You want to go to Walt Disney World, but the price tag is daunting. Don’t push your trip back again or forget the idea all together. If you’re doing Disney with a budget, you can save money before and during your Walt Disney World trip using these simple tips.

Before You Go

Mousesavers

This lovely little site sends out newsletters with exclusive savings to all of its subscribers. Their discounts and money-saving tips cover Disneyland, Disney Cruise Line, Universal, and more, so they are definitely worth a subscription.

Travel Agent

If you go through a travel agent, particularly one that specializes in Disney vacations, you could benefit from special deals. Not to mention you avoid any stressors planning may cause. Agents work to get you savings on everything from your flight to your hotel and tickets. It’s especially worth it if you also want to visit Universal Studios or other attractions while you’re in Orlando.

Visit in the Off-Season

A big money saver for Disney is to visit during their non-peak times. Early January, early February, early March along with most days in September, early October, mid November, and early December are usually considered average to low crowd times to visit Disney World. These are also the times when pricing for hotel rooms are significantly cheaper per night.

Disney Dining Plan

It depends. I say this because not everyone will find the Disney Dining Plan to be worth it. Let me start by saying that getting this plan during Free Dining promotion is the best option possible. You get the Dining Plan added to your stay for free, which basically means your meals are free. You literally get to have your cake and eat it too. If you can, keep an eye on when Free Dining opens and definitely try to take advantage of this promotion.

If you can’t get Free Dining, or you would rather pay for your Dining Plan, you should first examine all three Dining Plan options. You may find that the Quick-Service plan is all you need, or you might want the Deluxe Dining plan and it’s all-inclusive offerings. If you get the dining plan and change your mind later on, you can always upgrade or downgrade.

During your Trip

BYO_

Bring Your Own____! Whatever it is that you will need, make sure you pack it before your trip so you don’t have to spend money on it in the parks. This tip is important for moms. Strollers and other necessities are better off brought with you than rented. (Also, moms, make sure you can tell your stroller apart from the hundreds of others!) You can also bring your own snacks and drinks, and pack Ziplocs to save any leftover snacks purchased in the park. It keeps everyone from getting hangry midday, and saved you a lot over the course of the trip.

Gift Cards

This one is both a before and during tip. You can often find Disney gift cards at wholesale retailers such as Costco or Sam’s Club. Pack of these can save you money on gift cards, and can also serve in place of cash in the parks. If you have a specific budget in mind, gift cards will help you keep better track of your expenses.

There are so many ways to save money at Disney World. By keeping these tips in mind and watching out for other deals, your Disney vacation will be more affordable than you once thought.