Disney World vacations can be expensive for anyone, but for those of us who have to travel internationally to go to Disney, the cost is even higher. Disney fans from all over the world want to take magical vacations to Disney World, the largest of all the Disney Resorts. With some smart planning and a few pro tips, even international visitors to Disney World can take that magical vacation within a reasonable budget. Here are a few Disney World budgeting tips for international travelers that can help you make your dream vacation a reality.
Travel During Slow Season
Flights, hotels, and even car rental rates are at a premium during high seasons and holidays. Thankfully, international seasons don’t always coincide with those of North America. Therefore, whenever possible, try to book your vacation during a low season at Disney World. Doing so could save you money on your flights and you will also likely find more hotel and resort availability at a lower cost.
Rent A Discounted Disney Resort Villa
One of the best kept secrets of Disney Vacations are Disney Vacation Club (DVC) Rentals. Disney World has 11 unique DVC Resorts on property that offer studio and suite accommodations. These units are equipped with everything you would find in a hotel, plus full kitchens (in one bedroom villas and larger) or kitchenettes (in studios). Of course staying at a Disney World Resort is usually quite pricey, but renting a DVC Villa can save you up to 60% off your Disney Resort stay.
Staying in a DVC accommodation can also help you and your family continue to save money by making great use of the kitchen facilities. It is fabulous eating at the theme parks, however it can get very expensive so why not make a few meals at your DVC Resort? Preparing breakfast daily and bringing a few snacks for your family to enjoy at the parks can save you hundreds of dollars on your vacation.
Free Transportation
It could not be easier to get to the parks when staying on property at a Disney Resort or Hotel. All Disney Resorts and Hotels offer free access to their transportation options which vary by resort but include bus services, monorails, the Skyliner, and relaxing boat rides.
Staying onsite saves you both precious time and money as you will not need to pay for car rental and insurance. It also takes away the stress and hassle of driving on the wrong side of the road for us international travellers!
Plan, Plan, Plan!
When travelling to the USA the first thing I like to do is come up with a plan. You do not need to have an hour-by-hour itinerary, but you should at least have an idea of what you want to see each day while on your Disney holiday. This will leave less to chance and means less unexpected costs, eg: last minute flights, tours etc.
Having extra time to search for flights that are just before or after our school holidays or “shoulder season” could finding flights at a fraction of the cost. Often airlines have discounted prices on midnight or early hours in the morning flights, this is called “red eye flights” and can save you hundreds of dollars. As an added bonus, the kids will sleep most of the way! Booking your flights 11 months before your departure date could help you save as well since the closer you get to your departure date prices generally tend to rise.
Smart Packing
When packing my suitcase for international travel I try to take everything I could possibly ever need so I do not have to shop while away except for souvenirs. Packing things like cold and flu medications, rain ponchos, umbrellas, and sunscreen will save you money as these items can be quite expensive at your hotel or in the theme parks. I also pack a suitcase with my clothes inside an empty bigger suitcase to bring my souvenirs home in so I am not wasting time or money looking for extra luggage while on holiday.
With some smart planning and following these Disney budgeting tips for international travelers, your Disney Vacation may be much more possible than you might have thought.
Ready to start planning your magical Disney Vacation now? Start searching available DVC Rentals below.
Written by
Erin Surgey
Guest Writer
