By Carol Timblin

Let’s face it: a trip to Walt Disney World costs more than a weekend at the beach. But millions of families visit this popular destination each year and feel they got their money’s worth.

Here’s some expert advice on making sure your money is well spent visiting one of the most popular theme parks in the world.

Use a Travel Agent
Some travel agents work to become experts on Disney World, learning how to save their customers time and money while having a memorable vacation. AAA Travel Professionals complete an in-depth training program sponsored by Disney called The College of Disney Knowledge. It covers the theme parks as well as dining and hotel options helping agents provide professional, up to the minute advice and provide recommendations to best suit a traveler’s unique needs.
Booking a trip with AAA’s travel agents yields exclusive AAA benefits and savings on Disney World vacation packages unavailable anywhere else…not even through Disney!

Some examples:
• The AAA Diamond Card offers savings and values at participating locations throughout the Walt Disney World Resort.
• AAA Diamond Parking provides convenient preferred parking spaces within walking distance of the theme park’s entrance and Disney’s Story Time Experience.
• Purchasing a Magic Your Way Package Plus Dining, adds a storytelling experience with a character from a classic Disney animated feature. This is only available if you book through AAA.
• AAA Disney Magic Moments® Savings program provides discounts to AAA Members anytime of the year.

Magic Your Way Plus Dining
The Magic Your Way Plus Dining package can save 40% on food at more than 100 restaurants throughout the resort. The plan, which costs $38.99 per day per person for ages 10 and up and $10.99 per day per child (ages 3-9), includes one counter-service meal, one table-service meal and one snack. Since most guidebooks recommend budgeting $50 per day per person, the Dining Plan represents an excellent value.

Booking the Dining Plan through AAA adds an exclusive storytelling experience with a character from a classic Disney animated feature that children always remember – especially with a photo. This charming story time takes place in the intimate Expo Hall Theater in Town Square Exposition Hall in the Magic Kingdom Park. The character reads a story, then interacts with the audience, lingering for photographs and autographs.

Disney Resort Hotels
Disney-owned hotels on-property at Walt Disney World are the most convenient and fun. And, you can find one to suit any pocketbook. From value resorts rated two-diamonds by AAA to luxury four-diamond AAA rated properties - all full of Disney magic.

In addition, Disney Resort Hotel Guests receive benefits not available to those staying at non-Disney hotels:
• Extra Magic Hours allows you to enter a select theme park one hour early or stay up to three hours after official park closing.
• Disney’s Magical Express offers complimentary round-trip airport transfers from Orlando International Airport. Plus, Disney Resort Hotel guests do not have to pay to park at any of the Disney theme parks.
• The exclusive AAA Diamond Parking pass every AAA client receives, means you can park within walking distance of the theme parks’ entrance!
• Complimentary transportation to all the theme parks and entertainment districts within the Walt Disney World Resort via monorail, ferry or air-conditioned motor coach is available from Disney-based hotels.

Time of the year
The most popular – and expensive - times to visit Disney World center around school holidays: Christmas, Spring Break/Easter and Summer.  Travel during Value Season (typically winter, late spring and fall) and can save up to 30% off your package’s cost.

AAA Disney Magic Moments Savings
AAA Disney Magic Moments® Savings allows AAA members to save 10% to 35% on the room portion of their package. For instance, AAA members can save over $200 when booking a standard room at the Animal Kingdom Lodge in Value season.  AAA members can save over $100 at an All-Star Resort during Value Season!
Everyone who books a Disney vacation with AAA receives the AAA Diamond Card, a special card providing savings and values at participating locations throughout the Resort.

Develop an itinerary
Decide what you want to do before you leave home.
Make dining reservations in advance to avoid being disappointed. Involve everyone going on the trip with the decision-making, including the kids. Everyone will know what to expect – and look forward to – on the trip. And lastly, when you get there, have fun and count the dollars saved by planning ahead and using AAA.