DisneyWorld and Orlando theme park MoneySaving

MSE_Jenny_H

We've written a guide to MoneySaving in Florida's theme parks and would appreciate your feedback. How did you find the info? Was it useful? Do you have any other tips you'd add?

Thanks for your help!

MSE Jenny H

flossymcfly

If you have a disability which affects your ability to queue for long times, discuss with the park whether you qualify for a disability pass before paying for fast passes!

We qualified for both Universal and Disney in 2022 and it was an absolute lifesaver. We would have otherwise had to pay for fast passes to bring the queueing time down. 

I believe Disney have tightened the criteria on qualifying, but we found Universal very accommodating if you qualify

catlady1234

I don't believe Sorcerers of the Magic Kingdom trading cards still exist unfortunately, but there are games within the Disney App to help keep children entertained in queues etc. 

I would also recommend looking at Toll Pass if flying into and out of Orlando International, much easier than trying to pay at the tolls and fair cheaper than the rate charged by car hire. 

Considering looking at cashback sites when booking tickets, they aren't huge % but savings can add up given £££ of tickets. 

Signing up to Reward programmes of food place can get you free starters etc. and the outlet malls always have some kind of vouchers available an their app!

Finally, looking at other airports than Orlando International for flights, there have been so great last minute deals to Melbourne recently and Tampa can be much cheaper than Orlando International.   

ComicGeek

We found using rideshare apps (Lyft, Uber) to be cheaper than a hire car, as daily parking charges at hotels and parks are expensive. We paid $20-25/day for rideshare (including tips), whereas parking charges for a hire car would have been $70/day - also a much, much shorter walk between the rideshare drop-off point and park entrance, as the car parks are huge. If you are staying on Disney property, their complimentary transportation services (buses, Skyliner, boats etc) are brilliant and you don't really need a hire car.

We always take a trip to Walmart on the first day to stock up on bottled water and snacks. Lots of Disney and Universal merchandise and much cheaper than the parks, so well worth a trip to Walmart or Target to save money. 

If you eat out, the food portions are usually large. Don't be afraid to ask for take out boxes for leftovers, they actually find it odd/insulting if you don't take it. Quite often we just have lunch out and then have the leftovers later in the day - or have a breakfast buffet and take some food away for lunch. Eating 3 full meals a day is difficult!