Splurge vs. Save: Where to Spend & Cut Costs on Your Next Disney Trip

A Disney vacation is pure magic—but let’s be honest, it can also be a major investment. Between park tickets, hotels, food, and souvenirs, the costs add up fast. But here’s the good news: you don’t have to spend a fortune to have an incredible Disney trip! The key is knowing where to splurge and where to save so you get the best experience for your budget.

I’ve planned more Disney trips than I can count, and trust me—I’ve tested both ends of the budget spectrum. Some things are absolutely worth the extra money, while others? You can cut corners without missing out on the magic. So let’s break it down!

💸 Where to SPLURGE on a Disney Trip

Some Disney experiences are worth every penny because they add convenience, extra magic, or unforgettable memories. If you’re looking for areas to invest in for a stress-free, extra-special trip, here’s where I recommend splurging:

🏨 Staying On-Site at a Disney Resort

Sure, there are plenty of budget-friendly off-site hotels, but staying on Disney property comes with perks that can make your vacation way easier:
✔️ Early Park Entry – Resort guests get into the parks 30 minutes early every day (which means shorter lines for popular rides!).
✔️ Free Transportation – Buses, boats, the Monorail, and Skyliner get you around without needing a rental car.
✔️ The Disney Bubble – You never have to leave the magic! Staying at a Disney resort just feels different—like a true escape from reality.

💡 Worth It? If you want convenience and extra perks, YES. If you just need a place to sleep, you can save by staying off-site.

🎟️ Park Hopper Tickets

Park hopping lets you visit more than one park per day—which means way more flexibility! Want to start your morning in Magic Kingdom but end the day in EPCOT for dinner? Park Hopper makes it happen.

💡 Worth It? If you love the ability to be spontaneous, absolutely. But if you’re traveling with young kids who won’t last all day, base tickets might be just fine.

🍽️ One Special Dining Experience

Disney food is an experience—and while quick service meals are great, one splurge-worthy meal can make your trip even more magical! Whether it’s:

Character dining (like Cinderella’s Royal Table or Chef Mickey’s)
A signature restaurant (like California Grill or Le Cellier)
A themed dining experience (like Space 220 or Be Our Guest)

…a special meal can be 100% worth the cost.

💡 Worth It? Pick one sit-down meal as a splurge and enjoy quick service meals for the rest of the trip!

💰 Where to SAVE on a Disney Trip

Want to cut costs without cutting the magic? These are the areas where you can totally save money without sacrificing your experience.

🏠 Hotels (If You Just Need a Place to Sleep!)

If you’re not planning to spend much time at your resort, you can save a ton by booking:

A Disney Value Resort (like Pop Century or All-Star Movies)
A good neighbor hotel with a free shuttle to the parks
An Airbnb or off-site hotel (especially if you need extra space for a big family!)

💡 Worth It? If you’ll be in the parks from morning to night and just need a comfy bed, save the money!

🍕 Quick Service Over Table Service Dining

Disney’s quick service dining options are delicious and way more affordable than sit-down restaurants. Some of my favorite meals aren’t even at fancy table service spots—they’re at quick service locations! Some top picks:

Satu’li Canteen (Animal Kingdom) – Build-your-own bowls that are fresh & filling!
Woody’s Lunch Box (Hollywood Studios) – Their grilled cheese & totchos are a MUST.
Les Halles Boulangerie (EPCOT) – Delicious French pastries & sandwiches!

💡 Worth It? You can eat really well on quick service meals alone and save hundreds of dollars over a week.

🎁 Souvenirs (Buy Before You Go!)

Disney merch is adorable, but let’s be real—it’s expensive. If you want to save money, grab Disney-themed items beforeyour trip!

Mickey ears? Buy them on Etsy or Amazon for half the price.
Disney t-shirts? Target & Walmart have amazing options for a fraction of the cost.
Glow toys for nighttime shows? Buy a light-up wand or bubble toy ahead of time (your wallet will thank you).

💡 Worth It? If you want one special souvenir from the parks, go for it! But for kids’ toys, ears, and clothing? Buy in advance.

Visitor wearing Mickey ears explores a sunny Disneyland park in Anaheim, California.

The Bottom Line: Pick What Matters Most to YOU!

Disney trips don’t have to be all splurge or all budget-friendly—it’s all about prioritizing what matters most to you! If staying at a deluxe resort is your dream, go for it and save elsewhere. If you’d rather do every special experience possible, stay at a value resort and splurge on dining & extras.

📍 What’s YOUR biggest Disney splurge—or your best money-saving tip? Tell me in the comments! 👇