Planning a trip to Disney World is a dream for many families, but the high costs of tickets, lodging, and food can quickly turn that dream into a financial challenge. Finding affordable Disney accommodation is one of the biggest hurdles, with even cheap hotels near Disney often coming at a premium.
But what if you could stay near the parks for free? One family found a creative way to go to Disney World without overspending — saving $2,300 in the process.
Get started with HomeExchangeFinding Budget-Friendly Disney World Accommodation
Family travel journalists Collette and Scott Stohler recently planned a trip to Disney World with their two-year-old daughter, Scotland, who is deep in her Disney princess era. With another baby on the way, they wanted to enjoy one last trip as a family of three but needed a budget-friendly option. Instead of booking traditional Disney accommodation, they turned to HomeExchange, a home-swapping platform that allowed them to stay in a beautiful house near Disney World for free.
Collette jumped on HomeExchange to search for home exchanges in Orlando, Florida, and started reaching out. There are more than 150 home exchanges in the immediate area, so it’s not hard to find some that meet your criteria for a dream vacation home.
“The platform was very easy to navigate,” Collette explains. She filtered for homes that were near Disney World, had multiple bedrooms, and had a pool. This led her to an ideal home for her family. She contacted the host, who was happy to accommodate them. “The host was really responsive if we had any questions, and communication went smoothly,” Collette says.
Browse swaps in Orlando, FLSaving Money on a Disney Trip
The house itself was an ideal base for their Disney adventure. It had four bedrooms, a private pool, a hot tub, toys, and a spacious kitchen—allowing them to save even more money by cooking meals at home. “Having a HomeExchange allowed us to save money not only on accommodations, but on food and restaurants as well,” Collette says.
Compared to staying in a Disney World accommodation or one of the cheap hotels near Disney, the home exchange provided significantly more space, comfort, and convenience. Rather than being cramped in a small hotel room, Scotland had her own room, allowing her to nap peacefully while her parents relaxed elsewhere in the house.
“We felt so at home,” Collette says. “We didn’t have to set up a bed for our toddler, pay for expensive room service, or eat hotel food. It was truly a home away from home.”
By opting for a home exchange instead of a hotel, the family saved an estimated $2,000 on Disney accommodations. They also saved around $300 on food expenses by cooking at home rather than dining out for every meal.
With those savings, they splurged on a special Disney princess dining experience, where Scotland got to dine with Snow White, the dwarves, and the Evil Queen. “She was so excited,” Collette recalls. “She’s not going to be in her princess phase forever, so being able to experience that together was really special.”
Start saving with HomeExchangeThe Magic of HomeExchange
Collette believes more families should take advantage of home exchanges when visiting Disney World. “I want to get the secret about HomeExchange out because it is so wonderful and gives you access to the world in ways that hotels and typical vacation rentals do not,” she says. “There’s a camaraderie and feeling of being welcomed that isn’t present when you’re exchanging money.”
A key benefit of home exchanges is the trust and respect within the community. Unlike traditional vacation rentals or hotels, there is no financial transaction, fostering a sense of community among travelers who share a mutual appreciation for one another’s homes.
“The community is so trusted,” Collette says. “The fact that there is no financial exchange puts you in a network of like-minded travelers who respect your home.”
Get started for freeWays to Go to Disney World on a Budget With HomeExchange
If you’re looking for an affordable way to experience Disney World, consider these tips for finding the perfect home exchange near the park and sticking to your budget:
- Be flexible with your dates. If you’re open to traveling during the off-season or don’t have fixed dates, it’s easier to find a home exchange that fits your schedule.
- Personalize your request. Home exchangers near Disney receive many inquiries. A personalized message that shares details about your family and why you’re excited about their home can increase your chances of getting a positive response. “Since you’re going to be staying in someone’s home, they want to know who you are,” Collette says.
- Consider proximity to Disney World. Traffic in Orlando can be heavy, so choosing a home close to the parks will help you maximize your time at Disney rather than sitting in traffic.
- Look for a home with a pool. A private pool, hot tub, or game room provides free entertainment for the family on non-park days, helping you save on additional activities.
- Take advantage of the kitchen. Cooking meals at home instead of eating out for every meal can save you hundreds of dollars during your trip.
- Ask your host for insider tips. A unique advantage of home exchanging is receiving local recommendations from your host. They can share insights on the best times to visit the parks, hidden dining gems, and the most efficient transportation options.
- Bring your own snacks and drinks. Disney allows guests to bring food into the parks, so packing your own snacks and water bottles can help cut down on costs.
- Plan your park days strategically. Consider visiting the parks on weekdays to avoid peak weekend crowds and potentially save on ticket prices. This is especially important with rising costs at Disney World, such as the recent Lightning Lane pass increases.
By using HomeExchange, families can enjoy Disney World accommodations without the hefty price tag of hotels or resort stays. Whether you're planning a first visit or a return trip, this approach allows you to experience the magic of Disney while keeping costs under control.
If you're looking for cheap hotels near Disney, consider expanding your search to include home exchanges — you might just find a dream home that enhances your vacation and saves you thousands of dollars in the process.
