Splurge or Save? Here's How to Build the Perfect Walt Disney World Vacation for Your Budget
Craft the experience that's right for you (and your wallet).
Whether money is no object or you've been saving every penny, there are lots of ways to get maximum bang for your buck when planning a Walt Disney World vacation. The resort has 25 hotels, hundreds of eateries, various ticket options, and extra-special add-ons that run the budgetary gamut from super saver to big spender. Keep reading to plan a perfect Orlando theme park vacation with our lineup of splurge and save options at Walt Disney World.
How to Splurge at Walt Disney World
Hotels
Disney's Polynesian Village Resort
If there were superlatives for Walt Disney World hotels, Disney's Polynesian Village Resort would be voted "most likely to make you feel like you're in paradise." The South Pacific theme extends from the lush landscaping to the South Seas-influenced cuisine and the floral lei placed around your neck during check-in. Many guest rooms celebrate the spirit of the movie "Moana" in a tasteful, playful way, rather than plastering the space with cutesy characters. This hotel, which opened the same day as the resort itself in 1971, is also one of the closest to Magic Kingdom. It's a quick walk, Monorail ride, or water taxi trip to Disney World's original park. You can view the nightly fireworks and Electrical Water Pageant from the beach area near the pool or, in some cases, your own balcony.
Four Seasons Resort Orlando at Walt Disney World Resort
Four Seasons Resort Orlando is tucked away in a quiet area right in the middle of Walt Disney World, so you get seclusion without sacrificing impressive theme park views. If you find sophisticated luxury more alluring than Disney theming, this property is the ideal retreat after a day at the park, with stylish, subdued guest room decor, a resort-style pool and water park, a golf course, a world-class spa, and elegant dining options. On-site activities range from yoga and tennis lessons to breakfast with your favorite Disney characters. Transportation to Disney World's theme parks is also included in the stay.
Dining and Lounges
California Grill
California Grill is named for its menu of fresh, flavorful California cuisine, be it hand-rolled sushi, juicy steaks, or savory seafood. The drink list includes a large selection of whiskey, bourbon, and wine, the latter of which comes mostly from California vineyards. Thanks to its location on the 15th floor of Disney's Contemporary Resort, you'll enjoy panoramic views of Magic Kingdom and the surrounding waterways, plus the park's nightly fireworks show. If you're dining before the fireworks and want to come back for the show, save your receipt and show it at the check-in desk for entry to the California Grill Lounge or the outdoor observation deck. Advance reservations are highly recommended.
Nomad Lounge
Located in Disney's Animal Kingdom, Nomad Lounge pays homage to global flavors and wanderlust in everything from its food and drink menus to its furnishings and decor. The menu consists of a limited selection of small plates (try the Tiffins Bread Service and the churros), but the drink list is as robust as they come. Among the beverages is an African-inspired beer, the Kungaloosh Spiced Excursion Ale, brewed specially for Walt Disney World.
Tickets
Park Hopper Plus Tickets
Walt Disney World's standard tickets allow you to visit only one of four theme parks per day. The Park Hopper Plus option, on the other hand, lets you "hop" to multiple theme parks each day of your visit (subject to current park rules and capacity limitations). But that's not all. Your ticket also includes access to on-site activities like water parks, golf, foot golf, and miniature golf. For each day on your ticket, you can try one of these other pursuits when you need a break from the theme parks.
Magical Extras
Private VIP Tour
If you want to skip the line for some of your favorite attractions and learn little-known Disney trivia from a bona fide theme park expert along the way, opt for a private VIP tour. Your guide (affectionately called a "plaid" for the distinct pattern on their uniform) will help you customize your perfect Disney day, transporting your party of up to 10 from your hotel and between theme parks via a private vehicle. Advance reservations are highly recommended, and theme park tickets are not included in the tour cost.
Typhoon Lagoon Water Park Beachcomber Shacks
There are plenty of places to lounge for free at Disney's Typhoon Lagoon Water Park, but renting a Beachcomber Shack (i.e., cabana) for the day gets you privacy, shade, and a slew of perks. Each one is outfitted with cushioned seating, tables, and a locker for valuables. You'll also get complimentary ice water and refillable drink mugs to use throughout the day, as well as an attendant to take your food and drink orders. Spend a little extra for the "premium plus" shack to get your own mini fridge, TV, and fan.
How to Save at Walt Disney World
Hotels
Disney's Pop Century Resort
Pop Century falls under Disney's Value Resort category, but its budget-friendly price tag doesn't mean you're getting an inferior product. Guest rooms are spread out over five areas, each themed to a different decade between the 1950s and '90s and anchored by the Classic Hall lobby area, which houses guest services, a fast food hall, an arcade, and a gift shop. While walking around the '90s area, you might happen upon an oversized computer, and in the '70s section, you'll encounter a larger-than-life Mickey phone (cord and all). Rooms, however, are modern, with hardwood flooring, elevated beds with storage underneath, and subtle Disney touches like Mickey Mouse pop art. One of Pop Century's biggest perks is that it's one of the few hotels with direct access to the Disney Skyliner, a gondola system that offers complimentary transportation to Epcot and Disney's Hollywood Studios.
Gran Destino Tower at Disney's Coronado Springs Resort
For about $100 more than Pop Century Resort per night, you can bump up to the Gran Destino Tower at Disney's Coronado Springs Resort. As part of Disney's Moderate Resort hotel category, you'll enjoy upgraded amenities like sit-down dining, cozy lounges, and a coffee shop. The resort's main Dig Site pool also has features like a waterslide and hot tub. Gran Destino Tower is influenced by a surrealistic animated short that Disney worked on with Salvador Dalí. If you watch the film before your visit, you'll notice how its artistry carries through to the resort's modern decor, along with the Spanish, Mexican, and American Southwest influences seen throughout.
Dining and Lounges
Satu'li Canteen
Satu'li Canteen, a quick-service restaurant in Disney's Animal Kingdom, is located in Pandora – The World of Avatar, a land themed to James Cameron's 2009 film. Both the menu and decor have an otherworldly ambience inspired by the Na'vi. Entrees come with curious touches like boba balls and colorful vegetable chips. As for beverages, expect a unique take on fruit punch or the green-hued Hawkes' Grog Ale for something stronger.
Oga's Cantina
When life presents you with an opportunity to dive deep into the Star Wars universe for the cost of only a drink or two, you take it. Entering Oga's Cantina in Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge at Disney's Hollywood Studios, you're immediately transported to an Outer Rim watering hole where a droid named DJ R-3X spins out-of-this-world tunes. The menu features concoctions like Jedi Mind Trick and Carbon Freeze. Like any good cantina, Oga's is a small establishment without a ton of seating. If you're planning to visit, it's wise to make a reservation.
Tickets
Standard Theme Park Ticket
Walt Disney World's standard theme park ticket gets you access to one park per day, and the cost per day goes down as the number of days on your ticket goes up. While it may not seem like the best deal to be permitted entry to only one park per day, there's something special about slowing down to look for hidden gems, riding your favorite attraction multiple times, or finding a bench and really cherishing that Mickey ice cream bar. Use the money you save to purchase the Memory Maker PhotoPass service so you can get digital access to all your awesome vacation shots.
Magical Extras
Capture Your Moment Photo Session
Disney's Capture Your Moment service goes one step beyond the on-ride and around-the-park photos taken by Disney PhotoPass photographers. Choose a service at either Magic Kingdom or Animal Kingdom, where a Disney PhotoPass photographer will snap through a 20-minute session. You'll be able to cherish these memories — whether it's a family visit, first Disney experience, or even an engagement — for years to come. If 20 minutes isn't quite enough time, Disney also offers the option to book two back-to-back sessions.
Free Activities (Yes, Really)
It may come as a surprise that there are quite a few free activities at Disney World, but it's true — and sometimes you don't even need park tickets to get in on the action. For example, local musical acts play for free at Disney Springs every week. Hotels within the resort host events like pool parties, outdoor movies, and campfires (check with guest services for an up-to-date activities calendar). If you visit during one of Epcot's annual festivals, Halloween (which starts in August if you're at Disney), or Christmas (which begins just days after Halloween), you can take advantage of the fun, festive atmosphere and entertainment without paying extra to attend the special events.
Related: How to Plan a Magical Disney World Vacation
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