Walt Disney World is an incredible place where anything can come true. You can dance with princes, go to space, and still have time for a 5-star dinner. If you can dream it, they can do it. However, as many guests find out, when you’re in the business of living out a Disney dream, the pricetag can escalate pretty quickly.
However, you don’t have to despair if you can’t spend big bucks to make specific magic happen. There are alternatives that fit within any guest’s wallet. They may not be the exact experience guests first considered, but they are pretty close. The best part is they are all so much cheaper.
Here are 5 alternatives to Disney activities that you can do to save a little money in your pocket.
The Dream: Becoming a princess
Image © Disney
The expensive option: Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique
It’s owned by Cinderella’s Fairy Godmother and operated by her apprentices. Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique is a favorite of many little girls. They can choose their hairstyle, add makeup, nail color, accessories, and even a Disney princess costume. Doesn’t that all sound fantastic? Of course, it does until you see the price. The different packages range from $59.95 for the Crown package, all the way to $194.95 for the Castle package. That’s a lot of Dole Whips.
A cheaper alternative: Harmony Barber Shop
If the boutique is too expensive for your family, there is a great alternative. The Harmony Barber Shop on Main Street USA is the answer to your princess problems. Kids can get their hair cut, lightly styled and all the Pixie Dust their hair can hold for only $15.00. Yes, it may not be the exact experience, but bring her princess dress from home and your little girl won’t know the difference. They will just see they look like every other little princess walking around. You can even go to a dollar store before leaving home and pick up a tiara to complete the look.
The dream: Country livin’
Image © Disney
The expensive option: Mickey’s Backyard BBQ
Is your family in the mood for a “Hootin’ Tootin’ Hoedown”? Were you planning on attending the music-filled evening with some of your favorite characters? Do you lick your lips thinking of the all-you-can-eat BBQ spread? Well Mickey’s Backyard BBQ sounds perfect for your family. It sounds fantastic until you hear it’s $30-$59.99 per adult. Ouch partner, that’s a lot of gold.
A cheaper alternative: Chip ‘N Dale’s Campfire Sing-a-long
A great alternative is Chip ‘N Dale’s Campfire Sing-a-long at Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort campsites. You can bring your own marshmallows and roast them as you sing along with Chip ‘N Dale. The Chuckwagon Snack Bar even sells S’mores kits. Old-time favorite songs are led by a guitar-playing cowboy as Chip ‘N Dale pose for photos and sign autographs. The best part for parents is it’s free.
The Dream: a night time adventure
Image © Disney
The expensive option: Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge Safari
This nighttime safari is available exclusively to guests of Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge, as well as Disney’s Animal Kingdom Villas-Jambo House and Kidani Village. Well available to them at $70.00 per adult. This hour-long expedition does sound amazing. It would be cool to explore the savanna and it’s inhabitants “in all their nocturnal glory”. If the experience sounds neat, but not the price, there is a similar activity that’s completely free.
A cheaper alternative: Night vision goggles
It may not be on an hour-long tour, but the resort does offer night vision goggles for guests to view the animals. Usually around 9-11pm, cast members will form a line of guests who want to have a look outside. The cast members show the guests how to use the night vision goggles, and they can can take turns watching for their favorite animals in this unique and interesting way. Plus it’s free.
The Dream: Going behind the scenes at Walt Disney World
Image © Disney
The expensive option: Backstage Magic
We won’t lie, and try to convince you the 7-hour long tour isn’t amazing. We all know it is. It’s a must do for the serious Disney fan who can afford it. It’s the perfect chance to see what’s happening behind the scenes, and learn more about your favorite world. The problem is it’s $255.00 per adult. That’s a solid chunk of any family’s vacation budget. Especially when you multiply it by all the family members.
A cheaper alternative: Walt Disney: Marceline to Magic Kingdom
The Walt Disney: Marceline to Magic Kingdom Tour is a fantastic alternative. You get to hear all about Walt’s family, the history of attractions, and take a very special trip backstage to see how one of Disney’s most iconic attractions really works. You may not get seven hours worth of secrets, but this tour is a great taste of the magic. Also for only $35.00 dollars per adult, it’s a great deal too.
Dinner and a Movie
Image © Disney
The expensive option AMC Disney Springs 24 Dine-In Theaters
AMC’s dine-in theater takes “Dinner and a movie” to an entirely new level. The issue is so are the prices. The cost of seeing a movie has drastically changed over the years, and some families just can’t afford the extra expense. At $14.99 per adult (plus the cost of food), the money could be used in so many other ways.
Consider this: Disney’s Movies Under the Stars
Disney’s Movies Under the Stars is an incredible solution to this. Complimentary movie screenings are available to guests of the Walt Disney World resorts. Enjoy an evening on the beach or by the pool, while watching one of your favorite Disney movies. Bring a snack and it makes the perfect end to your day at the park.
We know these five examples may not be perfect replacements for the more expensive activities. They are as close as it gets, and maybe the money you save can go towards an experience you hadn’t previously considered. When it comes right down to it, it doesn’t matter what you are doing as long as you are doing it with the people you love. That’s what Walt Disney World and family vacations are all about. Creating memories that will last a lifetime. Whatever your budget is, just be sure you treasure every moment together and remember spending more on a vacation does not make it better. People make it better.
What’s your favorite cheap Walt Disney World activity? What does it replace for you, and is it secretly better? Share with us in the comments, and maybe your tip can help another budget minded guest.
