Are you planning a trip to Walt Disney World in 2027? Or late 2026?
Walt Disney World park tickets are not inexpensive; we all know that. But it is possible to have a wonderful vacation on a budget. Here are my tips for an affordable, low key way to experience Walt Disney World.
#1 Take Short Trips – Monday through Thursday
I am a BIG fan of shorter trips. They are less disruptive to your routines, and Monday through Thursday trips mean less crowds, more affordable rates for hotel rooms and lower priced park tickets. I try to pick dates when most children are in school. Shorter trips = more trips!
#2 Go to one park and do free and low cost things
When I go to Disney World, I go to one park — or 1 party and 1 park — and I spend my other days doing other things. The pace is different. I do not feel like I have to do everything during a trip because I know I will be back.
There are so many non-park options for low key adults! Have you…
- Tried the Dole Whip Trio at Disney Springs?
- Danced at Atlantic Dance Hall on the Boardwalk?
Played Mini Golf at Winter Summerland ?- Seen the flamingos at Animal Kingdom Lodge?
- Completed the Christmas Tree Stroll at Disney Springs?
- Visited the Tri-Circle D Ranch at Fort Wilderness?
- Checked out the Gingerbread displays at the resorts?
- Gone to Happy Hour at Summer House on the Lake?
- Did yoga at Saratoga Springs?
- Learned how to play pickleball at Old Key West?
- Seen the chocolate Easter Eggs at the Beach Club?
- Relaxed by the fireplace at Wilderness Lodge?
- Listened to live music at Disney Springs?
- Taken the Nature Walk at Caribbean Beach?
- Tried the Tonga Toast at the Polynesian Resort?
Walked around Art of Animation’s “Cars” theming?- Mined for rocks at Fort Wilderness?
- Read the secret messages in the books in the lounge at Boardwalk?
- Tried the Key Lime Dole Whip at Old Key West?
- Roasted marshmallows over the fire pit at Pop Century?
- Danced at the Silent Disco at the Contemporary?
- Made a tie-dye “Mickey” t-shirt at All Star Sports?
- Had breakfast with characters at the Beach Club?
- Rented bikes at Old Key West?
- Seen “Yee Ha Bob” at Port Orleans Riverside?
- Looked for Purple Marlins at Saratoga Springs?
Gazed at the mosaics at the Riviera?- Sipped a drink while listening to the pianist at the Grand Floridian?
- Checked out the Halloween decorations at Jock Lindsay’s Hangar Bar?
- Spotted giraffes at Animal Kingdom Lodge?
- Gone bowling at Splitsville?
- Sampled Sangria at Coronado Springs?
- Listened to the jazz trio at Port Orleans French Quarter?
- Rode a Sassagoula River boat at sunset?
If you haven’t, you should do them ALL. The vacation ends up being more affordable and less fatiguing. It’s a great way to experience the low key side of Walt Disney World.
#3 Buy a Park Hopper ticket for just one day
You can still see all your favorite rides and attractions if you only spend one day in the parks during your short trip. The secret? Buy a Park Hopper ticket! I tried this when I went to Walt Disney World in February this year. I went to Port Orleans French Quarter to see the Mardi Gras parade and enjoy the party vibes.
The next day, I used my Park Hopper ticket to go to Animation Station (the last week before they turned it into a Bluey dance party) took a picture with Rafiki at Animal Kingdom, hopped to Epcot to see the China Pavilion and Mulan for Chinese New Year, and then hopped to Magic Kingdom for the rest of the evening.
It was a very fun day and I got to do everything I wanted to do for a reduced price because I was only in the parks for one day. I bought Lightning Lanes and that also made my day efficient because I didn’t spend a lot of time in line.
#4 Buy your tickets from a (reputable) third party reseller
Costco, AAA and Undercover Tourist offer discounts on tickets and ticket packages. You will save a little bit of money and in many cases, your tickets will be refundable if your plans change. This also works for special events, like Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party and Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party.
#5 Visit in the summer when Walt Disney World sells after 2 pm tickets
This was a big money saver for me this year. In 2026, Disney offered a 2-park ticket package for about $118/day if you visited the parks after 2 pm and 3-park ticket for about $116/day if you visited the parks after 2 pm between May 26 and July 29. That saves about $80 per person per park admission to Epcot and Magic Kingdom.
This year, I used this deal to go to Epcot on Bastille Day and Magic Kingdom on I Love Horses Day (I went to Fort Wilderness in the morning).
I anticipate that this offer will be good for 2027 and if so, I predict these dates will be valid: Tuesday, June 29 through July 30 (no announcement has been made yet) — including Fourth of July weekend (which was super fun this year).
So those are my tips for saving money on park tickets at Disney World! if you have more tips to share, please mention them in the comments.
Are you going to Disney World in 2027?
