Don’t despair! There are ways to save money on your Walt Disney World vacation without sacrificing the Disney experience. It’s simply a matter of intelligent planning and knowing where to smooth out (not cut) corners. If you find visiting on a budget enticing, do it with these tips in mind:

• Travel Off-Season. Rates are historically lower January through early February, and September through mid-November. There are exceptions: avoid holidays, holiday weekends and runDisney marathon weekends. Also, avoid school breaks- not just the obvious blissful summer months, but also the nightmarish  spring breaks.

• Avoid Weekends. Somewhat briefed in the first tip, yet this tidbit is more specific. If you can, don’t check-in (or out) on a Friday or Saturday. Room rates are significantly higher on the weekends. If you are flying over to Florida, the same rule applies to flight costs. In fact, Fridays and Sundays are usually the most expensive days to fly.

• Stay on Property. I know. There’s a great divide on this topic.  However, there are benefits to staying on property, and it may even be more cost-efficient. Military members and Florida residents, for instance, receive exclusive discounts and deals. There are also seasonal promotions that make the stay more manageable. In addition to the perk of extended park hours (beginning October), all Guests driving in and staying at a Disney Resort hotel also receive complimentary standard parking at Disney theme parks. Another cost to consider if booking off-site are the hidden fees, as most resorts do often charge resort fees.

• Compare Resorts. Walt Disney World does offer budget-friendly accommodations, and I’m not just referring to their better known Value Resorts. There are also hotels affiliated with Walt Disney World, on property yet not Disney-owned, where you may be able to utilize loyalty rewards, such as at the Holiday Inn, Hyatt, Hilton, and Marriott hotels. Many times, these hotels offer Guests special savings as well. Disney Springs Resort Area Hotels, for example, offer a “Passport to Savings” booklet featuring discounts on shopping, dining, and entertainment at Disney Springs.

• Take Advantage of Freebies. Instead of buying water, ask for ice water at Quick-Service dining locations. It’s free. Drink a lot of coffee, tea, hot chocolate, soda, lemonade, or anything else that can pour from a Coca-Cola Machine? Buy a refill mug. It’s not free, yet it can be an exceptional value given that most non-alcoholic beverages average over $3 each. For $19.99, you may purchase an insulated, refillable mug or upgrade to the stainless steel mug for $29.99, though the later is not the most cost-efficient and essentially just a nice souvenir to commemorate your trip. Refills are unlimited, that is, limited to three refills per hour. Be aware, it can only be used at Quick-Service locations at Disney Resort Hotels and not at any of the theme parks nor waterparks.

• Do Character Breakfasts, not Dinners. A sit-down breakfast is, generally, cheaper than a sit-down dinner. If a character meal is a must on your to-do list, schedule it in the morning. The same rule applies to the all-you-care-to-enjoy meals: breakfast always costs less.

• Stick to Quick-Service Dining. There are several fast-casual dining locations that offer even better and tastier meals than some sit-down restaurants. Plan ahead and check the menus on Walt Disney World’s website. Here, you can view menu offerings and budget your meals with current pricing of each food and beverage item. Food carts and kiosks also offer snacks that can be a meal for a light eater. If you choose to resort hop and dine at a Quick-Service location at a Disney Resort hotel, remember to bring your refill mug along- it can be used at any of Disney’s hotels, even if you are not staying there.

• Order from the Kid’s Menu. If you decide to purchase the Disney Dining Plan once it returns, know that adults cannot order from the Kid’s Menu. Without the plan, though, you can order smaller, kid portioned meals which are also cheaper.

• Order Groceries. Mentioned in a previous blog, How to Order Groceries at Your Resort, ordering essentials like water, milk, juice, breakfast items, and snacks (need I mention alcoholic beverages, too?) will save you a considerable amount of money during your vacation- just keep in mind that some companies do charge a delivery fee and require a minimum order.

• Use Your Credit Card. More specifically, shop with your Disney Premier Visa Card or Target RED Card. The Target RED Card is especially useful for purchasing Disney Gift Cards that can be used towards payment of the trip, buying souvenirs, food, and other purchases. Target offers 5% cash back when you purchase those gift cards with a RED Card. As for Disney Cardmembers, most purchases earn up to 2% cash back in Disney Reward Dollars that can be redeemed toward Disney vacations, dining, and shopping. Using the card at Disney Parks can also save up to 10% on shopping and dining at select locations.

What are your money-saving hacks for a budget-friendly vacation?