Disney Week: Magic Kingdom on a budget, tips from FastPass Dad
Walt Disney World is expensive, but you can save significant money by planning ahead, and many of Magic Kingdom's most memorable experiences are free.
Posted — UpdatedFor many people, especially families with kids, Magic Kingdom is Walt Disney World. This park is home to Cinderella Castle and Space Mountain as well as iconic rides like Pirates of the Caribbean and Haunted Mansion. Each of the four parks has its own appeal, but Magic Kingdom is still a must-see.
Walt Disney World is expensive, but you can save significant money by planning ahead, and many of Magic Kingdom’s most memorable experiences are free.
Before you go, I encourage you to make an important decision: Acknowledge that there’s no way to do everything in one trip. Trying to do too much will just take away the fun. Being flexible with your time and attention allows for unexpected delights.
With three kids, food is one of our family’s biggest costs. Magic Kingdom includes many dining options ranging from counter service to sit-down meals. Generally speaking, all of it costs more than what you pay here. Disney publishes its menus and approximate costs online, so you can budget before you go. It’s also a good idea to budget your time. Advanced reservations are available online, and many restaurants require them, especially during busy times.
Character dining is a sit-down meal with one or more Disney characters. If you have younger kids, this can be a real treat. The characters stroll from table to table and are happy to pose for pictures with you and the family. Expect to pay a little more for this experience, but in my opinion it’s worth doing at least once during a trip.
Disney cast members (the company’s name for employees) are trained to treat guests (that’s you) well. Generally speaking, they’re smart, friendly people, especially if they interact with the public. They are also happy to take your photo with your phone or camera.
One of our favorite activities, which costs nothing, is to spend a little time talking with them during each visit. If they’re from another country, their home country is listed on their name tag. Many are flattered if you ask about home, and your kids can learn about another culture. You don’t even have to stand in line to do it.
Related Topics
• Credits
Copyright 2024 by Capitol Broadcasting Company. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.