Part 1: Canadian Walt Disney World Vacation Value Tips #DisneyFamilyTravel

Over the years, I heard the excitement from friends who have been to WDW and re-book numerous Disney trips again shortly after the last? For me, I never had that chance to feel or see the magic as a child that Disney was so famous for, which left me quick to ask the question:

“How can we afford a Disney vacation, especially when the Canadian dollar is so low?” 

Having just arrived back from our first magical trip to Walt Disney World, I was able to debunk my thoughts on the value of a Walt Disney World experience in Florida.

Value Tips for a Canadian Walt Disney World Vacation

Today, I want to share with you how us Canadians can find dollar value in planning your first Walt Disney World family vacation. I want you to know that seeing the magic in your children’s eyes at an early age is worth every Canadian dollar you spend. 

Here are a few valuable tips you may not have thought of:

Drive to Orlando. We decided like so many Canadian’s before us, to drive to the sunny state. We packed up our SUV with our four children and hit the road. We drove straight through the first day arriving in Jacksonville, Florida, after 21 hours of driving. We scored a great deal on a hotel and arrived fresh the next day to explore and soak in the warm sun. 

Traveling Tips: Long Road Trip With Small Kids

You’d be surprised to learn we spent under $300 USD in gas (SUV), food and hotel fees driving from North of Toronto to Florida. Saving our big family of six, over $3500 if we were to fly into Orlando International Airport.

Disney’s Magical Express. If driving doesn’t interest you, no worries, WDW has you covered from the moment you get off the plane at Orlando International Airport. Their complimentary motorcoach transportation to and from select Walt Disney World Resort hotels will have you arriving without hassle. They also provide you with complimentary luggage delivery. 

Stay at a Walt Disney World Resort. There are so many perks to staying within WDW grounds that can save you money. To experience the real Walt Disney magic, I suggest you book a Walt Disney World Resort for your stay. They are offering up much more than a hotel. Walt Disney World Resorts are full resorts offering you the Disney magic the moment you wake up, till the time you lay your head down at night.

Disney’s Port Orleans Resort French Quarters

We stayed at Disney’s Port Orleans Resort French Quarters. They had nightly movies in the park, smores roasted over the fire and daily activities in the pool for the kids to join in. A playground, hot tub, Cajun and Creole specialties in the quick service dining room, outdoor bar, live jazz music and immaculately kept grounds and gardens to stroll.

Plus, from Disney’s Port Orleans Resort French Quarters you can hop on Walt Disney World® Water Complimentary Transportation along the Sassagoula River to Disney Springs.

Disney’s Art of Animation Resort

If you are looking for a Walt Disney World Value Resort that has a WOW appeal, check out Disney’s Art of Animation Resort. This value resort blew me away, and in true Disney fashion from the moment you arrive, there is a story to be told.

The walls are lined with original sketches from some of Disney’s greatest hits, including; The Little Mermaid, Lion King, Finding Nemo, and Cars.

The Finding Nemo pool is the largest pool at a Walt Disney World Resort. The state-of-the-art underwater speakers are first for Disney Resort hotels. I wish I had my bathing suit on because you can hear the music underwater!

There is a splash pad for the little kids, and since the pool gradually gets deeper, the little kids get to experience a beachside splash. 

If that wasn’t enough, Disney’s Art of Animation Resort has family suites that fit prominent families like ours of 6 or less. Family suites include a bedroom with one queen-size bed; one double-size convertible TableBed; one double-size sleeper sofa; living room; 2 bathrooms and a kitchenette. I was overly impressed with the size of these rooms and could picture my family having a stress-free stay between these four walls.

Let Disney Drive for You! If you decide to stay at a Walt Disney World Resort, you can take their complimentary air-conditioned bus service between all 4 of Disney’s theme parks.

 Every 20 minutes a shuttle will be around the corner to take you and your family where you need to go.

Stay tuned for part 2 of my Canadian Walt Disney World Vacation Value Tips. 

Thank you for reading In R Dream!

Thank you, Walt Disney World for the most magical stay!