Thinking of taking your family on vacation this summer? You’re not alone. According to KAYAK, demand for air travel will increase in 2023, with domestic and international prices up 52% and he 29% respectively compared to last year.
this dive airfare According to Nerdwallet research, overall travel prices have already outpaced excessive inflation, with inflation of 9% vs. 5% over the past year. It’s not just airline tickets. Travel costs are on the rise.according to Bureau of Labor StatisticsRental cars for hotel stays have also increased compared to last year.
If your summer travel plans include a trip to a Disney theme park, you can probably imagine how things will play out regarding costs. Travelers know all too well that their budgets go up from year to year. But with record inflation and a looming recession, a trip to the happiest place on earth seems more expensive than ever.
But a careful dig reveals that it’s still possible to take that dream Disney World or Disneyland vacation. There are many ways to save.
Save money on hotel stays without thinking outside the box
Hotel accommodations are one of the most important expenses in a Disney vacation budget.
Many families stay at Disney properties close to the parks, not to mention living in the Disney “bubble” for their entire stay. But if you’re not careful, this cost can quickly add up and leave little room for other expenses, such as meals.
Of course, you’ll get more of a “vacation” by choosing the cheapest resort option, but don’t be afraid to think outside the box.
For example, did you know that you can splurge on top-notch accommodations without paying full price?
Eduardo Silva, Disney Vacation Club Expert at MickeyVisit.com, offers this advice: Borrow Disney Vacation Club PointsTravelers can borrow a certain amount of Disney timeshare points and use those points to book a deluxe hotel room, usually at a discounted rate. ”
You can even save money at the Disneyland Resort. Disney’s three on-site hotels in Anaheim have a higher list price, but there are plenty of other options.
Gavin Doyle, Founder of MickeyVisit.com, said: In certain circumstances, guests staying off-property may actually be staying in rooms closer to theme park entrances than guests staying on Disney properties. don’t be afraid to book. Lots of great options. ”
Park ticket discounts exist if you know where to look
Buying theme park tickets is an exciting part of the Disney vacation planning process, but it’s also an expensive one. The cost of a vacation at Walt Disney World Each year it increases, adding even more pressure to have the perfect trip once you arrive.
Finding deals on park tickets can seem impossible. However, it’s essential to know that you can save on admission if you know where to look.
Doyle said: Discounts are always available on multi-day tickets to Disneyland and Walt Disney World from our Disney ticket reseller partners. ”
Doyle also mentioned a caveat about discounted Disneyland tickets. “Disney does not sell Disneyland discounted day tickets to the public. If you see his discounted day tickets, these are either for specific groups or they are a scam. Buyers beware. please give me.”
Mickey Visit has exclusive deals with one of Disney’s travel partners to secure additional benefits. Disneyland ticket discounts for the reader.
Strategize your meal budget
After paying for your trip to a Disney theme park, food is probably the biggest expense you’ll encounter. Meals aside, the cost of these delicious snacks add up quickly, but the good news is there are ways to save money on food at the park.
Historically, families used the Disney Dining Plan to determine fixed costs prior to travel. But dining plans aren’t back yet, so you’ll have to budget more carefully to make sure your spending doesn’t get out of hand.
Travel journalist Megan Dubois, who specializes in The Walt Disney Company, said: In most cases, your family doesn’t need to eat three large table service meals every day.
“Consider trying one table service restaurant or character meal each day, then grabbing a snack around the park or bringing your own treats to eat while exploring the park.”
Chris Provost, creator of the Provost Park Pass, added: Bottles and alcohol cannot be brought in, but other than that, please bring in food for your family to eat. We often have an easy-to-eat breakfast bar so that enjoying the park can be a priority in the morning. ”
Weighing the pros and cons of Genie+
Prior to 2020, Disney theme park admission included priority queue access for each ride. Formerly called FastPass+, the system will be replaced in 2021 by Genie+, Disney’s new paid way to skip the lines at your favorite attractions.
Genie+ works like FastPass+, but you have to pay for it. Genie+ prices fluctuate daily depending on how busy the park is. Expect to pay up to $25 or more per person per day at Walt Disney World and Disneyland Resort.
Genie+ is not required to experience your favorite rides. As duBois points out: If you want to get to the parks early or stay after the fireworks, you can ride many attractions at Walt Disney World and Disneyland without Genie+, which costs over $20 per person per day.
“You can also try boarding groups for attractions like Mickey and Minnie’s Runaway Railway and Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind at Disneyland and EPCOT. Entry to the is not guaranteed.”
Also, Genie+ can only be purchased in single-day increments, so you can choose the days you want. I could have bought it on Magic Kingdom day, but I’d rather save it for EPCOT day. Small strategies like this can lead to savings over time, giving you flexibility in your vacation budget or saving money for your next Disney vacation.
This article is disney doze Syndicated by Wealth of Geeks.