Smart Spending: Guest Shares Genius Trick for Saving Thousands on Disney Vacation

A Disney vacation is no small feat. Meticulous planning and savings go into making a trip to one of The Walt Disney Company’s premiere theme park destinations happen. For many, the reality of going to a place like Walt Disney World really depends on the possibility of saving money while on their Disney vacation. However, those wanting to save money while at Walt Disney World will quickly find it extremely tricky.

Although a trip to Magic Kingdom, a stay at Animal Kingdom Lodge, or dining at Be Our Guests can be magical, it’s no secret that anything attached to that Disney logo, from a ticket to a t-shirt, is going to cost you a pretty penny.

The expensive endeavors aren’t solely restricted to Walt Disney World either. Guests to Disneyland Resort or any other international Disney location will quickly learn that to go on a Disney trip, stay on Disney property, or experience a Disney Destinations vacation, you’re going to have to shell out some cash.

Related: Save on Your Disney World Trip By Visiting on These Less-Expensive Dates, Despite Upcoming Ticket Price Hikes

However, there are plenty of tips and tricks to save on your Disney World (or other Disney Resort) vacation, and one savvy saver recently figured out an incredible hack to take his girlfriend on a trip while potentially saving money!

Reddit user @JVP_4_real posted to the Walt Disney World subreddit a breakdown of a recent trip he took alongside his girlfriend in which he cleverly utilized credit card points to pay for the entire thing!

Took my girlfriend to Disney using only Credit Card Points
byu/JVP_4_Real inWaltDisneyWorld

“Last May I wanted to take my gf to Disney as she had never been before. I was a little low on money though but I was able to find a way to make it happen! I am a huge nerd about credit card points and benefits and so I put this plan together. We stayed at the Hyatt Lake Buena Vista for 5 nights and went to Magic Kingdom, Hollywood Studios and Islands of Adventure. The plan played out different in reality but for the most part this is how we did it! She loved the vacation, and her face lit up when she saw the castle for the first time. She can’t wait to go back! Let me know what you guys think!”

JVP made a few choices in his plan that ultimately made this amazing feat possible.  Being savvy in how credit card points work and how to utilize them to their maximal advantage, the user included a visual breakdown of how he made such a trip work, and it’s a thing of beauty!

Right off the bat, the user decided to stay off the property. This means they stayed nearby instead of opting for a Disney World Resort hotel. In his case, he chose the Hyatt Lake Buena Vista for 5 nights. This is one of Walt Disney World’s many good-neighbor hotels, often providing free park transportation.

Another viable option here if you must stay on Walt Disney World, is to pick a value Resort hotel. Although the amenities surrounding these Resorts aren’t on par with moderate or deluxe area hotels, it’s still a great way to “stay in the magic” at an affordable price.

Related: Money-Saving Meals and Snacks at Disney World

Although the user did not visit Animal Kingdom or EPCOT, they did secure tickets, using points, for Magic Kingdom, Hollywood Studios, and Universal Studios Orlando Islands of Adventure. Pretty impressive work!

Another genius move was using “residual points” for dining. As we all know, eating at Walt Disney World can be pricey. It can easily take up the most significant part of your vacation budget. Although Disney allows you to bring in certain foods and beverages, if you’re looking to do Disney on a budget or save money on your Disney vacation, this is one of the prime considerations.

Using points as money to pay for your Disney World vacation is a unique strategy that requires advanced knowledge of how your credit card works. For those Disney faithful, you could always look into a Disney Visa card or other related reward program, which all accumulate points that can be used on your upcoming vacations. However, this savvy shopper took his points to an entirely new level.

When planning a trip to Walt Disney World, saving money is crucial for many visitors. Although we may not all have the capacity to use lines of credit to create points to pay for an entire vacation like this Reddit user, there are other ways we can save money for a Disney vacation.

Related: Save Money On Your Next Disney Trip With These Tips

 There are several strategies to consider to save money and make your Disney vacation more budget-friendly without compromising on the magic of the experience. Here are some practical tips to help you save money at Walt Disney World:

1. Purchase Tickets in Advance: Buying tickets ahead of time can often lead to discounts or special offers, saving you money compared to buying them at the gate.

2. Stay at Value Resorts: Opting for value resorts within the Walt Disney World Resort can be a more economical choice while still providing convenient access to the parks.

3. Utilize Disney Dining Plan: Consider using the Disney Dining Plan to prepay for meals and potentially save on dining expenses throughout your stay.

4. Look for Special Offers: Keep an eye out for promotional deals and packages offered by Disney, such as discounts on accommodations or dining.

5. Bring Your Own Snacks and Water: Bringing your own snacks and reusable water bottles can help you save on food and beverage costs within the parks.

6. Take Advantage of Free Activities: Enjoying complimentary activities such as exploring Disney Springs, watching fireworks shows, or attending parades can enhance your experience at no extra cost.

7. Use Disney Gift Cards: Purchase Disney gift cards in advance to budget and allocate funds for dining, souvenirs, and other expenses during your trip. Also, some retailers have awesome deals regarding a Disney gift card. You may only be able to save a dollar or two, but those dollars eventually add up big time.

8. Consider using an Authorized Disney Vacation Planner: Vacation planner fees are built into your package, so you aren’t paying for this service. Often, these individuals are aware of current promotions and deals, which could save you hundreds of dollars.

9. Skip the Park Hopper Add-on: Although a Park Hopper ticket is excellent, they add on a substantial fee, especially if you’re paying for multiple days. Instead, enjoy each park individually during your Disney World vacation.

By implementing these money-saving tips and being mindful of your budget, you can make the most of your Walt Disney World vacation without breaking the bank.

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