So, you want to vacation at Walt Disney World, but think you can't afford it. Think again! Listed below are steps you can take to save as many $$$ as possible when planning your trip.

You could of course stay off-site in a non-Disney hotel. This could be counter-productive, as you'll have to find a way to travel to and from the parks. Great savings can be made on Disney Resorts, so read on.

There are a few ways of saving money at WDW Resorts, more can be read on our Resort Savings page. Here, I'll just look at two different ways. Get an American Express credit card. The Amex Blue card is free, with a 0% introductory APR. Card holders can save on Disney Resort rooms (read more), get a free lanyard and pin, and can also save on dining and recreation at WDW. Book your stay through WDW Central Reservations Office (CRO), and pay with your amex card. Pay for all of your vacation this way. With the 0% introductory APR, you can afford to just pay the minimum amount each month. In the meantime, you could be saving the money for your vacation in a high interest bank account. This way you'll get more money to spend on your vacation without losing out by paying interest on your credit card!
Room rates at the All-Star Resorts have been available to Amex card holders for $74 during certain dates. Regular rates are $99 for the same time of year, meaning savings on a 7 night stay = $175

If you're planning to stay for 8 days or more, buy an annual pass, rather than a Park Hopper Pass or Ultimate Park Hopper Pass, as this works out cheaper. Saving = $21.22+
If you can make savings on your Disney Resort room using your annual pass, it may well be worth buying even if you're staying for less than 8 days.
Unless you plan to visit the water parks or DisneyQuest a lot, just buy the regular annual pass rather than the premium annual pass. Use your annual pass to get discounts on water park and DisneyQuest passes.

Use your annual pass to get a discount on Disney Resort rooms (read more). A room at All-Star Sports during regular season costs $99 per night. Annual passholder rates have been reported for $70 per night for certain dates (April-Sept, 02) . For an 8 night stay savings are = $232
For slow times of the year, rates at the All-Stars have been as low as $49 per night!

If you want to eat at a sit-down restaurant in the parks or resorts, only eat at those offering discounts for Annual Passholders, or Amex cardholders.
Lunchtime meus are often the same as dinner menus, but cheaper, so eat your main meal at lunchtime.

Eat your breakfast in your room. Take groceries from home, or visit a supermarket once there. Don't pay for a fridge in your room. Instead, buy a cheap cooler from the supermarket, or make use of the in-room ice bucket and free ice machines (in the corridor) to keep drinks cool.

Have a late buffet breakfast and fill up so you don't need anything for lunch. Take some fruit with you (fresh whole fruit is often available at breakfast buffets, so take some!) to munch on for an afternoon snack. Then have a sit-down or fast-food dinner.

If you want to do a character meal, try the Ice Cream Social at the Garden Grill. Much cheaper than a character breakfast or dinner, and you get as much character interaction.

Make use of our menu section to plan where to eat & how much you're likely to spend.

If you're staying at a WDW Resort, there's no need to hire a car. WDW transportation is all you need to get around. If you plan to go offsite, use a shuttle bus company, or a taxi if there are a more than a few people.

If you see something you want to buy in the parks, make a note of the what it is and the item code number. Then do all your shopping at the World of Disney store at Downtown Disney. Use your Annual Pass to get 10% off, or American Express card to get 10% off (also applies to some other stores. Minimum spend applies.).

Always ask whenever you are paying if there are Annual Passholder or Amex discounts available, as offers do change, and there may be a special offer or promotion available.

Make full use of your annual pass or Amex card - many discounts are available and you can save a lot of money if you plan well.

Use Priceline to book your flights.

Check out some of the free things to do at WDW, and have a day or two away from the parks.

Visit our save money section for more ideas and tips.

Buy a copy of Affordable Disney for more money-saving advice.

I've used the tips above on my last few trips to WDW and have saved $100's.

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