Base Tickets versus Park Hoppers. It's one of the most widely debated Disney World topics, right up there with Moderate Resorts versus Values, Quick Service versus the standard Dining Plan, and Dole Whips versus Dole Whip Floats!
So which one do you choose? How do you decide?
For starters, you need to know the difference. Base Tickets allow you to visit only one park per day while Park Hoppers let you visit any park as many times as you want each day. Naturally, Base Tickets are cheaper; but is that the right option to choose? Is it really a better value? Are Park Hoppers even in your budget?
In order to make the best decision, we need to examine the cost of each option and compare them with one another; but don't let the sound of that deter you, because we have done that for you! Using the ticket prices available today, we have broken down the costs of each option and the difference between the two. 5 Day Magic Your Way Base Ticket 10+ Adult: $285.42 with tax included
3-9 Child: $266.25 | 5 Day Magic Your Way Park Hopper 10+ Adult: $346.13 with tax included
3-9 Child: $326.96 | Difference: $60.71 Therefore, if you plan on purchasing a 5 Day Base Ticket, you will save $60.71; but on the other hand, for $60.71, you have the freedom to visit any park you want or more than one each day to maximize your time and dining options.
If you do decide to purchase the Park Hopper, you have another decision to make: whether or not to add the Water Park Fun and More option.
The Water Park Fun and More enables you to visit whatever water park you want, whenever you want, as well as to take advantage of golfing, the Wide World of Sports Complex, DisneyQuest,, and mini-golfing at either Disney's Fantasia Gardens or Wintersummerland. 5 Day Park Hopper 10+ Adult: 346.13 tax included
3-9 Child: 326.96 tax included | 5 Day Park Hopper & Water Park Fun and More 10+ Adult: $369.56 tax included
3-9 Child: $350.39 tax included | Difference: $24.43 If you plan on visiting one water park during your stay, and are not interested in the other options offered by the Water Park Fun and More Ticket Option, don't let that sway you from continuing to consider this option. For a one day water park ticket, an adult will have to pay $55.38.
But if you have the Park Hopper option already, you only have to pay $23.43 to have access to both water parks at your convenience plus more; and if you have the Base Ticket option, and plan to visit a water park, it would only cost about $30 additional dollars to have the luxury of hopping to the parks whenever you wish and to the water parks plus more! We think that's a good deal!
So what do you think? Do you think the freedom and flexibility of the Park Hopper is worth the difference in cost? Would you consider the Water Park Fun and More option? Which option do you think is the best value? Let us know!
 Believe it or not, there is free stuff to be found at WDW! Yes, it's true! But I know what some of you are thinking, is this free stuff actually stuff I want?
We will let you be the judge; but we have looked high and low and dug through the recesses of our Disney vacation memories to find some of the best free things available to you at WDW. Ready? Let's see what you think!
1. Typhoon Lagoon Snorkeling-Did you know that you can enjoy snorkeling at Typhoon Lagoon and it's included in your water park admission? It is! Swim among ocean life, including some tame sharks, in a salt water area for free!
2. Wildlife Field Guide-At Animal Kingdom Lodge, you can get a free Wildlife Field Guide and challenge yourself to find these animals while visiting the Animal Kingdom Lodge Resort. Kids will really enjoy this and it makes a great souvenir. It's almost like a zoo for free with all of the natural viewing areas and wildlife to be found.
4. Free Tours-Did you know that several Deluxe Resorts offer free tours? You can take a free tour at Wilderness Lodge and Animal Kingdom Lodge, the Grand Floridian, and the Yacht Club and discover some unknown corners, décor, and knowledge about these gorgeous resorts!
5. Ft. Wilderness Campfire & Movie-At the Fort Wilderness Resort, any Disney Resort guest can take part of a campfire with Chip n' Dale followed by a Disney movie on a large, outdoor screen!
6. Movies Under the Stars-At most Disney resorts, guests can watch a Disney movie on a large, outdoor screen! Just ask for a schedule when at your resort desk.
7.Downtown Disney-Disney World's shopping complex requires no admission! This means you can explore all of the stores, sights, and free entertainment for free as long and as much as you want.
8. Free Kids Food-At many Disney restaurants, kids under the age of three can often dine for free!
9. Cupcake-Is it your birthday? (or maybe you're celebrating an un-birthday?) If so, tell your waiter or waitress at your Disney restaurant and you probably will get a free birthday cupcake, as well as a song, at the end of your meal!
 Zebra Domes Looking for a way to save some cash on your Disney dining? No, I'm not talking about the Disney Dining Plan, I'm talking about a way to get some popular, and delicious, Disney dishes for a cheap price!
You may be surprised to learn that some popular dishes served at table service restaurants at WDW can be found at a few quick service spots for a cheaper price! This is great for guests on a budget who want to indulge in some of Disney's finest foods, as well as for guests who are on the Quick Service Dining Plan.
Creme Brulee-Many restaurants include Creme Brulee's on their dessert menus; and many of them put their own spin on this creamy, custard dessert; but if you want to enjoy it in its classic form, stop by Sunshine Seasons to enjoy theirs! A vanilla Creme Brulee is served at Les Chefs de France for around $8; but you can enjoy Sunshine Season's for around $4!
Tonga Toast-This breakfast item is one of Disney's most popular dishes. What is it? It's sourdough bread covered in brown sugar and stuffed with bananas! It is served at the Polynesian's Kona Cafe for around $13; but you can enjoy it for about $5 or $6 downstairs at Captain Cook's Snack Company. However, do keep in mind that Kona Cafe's version comes with a few sides when Captain Cook's does not.
Clam Chowder-Liberty Tree Tavern at the Magic Kingdom serves up a bowl of Clam Chowder for $7; but just down the street at Columbia Harbour House, guests can enjoy Clam Chowder for about $5! Columbia Harbour House doesn't skimp on the clams either, we know this from experience!
Zebra Domes-The most popular dessert at Animal Kingdom Lodge is Zebra Domes, a unique, creamy, delicious dessert that we highly recommend. You can enjoy Zebra Domes at Boma, which is a buffet, for about $35 to $40 per person. But if you venture to The Mara, this resort's counter service spot, you can feast on a five pack of Zebra Domes for about $4!
Fish and Chips-At the United Kingdom pavilion at Epcot, the Rose and Crown serves up the traditional English meal of Fish and Chips for just under $20. But next to this restaurant, at the Yorkshire County Fish and Chips, you can enjoy two hearty strips of fish and a serving for chips for around $9.
Rice Cream-Rice Cream is a sweet, rice pudding found at the Norway pavilion in Epcot. At Akershus Storybook Dining at this pavilion, a helping of rice cream is offered on the dessert platter guests are given. It costs about $38 for an adult to enjoy a meal at Akershus; but across the pavilion at Kringla Bakeri og Cafe, you can have this dessert for $3!
Cheese Plate-Cheese plates can be found on several menus at WDW restaurants; but there is a cheese plate offered at Boulangerie Patisserie at the France pavilion in Epcot for about $6.
Ham and Cheese Quiche-Also at Boulangerie Patisserie, guests can have a Ham and Cheese quiche for about $4. Meanwhile, at Les Chefs de France, a Ham and Cheese Quiche costs $15.
Dole Whip-This chilly, pineapple flavored, soft-serve treat is, next to a Mickey Premium Bar, the most famous dessert at WDW. You can relish this treat at the Magic Kingdom for $4. Meanwhile, the Polynesian's Captain Cook's Snack Company is famous for their Dole Whip soft serve machine; and if you are on the Disney Dining Plan, you can use a Dole Whip as your free dessert that comes with your meal, without having to use a snack credit!
So if you are paying out of pocket, using the Quick Service Dining Plan, or want to make the most of your standard Disney Dining Plan, consider sho
 So we all know that Disney is a little pricey. I doubt anyone who has been to Walt Disney World can argue with that.
However, while the Disney price can make us cringe, we can't deny the fact that the quality and experiences Disney offers is unparalleled; and that's going to mean a higher price tag. Right?
Well, maybe most of the time. But not today!
In today's post, we are going to share with you the free stuff we've come across at Walt Disney World. Enjoy!
1. Club Cool-We are big fans of this little corner of Epcot's Future World. While there is Coca-Cola merchandise for sale inside, the real draw is the soda fountains showcasing soft drinks from around the world! While that's cool, what makes it even cooler is that you can sample these drinks as much as you want for free!
2. Buttons-Celebrating a birthday, anniversary, wedding, graduation, or maybe even an un-birthday? Tell a Cast Member at your resort check-in, or guest services at one of the parks, for a free button! Fellow guests and Cast Members will be wishing you well all day, and they may do even more?
3. Celebrations-In addition to a Celebration Button, you can let your resort or restaurant know that you are celebrating. We can't guarantee what will happen, it just depends, but sometimes Disney adds a little pixie dust to the day! For example, we let the Crystal Palace know in advance that we were celebrating my Disney Bro's birthday; and we were treated to a table dusted with Mickey glitter and a free cupcake and candle!
4. Downtown Disney-This shopping and etertainment complex, which features the world's largest Disney Store, doesn't require any tickets to visit! There's lots to see, buy, and enjoy at Downtown Disney; and unless you want to, you don't have to reach for your wallet once!
 5. The Boardwalk-This area, located right across the water from Disney's Yacht and Beach Club, features a resort along with a variety of restaurants, shops, and entertainment! You can stroll the Boardwalk, browse the shops, and take in the live entertainment here for free; but we recommend you do so at night when it's cooler and there's more activity. It's also prettier at night too.
6. Resort Hopping-Some guests don't know that you can visit any, or all, of the Disney Resorts for free! This is actually one of our favorite Disney World activites. You can spend a whole day visiting Disney's best resorts and enjoying what they have to offer, such as the live animals at Animal Kingdom Lodge, Wilderness Lodge's gorgeous lobby, the shopping at the Grand Floridian, or the grounds and Tri-Circle D Ranch at Fort Wilderness.
7. Animation Academy-Inside the Magic of Disney Animation at Hollywood Studios, you can take a free art class and learn to draw a Disney character for free! Even if you have difficulty drawing a circle, don't be concerned. The animator makes it so easy and you will be surprised what you can do. You also get to take home your drawing your free, it makes a great souvenir.
8. Wilderness Lodge Tour-Whether you're staying at Wilderness Lodge or not, you can take a free tour here and learn about the historical artifacts, as well as the lodge itself.
9. Movie Under the Stars-At many of the Disney Resorts, you can watch a Disney movie outdoors at night for free! Some even offer a campfire, stories, and S'mores! Check out the Chip n' Dale Campfire Sing-a-Long at Fort Wilderness for an appearance from those mischevious chipmunks along with the campfire and movie!
10. Ghiradelli Soda Fountain and Chocolate Shop-Have a sweet tooth? Stop by Ghiradelli Soda Fountain and Chocolate Shop at Downtown Disney for a free sample of chocolate!
 11. Harmony Barbershop Mouse Ears-This barbershop, located on Main Street U.S.A. at the Magic Kingdom, will give your child a free pair of Mouse Ears if it's their first haircut, appropriately reading "My 1st Haircut!"
12. Water-You can walk up to any Counter Service restaurant at WDW and ask for a cup of ice water and you will get it for free! That will definitely save some cash as bottled water can be a little pricey.
13. Free Dining Plan-At certain times throughout the year, although when is unpredictable, Disney will offer a Free Dining Plan for guests who book a Disney Vacation over certain dates! Yes, that means FREE FOOD! Yay for Disney!
14. Kids Under Three Years-Children under three years of age get free admission into the parks and are not charged at most restaurants!
15. Splash Areas-At some of the parks, and at Downtown Disney, there are fountain play areas for little ones to splash in. Kids can literally spend hours cooling off and playing in these areas; and they can have all that fun for free!
16. PhotoPass Photographers-Want a picture with a character or at a picturesque spot? Ask a PhotoPass Photographer to take a picture with your camera. They will do so for free, whether or not you use PhotoPass.
17. Free Package Delivery-If you purchase an item at one of the shops on property, you can have it shipped to your resort for free! It usually takes a day or so, so keep that in mind; and we think it's great that we don't have to tote around heavy bags or breakables at the parks!
We know there's more free stuff at Walt Disney World! Leave a comment and let us know what we missed!
Planning a Walt Disney World Vacation on a budget? Want to indulge in some extra magic without the hefty price tags? You can! Today, we are going to show you how you can partake in some extra Disney magic without delving too deep into your pockets! As always be sure to let us know if you have experienced any of these extras yourself! Extra Magic Resort Spas-Some of the Disney Deluxe Resorts feature spas, such as the Grand Floridian Resort and Saratoga Springs. These spas offer a variety of ways for you to get pampered all in the heart of Disney and is a big draw for adults! For more information about the Resort Spas or Massage & Fitness Centers at WDW, check out Niki Bryan Spas site at RelaxedYet.com! Sea Raycers, Kayaks, & Canoes-At Disney Resort marinas, you can rent small, two person boats to cruise around in! Guests can rent these zippy little boats for around $35 for 30 minutes. You can also enjoy canoeing or kayaking for about $8 per 30 minutes and $12 per 30 minutes respectively. Cinderella's Royal Table-Probably the most popular of all Disney restaurants, and a princess fan's dream come true, Cinderella's Royal Table is actually located inside of Cinderella Castle! Here you get your picture made with Cinderella before enjoying either breakfast, lunch, or dinner in a medieval style dining room overlooking Fantasyland as a variety of Disney princesses stop by for a visit! However, the price is usually very steep and it can be difficult to get a reservation. | Extra Magic for Less Massage & Fitness Center-While some Deluxe Resorts have spas, some guests don't realize that other Disney Resorts have massage and fitness centers. So if you are interested in getting a massage, but don't want the hefty spa price, book yourself a massage at Wilderness Lodge, Animal Kingdom Lodge, the Contemporary, or other resort locations!
Other Boats-While the Sea Raycers are a big draw, a downside is that they can only seat two passengers. So if you have several in your family or group who want to take advantage of Disney watercraft, Sea Raycers can get a little pricey. So to save some cash, and get more bang for your buck, consider renting a pontoon which seats 10 for about $48 for a half hour, or a Montauk Boat which seats 6 for around $45 for a half hour.
Akershus Storybook Dining-This restaurant can be found at the Norway pavilion in Epcot and is a great alternative if Cinderella's Royal Table puts too much of a strain on your wallet. Here you dine in a Norwegian style castle, get a picture with Belle, and visit with a variety of Disney princesses for either breakfast, lunch, or dinner too! However, while this restaurant isn't cheap, the bill isn't as steep as Cinderella's Royal Table; and as an extra bonus, adults get to enjoy a cultural experience as you are served by Cast Members from Norway and enjoy some yummy Norwegian dishes!
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So if you are looking to enjoy some extra Disney magic for less while on your vacation, consider these alternatives for some extra pixie dust without the extra price! Enjoy!
Planning a Walt Disney World Vacation on a budget? Want to indulge in some extra magic without the hefty price tags? You can! Today, we are going to show you how you can partake in some extra magical Disney entertainment without delving too deep into your pockets! As always be sure to let us know if you have experienced any of these extras yourself! Extra Magic
Bibbidi-Bobbidi Boutique-This magical beauty salon is famous for giving little princesses royal makeovers, courtesy of special fairy godmothers! Here your little girl can get princess hair and makeup for about $50; or for about $190, little girls can get a complete transformation, including their choice of a princess dress. This service is extremely popular!
Hoop-Dee-Doo Musical Revue-Located at Disney's Fort Wilderness Resort and Campground in the Pioneer Hall, this old fashioned, country style dinner show promises lots of laughs, entertainment, and lots of yummy, homestyle food such as barbecue and corn on the cob! It is very popular and runs about $60 per guest.
Backstage Magic Tour-During this ultimate Disney tour, guests get to visit all four of the Disney theme parks, along with a visit down to the famous Utilidors, and lunch at Whispering Canyon Cafe at Wilderness Lodge. There are lots of things to learn and to see, and there is sure to be plenty of hidden magic along with way!
| Extra Magic for Less
Create Your Own Bibbidi-Bobbidi Boutique-If this doesn't quite fit your budget, you can create your own boutique in your resort room! First of all, you can purchase a Disney princess dress at Wal-Mart, Target, or on sale after Halloween; and then secretely pack it in your suitcase along with a tiara, some kid-friendly makeup, and some pixie dust (glitter)! Surprise your little princess with her new outfit and then set aside a morning to give her a makeover!
Chip n' Dale's Campfire Sing-a-Long-If the Hoop-Dee-Doo Musical Revue, or a character meal, isn't in your budget, Chip n' Dale's Campfire Sing-a-Long is FREE offering both characters and entertainment! The only cost you may have is if you choose to purchase treats to make s'mores; but you can even save on this by bringing your own. After some musical fun, and a few sweets, you can then watch a Disney movie under the stars!
Keys to the Kingdom Tour- If the Backstage Magic Tour doesn't fit your budget, but does appeal to you, the Keys to the Kingdom Tour could be a great alternative! On this tour, guests learn about the history and secrets of the Magic Kingdom, get lunch at Columbia Harbor House, and still get a look at the famed Utilidors for a price of about $74 per person as opposed to $229!
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So if you are looking to enjoy some extra Disney magic for less while on your vacation, consider these alternatives for some extra pixie dust without the extra price! Enjoy!
 Believe it or not, there are some things that are free at Walt Disney World; and we are here to let you know where to find them!
Anyone who has ever been to Walt Disney World knows that Disney Cast Members are no ordinary theme park employees! Many of them strive to make guests' experiences even more magical; and some even treat guests to a little "free" magic!
For example, on a trip to Disney World a few years ago, my Disney Dad and I were waiting at the end of a long line for a bus. We didn't think we would make it on the bus; but once everyone in front of us had boarded, the bus driver made room and squeezed us on board.
Because the bus was crowded, the only place we could stand was at the front of the bus, near the kind bus driver. He started talking with us; and we ended up chatting with him the whole way to the park! Before we got off the bus, the driver stopped us and handed us two bus licenses approved by Mickey Mouse!
They made such great souvenirs; and I had never seen them anywhere before! I used one of them as an embellishment in one of my Disney scrapbooks; and even though I don't remember what park we went to that day, I still remember that bus driver and the little extra Disney magic he shared with us.
Have you ever had a Disney Cast Member give a little "free" magic to you and your family? If so, share your own story with us and other readers in the comment section below!
 Looking for a great deal at Walt Disney World? We have some dining secrets for you! Did you know that special treats you find at some of Disney World's restaurants can be found at some counter service spots for a cheaper price! It's true! Liberty Tree Tavern: Clam Chowder
At Liberty Tree Tavern, a bowl of Clam Chowder for lunch runs around $7; but at Columbia Harbor House, you can get a bowl of Clam Chowder for around $5 anytime!
The Brown Derby: Flourless Chocolate Cake
At Hollywood Studios' famous Brown Derby restaurant, you can order their flourless chocolate cake with sorbet for around $8. However, if you head around the corner and stop in at Starring Rolls, you can this enjoy flourless chocolate cake (minus the sorbet) for around $3!
Kona Cafe: Tonga Toast
The Polynesian Resort and its Kona Cafe is famous for Tonga Toast! With this breakfast treat's sides, this meal runs around $9. But you can get Tonga Toast by itself at the Polynesian's food court, Captain Cook's, for about $5!
Rose and Crown Pub: Fish & Chips
At Epcot's United Kingdom pavilion, Fish & Chips are a popular entree at the Rose and Crown Pub. You can get this trademark entree for about $16; but located at the same pavilion is the Yorkshire County Fish Shop, you get have Fish & Chips for $8!
Chefs de France: Creme Brulee
Another one of Epcot's delicious restaurants is Chefs de France! At this restaurant, you can enjoy sweet and creamy Creme Brulee for dessert for about $7. However, tucked near the back of this pavilion at the popular Boulangerie Pattiserie, you can enjoy Creme Brulee for $4 or Soarin' themed Creme Brulee at Sunshine Seasons in The Land pavilion!
Thanks to AllEars.net for Disney World menus and prices!
 Believe it or not, there are some things that are free at Walt Disney World; and we are here to let you know where to find them!
Located at Epcot's Future World, there is a place called Club Cool. This refreshing spot sells all kinds of Coca-Cola merchandise, some of which you have probably never seen before!
But the real draw of Epcot's Club Cool is the soda fountains which offer tastes of soft drinks from all around the world! What's even cooler is that it's free! Yes, you can sample and enjoy soft drinks for free and experience different cultures all at the same time!
Not only is sampling international soft drinks fun, it can save you some cash! For example, after a long trek around World Showcase, don't pay for an overpriced beverage out of desperation, quench your thirst at Club Cool for nothing at all!
 Looking for a way to save some cash on Dining while at Walt Disney World? We know it's not an easy task, but hopefully some of our Royal Purse String tips can you help out!
`~To save money at mealtime, have your young kids or toddlers share an entree. The hearty portions at most Disney restaurants make this easy! Also, adults can also share an entree as well.
~Pack one of those nifty, filtering water bottles for your trip. Not only will Florida water be much tastier, but it will definitely save you money on drinks at the parks and your resort which can really add up!
~Have brunch! Combining two meals into one can save you from buying both breakfast and lunch!
~Looking for a light meal? Disney offers snacks that can you fill you up like a meal would, such as soup or a turkey leg!
~Some of the breakfast pastries and muffins at Disney World are so big that they can feed two!
~Pick counter service locations that stray from the typical burgers and fries, such as Columbia Harbour House, Cosmic Ray's Starlite Cafe, Sunshine Seasons, and even your resort food court!
~Want to save some money on a table service meal? Instead of eating at a restuarant for dinner, eat there at lunch as prices go up at dinner. While there is more variety on the dinner menu, most of the restaurant's best items are on the lunch as well. Not that hungry for lunch? Eat from 2 to 4 o'clock. It's still considered lunch at most restaurants!
~Trail's End is a delicious, country style buffet at Disney's Fort Wilderness Resort and Campground. In addition to all-you-can-eat, the bill is usually easier on your wallet than other Disney restaurants.
~Also check out The Plaza at the Magic Kingdom. It's a table service restaurant that offers tasty burgers, salads, delicious sandwiches, shakes, and more for a great price!
~Purchase some snacks and drinks on your way to Disney and keep them in your room to satisfy late-night munchies without a big price!
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