Ways to Save at Disney--Lodging

by Michele Cheplic | More from this Blogger

09 Jul 2009 07:35 PM

Thinking about taking a family trip to the House of Mouse this summer, but don't know if your budget can handle it? You aren't alone. Visiting the Magic Kingdom and the rest of the mega-popular Walt Disney World Resort doesn't come cheap... unless you employ these cost-saving strategies:

ACCOMODATIONS

Before jetting off to see Mickey and pals, consider where you will be staying. Lodging is a huge piece of your trip's financial puzzle. Once you figure out where you will be calling home (at least temporarily), you can devise the rest of your vacation from there.

Thanks to the slumping economy, visitors to Orlando can save a ton of money on hotel rooms right now. The Internet is chock full of hotel discounts for properties outside of Disney World, but still well within reasonable driving distance to the park. Another cost-saving lodging option is to rent a private home near Disney World. Many vacation homes are being offered up for tempting prices by owners who rather get at least some money than have the houses sit empty.

If you don't want to deal with traffic in and out of the park, then you might consider staying at one of the more than 20 Disney owned-and-operated resorts. You will have to pay a bit more than you would if you were staying at a local Motel 6 or Holiday Inn, but Disney resorts do come with perks, including extended theme park hours, free parking, free airport shuttle and free luggage delivery service. If you don't mind roughing it a bit, you can also pitch your own tent at Disney's Fort Wilderness Resort and Campground. Campsites there start at just $43 a night.

Finally, if you are cash-strapped, but are determined to make the trip to the Magic Kingdom, then be sure to look into Disney's Free Dining Plan. When you buy a five-night room and theme park package you qualify for free meals.

Related Articles:

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See What's New at Universal Studios Orlando This Summer

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Theme Parks that Won't Break the Bank

Learn more about Michele Cheplic

Michele Cheplic was born and raised in Hilo, Hawaii, but now lives in Wisconsin. Michele graduated from the University of Wisconsin-Madison with a degree in Journalism.

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