Get Base Tickets

Instead of hopping from park to park, why not try visiting one park per day? To add the Park Hopper option is $40 a ticket, which can add up very quickly when dealing with a large family. Base tickets allow you to pick any of the four theme parks, the only limitation is that you may only visit one each day. If you have never been to Walt Disney World before, this is probably your best option anyway as very few guests finish touring a park in a day. If you decide you want to visit a different park, you can always upgrade your ticket later. This way you avoid paying $40 for a feature you don't even use!

Bring Souvenirs

 While it may be less glamorous, the truth is you can find similar items to what inside the theme parks for much cheaper prices outside.

It's especially helpful when it comes to the impulse buys, such as glow sticks which can be found on EBAY or craft stores for a tiny fraction of what it costs at the parks. Disney souvenirs can also be found at www.disneyoutlet.com. If you want to keep the merchandise tied into the memory of the visit, you can always make it a surprise package that the kids get to open upon arriving in Florida. If you think you might be interested in pin trading, check out online sites such as www.cheappins.com which sell Disney pins at much cheaper prices. Even if you don't like the pins, you can always trade them off of Cast Members when you get to the park. Cast Members at Walt Disney World are required to always trade with guests provided the guest gives them a metal pin with a Disney copyright logo on it. One of the best souvenirs to bring with you in something you can use as an autograph book for the characters. You'll also want to bring a large pen or Sharpie as the characters need something big to hold due to their limited hand movement.

Try the Off-Season

You may want to look into visiting Walt Disney World during less crowded months when schools are in session. Because of the lower attendance, you'll find the Orlando hotel rates will to be 30% lower or more! It's also much better weather than the hot humid months of the summer.

Don't Arrive Hungry

Try to grab a big breakfast before visiting the theme parks. The cost inside Walt Disney World for meals is very high, and the fast food options inside the parks tend to be fairly mediocre. If you grab a large breakfast, than you can snack your way through lunch and only have to purchase a dinner inside the park. If you are staying on property, you might consider going for a breakfast buffet and filling yourself up for the day.

Bring All Essentials

A common mistake is to forget basic items such as sunscreen, cameras and batteries. Prices inside the theme parks for these items are much higher than what you would pay for them at home so it really pays not to forget any essentials. You also might consider bringing some items that you would need in special cases, such as ponchos for rainy days.

While the Disney ponchos are not ridiculously overpriced you can still find better deals elsewhere.

Bottled Water and Snacks are a Must

While drinking water at the theme parks is free, many guests do not like the sulfuric taste the water that Floridian water contains. You should try to bring in bottled water, again to avoid the high prices found within the parks. If you're too worried about the water getting warm, you should keep in mind you can always get cups of ice from the eateries found around the parks. Another item not to forget is a snack you can munch on throughout the day. Some families make a special effort of packing "goodie bags" with secret snacks for the kids. Throw in a few special treats to go with more nutritional choices, and you might avoid having to stop at every ice cream cart in the park.

Try Off Property

Hotels at Disney World property can be very nice, as you get the full Disney experience from start to finish. On the other hand, Disney resorts are the most expensive in the area and you can find equivalent accommodation at fractions of the price off-site.

Get a Kitchen

It can be worth the additional money to get accommodations with a kitchen. Food costs represent a large percentage of a vacation budget, and kitchens make it possible to eat out less often. Kitchens also usually mean the use of a large refrigerator which enables you to load up on bottled water and snacks for the week, saving even more money.

Make sure when you book a reservation for a room with a kitchen you know exactly what is included in the kitchen itself. Some hotels only include a mini-fridge and microwave while others include stove tops and cookware.