There are moments in parenting when you realize time is moving too fast – kids growing up, parents growing older, and you’re caught somewhere in the middle, trying to hold on to it all. That’s why this year, we did something special. We brought the grandparents along on our Disney adventure, three generations side by side, laughing and creating those “remember when…” moments.
It’s not easy to find activities that genuinely delight every age, where no one is just tagging along because “well, it’s fun for the kids.” But that’s the magic of Disney. It’s a place where wonder has no age limit, where parents become kids again, and where grandparents see the sparkle of childhood reflected in their grandchildren’s eyes.
You can make the most of your multi-generational Disney adventure with a little smart planning. Here are some of my favorite money-saving tips to help you stretch your budget and enjoy the magic without the stress.
1. Visit During Off-Peak Seasons
Disney World gets incredibly busy during the holidays, summer, and school breaks. If possible, plan your trip for January, February, or September when crowds are lower and hotel rates are more affordable. Plus, booking your trip in advance can help you snag early discounts on accommodations and park tickets.
2. Set a Daily Spending Budget
It’s easy to get swept up in the Disney magic, but setting a daily budget for food and souvenirs can help keep spending in check. I always bring snacks and refillable water bottles for the kids. Disney lets you bring outside food (just no alcohol or glass containers), so take advantage! If your kids love popcorn, grab a refillable popcorn bucket. It’s a one-time cost, and refills are much cheaper than other snacks in the park. To avoid the constant “Can I get this?” dilemma, we set clear expectations with our youngest son. We told him he could choose one souvenir, but he had to wait until the last day to make his decision. This way, he spent the first few days simply exploring and considering what he truly wanted. Knowing the plan ahead of time eliminated impulse buys and kept our budget intact.
3. Stay at a Disney Value Resort
You don’t have to splurge on a Deluxe Resort to experience the full Disney magic. Disney’s Value Resorts offer great theming, pools (we took full advantage of the amazing pool right next to our building!), and free transportation to the parks – all at a fraction of the cost of higher-end resorts. We stayed at the Art of Animation Resort and were surprised it was even considered a value resort. Its whimsical theming made it feel like we were part of our favorite Disney movies. The family suite was spacious and comfortable, and the fun atmosphere made it the perfect spot for our multi-generational family adventure. We can’t wait to go back!
4. Skip the Rental Car and Use Disney’s Free Transportation
Forget rental cars and parking fees! Disney’s free transportation is a lifesaver. The buses, monorail, boats, and Skyliner make getting around easy and fun. No need to worry about parking or gas. Just hop on and go! We were also pleasantly surprised by how accessible all the Disney transportation was for my 80-year-old father-in-law, who was using a scooter. Even the Skyliner (a gondola system with hanging carts that travel about 60 feet above the ground, offering stunning views of the parks) was a breeze for him to board.
5. Eat Smart in the Parks
For meals, we mostly stick to quick-service spots since they’re more affordable than table-service restaurants. Even though they’re cheaper, they still offer plenty of tasty options. One of our favorite quick-service restaurants is Columbia Harbour House in Magic Kingdom (the lobster roll is pure seafood perfection!).
Occasionally, we noticed the grandparents ordering kids’ meals. The portions were just right, and it was a great way to save a few extra bucks. Plus, with the snacks we bring from home, no one ever goes hungry. If you prefer the sit-down restaurants, consider getting the Disney Dining Plan, which offers both convenience and potential savings.
6. Have a Plan and Take Advantage of the Free Disney Experiences
The My Disney Experience app is a game changer for planning our days at Disney World. It helps us stay organized and make the most of our time while avoiding unnecessary spending.
Also, keep in mind that Disney offers plenty of free activities to enjoy. One of our favorites is exploring Disney Springs, where we can browse fun shops and enjoy entertainment for the whole family, all without spending a dime. Sometimes, we even hop on the monorail to visit different resorts – a mini adventure in itself, especially since each one is uniquely themed. One of our favorites is the Disney’s Contemporary Resort, which is the only Disney hotel that has the monorail pass right through its main concourse. On the last day of our vacation, we headed there for a delicious brunch at Chef Mickey’s. It was the perfect way to end our vacation.
Final Thoughts
Years from now, you may not remember all the rides you took or the performances you saw, but you will remember the look on your child’s face, the way your parents smiled like they were kids again, and that magical feeling of strolling down Main Street together. With a little planning, budgeting, and a few smart choices, you can have an incredible, stress-free vacation without overspending. And I promise you – it will be worth it.
For more ways to save, visit www.DisneyWorld.com/SpecialOffers ***Disclosure: The writer and her family were hosted by Disney.
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