How Canadians Can Save Money at Walt Disney World
Dreaming of experiencing the enchantment of Walt Disney World without breaking the bank? We’ve rounded-up our best tips on how Canadians can save money at Walt Disney World.
As a Canadian visitor, you might be wondering how to make your magical vacation more budget-friendly, especially at the exchange rate we are experiencing these days. Fear not! With a little bit of planning and savvy decision-making, you can enjoy all the wonders of Disney while keeping your wallet happy.
How Canadians Can Save Money at Walt Disney World
The exchange rate can be a little harsh sometimes – and a budget-friendly vacation is always a plus! Here are some tips and tricks to help Canadians save money on their Walt Disney World adventure.
Take Advantage of Canadian Resident Discounts
Did you know that Walt Disney World often offers special discounts and promotions exclusively for Canadian residents? Keep an eye out for these deals, which can include savings on park tickets, resort accommodations, and vacation packages.
Be sure to check the official Walt Disney World website or consult with a Canadian travel agency to find the best offers available.
Look for packages on costco.ca, as they will include the best offer out there without you having to go through them all.
Plan Your Visit During Off-Peak Seasons
Peak seasons at Walt Disney World, such as holidays and school breaks, tend to come with higher prices and larger crowds. Plane tickets are also extremely expensive.
By planning your visit during off-peak times, such as mid-week or during the fall or spring months, you can often find lower prices on accommodations and tickets. The added bonus is that you can also spend less time waiting in line and more time enjoying the attractions, but this always depends on how Disney operates the parks. In my experience, there are no more low crowds days at Disney, and when there are less people, Disney doesn’t operate all the rides at full capacity, which still gives the impression of a crowded day.
Still, tickets and accommodations are cheaper during off-season.
Consider driving down
If you must go during peak season, consider driving down. Not only will this offer you some added flexibility once you arrive (no need to rent a car!), but for a family of four, for example, plane tickets can add up very quickly.
Even if you plan on stopping for an overnight or two, you will save a lot of money.
Psst: if you’re thinking of driving from Quebec, consider taking a look at our blog post that highlights the best tips on taking a road trip from Quebec to Orlando!
Consider Staying Off-Site
While staying at a Disney resort can be a magical experience, it can also come with a higher price tag. Consider exploring off-site accommodation options, such as nearby hotels or vacation rentals. Many off-site properties offer competitive rates, complimentary shuttle service to the parks, and additional amenities that can help you save money without sacrificing comfort or convenience. Many of them also have elaborate theming that can rival Disney properties.
Another added bonus of staying off property is that many of those resorts offer amenities like kitchenettes, or at the very least, a microwave and fridge. These added amenities can definitely help you save additional cash by preparing your own snacks – which brings us to our next point.
Bring Your Own Snacks and Drinks
Food and beverages can quickly add up during a Disney vacation, especially for families. To save money on dining expenses, consider bringing your own snacks and drinks into the parks. Pack a backpack with granola bars, fruit, and reusable water bottles to keep everyone fueled and hydrated throughout the day. You can also take advantage of free water stations located throughout the parks to refill your bottles and stay refreshed. Many people assume that bringing a lunch into the parks is forbidden, but it is not. Loose ice and very big coolers are though, so make sure to know the rules before going. You can find them the specific size requirements here: Property Rules, Policies & Regulations | Walt Disney World Resort (go.com)
Budget your souvenir purchases by buying Disney gift cards in advance
It’s hard to resist the allure of Disney souvenirs, but they can also be expensive. Instead of splurging on impulse purchases, set a budget for souvenirs and prioritize your must-have items. Look for affordable options like pins, keychains, and t-shirts, or consider purchasing souvenirs outside of the parks at locations like Disney Character Warehouse, Walmart, Target or online sale platforms.
While planning your Disney vacation, you can make a habit of purchasing Disney gift cards when in line at your grocery store. With amounts of $25 or $50 a week, you won’t notice the expense as much, and it will help absorb the huge costs of your purchases.
Even when bought in Canadian currency, the Disney gift cards can be used in the parks (the current exchange rate will be applied at checkout). After you use it for the first time for a transaction, that day’s exchange rate is applied to the funds and they are then “frozen” in USD until the card is depleted. Based on my experience, you’ll likely lose a few pennies per dollar, as part of a service charge. The good news is that you’ll only pay that fee once, as opposed to, say, with a credit card, where you’ll have a conversion fee charged for every transaction.
It’s also a great way to have the kids budget their own souvenir purchases (by giving them a certain amount of cash in Disney gift cards ahead of time). Additionally, you can use Disney gift cards to purchase your tickets, food, and accommodations.
Take Advantage of Free Entertainment
Walt Disney World offers a plethora of free (or less expensive) entertainment options that can help you make the most of your vacation without breaking the bank. From fireworks displays and parades to character meet-and-greets and live performances, there’s no shortage of magical experiences waiting to be discovered.
Some fireworks can be observed from many hotels, even some off-site locations. You can also enjoy character meals in different Disney hotels, for which no park ticket is needed (like Ohana located in Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort where you can meet Lilo and Stitch and Storybook Dining at Artist Point at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge, where you can meet Snow White characters, to name only a few). Disney Springs, a free shopping and entertainment complex, offers many experiences at a somewhat lower costs (like Aerophile, the World leader in Balloon Flight, Drawn to Life presented by Cirque du Soleil show, the Marketplace Carousel etc.) and free entertainment on their Waterside Stage.
Be sure to check the park schedule, as well as your hotel’s for daily activities and entertainment offerings during your visit.
Research Ticket Options and Discounts
Before purchasing park tickets, take the time to research different options and discounts available to Canadian visitors. Look for multi-day tickets, which often offer better value per day compared to single-day tickets. You can also explore third-party ticket sellers or travel agencies that may offer discounted rates or package deals. Undercover Tourist, when purchasing only tickets, is our go to platform. When you are planning on purchasing a package, Costco prices are very tough to beat.
On the topic of tickets, don’t forget to check out our blog post that talks all about Where to Buy Tickets for Walt Disney World.
With a little bit of planning and creativity, Canadians can enjoy the magic of Walt Disney World while staying within their budget. By taking advantage of discounts, planning your visit strategically, and making smart choices about accommodations and dining, you can create a magical vacation experience that won’t break the bank. So, start dreaming and start saving – your Disney adventure awaits!
Are you a Canadian who loves travelling to Disney? What are some ways you save money for your Disney vacations? Let us know in the comments below! Be sure to follow us on Instagram and TikTok for daily Disney travel inspiration from Canada!
