The typical Walt Disney World vacation can cost a family thousands of dollars. Between travel, park tickets, hotel accommodations, and meals, it’s no wonder so many families are looking for smart ways to save on their vacation.
Whether you’re working with a strict budget or you just want some crowd pleasers that will keep the kids happy without emptying your wallet, here are a few smart picks that you can enjoy for just $5 or less.
1. Pony rides at Fort Wilderness
Head back to the Settlement at Fort Wilderness and you’ll find a small stable surrounded by paddocks and a winding path. Follow the signs to the center and you’ll find a little-known treat. Children can ride the small ponies here for just $5. An adult must be present to lead the pony around the trail. This is a great activity for parents and preschoolers to share. Since there’s no Cast Member leading you around the path, you have the leisure to go at your own pace (though you can’t stop unless the pony needs to take a restroom break) and chat about the experience as you enjoy a stroll.
There are some restrictions for riders since the ponies are so small. You must be under 48 inches and 80 pounds to ride. Children must also be old enough to hang on by themselves. The pony rides are available from 10:00amto 5:00pm. They accept cash payments only, but an ATM is located nearby.
2. Train rides at Downtown Disney
In Downtown Disney, you’ll find a child-sized train circling a small track. Kids can hop on and enjoy a ride for just $2. This is a great way to appease small ones who can quickly get bored with hours of browsing the stores in this popular shopping and dining area. Adults don’t need to ride with them. You can watch the entire experience from the sidewalks surrounding the attraction.
3. Satisfying soups at Sunshine Seasons
Sunshine Seasons is the food court located inside The Land at Epcot. Found on the bottom floor, this dining space offers ample seating in a relaxing air conditioned environment. While the diverse options can make for a great meal, this is also a good place to stop when you need a small snack or a little something extra to get you through the long Disney days.
A quick bowl of soup is less than $5, making this one of the cheapest and most satisfying hot snacks in the park. During our visit in September 2014, you could try the Latin Chicken Soup for $4.79 or the Five Bean Vegetable Soup for $4.49.
4. Sweet sprinkles in WDW gift shops
If you’re searching for a cute souvenir that doesn’t cost a fortune, you don’t have a lot of options on property. These Minnie’s Bake Shop Sprinkles, however, may just do the trick. Each jar contains rainbow sprinkles in both the traditional shape and colorful Mickey heads.
If you like to bake or know someone who does, this is a fun way to bring a little touch of Disney magic home with you to enjoy throughout the year. This jar of sprinkles costs just $4.95. The jars pictured here were found at the resort gift shop in the Polynesian Village, but this is a popular treat that will turn up in many different locations.
5. Antennae toppers in WDW gift shops
Antennae toppers are another easy choice for shoppers who want a souvenir that doesn’t cost a fortune. You can buy two toppers for just $8, making them $4 each. The options go far beyond the classic Mickey head topper. You’ll find toppers for nearly every character, from Oswald to Goofy. Try a bright pink cupcake with sparkling sprinkles to give your car a sweet touch, or opt for a glittering Cinderella slipper to appease your inner princess. Orange Bird makes an appearance, Planes characters are on hand, and the holiday options are seemingly endless.
Keep in mind that these fun foam toppers aren’t meant to last a lifetime. They fade quickly in the sun and may eventually fall apart. This is particularly true of designs with delicate parts like the Goofy ears. Therefore, if you have a particular favorite that you want on your car for years to come, stocking up on two of the same beloved topper isn’t a bad idea.
6. Stamp collecting around World Showcase
Each country in World Showcase at Epcot has a special table set up where you can collect ink stamps from that country. Kids can pick up and color a cutout of Duffy the Disney Bear or Perry the Platypus, then collect stamps and drawings from each country on the stick as well as the back of the drawing. In addition to the stamps, you’ll discover fun extras in some countries. In China, Japan, and Morocco, you can see what your name looks like written in a different language. Other countries will draw a picture of their flag or an iconic monument, like the Eiffel Tower in Paris (complete with Mickey on top for this illustration).
This activity is completely free and the resulting character cutout is something you’ll surely want to hold on to. This is a brilliant choice because it adds an element of fun to World Showcase where children may otherwise get bored with the dining and shopping.
While Disney will present many opportunities to spend money, you don’t have to drop a fortune on every activity you do. Try these cheap options to add something special to your vacation for just $5!
