Save Money and Stay Healthy at Disney World

Money Saver Monday!!

The heat has hit Orlando and with that comes the need to hydrate your body especially when you are exposed to the heat for 8 hours or more each day. The very best way to stay hydrated is to drink plenty of water. The good news is water is FREE!! One great way to save a TON of money on your Walt Disney World vacation is to skip the expensive soft drinks and opt for the FREE glass of water. A family of 4 will purchase approximately 8 soft drinks per day priced at $2.50 per drink. That comes to $20 per day or $120 for the week!! 

I know that your kiddos may beg to differ on wanting to skip soft drinks and go for the water but if you make it fun for them they are sure to opt for the FREE healthy option. Visit your local dollar store or Target Dollar Spot (they have Disney themed merchandise there) and let your children pick out a water bottle that they would like to use on your vacation. They can use this water bottle for the duration of your trip to fill up as needed. Did you know that any counter service location on Walt Disney World property will give you a FREE glass of ice water? Go and get your FREE ice water and pour it into your fun water bottle. There you have it fin and savings all rolled into one. 

Tip: As an added bonus you could get some fun flavored drink mix ins for your water...that way the kids will enjoy it even more. 

Tip: If you are on the Disney Dining Plan and are not too worried about the added expense of a soft drink, feel free to opt for bottled water instead of the soft drink. This way you are staying healthy and hydrated. Then you can refill your bottled water as needed. 

Do you have a money saving tip you would like featured on Money Saver Monday? Email me at kno2879@gmail.com and I will feature your tip here on Disney Guru. 

See ya real soon!!

Kelly  

Beware of Seasonal Pricing

Money Saver Monday!!


When I travel to Walt Disney World I try very hard to have all of my costs laid out in advance. From tipping all of the way to souvenirs, I want to know what I am going to spend.  I thought that today's Money Saver Monday would be helpful to those budgeting their money the way I do....even a slight increase in price can throw off a budget. 


Did you know that several times of year some Walt Disney World dining locations increase their price due to an increase in guest demand?  Below is a list of the fixed priced dining locations that participate in the increase. Please note that this list is subject to change.  :0)

• 1900 Park Fare
• Akershus (Princess Storybook Meals)
• Biergarten
• Boma (breakfast and dinner)
• Cape May Café (breakfast and dinner buffet)
• Chef Mickey’s (breakfast and dinner)
• Cinderella’s Royal Table
• Crystal Palace
• Garden Grill
• Hollywood and Vine (Play ’n Dine character buffets)
• Liberty Tree Tavern (dinner only)
• Ohana (breakfast and dinner)
• Trails End
• Tusker House

Dates to expect the price increase:

• February 17 - February 26, 2011
• March 12 - April 30, 2011
• June 3 - August 13, 2011
• December 23 - December 31, 2011

If you are on the Disney Dining Plan you will not be effected by this increase. Out of pocket guests can expect to pay an additional $4 for adult guests and and additional $2 for children. 

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See ya real soon!!

Kelly 

Steals & Deals

Money Saver Monday!!!

When visiting Walt Disney World many people can agree the food is considered an attraction on your trip. People spend hours planning where they want to eat, what time, what they should eat and many people even look up pictures to see what the food looks like. :0) While there are so many restaurants on Disney property it is impossible to visit all of them on one trip. I don’t know about you but I have my favorite food items at each restaurant from appetizers to desserts I can’t possibly fit it all in. In my recent research on popular food staples throughout Walt Disney World I came across some information that shows in some cases an expensive table service restaurant and a counter service restaurant can carry the same items for very different prices.  The only difference is going to be presentation. You may be served your favorite dessert on a paper plate or minus the garnish.

Enjoy!!

 Who loves the Tonga Toast at Kona Café? I do!!! When you visit Kona Café at Disney’s Polynesian Resort and you order their staple food item Tonga Toast with a side of meat you can expect to pay about $10.99 plus tax and tip. Or you can go to The Polynesian’s counter service location called, Captain Cook's and order the Tonga Toast for $5.19. Now if you are like me all you really want is the great taste of the Tonga Toast…not only is this a 50% savings but you don’t have to tip!!

Tonga Toast at Captain Cook's Photo From onlywdw.com

 The Brown Derby at Disney’s Hollywood Studios, serves up some of the best Grapefruit Cake!!!  Be ready to “fork” over $7 plus tip and tax for that luscious piece of cake. Or you can simply visit Starring Rolls Cafe and ask for a slice. No, it is not in their case but they will go and get it for you. I have to be honest I cannot find the price of it anywhere...if you know the price would you mind posting it in the comments and I will add it here? Thanks! 

Photo from Flickr.com

There are many soups that I love at Walt Disney World but one favorite of mine is the New England Clam Chowder on the lunch menu at Liberty Tree Tavern.  A cup of the tasty soup is going to cost you a whopping $6.99 plus tax and tip. Or you can jog on over to Columbia Harbour House and get a bowl of the exact same soup for a much reduced price of $4.49 and no tip!!

Photo from Intercot.com

Even if you have never dinned at Boma located at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge, you certainly have heard of Zebra Domes. I can tell you that my non dessert eating husband even LOVES the Zebra Domes. In order to take advantage of this awesome sweet treat one may feel that they have to partake in the pricey Boma buffet, $39.50 per adult….yikes!!!  Want to fill your Zebra Dome crave for much less? Visit the Mara food court located at Animal Kingdom Lodge, you will find that they carry Zebra Domes a la carte for $3.69.

Photo From onlywdworld.com

With a bit of research and some thinking ahead you surly can enjoy some of your favorite Disney food staples and still stay true to your budget. I am sure that there are many more food staples that you can get at multiple locations…I would love to hear about any that you have found.

See ya real soon!!

Kelly