Save at least 25% on your budget. Do at least 25% more at the Parks. Guaranteed.

To all who turn the pages of DON’T DO THAT!, welcome! This guide is for everyone. Like a fantastic day at Disney World or Universal Studios, I trust you’ll find it engaging, worthwhile and fun. From working in the vacation industry to owning Southwest Florida’s #1 escape room, I’ve helped thousands of Guests make unforgettable memories with their loved ones. After over thirty years visiting the Parks – both as an Insider (Cast Member) and as an Outsider (tourist) – I can say with confidence that this guide is truly one-of-a-kind. For decades, our goal has been to enjoy at least two trips to Disney and Universal for the average cost of one, without sacrificing quality. And we do it. Now you can too, as DON’T can help you save at least 25% on your budget and do at least 25% more in the Parks. Whether it’s your 1st trip or 50th, whether you’re a novice or enthusiast, you’ll find value in DON’T. However you visit, and whoever you visit with, you’ll do more, save more, and – most importantly – make more memories.

Go later to stay later. Trust me on this: Parks at night are pure magic. Crowds thin out, lights flicker to life, and everything feels brand new. It’s magic 2.0. You could rope drop and leave by 5p. Many do. But why miss fireworks, cooler temps, and shorter lines? Arrive later – we’re fans of after 10a – stay later. It’s like getting two Parks for the price of one

Of course you can add a Friday or Saturday to your itinerary. Personally, Saturdays scare us. They make Cast & Crew nervous. But (playful) fear of crowds aside, weekends jack up your resort cost. Also, because of weekend warrior trips, a stay Sunday–Thursday may be wide open, but add Saturday? Suddenly “sold out.” Consider splitting your stay for a day or two. Or you could see your budget trip triple in cost or not be available at all.

Disney resorts are gorgeous and come with perks. (Well, a lot less than they did.) But they also come with hefty price tags. Value resorts? Not so much. We prefer – and we’ve stayed on property, too – amazing places for the fraction of the cost. Off property truly means more space, more options, and serious savings. Plus, you won’t lose out on any of the magic or memories. In fact, you might make more for less.

Class, it’s time for an unscientific (but very real) math lesson. If an average Park day is about 10 attractions, let’s see what a few DON’Ts add up to: 10 + 2 (#5, #40) + 1 (#31) + 2 (#3) + 3 (#111. Variant: #80) = 18 attractions That’s a realistic 80% increase with a few smart choices. Multiply the fun and give your vacation an A+.

Some off-property hotels offer shuttles. But check the fine print. Actually, the schedules are right in front of you. They might only run twice a day, skip certain Parks, or stop hours before a Park closes. Plus, the Parks have a fleet. Some hotels have… a bus. God forbid it breaks down. Rideshares are OK. (Now you’re confirming #50.) Or, of course, stick to #5 because most of the time, that shuttle is a one-way trip to inconvenience.