Welcome to planDisney, Erin.
A summer trip to Walt Disney World is a great idea! Like Olaf, I love the summer! (Although I don't love warm hugs in the summer). There's so much happening this year for the
50th Anniversary Celebration. You're in for a magical time! Keep an eye out on
Disney Parks Blog for any exciting news in the build-up to your trip. I don't know about you, but I'm eagerly waiting for the opening of
Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind and the return of
Fantasmic! Hopefully, the wait won't be too much longer!
Erin, taking a group of seven people to Walt Disney World can quickly clear out the ol' piggy bank. The first time I visited with my family there were seven of us. So I can understand your desire to save some pennies. You can currently
save $20 per ticket when you purchase 3-day tickets online as compared to the price at the ticket window. And that discount increases with each extra day that you visit the Theme Parks. The more you play, the less you pay per day. However, I'm afraid that there are no group rates on Theme Park tickets or Disney Resorts for seven people. I realize that isn't the answer you were hoping for, Erin.
One suggestion I have is to explore the
special offers page. Right now, you can save up to $500 on a 5-night stay at selected Disney Resort Hotels in Spring and Early Summer 2022. Every now and then, new offers pop up that might interest you.
Erin, did you know that finding discounts isn't the only way to save money at Walt Disney World? I'm not exactly Scrooge McDuck and so I'm always looking for ways to sprinkle some pixie dust on my wallet. Let me share some of the ways that I try to save money when I visit my second "home":
- Visit the Theme Parks on weekdays. Tickets tend to be more expensive on weekends.
- Bring your own snacks. We stuff our backpacks with granola bars, beef jerky, dried fruit, nuts, etc., so that we don't blow our budget on all the tempting treats sold in the parks. This also means we can enjoy that customary DOLE Whip guilt-free.
- Bring your own refillable water bottles. There are plenty of refill stations in the Theme Parks. 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. From Columbia Harbour House at Magic Kingdom Park to Ronto Roasters at Disney's Hollywood Studios. From Satu'li Canteen at Disney's Animal Kingdom Theme Park to the plethora of options around World Showcase in EPCOT.
- Enjoy a "free" day. There are so many brilliant and free things to do around Walt Disney World Resort. For example, take an evening stroll around Disney's Boardwalk, watch the animals at Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge, take in the sights and ride Disney Skyliner, visit the amazing stores at Disney Springs, enjoy some time at the pool, take a water taxi across Seven Seas Lagoon (tip: if you go at the right time, you might see fireworks).
As you can see, there are tons of money-saving ways to enjoy Walt Disney World. I hope this gives you some food for thought as you plan your trip.
Thanks for stopping by
planDisney, Erin. See ya real soon!
Mike