A trip to Walt Disney World’s Magic Kingdom is the ultimate dream for many families, but the costs can add up quickly. Between tickets, dining, souvenirs, and extras, the expenses can feel overwhelming.
However, with a little planning and some savvy tricks, you can still have an amazing time without breaking the bank. Below are 15 tried-and-true tips to help you save money while still enjoying the magic of Magic Kingdom!
1. Bring Your Own Food
One of the easiest ways to save money at Magic Kingdom is by bringing your own food. Many guests don’t realize that Disney allows outside food in the parks, as long as it’s not in a large cooler or glass containers. Packing sandwiches, snacks, or even a full meal can save you a significant amount of money. We often bring our own meals for at least one part of the day. If carrying your cooler around doesn’t sound appealing, you can rent a locker for the day—still much cheaper than buying food in the parks.
Bonus tip: If you’re staying in a hotel, consider using a grocery delivery service to have food brought directly to your room, saving you the hassle of packing it in your luggage.
2. Visit During the Off-Peak Season
Choosing when to visit Disney World can make a huge difference in your overall costs. Off-peak seasons, typically during school months and non-holiday periods, offer cheaper ticket prices, hotel deals, and even promotions like free dining plans. Airfare tends to be lower as well.
Check Disney’s ticket pricing calendar for the best deals, and you could save hundreds by visiting during these quieter times.
3. Pre-Shop for Souvenirs
Why spend a fortune on souvenirs inside the parks when you can pre-shop for Disney-themed items before you go? Stores like Target, Walmart, and even Disney outlet stores offer Disney shirts, hats, toys, and more at a fraction of the price you’d pay in the parks.
Before your trip, surprise your kids with these goodies so they won’t be begging for overpriced souvenirs while you’re inside Magic Kingdom.
4. Stick to Tap Water
Buying bottled water or soda at the parks can really add up, with prices over $3.50 per drink. Instead, bring a reusable water bottle and fill it up at the various water fountains and quick-service restaurants around the park.
Disney offers free tap water at all quick-service spots, so take advantage of it! If you prefer a flavored drink, bring along some powdered flavor packets to mix into your water—easy and budget-friendly.
5. Use Disney Gift Cards to Budget
If you’re worried about overspending, try using Disney gift cards to set a budget for souvenirs and snacks. You can buy gift cards in advance and load them with a set amount, giving one to each family member to help them manage their spending. Once the gift card is empty, they’ll know it’s time to stop splurging.
This method is great for teaching kids about budgeting while still letting them have some fun.
6. Bring Your Own Camera
You’ll see plenty of Disney PhotoPass photographers throughout the park, but you don’t need to purchase their professional photos to capture magical moments.
These photographers are happy to snap pictures using your phone or personal camera. If you’re set on having lots of photos taken by the pros, consider purchasing Disney’s Memory Maker before your trip to save on the cost of individual photos.
7. Avoid Parking Fees
Parking at Magic Kingdom can be expensive, but there are ways to avoid this cost. If you’re staying at a Disney Resort Hotel, you’ll get complimentary parking at the theme parks, or you can use Disney’s transportation system to get around (bus, boat, or monorail).
For those staying off-property, look for hotels that offer free shuttles to the parks, which can save you both time and money. If you do need to park, skip the extra fee for priority parking—it’s not worth it when there’s a free tram that takes you from the regular parking area to the entrance.
8. Schedule Sit-Down Meals for Breakfast or Lunch
While skipping sit-down meals can save a lot, sometimes you want to enjoy a special meal or a character dining experience. If that’s the case, book your table for breakfast or lunch, as these meals are often cheaper than dinner.
For dinner, opt for quick-service dining or enjoy a packed meal you brought with you to stretch your budget even further.
9. Price Compare Souvenirs
Before you buy that Disney souvenir, take a minute to check prices online. My husband once found a book at a gift shop in Magic Kingdom, but a quick price check on my phone revealed it was $15 cheaper from an online retailer.
While many items in the parks are exclusive and not available elsewhere, it never hurts to compare prices—those savings add up!
10. Plan Ahead to Avoid Extra Costs
Disney knows that visitors may forget essentials, and they’re happy to sell you things like sunscreen, ponchos, phone chargers, and even diapers. However, these items come with a hefty markup.
Make sure to pack your park bag carefully with everything you’ll need, from rain gear to portable phone chargers, so you’re not stuck paying Disney prices for everyday items.
11. Embrace Quick-Service Dining
Magic Kingdom has some excellent quick-service dining options that offer delicious meals at a fraction of the cost of table-service restaurants. Some guest favorites include Pecos Bill Tall Tale Inn and Café, Columbia Harbour House, and Cosmic Ray’s Starlight Café.
Quick-service spots are located throughout the park, so you’re never far from a tasty, budget-friendly meal.
12. Share Meals
Portions at Disney quick-service restaurants can be quite large, so consider sharing a meal with someone in your group. This is a great way to save money and reduce food waste. Plus, you’ll have room for one of Disney’s famous desserts afterward!
13. Order a Kid’s Meal
If you’re not super hungry or looking for a lighter option, ordering a kid’s meal is a smart way to save money at quick-service locations.
Kid’s meals are often half the price of adult meals and come with a drink and side. It’s a great way to keep both your budget and appetite in check!
14. Skip the Dining Plan
The Disney Dining Plan is a popular option for many families, but it’s not always the best deal. While it’s worth considering during a free dining promotion, the Dining Plan often leads to too much food and unnecessary expense.
Most visitors can get by with just two meals and a snack each day, so carefully consider whether the dining plan is worth it for your family.
15. Reconsider “Hard Ticket” Events
Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party and Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party are special ticketed events that offer unique entertainment and character experiences. While these events can be tons of fun, they are also pricey—sometimes over $700 for a family of four.
Before buying tickets, make sure the event offers activities that your family will truly enjoy. If meeting rare characters isn’t important to you, it may be worth skipping these events and enjoying the park during regular hours instead.
With a little preparation and planning, you can have an unforgettable time at Magic Kingdom without overspending. From bringing your own meals to smart shopping and budgeting tips, there are plenty of ways to enjoy the magic while being kind to your wallet.
Have a magical, budget-friendly trip!
