Tips for Saving Money on a 2011 Disney Vacation

If you’re planning a Disney vacation in 2011, you don’t have to overextend your travel budget to make the most of your getaway. There are several ways you can save money on a 2011 Disney vacation but you do need to plan ahead to take advantage of the deals and offers. If you are planning to visit Walt Disney World or the Disneyland Resort a few times throughout the year, you can save big on theme park admission tickets by purchasing an annual pass. Whether it’s your first time heading to the Magic Kingdom or a return visit to see Mickey, here are some easy ways to save money on your 2011 Disney vacation.

Hotel Discounts for your 2011 Disney Vacation

The Walt Disney World Resort is offering 35% off select Disney Resort Hotels from February 17 through April 16, 2011.

You can also save up to 35% on a two-night stay at a Disneyland Resort hotel in 2011. You need to make sure you book your Disney vacation by February 19, 2011 to get the deal and can plan a trip that arrives from January 2 through April 13.

Another way to get hotel discounts for your 2011 Disney vacation is to book a flight and travel package through a third-party site during the off-peak season. Walt Disney World is very busy during major holidays and on holiday weekends such as Labor Day and Memorial Day. If you want to get a discounted rate on your hotel, plan to travel during the middle of the week and outside of the major holidays. You can find some great discounts and save money on your entire 2011 Disney vacation by booking through a third-party travel site.

Theme Park Admission Discounts for a 2011 Disney Vacation

Another way to save money on a 2011 Disney vacation is to purchase an annual pass. The Walt Disney World Annual Pass allows you to enjoy unlimited access to all four parks and some passes include free parking. If you are planning to visit Walt Disney World several times in 2011, you can save a lot of money on theme park admission just by purchasing an annual pass.

You can find some deals on theme park admission tickets to Disney World online but beware that not all websites and third-party sellers are authorized to sell these tickets. Your safest bet is to buy directly through Disney and see if you qualify for a Florida resident discount or other discounts.

Dining Discounts for a 2011 Disney Vacation

If you’re planning to spend several days at Walt Disney World and would prefer to eat on site, invest in the Disney Dining Plan so that you can get a discount on most meals at some of the resort’s most popular restaurants. The dining plan is a pre-paid meal plan and can help you save on overall food costs when you’re exploring the parks for several days.

Another way to save money on food during your 2011 Disney vacation is to prepare your meals yourself. Book your stay at a villa or rent a condo so that you can shop for groceries and make your own meals throughout your Disney vacation.