Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique at Downtown Disney.

The new Duke and Duchess of Cambridge (aka Prince William and Kate) recently wrapped up their tour of Canada and the United States. As an ordinary commoner, it was a lot of fun to drool over admire the extraordinary designer outfits Kate wore. Sadly, I do not have the royal coffers at my disposal and must live on a more modest commoner’s budget. Fortunately for me, most style shows, websites, and magazines usually find an affordable “get it for less” option in short order.

The wheels started to turn. Could the same idea apply to Walt Disney World? Were there more affordable alternatives for magical experiences? There are.

Wishes Dessert Party. You could shell out $27 per adult and $14 per child for an uninterrupted view of the Wishes Nighttime Spectacular from the Tomorrowland Terrace Restaurant while noshing on a buffet of delectable desserts.

Enjoy It For Less. For my money, I’ll take a quiet, relaxed, unobstructed view of Wishes from the beach of the Polynesian Resort. Stop by Captain Cook’s for a Dole Whip for less than $3 or take a detour to the Tambu Lounge for one of its specialty cocktails and an appetizer.

AMC Dine-In Theater. The AMC movie theater in Downtown Disney recently added an exciting new “Fork and Screen” option. Guests can order and enjoy casual dining (something more than than popcorn and candy) during movie showings. Tickets alone will cost you $13 per person and entree prices are similar to those at your local casual chain restaurant like Applebee’s or TGIFridays (in the $10 range). Although convenient, this makes for an expensive night out with the family.

Enjoy It For Less. Outdoor movies (may be seasonal) by the pool or on the beach are cropping up at more Disney resorts. And, they are free! Stop by the food court or the nearby pool bar to purchase your food for alfresco dining. Whereas the AMC Dine-In Theater doesn’t accept the Disney dining plan, the food courts do.

Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique. Starting at $50 (hairstyling and makeup), your little girl can be transformed into an enchanted princess by a Godmother-in-Training at the Cinderella Castle location in Magic Kingdom or World of Disney in Downtown Disney.

Enjoy It For Less. The Harmony Barber Shop (near the Car Barn and Emporium) in the Magic Kingdom is a working barber shop and a favorite for baby’s first haircut. A little known secret is that they’ll also style your child’s hair with colored gel and pixie dust for only $7.50 – a fraction of the cost of Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique. Reservations can be made by calling 407-WDW-PLAY.

Cirque du Soleil. Cirque du Soleil at Downtown Disney is magnificent; the talent and artistry of the performers is breathtaking. I remember being captivated when I saw my first Cirque du Soleil show in New York. Tickets for Cirque du Soleil’s La Nouba start at $75 for adults and can run as high as $132 – a definite budget-buster for many families.

Get It For Less. Epcot’s World Showcase Performers are extremely talented. These free “street shows” are a lovely way to spend an afternoon or evening at Walt Disney World. From the Ziti Sisters in Italy to the candy artist in Japan to the Voices of Liberty in America, the variety of shows will entertain guests of all ages.

Bass Fishing. A two-hour catch-and-release bass fishing excursion for up to five people will run you about $270. These excursions include the boat rental, tackle, guide, and beverages.

Get It For Less. Escape to the dock at Fort Wilderness or Port Orleans Riverside to relax and unwind with some catch-and-release dockside fishing. For under $5 per 30 min, you’ll receive a pole and live bait. It’ll be up to you to create your own “I caught a fish this big” story.

This article is featured on this months Dismarks Blog Carnival

Related articles

• Strategies for Paying for Disney – FREE Disney Fun (meetthemagic.com)
• Disney Travel 101: Guest Relations at Walt Disney World (examiner.com)

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About Lisa

Lisa B has written 80 post on Chip and Co..

Lisa M. Battista is the author of Beyond the Attractions: A Guide to Walt Disney World with Preschoolers and the co-creator of WDW Fan Zone. When she’s not chasing after her little ones, you can most likely find her at the beach or in the kitchen trying her hand at a new recipe.

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