Walt Disney World tip: Money saving advice

Everybody knows that a day at Walt Disney World is bound to be expensive, but there's no reason to pay top dollar all the time. Here are just a few ways to cut corners on cost, without cutting down on any of the fun.

• If you have any intention of spending more than one day at Walt Disney World, get a Park Hopper pass or one of the many multiple day passes that are available. Florida residents get special discounts, including an after 2:00 pm waterpark pass for Blizzard Beach and Typhoon Lagoon.

• If you are staying at a local hotel or vacation home, eat a hearty breakfast before coming to the park. Keep lunch light so you can splurge a little bit for dinner (or the other way around if you have little kids whose patience won't last that long).

• Speaking of little kids and big meals, even the hamburgers are theme park sized at Disney World, so split the meal between your younger children instead of paying full price for two plates.

• Necessary supplies like water bottles and sunscreen are more expensive on Disney property, so purchase these items ahead of time (but don't risk dehydration and sunburn if you forget them--you will need them).

• Learn the power of one simple word: No. That goes for the parent of any child who is asking them to buy every Mickey Mouse ice cream bar, T-shirt, cap, glow in the dark toys and any other merchandise that might blow your budget. Small souvenirs that are affordable and easy to pack are okay, but consider the quality of the gifts over the quantity of stuff.