Saving money at Disney World Resort

Trust me on this, you will want to take the most time planning exactly when you will take your vacation. The folks at Disney are experts in dealing with massive crowds. And when massive crowds increase -- so do the prices. (Well wouldn't you if you owned Disney World?) And the bigger the crowds the longer the lines. The longer the lines the longer you wait in line. Just think about your temperament and plan accordingly. (nuf sed)

Let's look at their four seasons. Yeah, they have four just like Mother Nature.

The four seasons are:
Value Season
Regular Season
Peak Season
Holiday Season

What the heck does all that mean?

The Value Season can be broken into three blocks:
1. January 1 thru mid-February
2. All of September thru the first week in October
3. Thanksgiving Sunday through mid-December

The very best of the three is Thanksgiving weekend up to the week before Christmas. Keep in mind winter in Central Florida can be warm or freezing --sometimes in the very same week!

The Regular Season is broken into two blocks:
1. Mid-April thru August
2. October thru Thanksgiving Saturday

If summer is the only time you can go then opt for the first two weeks in June or the last two weeks in August. But if you have babies or toddlers cancel that summer trip altogether. It's just not worth the suffering! (Yours or theirs -- take your pick.)

Peak Season is one block of time:
1. Mid-February thru mid-April

Can you spell "spring break"? Wow! This is when it happens! Unbelieveable crowds. However, keep in mind the early April weeks usually have light attendance. That might be a good choice.

Holiday Season -- another one with only one block of time:
1. Mid-December thru December 31

Well of course, it's Christmas magic, and if you want to take part in it, pre-planning is a must. Everything fills up fast during these weeks. Another tip: the Christmas decorations are up and glowing on Thanksgiving. Perhaps the post-Thanksgiving Value Season will work for you.

Another tip: off seasons may mean shorter lines, but it also may mean shorter hours. In the fall, Magic Kingdom, Animal Kingdom and MGM may close by 5PM. Double check to be sure.

Off season is also when refurbishing takes place. Some attractions may be closed. If you can save time by not standing in long lines, is it worth it to you? You decide

You gotta eat somewhere, right? Well, with just a little planning ahead, here's where you can save a small bundle.

No one denies that Disney World is mighty proud of their vittles. And the prices prove it. So just bring a few of your own. Good idea, right? But I'm surprised how many families pass up this great idea. (Too much trouble? Give me a break.)

The most important savings tip is definitely breakfast. Bring your own trail mix, energy bars, or bags of bagels for breakfast - a savings in both time and money. Keep in mind that early morning is the least crowded time of day so you'll not be waiting at a restaurant just for your order to arrive. You'll be ahead of the others in a short line!

For another eating savings tip, grab lunch at one of the counter-service outlets such as the Animal Kingdom's Pizzafari. Portions are large, prices are small, and service is quick.

Consider ordering something like double cheeseburgers and then split them. (Hey, we're talking budget here, right?) Just another bargain idea to consider when a basic combo meal may run ten bucks or more.

Refillable mugs are offered at the Trails End Restaurant. You can refill them throughout the day at the designated locations.

In the summer, you will get very thirsty. Bring your own water bottles and fill them at the available fountains. Be sure to bring a carrying strap for them so your hands will be free.

Even with all the budget tips, be sure to treat yourselves to one or two splurge meals in the more upscale Magic Kingdom eateries. You'll find that if you plan ahead, these can become special times that are budgeted in. Fun, but no guilt rush!

If you're a young family (like we are), upscale swank doesn't mean much. You just really want a nice clean place to lay your head. After all, most of our time is going to be spent out there in the Magic Kingdom, right?

Because of that, we usually opt for the budget hotels.

These are more the "motel-type hotels" which offer rooms for less than $100 a night. I've read mixed reviews about these facilities, but we've always enjoyed them. They're all set in wild themes -- typical Disney style! The hotels are spread over four sprawling properties:
All- Star Movies
All-Star Music
All-Star Sports
Pop Century

And don't overlook the most overlooked accomodation bargain in the entire Disney lineup! Fort Wilderness. Now I'm not talking about camping out in the heat or cold (although that is available -- campsites for those hardy ones). I'm talking about air conditioned cabins located in quiet surroundings. And here's another food savings feature -- each cabin has a fully stocked kitchen well, stocked with kitchen appliances and utensils, not food. Sorry about that). Check it out. You won't be disappointed.

And don't forego checking out the hotels outside the park. There are deep discounts to be had for those who take the time to look. Staying off site means longer drives to get to the Disney gates, but the trade off, among other things, is greater flexibility and access to other attractions.

Oh yeah. You got that right. A place for military personnel and their families at a real bargain. It's known as Shades of Green. Gosh, don't pass this up. See if you are eligible.

It's a deluxe resort located near the Magic Kingdom nestled between the Magnolia and Palm golf courses. The entrance is opposite the Polynesian and Grand Floridian Resorts.

It's been described as "the best place for military families to come and relax while they enjoy all of the features of Walt Disney World at great rates. You cannot get a better deal anywhere on Disney Property."

This resort is open to all branches of the military. It has recently undergone major expansion, and now has 586 rooms with either a balcony or private patio. Mangino's, a Tuscan inspired restaurant, and a 600 space indoor parking garage has also been added.

The theme of Shades of Green resembles a country inn. The lobby is bright and open with stone walls and picturesque views.

This is your year. Stop saying you can't afford it. Time flies by, the kids grow up. Maybe they already have. If you've ever longed to go to the Magic Kingdom, just know that it is affordable. A low cost Disney vacation is within your grasp. Just take the time to learn all you can before you go.

My wife and I did lots of Internet surfing for deals. But you know what? Once we saw all the "deals" we still weren't sure which ones were really bargains. Until we got our hands around The Ultimate Disney World Savings Guide. After that, all the rest of the info finally made sense.