Disney Imagination Campus Blog

5 Budget Friendly Tips for a Disney Field Trip

September 04, 2024

Planning a field trip to Disney parks is a dream for many students and teachers alike. With some careful planning and savvy tips, you can make your Disney field trip not only unforgettable but also budget friendly for your students. Here are five tips to help you make the most of your Disney adventure:

1. Avoid Peak Season Travel

One of the simplest ways to save on your Disney field trip is by steering clear of peak seasons around holidays and spring break. Ticket pricing is higher during peak season, so booking during the regular season can help your group save. Booking during the regular season may also provide savings on hotel rates and transportation options. Off-peak times, such as early fall, summer or late winter may also see lighter crowds than peak season.

Being strategic about when you take your trip can be a great option that has the potential to offer substantial savings without sacrificing the Disney magic. Our pricing calendar can be found on our website for Walt Disney World Resort and Disneyland Resort to assist with your planning.

2. Stay on Property (WDW only)

If you're visiting Walt Disney World Resort, consider staying at one of the on-site Disney Resort hotels. There are a lot of cost saving benefits to staying on Disney property. Groups booking 10 or more rooms can be eligible for special room rates at our Value and Moderate Resorts. Guests staying at a Disney Resort hotel also enjoy complimentary transportation to and from the theme parks, allowing for flexibility and efficiency in planning your theme park visit. This is also a huge cost saver for groups! Guests staying on Disney property even receive early park entry, allowing your students to experience even more of the magic during their stay.

(Please note that if your group is participating in a Disney Imagination Campus academic workshop or performance experience, it may be necessary to provide your own separate transportation to and from this event.)

3. Purchase Disney Student Tickets

Disney Imagination Campus offers specially priced tickets for students, making it more affordable for youth groups of 10 or more to experience the magic of Disney parks. Connect with us to learn more about purchasing Disney Student Tickets for your group.

4. Collaborate with Other Teachers or Schools

Sharing is caring, especially when it comes to splitting costs. Collaborate with other teachers or schools in your district to plan an amazing field trip for your students. Not only can you divide responsibilities to make planning easier, you can combine classes or groups to arrange shared transportation and make the trip more affordable.

Are you a band director bringing your students to march down Main Street? See if your school’s choir director wants to bring their students to perform at Disney as well! If your physics students want to learn the science of Disney Imagineering, perhaps a fellow teacher at another local school would want to bring her physics students as well.

By pooling resources and sharing expenses, you can significantly reduce the per-person cost of transportation and accommodation, making the trip more affordable for everyone involved.

5. Student Meal Certificates (WDW Only)

Youth groups are eligible to pre-purchase Student Meal Certificates that can be used at select quick service dining locations throughout the resort. These certificates can provide extra value to purchased meals during your stay. It also ensures that your students are staying healthy and nourished during their visit.

Try taking advantage of these cost-effective tips when planning your next Disney field trip!

Ready to learn more? Connect with Us to start planning a Disney field trip with your students!