Although spring has just sprung, summer is just around the corner. That means now is the perfect time to plan your summer vacation to Walt Disney World. While planning a whole WDW vacation can be a daunting task, we’ve made this list of five helpful tips to make sure you don’t break a sweat. From using a travel agent like Kingdom Magic Vacations to ways to stay hydrated without breaking the bank, these tips will help make sure that you get the most out of your summer vacation while saving some extra money.

1) Use a Travel Agent

 

Kingdom Magic Vacations

A great way to save money and a lot of stress is by using a travel agent. Our friends at Kingdom Magic Vacations do the work of getting your tickets and hotel rooms at the lowest possible price, and their service is free to you since Disney pays their commission. What’s not to love about having a Disney World Expert plan your vacation for absolutely free? Call Kingdom Magic Vacations at 866.972.6244, or visit their website for more information.

2) Don’t Pay for Water!

Summer in Orlando can get very hot, and staying hydrated is as important as ever. At $3-$5 a pop, buying water bottles and sports drinks at the parks every day can really add up. There’s a few ways to avoid spending your hard earned money on Disney’s upcharged Dasani waterbottles.

The first way is to bring a reusable water bottle with you. Not only is this good for the environment, but in the end it will end up saving you a lot of money (and not just at Disney World). I’ve personally used the Brita Water Bottle, which has a filter built into it, so I can drink water fountain water without the water fountain taste. If you’re looking for an insulated water bottle that will stay cold for hours, you can’t go wrong with the Hydro Flask Stainless Steel Insulated Bottle. Trust me, you’ll be glad you have one of these.

Looking for an even cheaper way to hydrate? Ask for a large cup of ice water at any counter service restaurant, and they will gladly provide you with a cup of water, free of charge. I’ve found that most counter service locations will default to giving a small cup of water away, so I’ve made a point of specifically asking for a larger cup so I don’t have to go back for refills.

3) Buy Ponchos Ahead of Time

Summer is a rainy season in Orlando. I’ve had trips to Disney World during the summer where it rained almost every afternoon I was there. It’s times like these I was glad I had packed a poncho and an umbrella. While the ponchos they sell at WDW have Disney’s logo on them, they run for about $7.50 a piece. Amazon has a pack of four ponchos for $4.73, which is $25.27 cheaper than buying four of Disney’s branded ponchos. Even if you happen to miss the afternoon showers, ponchos can be handy to have if you want to ride Splash Mountain or Kali River Rapids without getting absolutely soaked.

4) Save on Gas

Summer usually means peak prices for gas. If you are driving to Disney or renting a car, an easy way to save money on gas is by using the Hess Stations located on property. Over the last 15 years, Hess has consistently had some of the cheapest gas prices around the Disney World area. Also, since it’s right on property, you’ll save time and money not having to drive around finding a place to fill up. There are three locations, one located near Magic Kingdom on World Drive, one located near the Boardwalk Resort and one located near Pleasure Island.

5) Stay Cool

Club Cool - Free Coke Samples at Disney World

 

With Orlando’s high temperatures during the summer, I’ve found myself worn out and needing a break during the afternoons. While there’s nothing inherently wrong with relaxing during your vacation, time away from the parks means that you’re not getting the absolute most out of your daily ticket. If you’re the type of person who feels like they need to get the most for their value, leaving the park for an afternoon nap might not be an option. Here’s a few cheap ways to stay cool:

  • Stay hydrated (see tip #2)
  • Enjoy a lengthy indoor attraction, like American Adventure, Ellen’s Energy Adventure, or The Hall of Presidents.
  • Visit Club Cool at Future World in Epcot. They provide free samples of international Coca Cola products.
  • Use a Frogg Togg Chilly Pad. We used these on our last trip, and they were life savers. When wet, the Frogg Togg becomes cooler than outside air. Just wet the towel and wrap it around your neck for some relief.

Have any great tips of your own for saving on your summer Disney World Vacation? Let me know on Twitter or Facebook, or email me at [email protected].