Disney Done Right: When to Go, What to Skip, and How to Save at Disney Parks

Smart Travel: Upgrade Your Getaways

Get the most out of your next Disney trip with tips for saving on tickets, spending less time in lines, and finding legitimate discounts.

When is the cheapest time to go to Disney parks? How can you save money and avoid long lines once you're there? Hosts Sally French and Meghan Coyle talk all things Disney, including when to go, how to find legit ticket discounts, and the best ways to save time and money once you're inside the parks. But first, producer Tess Vigeland joins Sally to break down the latest travel headlines, including the new Orlando theme park Epic Universe, Southwest’s upcoming baggage fee changes, Delta’s shift from cabin classes to “travel experiences,” and lower airfare prices in 2025.

Then, Meghan and Sally talk about how to maximize your Disney trip, with strategies like where to buy discounted tickets, how to use multi-passes to skip the longest lines, and options to save on food. They also share when you might find fewer crowds and how to take advantage of those hours, what to eat (and skip), and how to enjoy Disney magic without even entering the parks, from scenic hotel views to free rides on the monorail and Skyliner.

Card benefits, terms and fees can change. For the most up-to-date information about cards mentioned in this episode, read our reviews:

• Target Red Card: https://www.nerdwallet.com/reviews/credit-cards/target-redcard

Resources discussed in this episode:

• Universal Epic Universe: How to Plan Your Trip for the Opening https://www.nerdwallet.com/article/travel/epic-universe

• Southwest Ditches Free Bags, Adds Basic Fares https://www.nerdwallet.com/article/travel/southwest-announces-bag-fees-and-other-negative-changes

• Delta’s New Fares Hint at Bigger Changes Ahead https://www.nerdwallet.com/article/travel/deltas-new-fares-hint-at-bigger-changes-ahead

• Travel Inflation Report: May 2025 https://www.nerdwallet.com/article/travel/travel-price-tracker

• The 8 Best Ways to Buy Disney Tickets https://www.nerdwallet.com/article/travel/best-ways-to-buy-disney-tickets

In their conversation, the Nerds discuss: cheapest time to visit Disney World, Disneyland ticket prices, Disney World discounts, how to skip lines at Disney, Lightning Lane vs Multi Pass, Disney Premier Pass cost, Disney dynamic pricing, Delta travel experience, Disney World September prices, Disney World summer discounts, Disney credit card perks, Target Disney gift card trick, Disney ticket resellers, Undercover Tourist tickets, Get Away Today Disney tickets, Disney dining plan, Disney dining deals, Disney rope drop strategy, Disney World hotel benefits, Disneyland mobile ordering, Disney World free activities, how to save at Disney, Disney character meals without ticket, Disney gift cards at Target, when to buy Disney tickets, Disney crowd calendar, Disneyland Lightning Lane explained, Disney World 3-day 3-park pass, Disney World kids ticket offer, and how to eat cheap at Disneyland.