by Rebecca Weinstein

Created on: January 10, 2010   Last Updated: January 11, 2010

While Walt Disney World is one of the most visited vacation spots in the world, it can also be one of the most expensive.  Even a seasoned pro can spend upwards of two thousand dollars for a family of four on transportation, lodging, park tickets, and food, not to mention souvenirs!  However, you don't have to break the bank to have a great vacation in the Happiest Place on Earth.  The following money saving tips are so good, even Scrooge McDuck would be proud. 

Lodging:

Part of keeping the price of the vacation down is knowing when to go.  Not everyone can vacation in the dead of winter, right after New Year's and right before President's Day when rates are their lowest, but there are other times of the year when lodging is not at a premium.  Specifically, the end of August through early October, and the time between Thanksgiving and Christmas are good times to stay.  Disney also has value properties, where rooms can cost as little as $79 a night.  A great reason to stay on Disney property is their transportation network.

Transportation:

One of the perks of staying on Disney property is the Disney Magical Express.  This complimentary transfer to/from your hotel can save you $100 or more (for a family of four) on transfer costs.  Disney also has its internal transportation system which includes the Disney buses, water taxis, and monorail.  If you're staying at the Magic Kingdom resorts, the monorail can take you to the Magic Kingdom or Epcot.  If you're staying at Epcot resorts such as the Yacht/Beach Clubs, Boardwalk or Swan/Dolphin, the water taxis can get you quickly to Epcot or Hollywood Studios.  Everywhere else in the world, you can rely on the Disney bus to get you there, and the best thing about all of these Disney transportation options, they are all free to Disney property guests.

Food:

Food can be very expensive at any tourist attraction, but with a little know how, anyone can save a good deal of money on food.  Unless you are going for a special breakfast like a character breakfast, try to skip breakfast at the parks, or even at the resort.  One really great way to do this is to shop before you leave home for travel cereal boxes, or doughnuts, and pack them in your luggage.  Not only will you save a bundle on breakfast, but when the food comes out, you've left yourself room to pack all those extra souvenirs! 

Disney restaurants can provide fantastic dining experiences,

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