Some saving tips in our Disney World trip in Florida

My husband and I have been planning for a trip to Florida. Planning itself is exhausting and just to think about the expenses (whew!?), it's a lot! But just like any other trip, planning is the key, but sometimes things get exciting out of spontaneity. Bottom line is  you want to have fun, but at the same time not hurting your pockets that much. Here are a few that helped us save in our Disney World trip in Florida.

Apply for a Disney Rewards Card (in a Disney store).

There are a lot of perks offered by Disney Rewards card, however if you want to get the most out of it, apply in a store, not in the website. The website offers $200 rebate, but with an annual fee. The store offers $100 rebate with no annual fee, both with the same perks.  So pick the one that you think would benefit you most.

To get there, we drove instead of flying.

When planning, think of weighing the expense between flying and driving. We are 4 in family that means 4 plane tickets from New York to Florida plus car rental once we get there. We cannot bring a lot of stuff unless we pay extra for our luggage (we'll be staying for 10 days, so that's a lot of stuff). However, this only works if you have the luxury of more time off since it will take between 17 hours to 2 days out of your vacation days. But if you feel like seeing other states along the way, then drive along.

Check out Walmart before you visit Disney.

It appears that this is one of the most kept secret in buying Disney products, character shirts and souvenirs.  There is a whole section in Walmart, Kissimmee (or maybe in other Walmart close to Florida) that sells everything Disney from shirts, mugs, caps and key chains at half the price in Disney World. You're welcome!

When booking, look for vacation rentals, instead of hotels.

When we checked for hotels, the cost is between $85-$110 per night; and that is maybe a 2-bed or 1 queen with a small table and bathroom. But for around $70-$75 per night for a 1-BR, a vacation rental includes a huge bedroom and bath, dining room, kitchen, living room and did I mention jacuzzi?

Another tip, if you'll be staying in one of the RCI properties, they offer discounted Disney Park tickets plus $80 gift card, if you are willing to give at least 3 hours of your time to listen to timeshare sales.

At the park, bring your own water bottle... bottles.

Prepare for walk... lots and lots of walking. In turn will require you with a lot of drinking. Bring a water container for each of you and the kids so you can save from buying it at the park. And you will have an option to fill them in water fountains around the park. Or if you have the case of sensitive stomach, just bring sealed water bottles (saw some opened water bottles being left behind at security checks).

Save time on not giving up with Fast Pass.

Every park ticket has 3 allowed initial fast pass. However, when you check the famous rides, they are almost always fully booked. But once you're there keep checking every few minutes since a lot cancels the ride to swap to another. In the Avatar Flight of Passage, the wait time when we got there was unbelievable, 210 minutes! I am not going in line for 3 1/2 hours! That's insane! We strolled around and check other rides, while in line hubby was checking on the fast pass. Then there it was, an available slot and we waited for only 25 minutes to enjoy the ride (the best ride ever, by the way!)

Save energy by resting, (it's supposed to be a vacation, anyway).

It was the most valuable advise we took from a friend, don't exhaust all your vacation days visiting Disney (or any other theme parks). We alternate days, Mon, Wed, Fri to see all of the four Disney parks (Park Hopper) and Tues, Thurs to just chill (whatever relaxation you feel fit). Otherwise, when you get back from the vacation, it is as if you really weren't on vacation.

But above all, enjoy!

No amount of money can equate seeing your kids have the time of their life!