8. Make a packing list, and check it twice!

One easy way to spend extra money on any vacation is to buy things that you will definitely need after you arrive at your destination. Buying things like toiletries and clothing that you could just as easily have packed is not the best use of your money while on vacation. Even things like umbrellas and ponchos (which you’ll probably need in Florida, especially if you’re visiting in the summer) can add up when you need to re-purchase them for each member of your family.

7. Check for the best deals

There are actually a couple of ways to get the best deals on your Walt Disney World vacation. When booking a trip, the first thing I always do is check the special offers page on disneyworld.com. This page will let you know if there are any deals (usually on the room rates, but sometimes on ticket and hotel packages or free dining) that are taking place during the dates you plan on traveling. Booking under one of these deals is generally the best way to save some money on the trip itself, especially if you plan on staying at a Disney resort, which I highly recommend. Just remember that if you choose to use the free dining discount, you will most likely be paying full price for the resort rooms, so make sure that you’ll be eating enough to make the dining discount worth it.

6. Plan how to pay for dining

One of the most expensive parts of planning a Disney trip is figuring out how you’re going to pay for food, which can really add up when you’re paying for your entire family. The dining plan is definitely one way to save money if you think you’ll eat the food that’s offered, making it worth it. Check some menus before you book, and compare price estimates of the meals you’d have each day with the cost of the plan to see what’s best for you.