Disney Photopass Discount

You'll find Disney PhotoPass photographers at the following locations:

Magic Kingdom

• Main Entrance/Train Station
• Town Square
• Main Street
• Castle Hub
• Adventureland
• Frontierland
• Fantasyland
• Tomorrowland

Epcot:

• Main Entrance/Spaceship Earth
• Character Spot
• World Showcase Locations
• MISSION:Space
• Test Track

Disney's Hollywood Studios

• Hollywood Boulevard
• Sunset Boulevard Attractions
• Sorcerer Mickey's Hat
• Al's Toy Barn
• Avenue of the Americas
• Animation Courtyard

Disney's Animal Kingdom

• Main Entrance
• Tree of Life and Expedition Everest Locations
• Camp Minnie-Mickey
• Character Boat Landing
• Africa

Both Water Parks

Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutiques at Downtown Disney and Magic Kingdom

Disney World Discounts on Resort Hotels

The easiest and most obvious way to get a Disney World Resort hotel discount is simply to book in the off-season. Disney has multiple “seasons” at its Walt Disney World resort hotels during each calendar year. Value Season is the least expensive and least crowded time, followed by Regular Season, Summer Season, Fall Season, Peak Season and Holiday Season. So the most basic way to save money on Disney’s resort hotels is simply to book in the off-season. (To learn more about the seasons and room rates, click here.)

However, beyond seasonal Disney World hotel discounts, you may be able to save much more. Depending on availability and current promotions, it is sometimes possible to save as much as 40% off the full price “rack rates” at the Disney World resorts. The savings can add up to hundreds, even thousands, of dollars.

Click here to see any current discounts and special codes that can help you save big money at Disney’s resort hotels. I list only resort discount codes that have been published in reliable public locations such as newspapers, magazines or the Disney website. Any restrictions are clearly noted.

Disney World Vacation Packages

Vacation packages for Disney World are often a good value. Watch for off-season and other “special” Disney World package discounts, rather than the standard packages offered year-round, which cost the same as buying all the package components separately at (gulp) FULL PRICE!

A lot of people like Disney vacation packages because they are convenient and worry-free. Fortunately there are sometimes worthwhile promotions on Disney World vacation packages.

Tickets & Passes

Walt Disney World admission is expensive, and discounted tickets and passes can be hard to find. Disney tries to convince the public that the only place you can buy legitimate Disney World tickets is through “official” Disney outlets. That’s actually not true. I’ve collected a number of alternatives that will allow you to get a discount on new, unused, valid Disney World tickets — no timeshare scams, no partially used tickets, nothing illegal or shady.

There is also advice in this section about how to get the most value out of your tickets, as well as information on the regular ticket prices.

Other Disney World Savings

Get great bargains and deals on all kinds of miscellaneous vacation-related items, including fun free and cheap things to do without going into the parks, plus ways to save on souvenirs, get stroller discounts and more!

Time is Money

We all know that a trip to Walt Disney World can be expensive, so maximizing your enjoyment of your vacation time is the smart thing to do! Who wants to spend the whole time standing in line or staking out that perfect spot for the parade? This section helps you plan a Disney World vacation more effectively, so that you truly enjoy your time there!

Buy in Advance

If you have kids, you know that they will probably be seized with a case of the “I wants” when they get to the Disney parks, because there is all kinds of neat merchandise cleverly placed at the conclusion of every ride. One solution is to take advantage of sales and bargains at DisneyStore.com before your trip and put your purchases away. Then pack the goodies in your suitcase and dole them out to the kids when you get there. Click here for current DisneyStore.com discount codes and coupons.

Go Orlando Card – Special Edition

If you’re planning to visit DisneyWorld, Legoland and the Kennedy Space Center, or want to explore a little more of Florida with visits to Cocoa Beach, Cape Canaveral, Miami and more, you may want to consider the Special Edition Go Orlando Card. This card includes admission to 49 attractions, and discounts are frequently available.

Orlando FlexTicket

Planning a “grand tour” of Orlando? Be sure to consider the Orlando FlexTicket, which includes admission to DisneyWorld plus several other attractions.

Watch for Sales and Mark-Downs

I have fairly frequently seen small sale racks at the Disney World resort hotel shops — look in the back of the store or ask the clerks. On a couple of occasions I’ve purchased items that were marked down as much as 50%.

Starting in 2009, I started seeing a few items on sale or marked down in the theme parks. However, I think most of the excess merchandise goes to the outlet stores.

Annual Passholder Discounts

10% off Passholder discounts on Disney merchandise apply at most Disney-owned-and-operated merchandise locations throughout the Walt Disney World Resort.

Please note: some merchandise locations, including the China, Japan, and Morocco Pavilions at World Showcase in Epcot and most locations in Downtown Disney, are not operated by Disney and thus do not offer this discount. Certain items are always excluded, such as gift certificates, Disney Dollars, videos, food items, film, film processing, and various collectibles.

For non-Disney merchandise, ALL Passholders can get discounts at select locations in Downtown Disney and Animal Kingdom. Participating locations:

• Arribas Brothers (10%)
• Basin (10%)
• Curl by Sammy Duvall (10%)
• House of Blues shop (10%)
• LEGO Imagination Center (10%)
• LittleMissMatched (15%)
• Planet Hollywood shop (10%)
• Rainforest Cafe shops at Downtown Disney and Animal Kingdom locations (15%)
• T-REX Cafe Dino-Store (15%)
• Yak & Yeti Bhaktapur Market in Disney’s Animal Kingdom Park (15%)

Disney’s Visa Discounts

Disney’s Visa cardholders can save 10% on select merchandise purchases of $50 or more at World of Disney in Downtown Disney. It may apply at some theme park merchandise locations as well, so if you have one of Disney’s Visa cards, always ask about the discount. A $50 minimum pre-tax single transaction purchase is required to receive discount.

Present and use one of Disney’s Visa cards at time of purchase. Not valid in combination with other offers, discounts, promotions or with any previous purchase.

Discount is not valid on purchases of various items including ticket media, gift certificates, Disney Gift Cards, Disney Dollars, DVDs, sundries, many collectibles and select merchandise.

Also, see below for information about a FREE souvenir available to Disney’s Visa cardholders.

Disney Vacation Club Discounts

Disney Vacation Club members get 10% off at all Disney owned-and-operated merchandise locations throughout the Walt Disney World Resort.

Please note: some merchandise locations, including the China, Japan, and Morocco Pavilions at World Showcase in Epcot and most locations in Downtown Disney, are not operated by Disney and thus do not offer this discount. Certain items are always excluded, such as gift certificates, Disney Dollars, videos, food items, film, film processing, and various collectibles.

For non-Disney merchandise, DVC members can get discounts at select locations in Downtown Disney, Epcot and Animal Kingdom. The list of DVC member non-Disney merchandise discounts is extensive and the amount varies by location; the best way to check current discounts is either on the DVC member website, which offers a printable PDF, or by looking through the Member Perks booklet provided at check-in.

Birnbaum Guide Discount

Birnbaum’s Walt Disney World 2020 has coupons in the back for the following Downtown Disney merchants:

Ridemakerz, 10% off a single purchase ride on, expires 12/31/13.
LEGO Imagination Center, $10 off a $75 or more purchase, valid only at the LEGO Store in Downtown Disney Marketplace – Orlando.
curl by Sammy Duvall, 10% off all curl merchandise (except specified items), expires 12/31/13.
Basin, 10% off merchandise (Walt Disney World locations only), expires 12/31/13.

Lego Store Promos

The Lego Imagination Center in Downtown Disney normally participates in the Monthly Mini Model Build (usually first Tuesday of the month, starting at 5:00 pm), where kids ages 6-14 can build and take home a FREE mini model!

Click here to see upcoming events at the store, and be sure to click under the Store Calendar section to get the PDF file with the monthly calendar, which often has coupons.

Disney Outlet Stores Close to Disney World

You can get deals on Walt Disney World theme park merchandise at nearby Disney outlet stores:

Disney’s Character Premiere store, located at Orlando Premium Outlets, Vineland Avenue
Disney’s Character Warehouse store at Orlando Premium Outlets, International Drive (formerly Prime Outlets Orlando, originally Belz Factory Outlet World).
Character Corner store at Lake Buena Vista Factory Stores (be sure to check out the printable coupons on the site).
For Walt Disney World souvenirs such as t-shirts, sweatshirts and mugs (and sometimes more exotic stuff), you can’t beat the prices at the outlets. Sometimes you will even find current merchandise that is still be offered in the parks, at up to 50% off.

In general, to get to the outlet centers you will need a rental car or else you’ll have to take a taxi. However, many non-Disney hotels offer free shuttles to Lake Buena Vista Factory Stores where Character Corner is located – click on the link to see the schedule.

The Character Premiere and Character Warehouse stores are operated by Disney (the staff wears Disney badges and the stores sell Disney passes — plus you can pay for merchandise with Disney Dollars if you wish). The Character Corner store is independently operated and the merchandise and ambiance are not as good.

Hess Gas Stations Disney Discounts

Disney has several on-property Hess stations, including one right across the street from Downtown Disney and one across the street from Disney’s BoardWalk Resort. Many MouseSavers.com readers have written me to say that the Hess stations have reasonable prices on soft drinks, beer and bottled water. They also carry a variety of pre-made food items, including pizzas and subs. If that’s all you need, you might just want to grab your items at Hess and skip the supermarket. If you need any other groceries, Hess isn’t a great bet: readers report that selection is very limited and some prices (i.e., for a half-gallon of milk) were actually higher than the prices in the Disney hotel shops.

Goodings Supermarket Disney World Discount

This store has exactly one thing going for it: it’s extremely convenient to the Downtown Disney hotels. You can actually walk to it if staying in one of those hotels. While Goodings used to be a “gourmet” market, it has really gone downhill in recent years and now offers a very poor selection (perhaps slightly better than a convenience store) and high prices. It’s located at the intersection of Hotel Plaza Blvd and Apopka/Vineland Road (SR 535). You can’t miss it — Hotel Plaza Blvd dead-ends into the Crossroads Shopping Center where the supermarket is located.

Walgreens Drugstores Disney Discounts

In addition to the usual pharmacy items, Walgreens stores have a huge selection of general merchandise (including picnic supplies, cold drinks, cheap flip-flops, etc) at normal prices. There are two very close to the Downtown Disney area:

12100 S. Apopka/Vineland Road (SR 535), about two lights north of the intersection with Hotel Plaza Blvd, on the west side of the street. Phone number is (407) 238-0400. This store also has a “Take Care Clinic” with basic urgent care facilities.
13502 S. Apopka/Vineland Road (SR 535), a few blocks south of the intersection with Hotel Plaza Blvd and just past the intersection with I-4, on the west side of the street. Phone number is (407) 827-1000.

Turner Drug Disney Discount Tickets

Turner Drug will deliver to area hotels for a small fee. If you’ve forgotten a prescription or other standard pharmacy item, call them at (407) 828-8125 to arrange delivery. They do not accept insurance. Some health insurance companies may reimburse you later if you send in your receipt.

Winn-Dixie Supermarket Disney Discount Tickets

Winn-Dixie has a good selection including a deli, in-store bakery, pharmacy, and 1-hour photo services — all at non-resort prices. You may want to get a free Winn-Dixie Customer Rewards Card (print out the application online or ask for one at the store) in order to take advantage of the many special prices that are only available to card holders.

The closest Winn-Dixie to Walt Disney World is located at 11957 S. Apopka/Vineland Road (SR 535), about 3 lights north of the intersection with Hotel Plaza Blvd and just north of the intersection with Lake Avenue, on the east side of the street.

“I obtained a Winn-Dixie shopping card, as recommended on your website. I found out before leaving that Winn-Dixie posts their new weekly ad every Thursday through the following Wednesday at www.winn-dixie.com. I was able to plan meals based on their sales and could then figure out what items to bring from home. (If a recipe calls for 3 or 4 spices, I measure out the amounts and put them in a small snack size zip-lock bag.) It was truly a HUGE money and time saver.”

Publix Supermarket Disney Discount Tickets

Publix has an excellent selection, including a whole section of British foods and a very appealing deli area (the sandwiches look excellent). You don’t need a shopper’s card to get discounts here, which is nice for non-locals. It’s easily reachable from both Downtown Disney and the southern end of International Drive, but the location is a bit obscure. The address is 8145 Vineland Avenue and the phone number is (407) 238-9924.

To get to Publix from Downtown Disney, take Hotel Plaza Blvd to Apopka/Vineland Road (SR 535) and turn right (south). Go about 1/2 mile to Vineland and turn left. Drive about 3 miles up Vineland Avenue and the store is on the left.
To get to Publix from International Drive S., simply go north or south (depending on your location on I-Drive S. – you’ll have to consult a map) to Vineland Avenue, which connects with I-Drive S. You can only turn one way (west) onto Vineland Avenue. The store is less than a mile down Vineland Avenue, on the right.

Parking at Disney

Parking at the theme parks is $14 per day ($15 for campers or trailers). If you will be leaving the parking lot and returning on the same day, or even parking at another theme park on the same day, be sure to save your receipt. You won’t have to pay again, because only have to pay the fee once per day. MouseSavers.com reader Adam S notes that it’s often fastest to “pay with your credit card at the parking booths. Disney’s credit card system at the parking booths is lightning fast and I’ve always got my receipt faster than any attendant can make change for cash.”

Parking at the theme parks is FREE for Disney World Annual and Premium Annual Passholders. (However, the Florida Resident Seasonal Pass and Florida Resident Weekday Select Pass do not include free parking.)
Parking at the theme parks is FREE for those staying in Disney’s resort hotels (does not include Downtown Disney hotels, Swan/Dolphin or Shades of Green, which are on Disney property but not operated by Disney).
Valet parking at Disney Deluxe resorts is $15 per day, plus tip. If you decide to use valet parking, be sure you are issued a hangtag or receipt. It will allow you to valet park at any resort at no additional charge (except tips) for the rest of that day.

The following guests get FREE valet parking at the Disney Deluxe resorts (but still should tip):

Tables in Wonderland cardholders, when holding an Advance Dining Reservation at the resort where they are valet parking.
Guests with a license plate or hangtag indicating they qualify for handicapped parking.
Self-parking at the Disney Deluxe resort hotels remains free of charge, and it is free to drop off your luggage at the front entrance of the hotel and then proceed to self-parking.

If you buy a Walt Disney World vacation package (or sometimes even just Hopper passes) through AAA, you will receive a “Diamond Lot Parking Certificate,” which does not give you free parking, but does give you close-up parking at the major parks. Note that if you arrive near opening time, the regular parking spaces are often closer than the AAA spaces. Also, the trams don’t run to the AAA areas of the parking lots, since they are considered to be within walking distance. Some blackout dates (major holidays) may apply to the AAA certificates.