Hi there, Jade, and welcome to planDisney! I couldn't be more thrilled that you're here with this question today, and I'm honored to be the one to help you navigate the planning process for your very first Walt Disney World Resort vacation with your sweet family!
Jade, my family has been visiting Walt Disney World Resort for years and I've learned how to make lasting memories without blowing our budget. First of all, let me tell you that knowledge is power. Doing research ahead of time will help you create a meaningful plan that will keep you from second-guessing your decisions and making costly choices during your visit. That's why it's great that you've come to planDisney! We have
resources for you to check out, and we love when Guests come back again with questions.
You might consider purchasing a
dining plan for your vacation. Check out the menus for dining locations you'd like to visit, and see if having a dining plan would provide you with savings. A dining plan can be especially valuable if you're planning any Character Dining experiences. At quick-service locations, you can sometimes get away with sharing meals since many have large portions, so your meals and snacks might go further than you think! Also, dining plans include a resort-refillable mug, which will help you save money when getting drinks at your Disney Resorts Collection hotel. You can use it as many times as you want during your stay.
Rather than purchasing Lightning Lane Multi Pass and Lightning Lane Single Pass every day, consider arriving for
Early Theme Park Entry. You can experience so many attractions by arriving early, and I think you'll find that you might not need to skip the line every time.
Many Guests purchase Disney Gift Cards ahead of time at retailers that offer them for a discount, and this is a great thing for your kids to ask for during the holiday season. You can apply them to the purchases you make during your visit by visiting the Front Desk at your hotel before the last night of your visit. I like to give my kids a Disney Gift Card that then becomes their budget for souvenirs. They can spend it whenever they like, and when it's gone, it's gone!
You'll find lots of complimentary treasures throughout Walt Disney World Resort like "I'm Celebrating" buttons at Guest Relations and activity cards and stickers at
Kidcot Fun Stops at EPCOT. Rather than purchasing Memory Maker, you can ask the Cast Member at Disney PhotoPass Service locations to use your smart phone to take photos of your family. While I'm a big fan of MagicBands, you don't actually need them. Just use
Disney MagicMobile Service to download your tickets to the wallet of your smart phone, and simply tap your phone at park entry.
At your Resort, take time to relax at the pool, play complimentary games and do free crafts in the Community Hall, roast marshmallows around the fire at night, and take complimentary Disney transportation, like the Disney Skyliner and Monorail, to see fun sights. You can also order grocery delivery so you have your favorite breakfast items, snacks, and drinks during your stay. You can bring your own umbrella stroller rather than renting one, and stow some snacks and drinks in it to avoid spending a lot on those items in the parks.
Jade, I hope this is helpful. It's a high-level overview, and I'm happy to elaborate if you have any further questions as you review all of this material! Come back anytime!
See you real soon!
Jennifer