Disney World may be the happiest place on Earth, but it’s also visited by 58 million people every year. I get it. I love Disney World so much that I proposed to my wife there.
So you can bet this guide will be as accurate as I can make it. The downside to so many Disney lovers like me is that there is almost too much demand, which happens to drive up prices.
And if you’re shelling out the big bucks, you want to make sure that you’re getting the best value for your dollar. After all, it’s not just the park that you have to pay for.
From lodging to food to additional activities, the costs for visiting Orlando can add up quickly. Thankfully, we’ve done the hard work for you, so you can have the vacation you’ve always dreamed of.
Let us be your guide!
Average Trip to Disney World Cost in 2024
The average price for a week for one adult at Disney World would cost roughly the following:
- Average Accommodation Cost: $1,050 per room
- Average Flight Cost: $180 per person
- Food, Drink & Activities: $140 per day
- Transportation: $40 per day
- Total Cost: $2,630
Please note that if you’re splitting the cost of a single room with another person, the cost would break down to closer to $2,000 per week, and this cost scales with the more people added, just as any destination does.
It’s also worth noting that costs for Disney world can vary considerably, depending on what you’re expecting.
These averages are calculated based on 7-day park hopper tickets (worth it, in my opinion), though you may be planning to spend only a few days exploring the park rather than a full week. At Disney World, the more days you stay, the less you’ll pay for each day.
A one-day ticket will cost you $109, while a 10-day package will cost less than $60 per day. There are ways to pay less while you’re in Orlando, particularly if you plan to scale back on food, drinks, and souvenirs.
Disney World Trip Cost: Average by Item
Accommodation Costs
It’s undoubtedly more convenient to stay at a Disney property, based solely on its proximity to the park. You’ll be able to go back and forth from the comfort of your room to the excitement of the rides and beloved characters.
You might even save on your transportation costs if you’re planning to spend every moment in the park soaking up the magic of Disney. You may only need an Uber ride to and from the airport, which can knock your transportation costs down to $50 for the entire week.
While you may think that Disney properties are outside your price range, the company does have what’s known as value resorts.
These start at around $115 per night and go up to $420 per night for their luxury hotels and villas. If you’re planning to stay off-site, either to save money or because you’re planning to explore the city of Orlando rather than just Disney, this can be a smart financial move.
There is a lot of competition in the area, so you can land an off-site hotel for around $50 per night, especially if you’re able to either book in advance or score a last-minute deal.
What you spend on your accommodation will have everything to do with what kind of trip you’re looking for. If you’re going with several kids, you might not want to coordinate Uber rides to the park.
If you’re looking to save money on food, it can be worth springing for an Airbnb, a hotel, or a villa with a full kitchen.
It’s no secret that amusement parks will try to up charge you however and wherever they can. Even the snacks at Disney can end up costing you more than a cheap meal would somewhere else.
Many Orlando hotels will take that into consideration. You may be glad to have a fridge stuffed with food and plenty of cookware to make big meals.
Other amenities, like a washer and dryer, may also be worth the money. If you’re taking kids, spills and stains on their clothes can end up leading to emergency trips to the mall or stores to stock up.
Flight Costs
Orlando is a huge tourist destination with some intense competition in the market. Depending on where you’re coming from in 2023, it’s entirely possible to land a ticket for under $20 for one way.
Of course, the average prices are higher. In general, you can expect to pay under $200 per person round-trip, but it will depend on when you fly, the seat you choose, and how many bags you travel with.
If you want to save some money on your flights, plan to go in January. The most expensive months will be in the spring and summer, when kids and families are ready to hit the road for vacation.
There are plenty of budget airlines that head down to Orlando, including Spirit and Frontier.
These two airlines may not have all of the frills, but they are generally reliable ways to get from one place to another. Other airlines (e.g., United) have even stripped down some of their fares as a way to compete.
Food, Drink & Activity Costs
There are 4 theme parks at Disney World and 2 water parks, so it can be overwhelming for families to determine where they want to spend their time.
The water parks are a little bit less to get into, coming in at around $70 per day instead of $109 per day (less if you’re buying a multi-day pass). The best way to save money is to limit how much you purchase within the park.
Disney World offers so much to see and do, but if you want anything extra, the costs can be astronomical. Whether that’s a piece of fruit or a Star Wars hat, some families spend thousands of dollars on food and souvenirs alone.
Keep in mind that you are allowed to take prepared foods and nonalcoholic drinks into Disney World, as long as they don’t require refrigeration and they’re packed up in glass containers.
Taking along enough peanut butter and jelly sandwiches for breakfast and lunch can make a real difference to your bottom line. You can also save if you’re willing to cook when you’re there.
This may mean getting a little creative. For instance, if you’re going to get a value hotel without a kitchenette, look for properties that have grills available for guests. If you’re unable to find one, you can find parks in the Orlando area with charcoal grills available on site.
It may cost you a little extra to purchase a few necessities (e.g., foil, charcoal, etc.), but the overall savings can be substantial. Just keep in mind that if you’re eating away from Disney World, you may need to leave and reenter the park.
Transportation Costs
Transportation within Disney World can be done for free by tram. Anything outside of Disney will need to be either in a rental car, Uber, or public transportation.
With the number of rental car agencies in the area, you should have relatively easy time securing an economy car at a good rate. As with your flights, make sure you do your research with different types of agencies.
Some of the budget carriers will look great on paper, but their systems of checking in or reserving cars can end up leading to more hassle than the savings are worth.
You don’t want to spend your whole time arguing with a customer service rep that you already paid online or that you requested a minivan and not a smart car.
Rental cars for the day may cost as little as $20, but can go up to above $75 per day if you’re in need of a certain type of vehicle. If you’re trying to save along the way, individual Uber rides may cost more than a rental car would.
If you’re subjected to surge charges, which you’re likely to see if you’re arriving and departing based on Disney’s standard operating hours, you can end up going overboard with your rides.
If you’re going from the airport to Orlando, expect to pay about $35 one-way. If you’re considering taking public transportation, Orlando does have bus schedules that you should be able to link to your daily plans.
In fact, Orlando has some of the best public transportation in the state, based on factors such as convenience and cost.
It’s just $2 for a ticket and you can purchase all-day passes for $4.50. Just keep in mind that if you miss a connection or there’s a significant delay, it can end up having an impact on your trip.
Things to Consider
Here are a few other tips to keep in mind on your trip to Disney:
- There are several land parks to choose from, but they all cost the same price. Make sure you compare and contrast prices for multi-day tickets against one-day park passes. Water park passes are about $30 less expensive on a daily basis, but may be more expensive if you’re getting multi-day passes.
- To get the best value from your trip, we highly recommend researching all four parks. The Magic Kingdom is excellent for families, EPCOT is the right park for foodies, Hollywood Studios is great for adventure seekers, and the Animal Kingdom is great for the family that loves their zoos.
- There are certain times of the year when it will pay to skip the lines via Disney’s Lightning Lanes system. However, the strategies vary based on not only when you go to the park, but also which park you visit. If you don’t want to spend hours on a single ride, it’s worth looking into.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average cost per person at Disney World?
The average cost per person at Disney World will vary based on which parks you visit and how long you stay. You can expect Disney World to cost at least $109 for the park.
Then, there’s also the costs of meals, lodging, and transportation. These costs will vary based on how you travel and whether you’re able to split the costs of a hotel for the time you’re in Orlando.
How much does it cost to go to Disney World?
It can cost around $3,000 – $4,000 for a family of three to go to Orlando for around five days. We recommend getting multi-day tickets to save money. You can also stay in a Disney value report to cut back on the costs of transportation.
How much money should I save to go to Disney World?
If you’re planning on living it up at Disney World, you may need to save anywhere from $5,000 to $10,000 dollars for the trip. If you’re going to do it on a modest budget, you may only need $2,000 for a family for a few days.
How much money is Disney World for three days?
A 3-day park hopper will cost $179 for an adult and $159 for a child, but the best deals are when you spend 4 days or more at the park.
You’ll also need to include the price of meals while you’re in the park. Keep in mind that you can bring your own meals, snacks, and soft drinks, so long as they’re wrapped in glass containers.
How much should I budget for souvenirs in Disney World?
Disney souvenirs can be exceptionally expensive, particularly if you want the limited edition items. We recommend at least $50 per day if you’re loading up on gifts for everyone on the trip. You’ll need even more if you’re planning to bring gifts back to other family members.
So, What Is the Average Cost for a Disney World Trip?
🛎️ Average Accommodation Cost | $1,050 per room |
✈️ Average Flight Cost | $180 per person |
🍽️ Food, Drink & Activities | $140 per day |
🚕 Transportation | $40 per day |
💲 Total Cost | $2,630 |
The average cost of Disney World is typically at least a few thousand dollars. However, there are a few little-known secrets that can make your trip much more affordable.
If you’re willing to travel during the low season, make your own meals, take public transportation, and only stay at the park for a limited time, you may be able to do the entire trip for under $1,000 for a family.
Orlando may be a tourist haven, but there are also plenty of families who find ways to stretch every dollar. So, with so much to see and do, what are you waiting for — book your trip to Disney World today!