Vicki, welcome to planDisney!
How exciting that you're planning a 4-day trip to The Most Magical Place on Earth during the
50th Anniversary Celebration. The moment your eyes catch a glimpse of
Cinderella Castle in its spectacular EARidescent colors is sure to create a core memory day. Don't forget to stop by and
say hello to Mickey, who looks delightfully dapper in his own EARidescent outfit. I don't know about you, but I'm eagerly waiting for the opening of
Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind. Hopefully, you'll be able to experience this much-anticipated attraction by the time you arrive!
Vicki, taking a group of thirteen people to Walt Disney World can be tough on the ol' wallet. The first time I vacationed with my family there were seven of us. So I can understand your desire to save a few dollars. You'll be pleased to know that you can currently
save $20 per ticket when you purchase 3-day or longer tickets online as compared to the price at the ticket window. Although prices are subject to change, right now, a 4-day ticket costs $106 per day. However, if you were to purchase a 5-day ticket, the current cost would be $91 per day. Basically, the more you play, the less you pay per day.
At this time, there are no group rates on Theme Park tickets or Disney Resorts for a party of thirteen. However, you should definitely check out the
special offers page on the Walt Disney World website. As I type these words, you can save up to $500 on a 5-night stay at selected Disney Resort Hotels during the time you're planning on visiting. That's a good chunk of cash, right there!
Vicki, did you know that finding discounts isn't the only way to save money on your Disney vacation? I'm not exactly Scrooge McDuck and so I'm always looking for ways to cut costs without cutting the magic. Here are some pro tips:
- Visit the Theme Parks on weekdays. Tickets tend to be more expensive on weekends. You'll also enjoy lower crowd numbers.
- Bring your own snacks. Stuff those backpacks full of granola bars, beef jerky, dried fruit, nuts, etc., so that you don't blow your budget on all the tempting treats sold in the parks. That doesn't mean you can't treat yourself to a delicious Cheshire Cat Tail.
- Bring your own refillable water bottles. There are plenty of refill stations in the Theme Parks. And did you know that you can also ask for free ice water from any quick-service restaurant?
- Skip the fine dining. There are some wonderful quick-service restaurants around Walt Disney World.
- Enjoy a "free" day. Instead of visiting a Theme Park one day, take a stroll around Disney's BoardWalk, say "hi" to the animals at Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge, take to the skies and enjoy the sights on Disney Skyliner, browse the many stores at Disney Springs, rest and relax by the hotel pool, or take a water taxi across Seven Seas Lagoon (tip: if you go at the right time, you might see fireworks).
I am so excited for you to experience the magic of Walt Disney World. If you'd like ideas for your trip, then my fellow planDisney panelists have lots of suggestions.
See ya real soon!
Mike