AA Mom and daughter in GOTG - Guardians of the Galaxy; EPCOT
  • On Jan 8, 2026
    Alexis from NH Asked Please note that experiences, policies, pricing and other offerings are subject to change and may have changed since the date of this answer.

    Hello, I am planning a trip for my niece, and we are looking to do two days on a very tight budget. I am wondering what the cheapest times to go are. And we want to do a park hopper day and just go to EPCOT. What is the most affordable way.

    Hi there, Alexis! 

    Welcome to planDisney! As a girl who has frequently visited Walt Disney World Resort with my own auntie, I am so thrilled to help you plan your next visit with your niece. My very first trip with my aunt (and my mom) was when I was just 4 years old. I still remember some of the best parts of that trip, and I know your upcoming trip will be very memorable for your niece. Let’s dive in and get you some answers. 

    My fellow panelist Tami provides some really amazing guidance for the times of year when Disney World tickets and packages are more affordable. She mentions it, but I cannot stress enough how important  it is to always check the special offers page for details. Right now, there are some pretty amazing promotions there. Additionally, if you consider adding a Disney Dining Plan, if your niece is between the ages of 3-9, she’ll eat free! You can’t beat that deal! 

    While Park Hopper tickets add cost to your daily ticket price, I do think they’re a sound investment for anyone who wants to experience the magic of all four theme parks on a tight timeline. Since you’re spending 2 days at the resort, Park Hopper tickets are the way to go. Plus, with all the cash you’ll save on promotions you’ll definitely be poised to splurge. 

    Last March, my aunt and I went on an “Auntie and me” trip to Disney World and we purchased Park Hopper tickets for a 3-day trip. We were able to enjoy all of our must-do attractions thanks to smart transportation choices and good planning. Here’s my advice: plan out your park days so that your transportation options align. For example, on day 1 you could plan to visit EPCOT and Hollywood Studios since they are both connected via the Disney Skyliner. This will make your Park Hopping a literal breeze. You could also consider going from Magic Kingdom to EPCOT or vice versa using the Monorail. Having smart transportation options is key. I’ll also say this: if seeing all 4 parks is less important to you, there’s cost savings to be had if you choose your 2 most important parks and purchase tickets that allow you to enter one park per day. 

    My final suggestion would be to consider purchasing Lightning Lane passes. Now, Alexis these are optional and not at all required as they will add to the cost of your trip, but Lightning Lane passes help you save time by allowing you to skip the traditional standby queue. On a 2-day trip, saving time is also key. 

    Alexis, I really hope this information is helpful. My heart is smiling at the thought of you and your niece sharing a Mickey Pretzel as you stroll down Main Street. What an amazing aunt you must be - I should know since I have one, too. I know that your planning is already off to a practically perfect start, but if you should need any additional help please don’t hesitate to come back and see us again. We’ll see ya real soon! 

    Magically yours, 
    Sakinah 
thumbnail image for Sakinah

Meet the Panelist: Sakinah, New York

Hi friends! I’m Sakinah from New York. As an event professional and lifelong Disney fan, I love turning thoughtful planning into magic. My multigenerational family and I love to visit Disney Parks as often as we can, but our most visited park is Walt Disney World. I’m so excited to help you plan a vacation that’s sprinkled with magic, wonder, and memories that last a lifetime.  Learn More About Sakinah

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