4 Hacks for an Affordable Disney World Vacation

The Happiest Place On Earth can also be one of the priciest. How can you visit Orlando’s hotspot without breaking the bank? According to Susan Veness, author of

, here are four hacks to plan a more affordable Disney World vacation.

Before you book your trip, keep an eye out for unique offer codes. These coveted codes may become available to potential guests who’ve consistently browsed Disney’s site, but still haven’t made the plunge to book. The best way to increase your chances to snag this major deal is to sign up for multiple—real—Disney accounts. Through your accounts, frequently check for special offers and explore Disney’s official reservation system without booking. That online reluctance may leave enough breadcrumbs for the site’s algorithm to score you the code you need to ensure a Disney vacation is within reach.

The Florida sun might be strong, but don’t be so quick to pay for bottled water at the park. If you plan ahead and bring reusable water bottles you can take advantage of the property’s many water mains. On really hot days, ice water dispensers are also scattered throughout Disney’s property. If you don’t have a bottle handy, counter service restaurants are always nearby to offer you a small complimentary cup of ice water—even if you haven’t purchased anything else.

You don’t have to pay full price for your Disney souvenirs. Keep your tight budget in mind, and head to the Character Warehouse, located at the Orlando Vineland Premium Outlets shopping center, just three miles outside of Disney World. You can find authentic Disney merchandise for up to 50% off! A majority of the Mickey merch is from last season, so you may even score discontinued items from previous years. And free Maingate Transportation shuttle bus to the outlets is available at more than forty hotels.

Many traveling mouseketeers dream of spending their vacation in a Deluxe Resort at Disney World, but high rates—starting around $350 a night—can sometimes keep these wishes from coming true. For your next getaway, book the majority of your nights at a Value Resort. Save the last day for a final stay at the luxurious Grand Floridian or Polynesian Resort—and cross this to-do off your Disney checklist.

Put on those Mickey ears and stroll down Main Street with these money-saving hacks in mind.