How do you save Money while in WDW?

[brunette8706]

Hi All!

Any suggestions on how you save money while at WDW? I'm always looking for ways to cut corners etc. Sometimes we split meals (SCI FI Drive in). We also sometimes bring in our own fingerfood and snacks. We purchased an annual pass last May and have been to Disney twice and will be going back again in January. I really think the AP is a value at only $403.00 Including all taxes.

Thanks for all your help.

brunette

 

[addicted_to_WDW]

The easiest way to save money is go when it isn't hot. We probably save at least $100 in drinks when we go in the winter vs. the summer. We always eat our big meal at lunch. We take snacks to eat in the evening (I'm not big on carrying food around all day at the parks). When DS was little I used to split meals with him, but he eats more than DH and I now so that doesn't work!

 

[PrincessCandaceMarie]

Splitting/sharing is a good option, or a buffet is too....and snacks are good, especially if they're good for you too....like granola, power bars, etc. And if you choose to bring the drink mix packages (like Crystal Light or the Wal Mart brand) that'll save you money, just filling the water bottles with water at the resorts is free and you add the mixes for lemonade, iced tea, etc. is a beverage saving....good luck!

 

[cobbler]

Like the previous poster said we eat our big meal at lunch. There are also places that offer 10% discount on lunches for AP holders so that is a savings too.

We also eat bfast in our rooms, that saves a TON. Because in the food court, if you get 4 kids meals (which is like one slice of french toast and a 2 strips of bacon or sausauge) that with tax costs about $18 a morning. We did this one year because we were doing the big lunch thing.

This year we ate bfast in our room and over 9 nights saved $160.

 

[brunette8706]

Thanks Princess! What a great idea to bring the mix in with you and add the water! Cool!

 

[brunette8706]

Hi Cobbler!

Yes, eatting breakfast at home does save a lot of $$$! Some of those breakfast buffets in WDW are $18.00 per person. You're right it saves a ton! Thanks!

 

[brunette8706]

Hi Jen!

Thanks for the tips! Sometimes Florida is extremely hot and humid especially during the summer months. Sometime I wonder if the waiters mind if you split the food...I did it at Sci Fi Diner but I wonder if you can do this at the Epcot restaurants?

Thanks again!
brunette

 

[ciera321]

Now that there are refrigerators in deluxe and moderates, we buy a gallon of milk, juice boxes, and water (LOTS if in the hot months) I bring disposible bowls and spoons, and a couple of individual boxes of cereal (that's all my DS eats for breakfast) and we grab a muffin or doughnut when refilling our mug, or better yet we get something the night before at Main St Bakery or the French bakery in WS and have that. I can't see paying $2.99 for a box of cereal and carton of milk. Plus, we love to just leave the room and head for the parks!! We also split lunch sometimes. We are neither on huge eaters, so we split a dbl cheeseburger and fries and then get a Mickey Bar or Dole Whip. for a snack. We use the discount at HoB (20% before 6pm) and other discounts on the AP. Works for us!!!

 

[brunette8706]

Hi Ciera!

Thanks for the tips. One question what is HoB discount (20%). Thanks again!
Brunette

 

[RyMickey]

Like others have said, we eat a majority of our breakfasts in the room (we do eat some breakfasts out) and have our big meal at lunch. We hardly ever eat "dinner" unless we're doing the Fantasmic Dinner Package or something special like O'Hana's. We usually always get a little snack (ice cream, popcorn) later in the evening, but it still saves so much more money than eating pricy dinners. We drive so we always bring our own bottled water and hardly ever get anything but a glass of water at lunch.

RyMickey

 

[brunette8706]

Hi RyMickey!

How did you like O'Hana's? That's at the Animal Kingdom right? It sounds like you really like eating there. Maybe we should check it out. Thanks for your tips!

Brunette

 

[RyMickey]

Hi RyMickey!

How did you like O'Hana's? That's at the Animal Kingdom right? It sounds like you really like eating there. Maybe we should check it out. Thanks for your tips!

Brunette

O'Hana's is actually at the Polynesian. It is a family-style dinner (meaning they bring food to your table on a big plate and everyone eats off of the big plate, getting seconds, thirds, and fourths of anything you want). I believe there was shrimp, steak, and chicken (??) plus appetizers and pineapple and caramel for dessert. We went early so there wasn't much "fun" stuff going on (I've heard there's singing and stuff) which probably was good for our family as we're all older (college and high schoolers). We enjoyed the food immensely and are definitely planning to go back.

RyMickey