If you know me, you know I love Disney… but I also love saving money. I’m the kind of person who will bring my own snacks, pack ponchos, and track prices for months, but I’ll also happily splurge on things that truly make a Disney vacation more magical. These Disney money-saving tips are the exact strategies I use to cut costs without sacrificing the experience. Whether you’re planning your first trip or your fifteenth, these tips will help you spend smarter — and splurge where it actually matters.

Let’s dive into my extreme cheapskate-approved Disney money-saving tips… plus the few places I absolutely refuse to be cheap.

1. Bring Your Own Snacks (Always)

Disney allows you to bring food into the parks — so I pack granola bars, crackers, fruit snacks, and even PB&J supplies. This alone can save hundreds over a week.

Cheapskate move: Grocery delivery to your hotel
Splurge: One iconic Disney snack per day (Dole Whip, churro, Mickey pretzel)

2. Grocery Delivery Is Your Best Friend

Using Instacart, Amazon Fresh, or Walmart+ to deliver water, soda, breakfast items, and snacks is a huge money saver. A single case of water from the grocery store costs way less than buying individual bottles in the parks. It’s also incredibly convenient.

Disney money-saving tip: Skip buying bottled water in the parks — bring refillable bottles.

3. Eat Breakfast in Your Room

Theme park breakfasts are cute… and expensive. We eat breakfast in the room so we’re not spending $20+ per person before 10am. Cereal, bagels, muffins, and fruit are quick, easy, and budget-friendly.

Splurge: One character breakfast per trip (because memories > money)

4. Skip Park Hopper If You’re on a Budget

Park Hopper is great — but not always necessary. If you’re traveling with kids or first-timers, one park per day is often plenty. This also reduces stress and gives you more time to really enjoy each park.

Cheapskate logic: Less rushing = more enjoyment + more savings

5. Pack Ponchos

Florida rain is no joke, and Disney ponchos are overpriced. I always pack cheap ponchos from the dollar store or Amazon. They work just as well and save you from paying premium prices when a storm pops up.

6. Bring Your Own Souvenirs

I buy Disney shirts, ears, and small toys before we go. This makes kids just as excited and costs a fraction of park prices. It also helps control souvenir spending before you even arrive.

Splurge: One meaningful souvenir per kid (instead of 10 junky ones)

7. Skip Bottled Drinks

Free ice water is available at quick-service locations. We ask for cups of water and refill our bottles throughout the day. This can save $5–$6 per drink, which adds up quickly.

8. Share Large Meals (and Order Kids Meals!)

Many Disney portions are huge and easily shareable. Splitting meals is perfect if you’re not super hungry or want to try multiple things. It’s also a great way to reduce food waste.

Another extreme cheapskate trick? Ordering kids meals at quick-service restaurants. Many kids meals offer plenty of food for adults at a much lower price. You still get a full meal — sometimes with a side and drink — for a fraction of the cost.

9. Stay at a Value or Off-Site Resort (But Do the Math)

Disney Value Resorts and good neighbor hotels can save you big money. You still get the Disney atmosphere without the deluxe price tag.

Staying off-site can potentially save you money, but you also have to factor in other costs like rental cars, ride shares, parking fees, and longer travel times. You’ll also lose perks like Early Theme Park Entry and earlier Lightning Lane booking windows, which can impact how much you get done each day.

Sometimes paying a little more to stay on-site actually saves you time, stress, and even money in the long run.

Splurge: Location over luxury — closer resorts save time (and sanity)

10. Bring or Pre-Rent a Stroller (Even for Bigger Kids)

Rental strollers inside the parks add up fast over multiple days and are much more expensive per day. Bringing your own stroller saves money and guarantees availability.

Another great option is to pre-rent a stroller from an off-site stroller rental company. Pre-renting is usually much cheaper than renting in the parks, and the stroller is delivered to and picked up from your hotel. It’s a huge convenience and a smart way to save.

Even kids who don’t normally use a stroller will appreciate it after long park days.

11. Use Disney Transportation

Disney buses, Skyliner, boats, and monorails are free for on-site guests. This helps you avoid rental cars, parking fees, and extra transportation costs. It also adds to the Disney experience.

12. Plan Souvenir Budget in Advance

Set expectations before you go. Giving kids a set amount or Disney gift cards helps control spending and avoids arguments. It also teaches budgeting in a fun way.

13. Skip Memory Maker (Sometimes)

If you’re good with your phone camera, you may not need Memory Maker every trip. Phones take amazing photos now, and you can still capture tons of memories without the extra cost.

Splurge: Memory Maker for big trips or first visits

14. Bring External Phone Chargers

Dead phone = buying overpriced chargers in the parks. External battery packs are inexpensive, reusable, and a total lifesaver. They make sure you can access Lightning Lanes, Mobile Order, and My Disney Experience all day.

I also wrote a full post on the must-have technology for Disney trips, including my favorite phone battery banks and accessories. I’ll link that post here so you can grab the exact chargers I recommend (with affiliate links for easy shopping).

15. Don’t Overdo Table-Service Dining

Too many sit-down meals can blow your food budget fast. Quick-service meals are often just as tasty and much cheaper. They also save time, giving you more park time.

Splurge: One or two must-do restaurants per trip

16. Travel During Lower Crowd Seasons

Prices and crowds drop during certain times of year. Traveling during slower seasons can mean cheaper hotels, more availability, and a more relaxed experience. Flexibility can lead to major savings.

Disney money-saving tip: Flexible dates = huge savings

17. Work With a Travel Planner

My planning services are free for you — Disney pays me. I track promotions, apply discounts, and help you avoid costly mistakes. Having an expert on your side can actually save you money and stress.

Where I Absolutely Splurge at Disney

Even as an extreme cheapskate, there are places I happily spend:

• Lightning Lane access (time is money!)
• One special dining experience
• On-site resort for convenience
• Photo ops + special events
• Experiences over stuff

Because sometimes saving money means spending it strategically.

Disney doesn’t have to break the bank, you just need to know where to cut and where to splurge. These Disney money-saving tips help you spend less on the stuff that doesn’t matter… so you can spend more on the magic that does.

If you want help planning a Disney vacation that fits your budget and your dream experience, I’d love to help!