Hi Sondra,
Thanks for joining us here at the Disney Parks Moms Panel with your question!
I'm a little biased but I absolutely think even a weekend trip to the Walt Disney World Resort would be worth it with your little one. The fun you'll have and the memories you'll make it will be amazing, no matter how long you can afford to stay.
Since we're talking Disney on a budget, let me, a former single mama of two kiddos, give you some of my favorite tips to save a little cash while visiting our favorite mouse.
First, bring a water bottle! The
Walt Disney World Resort is installing more and more water bottle filling fountains; if you don't care for the taste of Florida tap water (more than a few folks aren't too fond of it), bring your own flavor packets to help out. You will want to stay hydrated while you're walking through the parks.
Next, bring your own snacks and pack a lunch. My kids go from zero to starving while waiting in line for every attraction (or so it seems), so we have snacks at the ready for when hunger strikes. I do let them have one treat per day while in the parks but other than that, we bring our own. You can also pack a lunch and bring it with you. Ice packs are allowed (no loose ice) in a cooler bag, so make some sandwiches, pull up a chair when you find an empty table, and have a meal in the parks.
Sondra, are you into camping at all?
The Campsites at Disney's Fort Wilderness Resort can be a very affordable way to immerse yourself in Disney magic and enjoy all the benefits of staying on Walt Disney World Resort property without breaking your piggy bank. If you aren't ready to slumber in a sleeping bag, there are some great deals available on the
Special Offers page. My favorite value resort is
Disney's Art of Animation Resort; the theming is amazing and is picture perfect, so bring that smart phone with you while you walk around because there are many photo opportunities.
You can extend the fun of your visit and also stretch your vacation dollars by not going to a theme park every day. There are so many things to explore at
Disney Springs and the Walt Disney World Resort hotels. I also find that little ones can get so worn out that they don't enjoy themselves at the theme parks; a day off in between park days can give everyone some much needed time to recharge their batteries. My kids love to hang out and swim in the pool for hours on our days off. We go to bed early and are ready to tackle another fun day when we wake up after our rest day.
I hope you have some great money-saving ideas for your upcoming Walt Disney World Resort vacation. Please come back and visit us again with all of your planning questions-we would love to help out.
Best Wishes,
Amy S.