As prices continue to skyrocket on transportation, hotels, admission tickets, dining, and souvenirs, a trip to Walt Disney World may seem out of reach. There’s no doubt that families can easily spend thousands of dollars on a vacation to Orlando, Florida. 

Planning a trip to Disney World takes time and effort. There’s always something to research, but that’s where we step in! Instead of searching for all the ways that you can save, we’ve compiled THE cheapest way to go to Disney World in 2023. While traveling on a strict budget takes compromise, we think you’ll appreciate these tips that will help you plan an inexpensive but amazing vacation!

While strategizing for this trip, we recommend using free resources such as DFB videos! You’re going to save your money for the actual components of your vacation.

Also, let’s agree that what is inexpensive for one family might be downright top dollar for another. If your idea of cheap is staying 5 nights instead of 8 nights at Disney’s Grand Floridian, simply use our suggestions to look at other cost-cutting options that will help you make the most of your time at your favorite deluxe resort. In today’s scenario, we are going to look at some cheap options on (All-Star resorts and camping) and off Disney property.

Remember, this is the CHEAPEST way to get your family to Disney World this year!

Travel during Value Seasons

Everything is more expensive during holiday weeks and summer. We want you to get out your calendar and compare your possible vacation dates with the least expensive times of the year at Walt Disney World. We recommend using Disney value seasons to guide you. These are the cheapest nights to STAY at a Disney hotel.

The least expensive dates: January 2-4; January 8-12; and January 16-February 8.

The next cheapest dates: August 20-31; and September 4-9

These dates are a little more expensive but still give a great value: April 15-May 24; August 6-12; August 14-19; October 22-November 1; November 5-17; November 25-30

You’ll notice that anytime kids are out of school, prices at Walt Disney World go up!

Spend Less Time at Your Destination

While you are in this initial planning phase, consider spending less time at Disney World. Did I just really say that?! Yep! For 2023, we recommend a 5-night stay with four days touring the major theme parks (Magic Kingdom, EPCOT, Disney’s Hollywood Studios, and Disney’s Animal Kingdom).

Will you get to see and do everything? Probably not. But this trip is about keeping expenses low. You can have a great time even with skipping some extras such as Disney Springs (too many shopping temptations), water parks, and other costly diversions. 

In fact, you might want to cut down the number of parks that you tour. If your family’s top two parks are Magic Kingdom and EPCOT, for example, then visit only those parks this time around. You can slow down and really take in all the things that you love about your favorite parks.

Cheapest Way to Travel

As we dig deeper into planning, we have to chat about transportation between your home and Disney World. Travel prices can vary quite a bit, and there are a lot of factors to consider. 

So, if you’re traveling within the U.S., you most likely have two options: flying or driving.

Driving to Disney World

If you are within an easy drive of Orlando, this is a great time to plan a road trip. But some families live a good distance away and due to work schedules, cannot take the time for a lengthy drive. Depending on where you live, it can be cheaper to drive to Disney World than it would cost to fly – especially if you have a larger family.

That being said, gas prices and nights spent in a hotel along the way may end up canceling out the savings compared to flying, not to mention the $25 PER DAY standard vehicle parking cost at Disney’s parks if you don’t stay at a Disney World hotel. Unfortunately, you’re going to have to do some math.

Flying to Disney World

If you decide to fly to Orlando International Airport (MCO), we have some tips to help you snag the cheapest flight possible for your family:

• Look into flights as early as possible
• Consider flying on a weekday
• Don’t wait until the last minute to book your trip 
• Keep checking prices, especially with budget airlines – a “no frills” flight can offer great savings!
• Consider using search tools that can help you track flight prices and notify you when prices are low, or give you predictions on when flight costs could go down
• Cut down on extra luggage — those fees can add up! For example, some airlines allow each passenger to bring one free personal item and one free carryon bag, so if you can fit everything in the carryon and personal item, you won’t have to pay extra for luggage!

If you do fly to Orlando, you’ll have to think about how you’ll get from the airport to your hotel and how you’ll travel from your hotel to the parks.

The Trick to Finding the BEST Deal From Spirit Airlines

Getting to the hotel

In terms of getting to a Disney hotel, Disney is no longer offering its free bus transportation to and from the airport (Disney’s Magical Express), so you’ll have to pay for transportation to your resort. You’ve got a number of options here.

The cheapest option for you might be a rideshare service like Uber or Lyft. On one day when we looked, an UberXL (which generally fits around 5 people) cost about $50 from Orlando International Airport to Disney’s Contemporary Resort, but keep in mind that prices can vary depending on the day and time. 

And if you’re traveling with a large party or members that would need car seats or who have lots of luggage, that can all factor into your decision making.

Other options to get you from the airport to your hotel include rental cars (which can be EXPENSIVE), private car services (which again can be pricey), using a regular taxi, and more. Two options lots of people might be looking into are Mears Connect and The Sunshine Flyer. These are, in essence, meant to serve as replacement services for Disney’s Magical Express.

Mears Connect has standard and express options. The service costs $32 for adults round trip and $27 for kids round trip. The express option is $250 for up to 4 passengers and $55 for each additional passenger.

The Sunshine Flyer is $34 for adults round trip and $25 for kids round trip. Each service has its own pros and cons and their prices are pretty comparable. Still, a rideshare might be your cheapest option depending on how many people you’re traveling with.

Ultimately, you’ll want to weigh the pros and cons of each option, price out the options, and decide what’s most important to you.

Click here to see a comparison between the 2 Magical Express replacement services!

Getting to the parks

In terms of getting from your hotel to the parks, if you’re staying at a Disney owned and operated hotel and you don’t mind relying on Disney’s free transportation, you won’t have to worry about any transportation costs.

If you’ll be staying at another hotel in Orlando, be sure to see if they offer free buses or transportation services to Disney World (a few do!). If you’ll be staying elsewhere off property, a rideshare service might work out or a rental car might be a better option depending on how much driving you’ll be doing!

Click here to read all about Disney World Resort Transportation

Cheapest Accommodations 

If you’re planning on staying in a hotel during your vacation, you can stay on or off Disney World property.

In many cases, off-property hotels can be less expensive than Disney hotels, but you may need to rent a car or use a rideshare service to get to the parks if you decide to stay outside the “Disney bubble,” unless that hotel has some kind of transportation service to Disney World.

For a cost-savings example, we priced an off-site Holiday Inn from August 27-September 1, 2023 at $92 per night before taxes and amenity fee. This also does not take into account any discounts for hotel membership, Disney Visa Cardholders, AAA, or AARP. Note: that we aren’t recommending any specific off-site hotels, so you should research hotels and look for reviews before booking. 

Good Neighbor hotels can be a great compromise because they offer some official Disney perks for less money!

There are a few great options in the Disney Springs area, and some are within walking distance to Disney Springs.

Click here to see how Disney World hotel prices compare to off property resorts.

If you have Marriott Reward Points, you can use them to save some money at the Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin Hotel.

If you’re looking to stay on Disney World property, the Value resorts in Disney World, especially Disney’s All-Star Resorts, are usually the cheapest option for families looking to stay on Disney property. We priced out August 27 – September 1, 2023 at $135 per night (before taxes). This cost is also without any discounts that may be offered. Campsites at Fort Wilderness for the same dates were $69-$132.

You could also look into renting Disney Vacation Club points to help you stay in some of Disney’s nicer hotel rooms for LESS.

 

Also, don’t forget that from time-to-time Disney offers hotel deals for Annual Passholders, Florida Residents, and general guests that could help you save even MORE on your hotel stay.

Finally, if you are traveling with a large group, consider a vacation home rental. Gather your friends and family, then split the cost!

Click here to check out current Disney discounts and deals

Cheapest Park Tickets 

Disney World park tickets can vary in price depending on when you choose to visit Disney World. Each date has a specific ticket price associated with it. So, if you’re determined to visit during the cheapest times of the year, you can literally look at the ticket prices and see what days are the least expensive. Choose the cheapest day to play in Walt Disney World!

Disney frequently runs special deals on vacation packages and sometimes offers special ticket-specific deals, so make sure to check out the current promotions before you buy your tickets.

Once you’ve decided what days to visit, you’ve got to pick what ticket is best for you.

If you’re trying to spend as little as possible, we recommend skipping the Park Hopper ticket option and going for the standard 1 park per day tickets. The Park Hopper option can be a great added convenience, but it will cost you more, so from a pure numbers perspective, it’s best to skip on it to save!

Cheapest Park Ticket Days in 2023

But you will also want to consider how many days you’ll be visiting, how many days you actually need park tickets for, and other factors. For the last week of August, starting tickets on August 27th, you’ll pay a total with tax of $505 for an adult ($486 for a child ages 3-9) 4-day 1-park per day ticket to the four theme parks.

Still experiencing sticker shock? We understand. Get creative and plan three park days and a water park day. Or perhaps your family would rather go to two parks and spend your free days lounging by the pool. There are so many options to make a Disney vacation uniquely yours!

You can also seek out ticket discounts through AAA, your travel agent, and even the Human Resources department at your company.

Click here to see our guide to choosing the right Disney World tickets for you!

Cheapest Meals at Disney World

Now, let’s talk FOOD! When you’re going for the cheapest possible vacation, you can opt to skip Table Service meals entirely, or you can be strategic about them.

Brunch and Buffets

For example, if you pick a breakfast buffet (typically cheaper than lunch or dinner prices), you could book a late seating, then fill up and skip lunch. You could also skip breakfast or snack on a protein bar. 

There are plenty of ways to take a little of the sting out of your food budget.

What to Eat at the CHEAPEST Restaurants in Disney World

Quick-Service Restaurants

If you do stick to mostly Counter Service restaurants, don’t fear! Luckily, you can eat a lot more than just burgers and fries at Disney’s Counter Service restaurants these days!

While the Counter Service restaurants themselves have a variety of options, you can do more to save cash like splitting larger items or opting for satisfying snacks that can serve as a meal.

Disney Springs is a stellar spot for all kinds of eats, but especially the CHEAP ones. Check out the cheapest places to eat in Disney Springs in 2023!

Click here to see our list of cheap but filling snacks

Bring Your Own Food

Another option is to bring your own food! Of course, you don’t need to DIY EVERY meal but it can be a really nice pick-me-up for your wallet if you eat in or picnic sometimes.

If you know you’ve got a big lunch planned in the parks, eat breakfast in your hotel room. Pack or pick up some cereal or granola bars to get that burst of energy before you head to the parks — without dishing out any extra cash.

You can even bring a picnic to the Disney parks. Just remember — Disney has some specific rules concerning bringing coolers and ice into the parks. Click here to brush up on all the rules.

If you’re worried about being able to pack food, you can use a grocery delivery service to deliver goodies to your hotel. Got a picky toddler? This strategy can save you tons of aggravation. Consider making PB&J sandwiches!

• Click here for our step-by-step guide to ordering Kroger grocery delivery to Disney World
• Click here for our step-by-step guide for Instacart grocery delivery
• And see what items from Amazon you can have delivered to your hotel

Whatever you do, we’d recommend that you not waste your money on those often-overpriced pre-packaged goldfish-type snacks in the parks that you can get for WAY cheaper at the grocery store! If you are going to spend money on food in the parks, try to focus on items that are more unique and ones that you can’t find anywhere else!

Also, there is a McDonald’s on Disney property if you’re looking for a more affordable meal option.

Off-Site Restaurants

Consider eating offsite. Yes, we love Disney food (obvs), but Disney restaurants are VERY expensive. Don’t feel like you’re trapped dining IN Disney World when you could dine NEAR Disney World. Why not take the family to the largest White Castle in the world!

Eating offsite is very likely to cost you less, even for food of similar quality and portion size. Take a look at nearby restaurants and consider spending dinnertime off property once or twice. Your wallet will thank you.

For some reviews and information about off property restaurants, check out our posts below:

• See our full review of PDQ — a chicken spot located off property
• Should you leave Disney property for…a hot dog?! See our review!
• 4 unique fast food spots to visit just outside of Orlando

The BEST Ways to SAVE When Chowing Down in Disney World

Souvenirs

You’ll likely be tempted to buy a merchandise item or two during your trip! 

If you’re going for the CHEAPEST trip, then staying away from Disney merchandise in the parks is probably your best bet. AVERT YOUR EYES! If you still want to buy some items but not go over budget, consider cheap souvenirs like pressed pennies and coins!

If you’ll be traveling with little ones who you know will want a toy or souvenir, consider buying cheaper items online or from your local dollar store, Walmart, etc. and packing those in your bag as a surprise. Then the kiddos can open a surprise gift, but you’ll still save some cash. WIN, WIN!

If you have an autograph collector, create your own book at home. Bring pens!

Many families like to make their own shirts or even Mickey Ears! When times are tough, don’t worry about souvenirs for the people back home — your friends and family will understand. If you do have a small budget for souvenirs, consider visiting one of the Disney outlet stores in Orlando.

Also, just remember that prices are subject to change. We’ve seen hundreds of food prices increase recently, for example, and those can change again ahead of your trip. If you’re sticking to a tight budget, be sure to keep that in mind as you plan your trip and maybe leave in some “emergency” funds to use in case prices go up or something unexpected happens.

Free Activities

Look for free activities at your resort and within the parks. Skip the arcade at your hotel and opt for an afternoon swim followed by a complimentary movie under the stars. Inside the parks, skip diversions that cost extra such as EPCOT Festival scavenger hunts. Instead, visit the free KidCot stations.

Take the kids to your hotel’s playground, then ride the Disney Skyliner, monorail, bus, or boat to dine at another resort’s food court.

51 Free Things To Do in Disney World in 2023

Paying for the Extras

If you have a Target RedCard, it’s time to purchase some Disney Gift Cards. You’ll get 5% off! When you get to Disney World, pay off your room balance with a Disney Gift Card. Also, use these gift cards towards dining and souvenirs. Note that Sam’s Club sometimes offers discounted Disney Gift Cards as well.

This is also a great way to make sure that you only spend what you take with you. For this trip, you should skip the pricey Mickey Ears!

Use a FREE Travel Agent 

Did you know you don’t have to plan your trip on your own? That’s right! You don’t need to deal with all of the stress by yourself. You can use a Travel Agent to help you plan and many travel agents will help you book the trip of your dreams for FREE — that means it doesn’t cost you any more than it would if you booked it on your own!

Our friends at Small World Vacations have TONS of experience planning Disney trips. They can help you find the best discounts and apply them to your trip, and their services are totally FREE. Be sure to let them know that DFB says “hello!

There’s no question that a trip to Disney is expensive. When you factor in resort rooms, park tickets, dining costs, and souvenirs, it can all add up (and that’s not even including extras like Genie+, PhotoPass, and special events or tours)!

Some families save up for years just so they can afford a Disney vacation. We hope we’ve inspired you to plan the cheapest trip to Walt Disney World — where you’ll make priceless memories!

Click Here to See 3 Tips to Budget for a Disney World Trip!

Planning a Trip to Disney World? We’ve Got Everything You Need to Know

• The Ultimate Guide to Planning a Disney World Vacation

• A Month-by-Month Guide to Planning Your Disney World Trip

• Tips, Hints, Lists, and Videos for Planning the BEST Disney World Trip

• How Many Days Do You Really Need in Disney World?

• How to Have the CHEAPEST Trip to Disney World

• 5 Simple Planning Tips You Need to Know About Before Your Next Disney World Trip

• The CHEAPEST Days to Visit Disney World in 2023

• EVERYTHING You Need to Know Before Booking a 2023 Disney World Trip

• Learn About the Disney Park Pass System

• The Ultimate Disney World Packing List

• Everything You Need to Know About Genie+

• Insider SECRETS for Your First Trip to Disney World

• A Complete Look at the Current Disney Discounts and Deals

• The ONLY Disney Dining Planning Tool You’ll Need Is Here – Get the DFB Guide to Walt Disney World Dining!

Join the DFB Newsletter to Get All the Latest Disney News Delivered Right to Your Inbox Click Here to Subscribe

How do you do Disney on the cheap? Let us know in the comments!

The post The Cheapest Way To Go To Disney World in 2023 first appeared on the disney food blog.