Disney World for Less - Doing Disney World on the Cheap

A family trip to Walt Disney World in Orlando, Florida can be expensive. From getting there, staying there, and spending there, a family of four can easily spend thousands of dollars for a trip to see Mickey Mouse.

Here are some tips to help you save money, from where to stay, to getting around, to eating.

Hotels

Staying at the Walt Disney World resort can cost over $500 a night at one of the Deluxe Resorts (Disney's Contemporary Resort Hotel, Disney's Grand Floridian Resort and Spa, Disney's Polynesian Resort, or Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge). However, in recent years, Disney has been expanding into the budget market with the opening of what they call "Value Resorts."

These hotels are all on property and offer guest the same benefits as those staying at one of the more expensive hotels (such as use of the transportation system and the service that delivers your purchases directly to your hotel room) . Value resorts are not as fancy as the Deluxe Resorts, and sometimes feel like a roadside motel, but with rates starting at $84 per night, they are a great option for the budget conscious traveler. The Value resorts at Disney World include Disney's Pop Century Resort, Disney's All-Star Movie Resort, Disney's All-Star Music Resort, and Disney's All-Star Sports Resort. To find out more, check out my article on the Value Resorts, http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/768029/guide_to_value_resort_hotels_at_walt.html

Another great way to stay on Disney property is to stay at the little advertised Fort Wilderness Campground, a campground on Disney property and only minutes from the Magic Kingdom. The campground features camping sites as well as cabin for rent. Campsites with hookups start at only $42 per night while cabins start at $255 per night. At only $42 per night, camping at Walt Disney World is the cheapest option for staying on property while still enjoying all of the benefits of being a guest at Walt Disney World.

Transportation