• 1
• 2
• 3
• 4

Taking the whole family to a theme park is an expensive proposition, but here are some ways to save at Orlando's Walt Disney World.

By doing some extensive research, the Family Travel Forum staff have come across several ways to save money on your vacation, with these exclusive Walt Disney World tips.

When To Go

Despite the location, Disney World is exposed to many different weather conditions, so it's good to go when Florida isn't too hot (October and April-May), or too cool (November to January are coolest) and rainy (July-August); bad weather can put a damper on a great family vacation. However, it's usually the least crowded and costly time to go. For each resort category, seasonal rates vary by date, but basically the "value season" is after New Year until mid-February, August and September, and from after Thanksgiving until mid-December.

Take Advantage of All Discounts

A time honored tip for on-site hotel guests is to purchase special freely refillable theme mugs ($11.99 at our 2007 visit). Everyone in the family can carry their own and save a lot on drinks at the hotels around Disney World, where they cost a few dollars each.

Also, use your club discounts. Organizations such as the AARP or the AAA often have drive-and-stay promotions, including bargain admission ticket prices and hotel rates that have been arranged with Disney.

There's a little known dining plan in effect at Disney, for families who book a theme park package (see their site for information on the "Magic Your Way" program which allows you to buy the type/duration of admission tickets and hotel plan suited to your needs). In brief, this Dining Plan gives every family member a virtual coupon book valid for 1 Table Service Meal (sit down, waiter service restaurant), 1 Quick Service Meal (fast food outlets in the parks) and 1 Snack (as it sounds) each day. You can save up to 40% off on the total cost of meals, yet still enjoy the Disney Signature Dining and Dinner Show experiences, by exchanging two Table Service meals per person for one of these special events. On-site hotel guests will have this program loaded into their hotel room keycard, which also serves as a charge card at all the resorts; your receipt tracks all meal spending. We witnessed a certain amount of confusion among participants, because it's hard to know if the side salad is included -- or is an additional entree -- in your particular plan, but if you can just relax and go with it, and get pleasure out of watching the kids plan exactly what snack they can afford each day, then it's a good value.

Plan Ahead

This is key to seeing the most during your stay, as little ones and family elders will wear out after a full morning of sights and theme park rides. If you stay in a WDW property, you can start early, then go "home" and relax and return for the evening activities. Whether you have this advantage or not, we recommend that every family try Disney's "Customized Disney Vacations" online. Go online at www.disneyworld.com, choose "My Vacation Planner," register at no cost, then tell this computerized helper about your family or interests (such as ages of kids, interest in Princesses or adventure rides) -- and the magicians at Disneyworld will mail you back a customized map of each theme park which an "X" to mark the attractions they feel are most suited to your family's needs, nearby restaurants and other facilities. That will surely help to organize your day, and it makes a great souvenir. After all, saving time is saving money.