With ticket prices starting at $119 per person per day, a trip to Walt Disney World is no budget-friendly adventure. For a family of four, just getting into the park at the standard ticket price is nearly $500, and that’s before food, transportation and accommodation costs.
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While a trip to the happiest place on Earth isn’t cheap, rest assured, there are ways to cut back on spending and keep the trip affordable, without losing any of the Disney magic. For middle-class families heading to Disney World, here are six items under $100 that are worth every penny for keeping costs low and spirits high.
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Caring for Giants Tour
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Price: $39 per person
Did you know Disney offers tours? If you’re heading to Animal Kingdom with an animal lover, this close encounter with the African elephant herd is a must.
“I highly recommend the ‘Caring for Giants’ tour at Disney’s Animal Kingdom,” said Melissa Cid, consumer savings expert at MySavings.com. “For only $39 plus tax, this small group experience offers an up-close look at the park’s elephants, along with fascinating insights from cast members and a chance to ask them questions.”
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Build-Your-Own Lightsaber (Toy Version)
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Price: $34.99 to $59.99
If the $250 luxury lightsaber-making experience at Savi’s Workshop is out of budget, fear not. Head to Tatooine Traders instead for a more kid-friendly, wallet-friendly version.
With multiple blade colors and customizable pieces for the activation switch, sleeves, emitters and more, this hands-on activity offers a buffet-style approach to lightsaber building. The best part? These lightsabers light up and are great for play, not just display.
According to WDW Prep School, there are four options to build-your-own lightsaber that range in price from $34.99 to $59.99.
Lightning Lane Multi Pass
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Price: Varies
Standing in long lines for hours isn’t easy for little ones — or even impatient teenagers. If you’re visiting Disney with kids who aren’t a fan of long wait times, splurging on the Lightning Lane Multi Pass is worth every cent.
“Time is money, and saving time at Disney World requires planning and the Lightning Lane,” said Steven Griswold, owner of Pixie Vacations. “I hate paying for extras, but this pass lets you get on so many more attractions than you would be able to without it.”
Prices vary, but WDW Magazine reported costs between $15 and $39.
The Crystal Palace Dining
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Price: $60-plus per adult
You can’t beat dining in a London greenhouse-inspired restaurant overlooking Main Street and Cinderella’s Castle — unless you can also be joined by Winnie the Pooh and friends.
At the Crystal Palace, you can enjoy buffet-style meals for breakfast, lunch or dinner while meeting members of the Hundred Acre Wood. While it’s a pricier option, the memories are worth the splurge. Just be sure to reserve your table in advance, as this dining spot is always in high demand.
Minnie Van
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Price: Varies
Staying at a Disney World hotel or resort? Keep the magic going on the ride back to the hotel with Disney’s “Minnie Van.”
“Budget for Minnie Vans, especially when leaving Magic Kingdom,” said Ben Armstrong, CEO of Famvia Travel. “While we love staying inside the Disney Bubble, sometimes you just need to get to the hotel quickly. Disney has a partnership with Lyft, and you can take a “Minnie Van” straight from the exit to your hotel. They’ll even set up two car seats for the littles.”
While the price for this service can vary depending on where you’re going, Mouse Hacking reported that it usually costs between $30 and $70.
Pin Trading Starter Pack
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Price: $44.99
Elevate your kids’ Disney experience with the long-standing tradition of pin trading. Pick up a starter pack at any of the park’s souvenir shops and invite your kids to trade with cast members and guests throughout the park.
If your family loves a scavenger hunt, pin trading is a simple way to make downtime more fun between rides and during long wait times. Kids can search for their favorite characters and trade pins, all while scoring unique and affordable souvenirs.
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Sources
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Melissa Cid, MySavings.com
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WDW Prep School, “How to Build a Lightsaber at Tatooine Traders (& Save Money, Too!).“
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Steven Griswold, Pixie Vacations
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WDW Magazine, “Cost of Lightning Lane Multi Pass: Our Guide to Disney Lightning Lane Prices.”
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Ben Armstrong, Famvia Travel
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Mouse Hacking, “Using Disney World’s Minnie Van Service.”
This article originally appeared on GOBankingRates.com: 6 Best Items Under $100 for Middle-Class Families To Buy at Disney World
