There are a few simple ways to save a buck at the Happiest Place on Earth. Since we will be going there twice in the Christmas season, there are a few budgeting tips that have been on the forefront of my mind. Thank goodness, they are not all boring, "know how much you are going to spend and keep a tally" tips- No one wants more of that around Christmas.
Disney Apps
There are some great, free, Disney apps out there. My favorite is Disney Parks. It has wait time information, parade and show schedules, and restaurant information. We used this app all the time when we were at Disney last and loved it. You can make reservations from the app and it tells you the price of each restaurant... That's why it is listed here. Every restaurant at Disney is priced differently. Find out what is in your budget before you get there to save a buck and a few headaches.
Parking
If you are not an Annual Pass Holder, Disney parking may be gouging your wallet before you even enter your first ride line. A little secret that very few know is that the parking is not all priced the same. Magic Kingdom parking is about $2 more per day than Animal Kingdom. So, if you have a Park Hopper pass, start at Animal Kingdom for two dollars less. The parking is a once per day fee no matter where you buy it, so going to another park will not be a problem. We used this little tip every time we went to the parks without an Annual Pass since Animal Kingdom is usually open first anyway.
Hotels
There is no need to stay at the Disney hotels to enjoy them. Whether you are going to Disney for a day or a month, there are some great perks at the hotels that Disney guests can enjoy. The Disney hotels have both free and non-free entertainment that is so fun to be a part of. Every hotel from the value to the Grand Floridian has a movie by the pool around dusk- it is such a great way to spend an evening after being in a park all day!
Hotels like the Wilderness Lodge and Boardwalk also have camp fires with marshmallows and fun for kids. And, if you are already at the Boardwalk for the fire, stay for the great entertainment throughout the night! This hotel is one of my favorites to go to for dinner since you can walk to it from EPCOT and Hollywood Studios and they have so much to offer. Suri rides around the lake, mimes, jugglers, and some killer rocking chairs to relax the night away are all little extras that the Boardwalk offers to anyone! Make sure to check out some of these freebies next time you want some Disney fun sans the lines.
If you are going to Disney during Christmas at all, I cannot recommend visiting a hotel our two any higher. The Christmas decorations they do at some of the hotels (Grand Floridian and Boardwalk) are as good as what you will see in the park!