Tickets are one of the top expenses in Disney. The good news is the longer you stay the less money tickets cost ! You will want to take into account park hopper options ( the ability to go to multiple parks in a day), a 1 day pass ( allows you 1 park/ day), and of course if you want to enjoy the Disney Water Parks ( Typhoon lagoon and Blizzard Beach). Ticket prices are set based on the time of year. So expect to pay more in December than in Feb. Also keep in mind that the water parks can shut down due to weather .
Hotels:
Wether you stay on or off site, there is no wrong way to do Disney so long as you understand there are perks to both. Staying off site allows you to eat cheaper , and in restaurants you may be familiar with . Staying on site allows you to choose from an array of foods , but transportation might be limited on how to beat achieve that adventure . Hotel accommodations can fit 2-12 people depending on the hotel and hotel room accommodations . Some on property hotels such as Animal Kingdom Villas , Baylake Tower, and More offer 1/2&3 bedrooms which can hold as much as 12 people for a 3 bedroom . If you have multiple families , these stations accommodations could be what you are looking for . But don’t be fooled , they come with a hefty price tag. BUT there is a secret to enjoying these rooms which will be discussed in another blog with DVC.
For all purposes , I will say that for me and my family we Stay ON premise . So most of the articles I write will be tailored towards on site stays and the perks those come with .
Miscellaneous:
Some things that you might now know are the little extra things that make Disney so special . Ears to express your Disney side ( see my Etsy page for handmade ears for the whole family ), as well as bubble machines , games , extra snacks , trinkets, ornaments , items from all the shops , and Basin (** special blog coming about them as well). All of these things add up! So make sure you are allocating money to this as well.
Another thing is tips . In FL it is customary to tip approximately 28% to waiters and waitresses . If your party consists of 6 or more people ( children included ) a min of 18% will be automatically added to your bill with any and all dining options ( except for quick service ). Most of us here in the Disney community will also tip our Mouse keeping ( the hotel services), valet , bus boys and more , so please keep that all in mind when thinking of your trip .. it’s a personal choice , but from one to another everyone one disney tries so hard to keep up the magic that a little extra doesn’t hurt . But don’t think that you have to break the bank. Do what you can , after all it’s your money and your trip!
Conclusion :
Disney trips are as unique as those who book them . Each one filled with magic and adventure . There will be many more insider scoops on how to best plan your vacation. Keep following and I will have you being a Disney vacation super star in no time , whether your trip is in 6 months or longer you will know how to navigate through like a pro . Have a magical day , and as always , thanks for making today a Disney day.
Ears and There 