Turns out, you can have it both ways. Disney vacations are so customizable, you can piece together an itinerary that makes the most of every dollar, or splurge on top-notch resorts, tours, or special events. Of course, it’s necessary to understand your options, where you can cut corners, and how and where you want to spend your time.
Whatever Disney vacation you choose to plan, entrust Genevieve Buck, a Seacoast agent with MickeyTravels, to help you create the magical experience perfect for your family.
At no extra cost to you, Genevieve has helped families research and book Disney vacations, thanks to her years of experience as a Disney traveler and her expertise as a MickeyTravels agent.
“There really are a lot of options for families,” Genevieve shares. “You really CAN afford a Disney vacation if you plan carefully and far enough out in advance. You can also create the trip of a lifetime, with add-ons that can make your vacation extra memorable.”
Using resources exclusively available to her as a MickeyTravels agent, Genevieve is always on the cutting edge of what’s hot and how families can save.
Some quick tips for stretching your Disney vacation dollar:
- Be flexible about when and where you can fly. Check out all of the airports in the area and consider flying on weekdays rather than weekends. Avoid school vacation weeks.
- You can save a lot by staying at a Value Resort, or even Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground.
- Plan your meal plan ahead of time. Cut back or down on alcohol.
- Consider visiting before your child turns 10; tickets cost less.
- Look at Park Hopper® passes versus buying tickets for one park. For example, it’s cheaper to go to Magic Kingdom for more than one day.
- Stock up on Disney gift cards. You can use them to help pay for your vacation.
For those who have visited Disney before or who want to add a special luxury twist, Genevieve suggests the following:
- Extend your stay to 10 or 11 days so that you can enjoy a combination of theme parks and the resort or resorts you are staying at.
- Choose a Deluxe Hotel such as Disney’s Beach Club Resort—it boasts an amazing pool and is located within walking distance to Epcot and Hollywood studios. Another good choice would be Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort right on the monorail.
- Take a day off from the parks and consider a spa afternoon at The Grand Floridian Resort & Spa, called Senses.
- Spend some of your time to “restaurant hopping” at the different resorts and Epcot Center. The r
esorts each follow a theme and offer unique choices. Genevieve suggests eating at a restaurant at the Grand Floridian and is called Victoria & Albert’s. “They have a chef’s table and only serve one party at a time,” she says. “It would be amazing!” - Split up your days so you can see the parks, eat, and shop at a leisurely pace. For example, on day 4, Genevieve suggests heading to Animal Kingdom for the morning and eating lunch at either Tusker House or Tiffins. Then at night, she recommends traveling over to The Magic Kingdom for their nightly fireworks called “Wishes.”
- Take advantage of some of the amazing “behind the scenes” VIP tours Disney makes available to guests. Genevieve suggests the Disney Animal Kingdom’s Wild Africa Trek. She also gives kudos to Backstage Magic, a seven-hour resort-wide tour, where guests learn the secrets behind the magic of Disney. Other great tours include: Disney’s Keys to the Kingdom Tour and Starlight Safari.
- Check out the special events. Some good ones include:
- Add a Disney Cruise onto your vacation. Included in the price of a Disney Cruise are most meals, entertainment and Kids Clubs. Genevieve promises it’s an experience like no other. “It’s his favorite Disney vacation we’ve ever done.”
Stay tuned for the next MickeyTravels post, where you’ll hear more from Genevieve about
Disney Cruises.
