There are literally thousands of ways to get discounts at Disney World, but Disney isn't giving away the secrets of those savings! You definitely have to know where to look if you want to get a discount.

For instance, most people traveling to Disney World buy a vacation package, believing they are getting the best deal available. Often this is not the case. Others know that it may be cheaper to book everything separately, but believe that there are few or no discounts available on Disney resort hotels. Even the major guidebooks and Disney's own reservation department tend to reinforce these beliefs.

The fact is, there are lots of ways to get discounts at Walt Disney World on the resort hotels and vacation packages. You can also save substantial money on admission passes, meals, extra entertainment offerings, airfare, rental cars and more. Spend some time exploring this site, and you may be amazed at how many Disney World bargains and deals are floating around. Read a few of the testimonials from other MouseSavers.com readers and you'll discover that some people have saved over a thousand dollars!

Use the links below or in the left panel to read more hints, tips and tricks that will help you become a true "MouseSaver"!

Disney Resorts

The basics: Disney has five "seasons" at its Walt Disney World resort hotels each year. Value Season is the least expensive and least crowded time, followed by Regular Season, Summer 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 see the dates for the 2008 seasons, click here.)

However, it is possible to get even bigger discounts. 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 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 web site. Any restrictions are clearly noted.

Vacation Packages

A lot of people like vacation packages because they are convenient and worry-free. However, be aware that in general the regular-priced "brochure rate" Disney vacation packages are not going to save you money. Fortunately Disney has recently improved the overall value of its packages and there are sometimes worthwhile seasonal promotions on vacation packages.

Preferred Hotels

There are some great deals available at non-Disney-owned hotels near Disney World. In this section I've focused on the best of them, which I call the MouseSavers Preferred Hotels. I have negotiated special MouseSavers.com rates and collected specials and discounts on hotels that are reputable, convenient to the parks, and give you the most for your money. With insider knowledge and some planning, almost anyone can afford a very decent hotel in the Walt Disney World area.

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.

Meals, Snacks & Drinks

Food and drink at Walt Disney World can literally "eat up" a huge portion of your budget. There are relatively few discounts available for the restaurants at the Disney parks and resorts. However, it's possible to save money by knowing a few tips and tricks, eating off-site, and finding deals and coupons.

Entertainment, Activities and Nightlife

This section covers discounts and special promotions for DisneyWorld nightlife, special events, sports, boating, dinner shows, and more. If you want to experience some of the many "extras" beyond the park attractions, you should check out the link above.

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 phone calls, souvenirs 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!

Getting There and Getting Around

There are lots of ways to locate the best airfare, especially online. Click on the link above to learn how to do the research and get a great deal!

I also have hints about driving and taking the train to Disney World, plus the best and cheapest ways to get around on the ground. Whether you just want a bus, shuttle, van or limo to take you between the airport and your hotel -- or you need a rental car or taxi to explore the area -- this section will help you find the best price. I have collected dozens of rental car coupons and discount codes that can help you get big discounts.

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