I've been thinking about the best and easiest ways to save the most when planning a Walt Disney World vacation. Some of them are simply not available to all guests, but since I don't know each and every one of you personally, I thought I'd compile a list in the hopes that some of you would discover that you qualify for savings! Here they are, beginning with the most savings:
1. Be friends with a Cast Member--especially management. It's a fact that all CMs get some sort of discount that can be offered to guests, but these tend to be based on seniority. For example, CMs in Disney's College Program may only get 6 days of Maingate privileges (walking up to 3 guests in to the Parks on 6 separate days) while a salaried manager may have a Maingate pass that can be used every day of the year. Tickets are almost always the most expensive part of any Disney vacation, so knowing someone who can help you cut out that cost can be invaluable. In addition, CMs can offer guests incredible savings on Resorts (usually 40% off rack rates) and often special event tickets. And, savings notwithstanding, you never know what special treatment might come your way through your favorite CM. We've been blessed to have private character meetings, VIP parade viewing, and instant Fastpass access! These are privileges we don't take for granted, but they sure are nice!
2. Be active or retired (career) military. My dad is a Vietnam Vet, and I really, REALLY wish Disney would extend their military discounts to ALL veterans...but at this point, these deals only apply to those currently serving in any branch of the armed forces or those who retired after lifetime service. In other words, a tour of duty won't cut it...you have to be career military. But if you or a family member is and has valid military ID to prove it, you can snag some great deals, including up to 30% off Resort rack rates. Military Salute park tickets can be purchased for the military personnel and up to 5 guests for $156 each for a 4-day park hopper (price goes up to $169 on September 28). Plus, if you're military, you can stay at Disney's Shades of Green Resort--a lovely military-only resort where cost is based on your rank.
3. Live in Florida. Probably the next best discounts are those available to Florida residents. They come and go throughout the year, but residents are offered room discounts as well as special seasonal passes and discounts on regular Magic Your Way-type tickets. For example, a 3-day base ticket is around $191, and a 4-day is $212. You can add the park hopper option for just $29.50. For just $223, a Florida resident can get a "Weekday Select Pass" that allows them to enter any of the four main parks on weekdays only for an entire year, with a few blocked dates (does not include free parking).
4. Have a annual pass or belong to the Disney Vacation Club. Of course DVC members have already paid for their resort stay, in theory (there are lots of variables), but they are also offered discounts on annual passes and park tickets. And while those holding annual passes have already purchased park admission, they are often given significant discounts off Resort rack rates.
5. Be a part of a youth group. If your cheer squad, soccer team, or Boy Scout troupe takes a trip to Walt Disney World, you will qualify for group rates on both tickets and Resort rooms. Be advised, they do limit the number of adult chaperones who buy tickets--they know that every parent would offer to chaperone a Disney trip...and bring along the rest of the family too, if the price is right!
6. Homeschool your children. Typically once a year in the fall (although they have been in January too), Disney hosts Homeschool Days. This fun event allows homeschoolers to gather at one of the least crowded times of the year to enjoy a special presentation with like-minded families. This year, the event is October 9 and the theme is "On with the Show." In addition to the awesome program Disney produces, families can get great deals on park tickets--a 4-day park hopper costs around $181! (Note: families are again restricted on how many adult tickets you can purchase--no more than the number of students, unless you have only one student which allows for both parents to purchase tickets.) We're attending, so come out and join us!
7. Get educated. If you're still educationally minded but not actual homeschoolers, you can attend one of Disney's YES (Youth Education Series) programs. These 3-hour programs are super fun and informative, ranging in subjects from animal behavior to American history. The ticket prices aren't quite as good as the Homeschool Days, but they're still significantly discounted off gate prices. A 4-day park hopper will set you back around $$197 per attending student up to $323 per attending adult. Again, there are restrictions on how many adult tickets you can purchase.
8. Be Canadian. Disney Stores in Canada often sell park tickets, and with shifts in the exchange rate, you can sometimes get a significant discount on tickets this way.
9. Work for a company that sponsors a theme park attraction (or has any other affiliation with Disney). Often large corporations sell discounted Disney tickets. And if you're lucky enough to work for an attraction sponsor, you might even have a private lounge at your disposal while touring the Parks. It's always a good idea to check with your company's human resources department before purchasing tickets.
10. Belong to AAA. Discounts among clubs are varied, but members can typically save a few bucks off gate prices for tickets. In addition, AAA travel agents have access to all the latest discounts.
If you don't qualify for any of the above, take heart! There are still great discounts available throughout the year to the general public. Ticket vendors, room-only discounts, and free dining abound...you just have know where and when to look for them. That's why you read this site, right?
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