Hello and welcome to planDisney!
Thank you for trusting us with a question so dear to your heart. I lost my father to cancer over a decade ago, so I understand just how precious family memories become in times of grief. Those that I made with my dad at Walt Disney World Resort are some of my favorites — I can still clearly hear the glee in his voice from the seat behind me on Space Mountain — so I am honored by the opportunity to help you make cherished family memories of your very own.
While medical discounts are not currently offered, Walt Disney World does make various
Special Offers available throughout the year. These often include discounts on Disney Resort hotel rooms, specially-priced theme park tickets, and free dining plans. Because these offers cannot be combined, I recommend checking what offers are available for the time of year you are hoping to visit and then determining which one provides the best value for you.
Since I was raised by a banker, I’m a bit of a budget-minded Mouseketeer myself, so I’d love to provide a few additional tips that might help make your magical dream a reality.
- Purchasing Disney Gift Cards before a vacation is a great way to set a budget for your vacation expenses. Select retailers sell Disney Gift Cards in multipacks at a discounted rate or at a discount when using a specified store card. I’ve found that even small savings such as this can make a difference.
- Walt Disney World Resort Vacation Packages (these include tickets and a hotel room) can be paid in installments. After the initial deposit, you’re free to pay as you go until 30 days before check-in when the remaining balance would be due. These packages also often come with extras such as vouchers for miniature golf.
- Purchasing fewer days of tickets than nights at a Disney Resort hotel is a great way to save. Instead of heading to the theme parks, enjoy the pool of your hotel or head out and explore others at no charge. The hotels along the Monorail and Disney Skyliner all have such fun theming and the transportation feels like an attraction in itself. My pal Jen would recommend timing your Skyliner journey with EPCOT’s nighttime fireworks display for a truly magical ride.
- Staying at a Value Disney Resort hotel is a great way to experience the magic of Walt Disney World on a budget. You’ll find fun theming both in the rooms and scattered throughout the Resort’s grounds. I’m a huge fan of the classic theming of Disney’s All-Star Movies Resort!
- Purchasing a Resort Refillable Mug will give you access to unlimited refills at the beverage station of your Disney Resort hotel for the length of your stay.
- In 2025, Guests of Disney Resort hotels receive complimentary access to Walt Disney World’s water parks on the date of check-in. This is a great way to make some magical memories without any extra spending.
- While most photo spots will have Disney PhotoPass photographers, there is often also a Cast Member who will offer to use your phone to take photos. This is a great way to capture those special moments even if PhotoPass isn't in the budget.
I hope the information I provided was helpful and that planning a visit to The Most Magical Place on Earth with your son provides a light in what I'm sure is a dark time. If you're in need of further planning or budgeting advice, please don't hesitate to
reach back out to me directly. I am more than happy to help!
Thinking the Happiest of Thoughts,
Lizzie