I've been going to Disney World for over 20 years. Here are my 12 best tips for visiting on a budget.

• Getting to the parks as early as possible is key, and I avoid spending extra on Park Hopper tickets.
• I mobile-order from quick-service spots to save time getting food, but I also pack snacks.

I plan all of my trips with crowd calendars.

Skipping add-ons, like Memory Maker, helps me save, too.

One of my favorite pastimes is people-watching all afternoon at Disney Springs, cocktail in hand. Resting and recharging also ensures you’ll be ready for a rope-drop and open-to-close park marathon the next day.

Take advantage of the single-rider lines at popular attractions.

If you can only afford a few days at Disney World, using single-rider lines is the cheapest way to get on rides faster.

I even use these when I’m visiting with family and friends. As long as you’re OK not riding together, single-rider lines are the way to go.

Only a few attractions at Disney World currently have single-rider lines, including: Test Track, Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run, Expedition Everest, and Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster.

This story was originally published on July 6, 2022, and most recently updated on July 9, 2026.