Disney vacations are already expensive as is, and we’re here to help you save as much money as you can.

We’ve got tons of tips and tricks to help you save a few dollars here and there both before your vacation and during it, but there are some things you may be doing in the parks that are REALLY racking up those costs, and you may not even realize it! Here are 7 things you have no idea are making your vacation just that much more expensive. 

Tax On Genie+ and Individual Lightning Lanes in Disney World

Genie+ is Disney’s skip the line service that can be used in Disney World and Disneyland. But there’s a big (yet small) difference between the two that you NEED to know about. If you’re vacationing in Disney World and using these services, you’ll be paying tax on every Genie+ and Individual Lightning Lane purchase you make.

Now, you are paying tax in Disneyland too, but it’s included in the price you’re seeing upfront, whereas Disney World’s is only added on when you go to check out. This may only seem like a few cents or a dollar here and there, but if you’re buying for your WHOLE family EVERY day? Yeah, that racks up pretty fast. There’s really no way to get around this one other than being prepared for it and budgeting for it ahead of time.

Learn all there is to know about Genie+ here!

Purchasing Drinks At Every Meal

You need to eat in the park, that’s very important, as is staying hydrated and drinking. You may not realize it, but purchasing drinks with every single one of your Disney meals is a LOT of money you don’t necessarily need to be spending.

At quick service restaurants, you can just order the entree and side individually, that way you don’t need to add on a drink with a combo. At table service restaurants, you may want to double check what drinks are included with the meal and what isn’t, that way you’re not charged anything extra you weren’t expecting. If you’re staying at a Disney World hotel, just make sure your refillable mug is filled up for the meal, or you can just carry a soda/water bottle around with you in the parks to drink out of throughout the day.

Staying Off Property WITHOUT Your Own Car

We mention all the time how staying at hotels or Airbnbs off Disney property can save you tons of money, and that’s very true! However, if that means you’ll need to be taking a rideshare to and from the parks each day, that may be spending the money you were saving by not staying on property.

By staying on Disney World property, you have free transportation to and from the parks and your hotel all day via the Skyliner, Monorail, Buses and more. That being said, if you’ve driven to Disney World and you have your own car (or you’ve rented one), you won’t be using too much gas going to and from the parks and where you’re staying, so that may still be cheaper — even when you pay for parking at the parks every day. If you’re really wanting to save, just crunch the numbers before you decide where to stay!

Not Splitting Entrees/Getting Kids Meals

If you’re someone who doesn’t eat a ton at meals, or you’re more a snacker, splitting entrees or getting kids meals at quick service locations around Disney is a game changer. 

Once again, it may only seem like a few dollars here and there, but dining costs add up QUICK and you’ll be shocked at how much you’ve saved at the end of your vacation. Embarrassed about ordering off the kids’ menu? Mobile order your food and no one will know who the meal is for! Besides, we think it’s totally worth it in order to save big on your meals. Now, keep in mind you can only do these things when dining at quick service locations — you are not allowed to split entrees or eat off the kids menu as an adult at table service dining.

These are the best kids menus in Disney World!

Forgetting to Use Discounts

If you have discounts, whether that’s because you’re an Annual Passholder, Disney Vacation Club Member, or you have reward points from your credit card(s), USE THEM wherever you can at Disney!

There are tons of special perks Annual Passholders and DVC members get, and discounts on dining, merchandise, and more throughout the parks is one of them. While 10-20% may not seem like a lot when you’re looking at a large cost item, we’ll say it again: every penny counts! Keep any of these discounts in mind wherever you go — if you’re not sure if a location will let you use it, just ask a Cast Member kindly and they’ll let you know if that location accepts them.

Check out all the dining discounts for Annual Passholders here!

Not Using a FREE Travel Agent To Get The Best Deals

Many people are under the misconception that it costs something to use a travel agent, but that’s not true! Travel agents are completely free to use, since they’re paid through the vacation destinations they can help you book, and they can help you get some pretty amazing deals on your vacations.

We personally love using Small World Vacations to book our Disney World, Disneyland, and Disney Cruise Line vacations, and we don’t pay a dime. They’re very knowledgable on what discounts you may be qualified for, and may be able to advise you on when the best time to book would be, since they can crunch all those numbers for you.

Not Using The DFB Guide

Now listen, this isn’t just a shameless plug, but we spend hundreds of hours every year writing and updating these guides because we’ve heard time and time again how much they help people save on their vacations and have the best trip possible! We have all the information you could ever possibly need for your Disney trip, and it’ll all be at your fingertips.

We have guides specific to each park, as well as specific to things like Disney Dining, EPCOT Festivals, and MORE! If you’re worried about being able to cram all this knowledge into your head before the trip, these are fantastic to have on your phone, search up what you need in the guide at any time, and you’re all set to go.

Check out all our guides right here!

We’re always here to help you plan your Disney vacations, so stay tuned to DFB for all our tips, tricks, and news!

These are 9 things you can get completely for FREE in Disney World!

What else would you add to this list? Tell us in the comments!