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Tips from the DFB Guide: Budgeting for the Holidays at Walt Disney World


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Heading to Walt Disney World for the holidays? Woohoo! It’s such a beautiful time to visit, as the Parks are all decked out in their festive best.

Order your holiday guide today!

From special events and holiday decor to snacks and drinks full of Yuletide cheer, there’s so much to pack into a visit.

But you’re gonna need a plan and a budget! Because I promise you, visiting Walt Disney World during the holidays is spectacular — but the costs can add up quickly.

Today, I’d love to share with you some of our best budgeting tips for planning your Holiday trip to Walt Disney World. Our tips come courtesy of the DFB Guide to Walt Disney World Holidays e-Book, and by pre-ordering the DFB Guide to the Walt Disney World Holidays e-Book with our special discount code — Preholiday  you get everything you need to make the most of your Disney holiday vacation.

Heigh Ho — let’s go!

Go Early — or Late — If Possible

Want to enjoy the Holidays at Disney, without paying holiday prices? It may sound impossible, but it’s not. The key is to schedule your visit for a time early or late in the holiday season.

Main Street USA at Christmas Time

Main Street USA at Christmas Time

Christmas decorations go up as early as November in some corners of the Resort. You’ll see festive tidings first normally at Magic Kingdom, where Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party kicks off in the early part of the month. By mid to late November, the incredible gingerbread displays that you’ll find at the Deluxe Resorts are taking shape.

Grand Floridian Gingerbread House 2014

Grand Floridian Gingerbread House — A Must See

Likewise, events like the Osborne Family Spectacle of Lights continue on for a week or so after Christmas. (Remember, though — this is the last year for this event at Disney’s Hollywood Studios.) So keep in mind that you can enjoy many of the sights, sounds, and flavors of the season outside of Christmas week — or even the Christmas month!

Pre-Set a Budget

Sometimes “budget” can sound like a dirty word, but if it means you can go to Disney then it’s worth it to exercise a little discipline! To plan your budget ahead of time (and stick to it!), pre-purchase Disney Gift Cards.

Gingerbread Cupcake

Budget Ahead of Time for That Gingerbread Cupcake

I love the ease of use, and every time you make a purchase, your receipt will show your balance.

And here’s a TIP: If you’re planning to shop, purchase separate cards — one for expenses, and one for shopping. You know…I’d probably need a third card just for snacks.

Expect to Pay Premium Prices — And Plan Ahead

Here’s something you may not know if you’ve never visited Disney during the busy Holiday season: prices scootch up just a wee bit.

Princess Cinderelle

Dining With Cinderella or Mickey Will Be More Expensive During the Holidays

Think that buffet price is higher than it was during your Fall visit? You’re right. On average, you can expect to pay about $2 more per child and $4 more per adult at prix fixe meals such as dinner shows and buffets.

Beautiful, Turn of the Century Atmosphere

Crystal Palace, A Popular Dining Destination Anytime of the Year

It would be good to keep this in mind if you’re following our tip to pre-set a budget and you aren’t using the Disney Dining Plan. Be sure to plan a little more per person — and plan for a higher tip cost as well.

Ways That You CAN Save

But there are still ways that you can trim costs.

Tables in Wonderland, Disney’s dining discount program, is open to Florida residents, Annual Passholders, and DVC owners. The card offers 20% off food and drink — including alcohol — at participating Disney restaurants.

Tables in Wonderland Card

Tables in Wonderland Card

Unfortunately, the program just announced a steep price hike and continues to impose black out dates during Thanksgiving and Christmas week (in addition to other times). So do the math ahead of time to be sure you’ll be able to save with this one.

But one of my favorite tips for saving money is to take advantage of the great food in Disney World Lounges. These are some of my favorite stops for appetizers that are substantial enough to call a meal. Spots like Territory Lounge in Wilderness Lodge are also great places to unwind after a busy day of merrymaking.

Ready For All Our Best Holiday Tips

The Holidays are right around the corner! Don’t wait to get started on your Disney holiday planning.

Order your holiday guide today!

Order your holiday guide today!

By pre-ordering the DFB Guide to the Walt Disney World Holidays e-Book with our special discount code Preholiday  you get everything you need to make the most of your Disney holiday vacation. And by pre-ordering, you’ll receive your 2015 guide for $3 off the cover price!

Bonus? When you pre-order the DFB Guide to the Walt Disney World Holidays 2015 e-Book, you receive an instant download of the 2014 Guide FREE

With detailed descriptions and photos of every holiday event and activity happening at the parks and resorts —- including tips on how to make the best use of your time and money when visiting — it’s the perfect way to get you planning started.

This comprehensive book includes everything you need to know to plan your holiday visit to Walt Disney World. And it’s got a 100% money back guarantee!

And when you take advantage of the our pre-sale price, you’ll save even more AND get the 2014 edition right away to start your planning today! We expect the 2015 edition to be e-mailed to those who have pre-purchased by early November 2015.

But now, it’s time for you to weigh in! What are your tried and true tips for budgeting during the holidays at Walt Disney World? Leave a comment and share your thoughts!

Disney Food Blog Fans, be sure to check out our DFB Disney World Dining Guide e-Books! Find great deals at DFBStore.com!Also, come on over and:




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