You know, planning a Disney World trip is magical, but it can also be expensive!

Even though that’s the case, we’ve still got good news for you — You don’t have to break the bank to have a fairy-tale-worthy vacation! If you make sure to do a little research and planning, you can save money while still having that unforgettable Disney experience. And that’s why we’re here (we’ve got your back!). Here are some of our top tips that’ll help you save some cash on your 2025 Disney World trip!
Book During the “Off-Season”
Timing is everything when it comes to Disney vacations. Ticket prices, hotel rates, and even crowd levels can vary depending on when you go.

Off-peak times like mid-January, early May, or late September tend to have cheaper tickets and hotel deals. Do some research on crowd calendars for 2025 and aim for those sweet spots when the parks are quieter and your wallet breathes easier.
Use Discounted Disney Gift Cards
Did you know you can buy Disney gift cards at a discount? One of the best hacks we’ve found is to use a Target RedCard to snag 5% off Disney gift cards.

Costco, Sam’s Club, and other retailers also occasionally offer deals on these Disney gift cards. The best thing is that you can use them to pay for tickets, dining, or merchandise!
Pre-Load Disney Gift Cards to Stay on Budget
Speaking of those discounted Disney gift cards, once you get some, use them as a budgeting tool!

Load them up with the amount you’ve set aside for dining, shopping, or other expenses. This helps you keep track of spending (no accidental splurges on that light-up bubble wand), and when the card is empty, you’ll know it’s time to stop.
DIY Your Own Autograph Book
Here’s a fun one. Instead of buying those pricey autograph books sold at the parks, get creative! Bring a cute notebook, a picture frame, or even a reusable water bottle for character signatures.

Not only is this way more budget-friendly, but it also makes for a unique and personalized keepsake you’ll treasure forever.
Pack a Reusable Water Bottle
Listen, the Florida heat and humidity is no joke, and staying hydrated is an absolute must. The best to do is to skip buying bottled water in the parks (because it gets pricey real fast!) and bring a reusable water bottle instead.

Disney parks offer free water refills at quick-service restaurants and water refill stations throughout the parks. And as an added bonus, you’re helping the environment, too!
Bring Snacks or Get Groceries Delivered
Sure, Disney snacks are iconic, but they can also drain your budget if you’re buying churros and Mickey pretzels every hour. A way we’ve been able to save is to pack our own snacks (i.e. granola bars, trail mix, fruit snacks, etc.) or have groceries delivered straight to our hotel.

Check out services like Kroger Delivery. They are lifesavers for stocking up on affordable breakfast items, bottled drinks, and snacks to fuel your day in the parks.
Don’t Forget Your Discounts!
Are you an Annual Passholder, a Disney Vacation Club (DVC) member, or a Disney VISA cardholder? If so, don’t sleep on those discounts!

You can often score deals on dining, merchandise, and even special experiences. Always ask at check-out. You’d be surprised how much you can save with a quick flash of your card.
Buy Matching Disney Tees Before Your Trip
Matching Disney shirts are practically a rite of passage for any trip, but buying them in the parks can cost a small fortune.

Instead, shop online or at retailers like Target, Walmart, Amazon, or even Etsy before your trip. You’ll find plenty of cute and affordable options, and have a blast coordinating outfits ahead of time!
Do Your Homework on the Dining Plan
So, whether or not the Disney Dining Plan is a good deal or not for your 2025 trip depends on your preferences. You’ll have to figure out if you and your crew are all about character dining or love planning out multiple table-service meals, or if you’re more of a quick-service kind of crew.

The point is that you’ll want to do your research before committing to the Dining Plan plan because it can either save you money or cost you more, and once you’ve added it, you’re going to have to stick with it.

In the meantime, we’re always on the lookout for the latest Disney news, so stay tuned for more.
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Are you going to Disney World in 2025? Let us know in the comments!
why doesn’t Walt Disney world ever offer buy one get one free deals on rooms, tickets, and meals? and go back to the way things were when you did not need a phone to plan your day at the parks. just get in line and wait your turn, for the rides and your meals.