Latest news with #StevenGriswold
Yahoo
02-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
6 Best Items Under $100 for Middle-Class Families To Buy at Disney World
With ticket prices starting at $119 per person per day, a trip to Walt Disney World is no budget-friendly adventure. For a family of four, just getting into the park at the standard ticket price is nearly $500, and that's before food, transportation and accommodation costs. Find Out: Explore More: While a trip to the happiest place on Earth isn't cheap, rest assured, there are ways to cut back on spending and keep the trip affordable, without losing any of the Disney magic. For middle-class families heading to Disney World, here are six items under $100 that are worth every penny for keeping costs low and spirits high. Price: $39 per person Did you know Disney offers tours? If you're heading to Animal Kingdom with an animal lover, this close encounter with the African elephant herd is a must. 'I highly recommend the 'Caring for Giants' tour at Disney's Animal Kingdom,' said Melissa Cid, consumer savings expert at 'For only $39 plus tax, this small group experience offers an up-close look at the park's elephants, along with fascinating insights from cast members and a chance to ask them questions.' Read Next: Price: $34.99 to $59.99 If the $250 luxury lightsaber-making experience at Savi's Workshop is out of budget, fear not. Head to Tatooine Traders instead for a more kid-friendly, wallet-friendly version. With multiple blade colors and customizable pieces for the activation switch, sleeves, emitters and more, this hands-on activity offers a buffet-style approach to lightsaber building. The best part? These lightsabers light up and are great for play, not just display. According to WDW Prep School, there are four options to build-your-own lightsaber that range in price from $34.99 to $59.99. Price: Varies Standing in long lines for hours isn't easy for little ones — or even impatient teenagers. If you're visiting Disney with kids who aren't a fan of long wait times, splurging on the Lightning Lane Multi Pass is worth every cent. 'Time is money, and saving time at Disney World requires planning and the Lightning Lane,' said Steven Griswold, owner of Pixie Vacations. 'I hate paying for extras, but this pass lets you get on so many more attractions than you would be able to without it.' Prices vary, but WDW Magazine reported costs between $15 and $39. Price: $60-plus per adult You can't beat dining in a London greenhouse-inspired restaurant overlooking Main Street and Cinderella's Castle — unless you can also be joined by Winnie the Pooh and friends. At the Crystal Palace, you can enjoy buffet-style meals for breakfast, lunch or dinner while meeting members of the Hundred Acre Wood. While it's a pricier option, the memories are worth the splurge. Just be sure to reserve your table in advance, as this dining spot is always in high demand. Price: Varies Staying at a Disney World hotel or resort? Keep the magic going on the ride back to the hotel with Disney's 'Minnie Van.' 'Budget for Minnie Vans, especially when leaving Magic Kingdom,' said Ben Armstrong, CEO of Famvia Travel. 'While we love staying inside the Disney Bubble, sometimes you just need to get to the hotel quickly. Disney has a partnership with Lyft, and you can take a 'Minnie Van' straight from the exit to your hotel. They'll even set up two car seats for the littles.' While the price for this service can vary depending on where you're going, Mouse Hacking reported that it usually costs between $30 and $70. Price: $44.99 Elevate your kids' Disney experience with the long-standing tradition of pin trading. Pick up a starter pack at any of the park's souvenir shops and invite your kids to trade with cast members and guests throughout the park. If your family loves a scavenger hunt, pin trading is a simple way to make downtime more fun between rides and during long wait times. Kids can search for their favorite characters and trade pins, all while scoring unique and affordable souvenirs. More From GOBankingRates 6 Used Luxury SUVs That Are a Good Investment for Retirees How Far $750K Plus Social Security Goes in Retirement in Every US Region 7 Overpriced Grocery Items Frugal People Should Quit Buying in 2025 12 SUVs With the Most Reliable Engines Sources Melissa Cid, WDW Prep School, 'How to Build a Lightsaber at Tatooine Traders (& Save Money, Too!).' Steven Griswold, Pixie Vacations WDW Magazine, 'Cost of Lightning Lane Multi Pass: Our Guide to Disney Lightning Lane Prices.' Ben Armstrong, Famvia Travel Mouse Hacking, 'Using Disney World's Minnie Van Service.' This article originally appeared on 6 Best Items Under $100 for Middle-Class Families To Buy at Disney World
Yahoo
04-03-2025
- Yahoo
How Much Disney Costs Through a Travel Agent vs Booking Yourself — Is It Worth It?
Planning a trip to Walt Disney World Resort? One question might be whether you should book it yourself or use a travel agent that specializes in Disney family vacations. Your budget is one factor, of course. Learn More: Find Out: But there are other considerations, too. Disney vacation prices vary depending on whether you book a Value, Moderate or Deluxe resort, and the type of deals you can find at any given time. In March 2025, for instance, you can save between 20% and 30% on stays of five nights or more between May 1 and July 31. As an example, GOBankingRates priced out a five-night stay from July 15 to July 20, for a family of four with two kids, ages 7 and 9. The lowest-priced resort on the list was used for comparison purposes: Disney's All-Star Sports Resort. With four days' worth of single-park tickets, the total came to $3,420.66. A travel agent who preferred to remain anonymous said that this was the best deal available right now. Of course, you could spend more at a higher end resort. In short: A regular person can snag the same deals as a Disney travel agent. However, you may earn special perks with a travel agent that can help reduce costs. For example, some agents offer gift card incentives to entice new customers or reward loyal clients, or put together a 'goodie bag' style package to get their clients excited about the trip. Plus, once you find an agent you trust, there's the reassurance you are getting the best price. 'A travel agent that specializes in Disney destinations will know the latest deals. They will also move your booking from your current deal to a better deal if a new, better deal is released,' said Steven Griswold, owner of the travel agency Pixie Vacations. For You: In most cases, using a travel agent for your Disney vacation should not cost more than booking yourself. 'Some travel agents do charge a planning fee, so it's aways a good idea to ask about that when looking for a travel agent,' said Theresa Bauman, a Disney travel agent. 'Most just get paid on commission, but either way, you are helping out a small business!' Some Disney fans found they could save money by staying off-site, but only if they have affordable access to a VRBO or they own a time-share. Cate Cremin, a frequent traveler from New Jersey, often uses her timeshare to reduce the overall cost of a Disney vacation. 'Shades of Green tickets, which is a military benefit, reduces the cost of park tickets,' she added, but this benefit is only available to eligible service members and their spouses. 'Getting Disney gift cards when they're on sale at local retailers also helps with cost savings for in-park spending,' Cremin said. Lisa Marie Arnold, a mom from Bay Shore, New York, agreed. 'We buy gift cards from Sam's Club when they're running a special, and we'll use those gift cards to pay for souvenirs, hotel, park tickets — anything.' She added, 'Saving money at the parks has become harder. We do Walmart pick-up orders for water bottles and snacks to save money at the parks.' Arnold said she has never used a travel agent for her Disney vacation, because she likes to have control of her trip without funneling her requests through another person. But, if you are a Disney first-timer or trip-planning isn't your forte, a travel agent might be the solution. 'Disney World, in particular, can be overwhelming, especially if it's your first time going,' Bauman said. 'Using an expert relieves stress by helping you find the best accommodation to fit your needs, preparing you to navigate the parks and teaching you how to use the app.' Griswold agreed. 'A travel agent that specializes in Disney will know extra time-saving tips, have insider advice to share and will be there to help you every step of the way.' More From GOBankingRates Here's the Minimum Salary Required To Be Considered Upper-Middle Class in 2025 The Money You Need To Save Monthly To Retire Comfortably in Every State 4 Easiest Frugal Living Tips Perfect for Beginners in 2025This article originally appeared on How Much Disney Costs Through a Travel Agent vs Booking Yourself — Is It Worth It?
