We just returned from our family's first Disney World vacation. It was magical, exhausting, expensive, and the kids are already clamoring for when we are going again. We had been looking at it for years... but every time I would start, I would become totally overwhelmed by the cost, all the choices, and lost on even where to begin. Then, my son made a friend at preschool, whose mom, Sarah, just happens to be a Disney Vacation Planner. She not only helped us plan our trip, she showed me that going to Disney World on a budget is totally doable. She helped us get the most out of our budget while balancing our family's interests and vacation preferences.

Because I found Sarah so helpful in planning our trip to Disney World on our family's budget, I asked her to share some of her best tips for going to Disney World on a budget with all of you.  Please note: this is not a sponsored post. I do not earn discounts on future vacations, or make any money if you choose to work with Sarah. We are real-life friends, our boys are best buddies, and I truly found her guidance invaluable in planning a once in a lifetime trip to somewhere I had never been (and somewhere she goes multiple times a year). And just so you know how it works: she gets paid by Disney to help make your Disney dreams come true if you choose to work with her, at no additional cost to you.

3 Key Tips for Going to Disney World on a Budget

Let’s face it, Walt Disney World vacations are expensive. There are numerous things to consider when you start thinking about booking your vacation. How long to go, when to go, where to stay, what parks to visit, where to eat…the list goes on and on. It can be super overwhelming to narrow down how to get the most out of your money for your vacation.

Here are a few basic things I encourage families to consider when going to Disney World on a budget, to help you get the most out of your money and have the best vacation ever!

Be Flexible on Travel Dates

When you have a family, travel times are often limited to when the kids are out of school. Unfortunately, this makes those times of year busy and more expensive to travel. You’ll always find better rates and lower crowds after major holidays and when school is typically in session.

If taking a week off in January or September is out of the question, consider extending your vacation during a busier time. Instead of traveling Sunday – Friday over Spring Break, look at Thursday – Tuesday at the end of the Spring Break week. The kids will only miss a few days of school, and this can save you money on your vacation package. Plus, the crowds will be much lighter for the last few days of your vacation.

We visited in mid-October, and walked right in to see Mickey with NO wait!

Determine Your Resort Preferences

When going to Disney World on a budget, you need to understand the resort categories and amenities associated with each. Walt Disney World has 4 different resort categories: Value, Moderate, Deluxe and Deluxe Villas. Each category has different amenities available, and this can often vary between resorts within that category. With over 25 resort hotels, that’s a lot of information to digest!

Savannah View from my family's room at Animal Kingdom Lodge - Jambo House

Being clear with your expectations for your resort will help you get the most out of your vacation. If you love to spend time by the pool and your kids are looking forward to going down the slide a million times, a Value resort might not be for you. While it will save you money, your experience will be disappointing.  There are always ways to save some money in other areas to get you what you want from your hotel. Alternatively, if you plan to be at the parks from open to close every day and do nothing more than sleep in your room, save by staying at a Value resort.

We took a day of rest at the resort - and he went down the pool slide about 100 times!