After going to Walt Disney World for 20 years, we've discovered quite a few ways to save both time and money.  Keep an open mind with these ideas as you plan your next WDW vacation and I believe you'll rejoice!  Some of these will work for first-time visitors; for others, they will be strategies for "regulars."

1. Time Means Money

One of the most overlooked ways to save money is to save time.  We've heard so many horror stories about families who travel to Walt Disney World in June, July or August, only to leave hot, frustrated, tired and poorer for the experience.  If it is at all possible, vacationing outside of these three months will save you money, long lines and a lot of headaches.

In our experience, the absolute best time to go to WDW is the week after Labor Day.  The parks are extremely low in attendance...many of the days, we literally walked onto rides.  DISADVANTAGES:  Some parks close a little earlier, and you'll have to check the Magic Kingdom's calendar to know when they will be running their night-time parade and fireworks...but...  ADVANTAGES: Because the parks are so relatively empty, you can see so much more during the day that you don't mind the parks closing a bit earlier...that gives you opportunities to go to bed earlier or just relax (and isn't that what vacationing is all about?).

September and October hotel rates are usually much less than the Summer as well.  In addition, over the past three years, Disney has literally given away their Magic Your Way food program as part of a special promotion for those booking during late August/early September.  You have to keep your eyes open in April and May for this promotion, because these rooms go quickly.  But just having free meals can save you hundreds of dollars during your vacation.

If you're unable to go in September, late February / early March is also good for low crowds (though the weather is not as good), and the first two weeks of December are also excellent (and you get the bonus marriage of Disney AND Christmas cheer all wrapped into one!).

Consider Flying

I hear some of you right now:  "I'm trying to save money, not spend it!"  But remember, time is money in more ways than one.

Sure, you can drive 17 hours to get to Florida...one way...but then you're so exhausted that you don't enjoy your vacation.  For us, it would take two days to drive to WDW.  Two days down, two days back...that's four days of your vacation lost!  Add to that $3.75/gallon gasoline, wear-and-tear on your car (and your nerves), tolls, meals, hotels if you take more than a day to get there, and it all adds up.

Even with rates climbing due to fuel prices, getting to Orlando from Indianapolis by plane, for instance, can be as low as $155 round trip (June 2008) per person, and you're there in just a few hours.  Traveling the 950+ miles by car at 65 mph is 15 hours on the road, and in the average car, the round trip takes about $300 in gasoline (nevermind wear-and-tear on your car...and your nerves)!  And thanks to Disney's Magical Transport Service you can sign up for, transportation from the airport to your Disney resort is also free...you don't even have to pick up your bags.  Disney does that automatically for you.  This leads to the next money-saving idea you wouldn't expect...

Consider Staying On-Property

You must be joking!  We're not made of gold!  Neither are we, which is why we now always stay at a Disney resort.

There are several advantages to staying at a Disney resort - especially the more reasonably-priced All-Stars resorts or Pop Century.

• You are already ON property...getting to the parks is quick and you don't have to fight Orlando traffic.  You save time, thus money, by being able to be in the parks longer.

• Also, resort guests get bonus hours at one of the parks each day - either an hour early or up to 3 hours after.  This is available only to Disney resort guests.  Some of the most popular rides and attractions are available.

• Parking at Disney's theme park lots is not cheap.  And every day, it's the same thing...another parking fee.  Not for Disney resort guests.  Whether you use the Disney monorail, bus or boat system, or if you choose to drive your car to a park, it's all free.

I will say that if you're going with a very large group, finding a rental house outside the park may be more cost-effective for you, but nothing compares with the convenience of staying on-property!

Regulars to WDW?  Become an Annual Passholder

Even with Disney's restructuring of their Park Hopper passes, this plan still works if you go to WDW annually and stay at least 7 days each time.  We always spend two weeks at Walt Disney World at a time...for us, it's a huge savings:

Here's what we do: One year, we'll go to WDW the last two weeks of September, purchasing an Annual Pass.  The following year, we go the first two weeks of September, also using the same Annual Pass.  On the 2nd year, we're paying virtually nothing to go into the parks.  If you are able to be flexible in your vacationing, this is a stellar way to save hundreds of dollars.

Unless your huge water park fans, consider only getting the standard Annual Pass.  If you want to go to Pleasure Island or Blizzard Beach, Annual Passholders still get some discounts, and you'll save quite a pile of change not going after the Premium AP.

Also, Annual Passholders get special, lower rates with on-property resorts at Disney...

If Staying on Property, Do the Magic Your Way Meal Plan

It's $38 a day per person, with children much less.  You can read my other article on this plan, but essentially, it takes care of a full sit down meal (entree', dessert, drink and tax), a counter service (entree', drink, dessert), and snack.  One sit down meal can cost you that much in the parks, and when you add in tax, it's amazing how much money you can go through.

We normally eat breakfast in our hotel room.  Milk (available in the Gift Shop for half the price as what they charge in their Food Court) and cereal works just fine, thank you, and gets us started.  Or we use the Meal Plan for a large Character Breakfast in mid-morning, and have a simple meal for dinner late afternoon or early evening.

Become a Member of AAA

Yes, Disney Resorts give discounts for AAA members.  The cost of a basic membership for one person in your family will be far offset by the savings you'll get on room discounts.  If you're not an Annual Passholder, it's another way of cutting costs on lodging on property.

Another perk for AAA members, if you're driving to WDW, is that several of the parks' lots have special parking for AAA members that are closer to the entrance.  But you have to get that special pass from AAA before your vacation.

Here's a Great Idea sent in by SpunkyBear1

Spunkybear1 wrote with this wonderful free Disney idea:  "Enjoyed reading your guide on WDW.  I am from the area and learned a few new things.  I have one to add for you.  Each night at the Ft. Wilderness Campground around 7:30 p.m. they have 'FREE' Chip and Dale's Campfire Sing-A-Long.  They have a 'Park Ranger' that comes along and leads everyone in song, and then Chip and Dale come and visit.  After the Sing-A-Long, they show a Disney Movie or two. The whole time they have a 'Campfire' on either end of the area, and guests can roast marshmallows, chocolate or graham crackers.  I think that I had even seen a hot dog or two being roasted.  You can bring your own or they have them for sale."  Thanks for a great idea we'll have to try!

Counter Services and Early Bird Meal Specials

If you're big on sit-down dining, doing the Early Bird dinners (normally 4 or 4:30 p.m.) will get you some special rates on meals within many of the park restaurants.  If you're not picky about being waited on, counter service food is also very good and is normally 40% to 50% less expensive than Disney's sit-down restaurants.

Souvenirs and Outlets

Disney owns an outlet shop off-property, where it sells a lot of the same items that are sold within the parks.  In some cases, the very same t-shirt that sells for $16.95 inside the parks is sold there for under $10.  In addition, there are other non-Disney-affiliated outlet shops in the Orlando area, where Disney merchandise can be purchased at a discount.

If you're an Annual Passholder or AAA member, you can get a 10% discount on merchandise at the World of Disney in Downtown Disney.

Lastly, Save For Your Vacation

I know...you want to go on vacation NOW.  But charging it all on VISA and then paying for it the next two years at 21% APR interest is nuts!  Pay yourself each week by starting a vacation fund.  Wait until you have your vacation fund totally built up, so you can pay for your vacation BEFORE you leave home.  Not only will you save a huge amount of money, but you won't be worrying about all the money you're spending while you're down there.

If you have a money-saving tip I could share with people, please send me an email and I'll credit you with the idea in this article if I use it.  And if at least one of these ideas was new to you and will help save you money, please mark YES below where it asks if this Guide was Helpful...THANKS!