Planning a trip to Walt Disney World can be awfully expensive, especially when you have a family of four, it could cost you easily a few thousand dollars just to get away for 5-7 days.  This is outrageous when you think of something like this, but people do it!

Luckily, I found a great insider guide online showing you exactly how you can save up to 30-40% easily on your vacation, and all it takes is a few extra steps that you wouldn’t have taken in the first place.

Here are some great insider tips that you can use before you go…

Bring a poncho: It may sound silly, but you can never under-estimate the Florida weather.  Since it rains all the time, you won’t want to find yourself at the park without a poncho.  If you bring a cheap dollar store brand one, that should get you by just fine.  The thing is if you forget to bring one, it will easily cost you $10+.

Stay a Disney Resort: There are a lot of hotels around the theme park, and if you’re going to stay at one of these hotels, skip on renting a car, if you’re going to stay at the park the whole time.  Instead, make sure you take advantage of the free Disney shuttle that leaves the airport.  Yes, there are private shuttles, as well as taxis, but why pay money, when you can get one for free?

Buy your tickets outside: Never get a ticket at the gate, you’re going to pay full price.  Instead, you’re going to want to find an authorized retailer that’s going to give you a discount.  These retailers generally will be able to save you at least $20-$30.  This is a lot, when you consider a ticket at the gate is generally going to cost you around $75ish per day.

Consider “Magic Your Way”: Consider the “Magic Your Way” plan if you want to dine at the park.  When you stay at a Disney Resort, you’re going to be able to save at over 100 restaurants in the area.  You’ll simply present your key card, and it will build up the savings.  This is a great way to save, if you’re looking to eat with the Disney characters.

These are some of the main tips that you can use, remember if you want more details, you will definitely want to read this ex-employee’s insider guide.  You’ll learn so much, your head will spin!