Do you have a trip to Walt Disney World planned for the near future? If so, are you wondering how to best have an affordable Disney vacation? Your accommodations will be a large part of your vacation budget, so it is important to know your options so that you can make the best choice for your family.

There are several factors that will affect where you choose to stay on your Disney vacation. The time of year, size of your family and your need for transportation while there will play a role in your decision.

Some times of year, like the summer, holiday weekends, and Christmas/New Years are the busiest for the parks, and so tend to be the most expensive for the Disney resort properties. It is also not unusual for Disney resort rooms to be sold out during these times of the year, especially if you are planning on short notice. Because of this, at these times, you will typically find off-Disney properties to be your most affordable options.

What about family size? If you have several children and need more than one motel room, you may instead want to consider larger “suites”, villas, or rental homes as a way to save money.

It is also important to think about traveling to and from the theme parks. Staying on a Disney property will mean that you will have use of their free resort transportation. Staying off-site requires you to see if your hotel/motel has a shuttle, otherwise you will need to rent a car.

Now, what choices will you have then for accommodations at Disney World?

Increasingly, many families are choosing vacation homes or condos. This type of property will provide more space for your family, usually sleeping from 4 to 16 people comfortably, which can be an important factor. Since family size for many means multiple hotel rooms, a vacation home will very likely be a cost savings. In addition, with access to a kitchen, being able to easily prepare and eat in for some meals will also be a cost savings for your vacation.

Off-site properties can also be a great way to help have an affordable Disney vacation. Non-Disney hotels/motels will probably cost less, and possibly a good deal less than what you would pay for a Disney World resort property. To make certain that this is truly the most economical option for you, see if the off-property hotel you are considering offers things like free breakfast, or free park shuttles or will you need to rent a car?

What if you really want to stay at a Disney World resort property? The “perks” available for Disney resort guests can often mean that this can be the most affordable choice. Free transportation to and from Orlando International airport, as well as to and from the theme parks can save you a lot of money. Disney’s “Extra Magic Hours” will also provide you additional time in the parks. Plus Disney often offers promotions that can make a Disney vacation extremely affordable if you are able to take advantage of them.

Once you choose, before booking, make sure to compare your pricing options, whether you stay on or off Disney property. It is not unusual to get a better price from websites like Expedia and Travelocity, than the one you are quoted by Disney or the off-site hotel. Also be sure to check for discounts through groups like AAA and AARP. If you are a teacher, ask about discounts as well: the Walt Disney World Swan and Walt Disney World Dolphin often have teacher promotions.

It is possible to have a very affordable Disney vacation. Careful research and comparison of all of your accommodation options will help to insure that your vacation will be remembered for the fun you had, and not the money you spent.

Nancy Bobby has been visiting Disney World for over a decade. Her most useful resource to save a great deal of money on a Disney vacation has been the Ultimate Disney World Savings Guide. Get help with your own affordable Disney family vacation and get her free Disney vacation guide at her website www.theaffordablemouse.com.

categories: affordable disney vacations,disney savings guide,planning disney world vacations,disney world vacations,walt disney world,vacations,trips,travel,children


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