Planning a vacation to Walt Disney World can be an exciting but daunting task. With so many options and activities to choose from, it can be easy to overspend and blow your budget. However, creating a budget is essential to ensure that you can enjoy your trip without worrying about your finances.
When we talked about The Basics, we discussed what kind of trip you’d like to have. Using that as a guideline, you can determine what your budget will need to be in order to make your dream vacation a reality. I know that talking budget can be a bummer, but it’s important to know where you stand so you can start making some of the fun decisions about your trip!
Factors that affect a Walt Disney World Vacation Budget
When developing your budget, it’s important to consider the following factors which can make your trip more or less expensive:
- Time of year for your trip
- Duration of your trip
- Number of people in your travel party
- your vacation style
Think of these factors as your levers to pull which can drive the cost of your vacation up or down.
Time of year for your trip
The time of year that you vacation at Walt Disney World is one of the biggest factors in what your total trip cost will be. This is because not only do resort rates vary by season, but park ticket rates and extras like Disney Genie+ also vary by day! It’s the invasion of Big Data helping corporations maximize revenue! Generally, the more popular a vacation time and more close to a holiday, the higher the crowds will be and the higher your costs will be.
The most crowded and Expensive times to visit Walt Disney World are:
- Christmas and New Years Eve
- Thanksgiving
- Spring Break (March and April)
- July 4th
- Halloween
- Other federal holidays
If you’re planning your vacation for one of the above times, be ready to spend more money on your trip and spend more time waiting in lines.
“But wait,” you might ask, “what about Summer when the kids are off school?” You’ll generally find bigger crowds and higher prices at the beginning of Summer through to around the 4th of July, but after that, you’ll actually start to find some pretty good deals for stays at Walt Disney World. Turns out it’s ungodly hot in Florida in July and August (who knew?) and the word has gotten around. If you can stand the heat (and the pretty much daily afternoon thunderstorm), it’s not a bad time to visit – and bonus, no guilt for taking the kids out of school!
Duration of your Vacation and Your Travel Party Makeup
If your dates are inflexible, one way you can affect the total cost of your vacation is to consider how long your trip will be and who you’ll be traveling with. The more nights you stay, the higher your hotel and dining costs – and let’s face it (at least for me) your souvenir spending.
I once analyzed our spending after a four day adults-only trip with my husband and frankly wasshockedby how much we spent per person per day on food, alcohol, and souvenirs. Ladies and gentlemen, it was over $300/day PER PERSON. It’s possible to go vacation crazy and I have proof. I’m just glad it was a relatively short trip!
The ages of the folks you’re traveling with will affect your overall budget as well. Kids under the age of 3 are free to get into the Walt Disney World theme parks, so feel free to bring as many of those tykes as you can handle. There are reduced rates for children vs adults for theme park tickets, but it’s really not as much as you’d hope for – only a few dollars difference.
Your Vacation Style
Obviouslymy husband and I have a different vacation style than many budget-conscious folks, and we certainly could make our trips cheaper by ratcheting down our spending. But for us, letting loose and enjoying big fancy meals and indulging in shopping is part of what vacation means to us. It’s important to really think about what you consider what you enjoy about being on vacation and planning your budget accordingly.
If you’re looking forward to enjoying the finer things complete with signature dining meals nightly and paying more for the convenience of staying closer to the parks and less waiting in line, you’ll want to budget for a deluxe style vacation.
If vacation for you means a focus on family time at the pool, some sit down dinners, and lots of time enjoying the parks, you’re probably more of a moderate style vacationer.
If going to Disney for you means rope dropping the parks every day and staying through to the nighttime spectacular, you’re probably a value style vacationer.
So, what does that all mean when it comes to expectations for your budget?
Sample Walt Disney World Vacation Budgets
I based these sample budgets on a family of four – two adults, a 13 year old, and an 8 year old. This pricing is based off of actual pricing pulled from the Walt Disney World website as of April 2023.
Summer Travel
For a family of four staying 5 nights at Walt Disney World with a 4 day ticket with one park per day over the summer, you can expect to spend:
- Value Resort: All Star Music – $3,089
- Moderate Resort: Port Orleans, French Quarter – $3,950
- Deluxe Resort: Polynesian Resort – $5,510
Holiday Travel
For a family of four staying 5 nights at Walt Disney World with a 4 day ticket with one park per day over the Christmas holiday, you can expect to spend:
- Value Resort: All Star Music – $4,138
- Moderate Resort: Port Orleans, French Quarter – $5,230
- Deluxe Resort: Polynesian Resort – $8,653
Your Mileage May Vary
It’s important to keep in mind that these are just estimates and your actual costs will depend on your specific travel dates and the type of room you choose. Additionally, be sure to budget for food, souvenirs and other incidental expenses. Depending on how you plan to eat (sit down meals vs quick service meals), you should budget around $75 to $150 per person per day on food. Plan on spending around $50-$100 per person for souvenirs over the course of your trip. (Or per person per day if you travel like I do…)
Creating a budget may not be the most exciting part of vacation planning, but it’s an essential step to ensure that you have a great trip without breaking the bank. By setting a budget and sticking to it, you’ll be able to enjoy all that Walt Disney World has to offer without the added stress of overspending.
So, start planning your dream vacation to Walt Disney World today and enjoy all the parks have to offer without worrying about your budget!
Budgeting for your 2023 Walt Disney World Vacation
Planning a trip to Walt Disney World can be exciting, but it’s essential to create a budget to avoid overspending. Consider factors like time of year, duration of your stay, and your vacation style to determine your budget. This guide provides sample budgets for a family of four and tips to help you plan your perfect trip without breaking the bank.
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FAQs
Is it worth going to Disney World in 2023? ›
Walt Disney World in 2023 may just be the best year to visit. While you can still expect high costs, and high crowds, construction projects will finally begin to complete. So, make way for new rides, new spaces, and even more to fill your Disney Vacation.
How much money should I take on vacation to Disney World? ›Spending Money on your Disney World Vacation
Around $50 per day per person is a good start. A bit of extra cash is great for buying snacks, souvenirs, and alcohol. Disney prices are higher than regular stores, but they offer unique items and services you can't find anywhere else.
In our experience, the average cost for a family of 4 to go to Disney World is around $4,500-$5,500.
How much does the average person save up for a trip to Disney? ›On average, a typical Walt Disney World vacation for a family of 4 in 2023 will cost about $5,240. This includes a 7-night hotel stay at a Disney Value Resort, 6 days of standard theme park tickets, Genie+ service, and quick-service meals for 4 people over the course of the trip.
Will Disney be less crowded in 2023? ›Ultimately, the coming month should be a great time to visit Walt Disney World, with lower crowds, wait times, and temperatures as compared to June through mid-August 2023. All of this is why May 2023 ranks as the #3 month of the entire year on our Best & Worst Months to Visit Walt Disney World.
What are the cheapest months for Disney World 2023? ›Cheapest Time of the Year at Disney World in 2023
As a rule, January, February, August, and September are the cheapest seasons, as long as you avoid any holidays in those months. November and December are also good, though the discounts are not quite as deep.
- Shop Around for Your Tickets. ...
- Never Pay Full Price for Disney World on Property Resorts. ...
- Keep an Eye Out for Discounts, Even After You Booked Your Trip. ...
- Know When Disney Publishes Their Discounts. ...
- Stay at Hotels Off Property. ...
- Stay at a Disney World Resort (aka On Property)
$3k will be enough since you have already bought your park tickets, yes. Thats $176 per day. 2 of us, and we spent on average $50 for dinner, $20 on breakfast and $30 on snacks/liquids. Thats $100 per day... you still have an extra $76.
How do people afford Disney every year? ›- Find A Side Hustle. ...
- Plan Ahead for Your Disney World Vacation. ...
- Go When There Are Fewer Crowds. ...
- Stay At Disney Value Resorts. ...
- Go To Walt Disney World When Children Are Under 3. ...
- Use Disney Gift Cards And Credit Card Rewards. ...
- Plan A “Skip Day” ...
- Set Up A Disney Payment Plan.
Starting at $7.99 a month, Disney+ is one of the cheaper streaming services available. For the money, Disney+ offers good value for anyone interested in its content.
What makes Disney so expensive? ›
Disney has an advertising budget to maintain. Disney World wouldn't be the same without all the guests. In order to ensure this steady stream of visitors, Disney invests a significant amount of money into advertising — billions of dollars every year, in fact. High ticket costs help compensate for this fact.
Is Disney an expensive vacation? ›There's no denying that a trip to Disney World can be incredibly expensive. Things at Disney World are already expensive, and we've seen some things getting even pricier — sometimes in significant ways, sometimes in little ways.
How much should a couple save for Disney World? ›A trip to Walt Disney World is full of magic…and expenses. On average, a trip to Disney World for two adults will cost anywhere between $1,900 and $2,800. This quote will vary depending on where you stay, the duration of your trip, meals, snacks, and souvenirs.
What is Disney getting rid of in 2023? ›As many of you already know, Splash Mountain permanently closed on January 23rd, 2023. Although we were sad to say goodbye, the same flume-type ride is currently being reimagined to become Tiana's Bayou Adventure, which is set to open in late 2024!
What is the most expensive month to go to Disney World? ›December is one of the busiest times of year for Disney World, and, as such, sees the highest average ticket prices. The most expensive day to visit Disney World at the end of the year is, again, not a surprise, the period of time right before Christmas until New Year's Eve.
How much is Disney World tickets per person 2023? ›For 2023, Walt Disney World ticket prices start at $109 per person and max out at $189. However, this doesn't include a 6.5% sales tax – or add-on options like Park Hopper, Memory Maker, or Water Park and Sports. With these extras, ticket prices can really add up.
How much is parking at Disney World 2023? ›The parking fees for the parks (as of March 2023) are: Preferred parking: car or motorcycle – $45-$50 per day (varies by season) Standard parking: car or motorcycle – $25 per day. Oversized Vehicle Parking: Shuttle, Limo, Camper Trailer, RV, Bus or Tractor Trailer - $30 per day.
How much cash should I have on hand at Disney? ›If you're at a Deluxe resort, or don't want to clean on vacation, that means you will be using Mousekeeping, and it is customary to tip. We like to leave $1 per person per night, so for out family of 5 if would be $5 a day. For a vacation of 5 nights, we would need $25 in cash.
How much money does Disney World average a day? ›In 2019, the company's parks and resorts division brought in a whopping $20.2 billion revenue. This means that the division generated an average of $55.1 million in revenue per day. According to new reports Disney world net worth 2022 is 203.63 billion U.S. dollars.
How much is Disney for a whole year? ›Disney+ Premium: For $10.99/month or $109.99/year, subscribers are able to stream Disney+ (No Ads) and download Disney+ content to watch on the go.
How much does Disney as a whole make? ›
In the fiscal year ended on October 1, 2022, The Walt Disney Company generated a total revenue of more than 82.7 billion U.S. dollars, up from 67.4 billion dollars a year earlier – an annual growth of over 22 percent.
How much does Disney gross in a year? ›...
Compare DIS With Other Stocks.
| Disney Annual Gross Profit (Millions of US $) | |
|---|---|
| 2021 | $22,287 |
| 2020 | $21,508 |
| 2019 | $27,546 |
| 2018 | $26,708 |
If you are going to Animal Kingdom or Epcot
While we really, really think Genie+ is worth it at Magic Kingdom and Hollywood Studios, we feel just as strongly as to it not being as necessary at Animal Kingdom and Epcot. But, while it isn't necessary, it can definitely make touring those 2 parks a lot, lot easier.
If you sign up for either the Start Unlimited or the Do More Unlimited plan, you can get Disney Plus for free for six months. Sign up for the Play More Unlimited plan or the Get More Unlimited plan and you get the Disney Bundle offer for free including Disney Plus, ESPN+ and Hulu (with ads) for an unlimited time.
How much is the Disney bundle per month? ›Disney Bundle Trio Basic: For $12.99/month, subscribers get Disney+ (With Ads), Hulu (With Ads), and ESPN+ (With Ads). Disney Bundle Trio Premium: For $19.99/month, subscribers get Disney+ (No Ads), Hulu (No Ads), and ESPN+ (With Ads).
Why does Disney charge so much for food? ›For some foods, Disney buys ingredients (if not the entire food) from third-party sellers. The price they pay for those items will play a big part in determining the cost, as Disney wants to turn a profit.
Is Disney World no longer affordable? ›According to the findings of Time2Play, an astounding 92.6% of survey respondents agreed that the cost of a Disney World vacation was out of reach for the average household. The lowest price for a one-day ticket to visit just one of Disney World's four theme parks in 2022 costs $109.
Are Disney prices going down? ›Disney is not reducing ticket prices — at least, not exactly — in part because demand has remained surprisingly resilient despite a slowing economy and recession fears.
Are Disney tickets cheaper through hotel? ›Assuming no room / ticket / package discounts are available, booking your ticket and hotel separately but both through Disney will give you the same pricing as a package booked through Disney. Notably, though, you might wind up with very different terms / conditions.
How long should a Disney vacation be? ›Ideal Length – 6-7 days is the best length if you are looking to visit all four Walt Disney World theme parks, two water parks and Disney Springs. Short Trips – The most important thing to remember with quick trips is to plan your days and pick exactly which rides you want to see.
Can Disney planners save you money? ›
Save Money – Yes, Seriously
However, booking your vacation with a Disney travel agent can at times save you money. Here's how. Disney often releases highly sought after travel discounts throughout the year. If you book your package before the discount is released, you can still take advantage of the deal.
The Quick Service Disney Dining Plan costs: Adults = $57.01 per day. Child (ages 3 to 9) = $23.83 per day.
What will happen to Disney World in 2023? ›It was announced that a brand-new nighttime spectacular will come to the World Showcase Lagoon at EPCOT in late 2023 as part of the Disney100 Celebration. This new show is replacing Harmonious, which is expected to end its run in spring 2023.
How much will Disney be in 2023? ›For 2023, Walt Disney World ticket prices start at $109 per person and max out at $189. However, this doesn't include a 6.5% sales tax – or add-on options like Park Hopper, Memory Maker, or Water Park and Sports. With these extras, ticket prices can really add up.
What will Disney celebrate in 2023? ›The 100th Anniversary of The Walt Disney Company. The world over celebrates 100 Years of the Walt Disney Company in 2023 which promises to be a year of celebration. Likewise, not only to celebrate a century of animation greatness but also to honor all Disney company properties.
Can you meet characters at Disney World 2023? ›It has been a difficult three years since the theme park closures of 2020 due to COVID-19 but it has been positive to see the come back of many popular meet and greets at the parks over the last year. Disney has now confirmed, 4 character meet and greets which will be available at Walt Disney World in 2023.
Has Disney released 2023 packages? ›Reservations are limited and subject to availability. 2023 Walt Disney Travel Company packages are only available for check-in dates up to 500 days in advance. Please note: Disney Deluxe Villa Resorts are available for bookings 11 months out.
Is Magic Kingdom closing? ›Disney World's Magic Kingdom to close early in January 2024.
Why is Disney so crazy expensive? ›Disney has an advertising budget to maintain. Disney World wouldn't be the same without all the guests. In order to ensure this steady stream of visitors, Disney invests a significant amount of money into advertising — billions of dollars every year, in fact. High ticket costs help compensate for this fact.
Will Disney ever lower their prices? ›Disney will also make Disneyland in California cheaper to visit by “significantly” expanding the number of days when adult tickets sell for $104, the lowest price, according to Josh D'Amaro, chairman of Disney Parks, Experiences and Products.
What is Disney price prediction? ›
Stock Price Forecast
The 24 analysts offering 12-month price forecasts for Walt Disney Co have a median target of 123.50, with a high estimate of 147.00 and a low estimate of 94.00. The median estimate represents a +34.50% increase from the last price of 91.82.
The Very Best Days to Visit Disney World 2023
As a general rule of thumb, the best days to visit Walt Disney World are during the weekdays of Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday. The main reason is many families plan week long vacations at Disney which tend to start on Sunday or Monday.