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How to Budget for a Disney Vacation

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If you’re planning a Walt Disney World® Resort adventure, you’re likely searching for the best vacation packages and wondering how much your getaway will cost. Rest assured, there is an unforgettable Disney experience for every budget—from value to deluxe and everything in between.

Keep scrolling for our ideas on how to budget for lodging, dining and other experiences. You can stick to one budget level or mix and match to suit your style. No matter what you choose from the Disney Resorts Collection, you’ll enjoy early theme park entry, fun and complimentary transportation options, and renowned Guest service with enchanting touches and storytelling to immerse you. And with your Disney® Visa® Credit Card, you can receive special vacation financing when booking qualifying vacation packages.1

How to plan for Disney on a value budget

You’ve accounted for the cost of Disney tickets. Now choose a budget-friendly Disney Resort hotel, plus restaurants and souvenirs that offer great value. And learn about complimentary transportation to and from convenient stops.

    Disney Resort hotels

  • Disney’s All-Star Movies Resort
    Share the spotlight with some favorite Disney friends and stay in a room themed with the pups from 101 Dalmatians, the spirited toys of Andy’s room and more! In between park visits, take a dip in the Fantasia-inspired pool and keep the magic going with the complimentary Movies Under the Stars series.

  • Disney’s All-Star Music Resort

    Get into the groove with references to jazz, rock ‘n’ roll, country, calypso and Broadway-style show tunes all around you. Music lovers of all ages will be delighted by the harmonious decor, guitar-shaped pool and subtle song-and-dance surprises inside. You can also opt for a family suite for more space.

  • Disney’s All-Star Sports Resort

    Do you love sports as much as you love Disney? Let your inner fan come out to play at this Resort hotel that salutes football, baseball, basketball, tennis and surfing. It’s filled with plenty of sporty touches—such as stairwells enclosed in giant helmets, statues of Characters playing ball, a pool with a surfboard motif and more.

  • Group of kids

    Restaurants

  • Capt. Cook’s

    Treat yourself to a “bounty”-full meal at this casual restaurant where delicious dishes include the popular banana-stuffed Tonga Toast, Thai Coconut Meatballs and Aloha Pork Sandwich. Open for breakfast, lunch and dinner, this quick-service eatery captures the spirit of the 18th-century British explorer who inspired the name—and it’s a great opportunity to do some exploring of your own as you take in the tropical feel of Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort.

  • Satu’li Canteen

    Make your own bowl with an array of wholesome grains, fresh vegetables and hearty proteins at this restaurant inspired by Pandora. Surrounded by Na’vi art and cultural items inside Pandora—The World of Avatar, you’ll nosh on international cuisine and sip specialty libations. This restaurant is an ideal choice for anyone with dietary restrictions, as you’ll find plenty of allergy-friendly items on the menu.

  • Woody’s Lunch Box
    Located inside Toy Story Land, this food stand features a backyard walk-up window with American fare, old-fashioned soda floats and Toy Story-themed treats. No matter which dish you choose, you’ll want to top off the meal with one of their famous lunch box tart desserts, which come in flavors like chocolate-hazelnut, lemon-blueberry and raspberry.

  • Family with food

    Souvenirs

  • Complimentary Photo

    Stop by the private Cardmember locations—in EPCOT® in Future World or outside of the Star Wars Launch Bay in the Animation Courtyard at Disney’s Hollywood Studios®—for your Disney Magic Shot photo opportunity. Your complimentary photo downloads are digitally enhanced to look like you’re standing next to some favorite Disney Characters.23

  • Pressed coins

    Keep an eye out for Disney coin presses as you navigate the parks, and take home a fun keepsake embossed with Mickey Mouse, Minnie Mouse and other favorite Characters. Each land and location has its own coin press with unique Characters and stories.

  • Pins and magnets from World of Disney®

    This store immerses you in the story of Disney artistry and technology, and it has a staggering assortment of magical memorabilia. Shoppers particularly love the variety of magnets and trading pins.

  • Woman adding pin to her lanyard

    Transportation

  • Complimentary bus, boat, monorail and gondola transportation

    Getting around Walt Disney World® Resort has never been easier, thanks to its many transportation options. They’re all designed to save you time and money. And the best part is, you can enjoy them no matter which lodging you choose. Plus, when you stay at a Disney Resort hotel, theme park parking is complimentary—so you can also drive to the parks if you wish.

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    Dad and daughter waving

    How to plan for Disney on a moderate budget

    When it comes to a Disney vacation, every experience can be unforgettable. Here are a few more ideas for where to stay, eat and pick up souvenirs based on a moderate budget.

    Disney Resort hotels

  • The Cabins at Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort
    Woodland trails, thrilling pool areas and hearty country eats await at this sprawling retreat that stretches across 750 acres of pine and cypress forest. Experience the down-home comfort of pioneer life, take in a hilarious show and bond over your favorite outdoorsy activity, from pony rides to canoe floats and old-fashioned fishing fun.

  • Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort
    Vibrant colors, lush landscapes and the rhythm of calypso music welcome you to this island paradise designed to evoke the essence of Barbados, Jamaica, Martinique, Trinidad and Aruba. The spirit of the Caribbean is alive in every corner of the resort—lively markets, immaculate beaches and forts included.

  • Disney’s Port Orleans Resort
    Does the romance of rural Louisiana strike your fancy? Then book a stay in one of the Royal Guest Rooms with regal touches inspired by Tiana herself. Meander along the Sassagoula River and delight in Southern specialties like gumbo, jambalaya and beignets, then cross the bridge to a hideaway with its signature swimming hole and sawmill slide.

  • Tiana hotel room

    Restaurants

  • Jungle Navigation Co. LTD Skipper Canteen
    This exotic outpost is themed around Jungle Cruise and the bold cuisine of Asia, South America and Africa. Enjoy one of three intriguing dining rooms: the Jungle Room, former family parlor of Dr. Albert Falls himself, or the S.E.A. Room, a once-secret meeting place for the Society of Explorers and Adventurers. Cardmembers, be sure to use your Disney Visa Card to save 10% on most meals most days.24


  • Tony’s Town Square Restaurant

    Filling Italian favorites, fresh salads and, of course, the iconic spaghetti and meatballs as seen in Lady and the Tramp—you’ll find it all on the menu at this charming trattoria. Relive the romance throughout your meal, then treat yourself to a movie-worthy ending by gazing at your loved one over a steaming espresso, decadent gelato or spumoni tart.


  • Sebastian’s Bistro

    Located at Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort, this restaurant offers family-style dishes, served up in a tropical atmosphere with waterfront views. You won’t want to miss the Taste of the Caribbean menu, which lets you sample a selection of popular recipes—including Slow-Cooked Mojo Pork, Grilled Flank Steak, Oven-Roasted Citrus Chicken, Vegetable Curry, Cilantro Rice and Beans, and Grilled Broccolini. This is another spot where Cardmembers can save 10% on most meals most days with the Disney Visa Card.24

  • Skipper Canteen

    Souvenirs

  • Ear hats and headbands from Gateway Gifts

    Nothing tops off a Disney vacation like a new pair of Mickey Mouse ears. At this EPCOT® shop, you can even have your ear hat customized with embroidery. Don’t forget, you can redeem Disney Rewards Dollars toward your keepsakes.5


  • Housewares from Memento Mori

    This isn’t your typical souvenir shop. This former abode of Madame Leota is the perfect place to pick up unique mugs, glasses, plates and more—all inspired by Haunted Mansion®.


  • Special keepsakes from the Emporium

    This hotspot has a vast selection of apparel, plush toys, pins, candy and other goodies, exactly what you’d expect from the largest gift and souvenir shop in Magic Kingdom® Park. It’s a go-to for specialty and limited-edition merchandise, like must-have souvenirs celebrating the Walt Disney World® Resort 50th anniversary. And remember to use your Disney Visa Card when shopping to save 10% on select purchases of $50 or more.26

  • Girl shopping princess dress

    Transportation

  • Purchase parking

    If you’re driving in for your Disney vacation, you’ll want to purchase a parking pass for the resort hotels and theme parks. Check out the Parking page for full details.

    Keep in mind, those staying in deluxe accommodations have the benefit of extended evening theme park hours.

  • How to plan for Disney on a deluxe budget

    Looking to go all-in on a luxurious Walt Disney World® Resort vacation? Here’s some inspiration for a premium experience. Keep in mind, those staying in deluxe accommodations have the benefit of extended evening theme park hours.

    Disney Resort hotels

  • Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge

    Inspired by the traditional African kraal, this Resort hotel has a horseshoe-curved design that houses dazzling views of animals roaming lush savannas, an 11,000-square-foot pool with a waterslide and one of the largest collections of African art in the U.S. There are several accommodation types for every style—with standard and pool view rooms, as well as suites, studios and villas up to three bedrooms (large enough for up to 12 adults).

  • Disney’s Yacht Club Resort
    An outdoor water recreation area with a life-size shipwreck, plush New England style with nautical touches and walking distance to EPCOT®—what’s not to love? If that weren’t enough, this Resort hotel is also conveniently located near Disney’s Hollywood Studios®, just a water taxi ride away. And it also houses the Yachtsman Steakhouse, where you can watch butchers hand cut steaks in the dry-aging room and savor high-quality, grain-fed beef during an unforgettable dinner.

  • Disney’s Contemporary Resort

    This ultra-modern escape is walking distance from the main gate of Magic Kingdom® Park, and the Resort Monorail breezes through its picturesque Contemporary tower—so getting around is a cinch for Guests staying here. And many rooms have excellent views of the park, Bay Lake or the Seven Seas Lagoon. The iconic architecture, futuristic ambiance and touches of Disney art around every corner make Disney’s Contemporary Resort a classic, fan favorite.

  • Contemporary resort hotel

    Restaurants

  • The Hollywood Brown Derby
    As if the fact that Cardmembers can save 10% on most meals most days isn’t enough of a draw, the timeless dishes and classic cocktails definitely are.24 Paying homage to the Golden Age of Hollywood, this landmark is steeped in Tinseltown glitz and glamour, and is an absolute must-try for signature dishes like the famous Cobb salad and Greenlight the Grapefruit Cake.

  • Tiffins Restaurant
    With its globetrotting menu fit for adventurous explorers, Tiffins Restaurant delights with innovative dishes like spiced chickpea falafel, Tamarind-braised short ribs and charred octopus. Look for its rustic front doors and warm and earthy vibe, and you’ll know you’ve arrived at your destination. And, yes, Cardmembers using the Disney Visa Card receive 10% off most meals most days here, too!24

  • Topolino’s Terrace – Flavors of the Riviera

    Kick off an unforgettable morning for the whole family with the Character Dining experience featuring Mickey Mouse and friends, parading around the eatery in their unique outfits you can only see here. (Fun fact: This restaurant takes its name from the Italian name for Mickey Mouse.) Or stop by for dinner and enjoy the signature rooftop dining experience as you savor fresh seafood, handmade pasta and more.

  • Topolino's Terrace

    Souvenirs

  • Handbuilt lightsaber from Savi’s Workshop

    Construct your very own lightsaber under the expert guidance of a Gatherer and then bring it to life through the power of kyber crystals. You can even redeem Disney Rewards Dollars toward your custom creation.5 Just be ready to use it to protect the shop’s secrecy and fend off the First Order!


  • Luxury bags and jewelry from Uptown Jewelers

    This is a go-to spot if you’re looking for gems, charms and baubles from the Disney Parks Collection by PANDORA. While you’re at it, browse the selection of gorgeous handbags, watches, artist sketches and more.


  • Original art from Art of Disney

    From framed prints and paintings to animation cels, figurines, souvenir postcards and more, you’ll be wowed by the art in this gallery-style shop. Check the calendar before you go to see which renowned Disney artist will be making a special appearance.

  • Savi's Workshop

    Transportation

  • Disney Minnie Van™ Service Connected by Lyft
    Get to and from your vacation destinations with this whimsical personal ride service that makes transportation quick, easy and relaxing. The service can be requested and paid for with the Lyft app, so all you need to do is open Lyft anywhere within Walt Disney World® Resort to book your ride.

Minnie van

So, what are you waiting for? Get planning! Keep in mind, whichever Walt Disney World® Resort hotel you choose, you’ll get more time in the parks with early entry, plus complimentary transportation options and the incredible Guest service only Disney can provide. And, don’t forget to redeem your Disney Rewards Dollars toward lodging, dining and experiences during your Disney vacation.5 If you’re looking for further reading, we suggest 10 Ways to Save on Your Walt Disney World® Resort Vacation.


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