Hi Nicole,
Welcome to planDisney! I’m so glad you’re here and already dreaming about your next magical vacation. One of the things I love most is how Disney works to make these experiences accessible to families with all kinds of budgets. No matter how big or small your vacation fund may be, there are ways to make the magic happen. And lucky for you, I’m the budget-friendly panelist who’s ready to help you make every dollar count!
I haven’t personally used AAA to book a Disney vacation, but when my family planned our first visit to Walt Disney World a few years back, I made it my mission to find the best deal possible. I turned over every stone, compared every offer, and read every bit of fine print. While I can’t speak to exactly what AAA may be offering at the moment, I guess that their discounts are likely in the same ballpark as what you’ll find on the
Special Offers, Deals & Discounts page on DisneyWorld.com. This is always my first stop when I’m trip-planning because Disney regularly shares special promotions for both theme park tickets and Disney Resort hotel stays throughout the year.
For example, right now there are savings on rooms at select
Disney Resort Collection hotels for stays most nights through early fall, and there’s even a ticket offer where you can enjoy
3-Parks (EPCOT, Hollywood Studios, and Animal Kingdom) over 3-Days. These kinds of deals rotate in and out seasonally, so it’s a good idea to check often, especially if your travel dates are flexible.
In addition to Disney’s promotions, there are a few other ways to stretch your budget. If you have a Disney Visa Card, you might be eligible for cardmember-exclusive offers on vacation packages and merchandise. You can also keep an eye out at big-box retailers like Target or warehouse clubs, where Disney Gift Cards are sometimes sold at a slight discount. Those savings add up fast, especially when you use those gift cards to pay for your vacation or meals in the parks. If you’re planning to stay for a week or are thinking about coming back later in the year, consider whether it makes sense for one person in your travel party to purchase an
Annual Pass. Some of the benefits include
discounts on food and merchandise, which can be a great value if you visit more than once within twelve months.
Once you arrive, there are even more ways to save. I always suggest placing a small grocery order to your Disney Resort Collection hotel to have a few go-to snacks on hand. Just don’t go overboard because you’ll want to make room for Mickey waffles in the morning, Mickey pretzels in the afternoon, and maybe a DOLE Whip to cool down in the Florida sun. While you’re at the resort, consider purchasing a Resort Refillable Mug, which gives you unlimited refills on fountain drinks, coffee, and tea at any Disney hotel for the length of your stay. And when you're inside the theme parks, the refillable popcorn bucket is one of my favorite deals. Buy it once and enjoy discounted refills throughout your visit. It's perfect for sharing during a parade or waiting in line for your next adventure.
I hope this gives you a great start on your planning and helps you find some solid savings along the way. If you have any more questions or need help tailoring your plans,
feel free to reach back out.
See you real soon!
Brent