General money saving tips?!

[lisagirlyUK]

Hi,

I'm from the UK and off to Orlando for the first time in August. We have our flights, villa and cars all paid for as well as our 5 day hopper and 5 park flexi ticket. Unfortunately we have not been able to save up as much money as we'd hoped and I dont want to dent the credit card too much (as I have just finally managed to clear it!).

Anyway, I was just wondering if anyone had any general money saving tips? We are going to have breakfast in the villa to save some money and have agreed to not buy every ride photo (as I had heard they are $15-20 each). I take it everying in the parks is generally more expensive?

Any advice, hints or tips would be very much appreciated!!

Thanks!!!!

[HeatherC]

Tons of tips on this board.

Such as:

Bring a refillable water bottle and just ask for a cup of ice (free).
Bring in your own snacks in a small cooler and leave it in a stroller or locker.
Order a double cheeseburger and ask for an extra bun.
Split meals...most are huge anyway.
Buy your souvenirs at the outlets.
If you are dong a sit down meal at a Disney restaurant, go for the latest lunch seating. Food is pretty much the same but cheaper than at dinner.
Check our Restaurant.com or Ebay for restaurant gift certificates in Orlando. We have gotten $25 gift certificates for as little as $3!

Splurge on what's important to you. After all, it is vacation!!

Have a wonderful trip!
HeatherC

[lisagirlyUK]

It all helps!!!! I do want to splurge when on holiday but I dont want to spend the next year paying for it (like I did when we were in Cancun!!!)

[paladin]

Buying bottled water at WalMart or such can be a huge savings (especially in August - it's hot and humid and you will go through a lot of water).

When we have had a kitchen, we found that we ended up doing more than breakfast there - it was a great savings and easy too! We would take a break in the afternoon (especially nice in the heat) and have a light lunch there. We often only ate out 1 meal a day. (Also, you can bring back leftovers).

Don't shop at the Goodings in Lake Buena Vista - it is VERY expensive (I love this store and shop here a lot because I am lazy, but there are many less expensive grocery stores around.

Eating outside the parks can be a lot less expensive and of course you have lots of places to choose from.

Have a great trip!

[buckeye]

Bring lots of your own sunscreen, film, bug spray (I didn't notice what time of year you are travelling), and any other "drug store" items that you'll need. You don't want to pay Disney prices for those things!!