How to Pay for Disney Vacation

The cost of a Disney vacation can vary widely, not only because Disney offers so many different attractions and packages, but also due to additional factors. For example, factors like your destination, the size of your family, and the time of year you travel can all impact your total cost. With that in mind, here are three ways to break down the average cost of a one-week Disney vacation for a family of four: 

• The average cost of a value Disney vacation is around $6,465. 

• The average cost of a mid-range Disney vacation is around $8,910.  

• The average cost of a luxury Disney vacation is around $15,560.

With inflation driving up costs, people are exploring various ways to finance a Disney vacation, including using credit cards, personal loans, and buy now, pay later (BNPL) services. According to a report by CNBC, the average cost of a Disney vacation has risen by roughly 5% each year over the past decade, putting the price of 1-day admission to Walt Disney World 56% higher in 2024 compared to 2014. The average cost of a single-day theme park ticket ranges from $160 to $175, with the average cost of a hotel ranging from $286 to $877 per person, per night.

1. Pay with a credit card

When considering how to pay for a Disney vacation, many credit cards have simple sign-up requirements and can give you the ability to earn points or rewards on select purchases. A Disney Rewards Credit Card is ideal for maximizing rewards toward your next Disney vacation. To avoid accruing interest, plan ahead to pay off your balance in full and on time for each billing cycle.

2. Set aside savings

If there’s comfortable room in your budget, consider leveraging your savings to help finance your Disney vacation expenses. This strategy is simple and convenient, with no applications to complete or interest charges. Depending on when you plan to travel, you may even want to create a savings account specifically dedicated to funding your next vacation.

3. Leverage buy now, pay later service

Buy now, pay later (BNPL) services offer a convenient, flexible way to finance Disney vacation costs. Using a BNPL service, you can split major purchases into manageable installments, which means you can plan your dream vacation while sticking to your budget. 

When comparing BNPL options, look for a provider like Zip that partners with Disney Parks to bring you exclusive deals and big savings. Another advantage of Zip is that payment plans can be completed over 6 weeks², letting you enjoy your vacation today and pay for it in increments afterwards.

4. Use a Disney vacation payment plan

If you book your vacation through the Walt Disney Travel Company, you may be eligible for a financing option called the Disney Vacation Payment Plan. This plan allows you to break vacation expenses like park admission into a series of installments, rather than paying the full cost upfront. To finance Disney vacation expenses using this option, you’ll need to make a minimum $200 deposit and pay your balance in full at least 30 days before you arrive. 

The Disney Vacation Payment Plan is only available for travel packages that include certain features, like a minimum 2-night stay at a Disney hotel. If you don’t qualify for a Disney payment plan, you can try using BNPL services like Zip as an alternative.

5. Use Disney gift cards

Disney offers gift cards that can be redeemed for almost anything, from merchandise and theme park admission to booking a hotel stay. You can reduce your vacation costs by using gift cards to help cover your expenses. To earn gift cards, consider entering contests and giveaways, or explore apps like Swagbucks or Ibotta that let shoppers earn rewards. 

Looking for even more tips on how to pay for a Disney vacation? Check out five more ways to pay for a vacation.

Before you can start financing Disney vacation expenses, you’ll need to decide what type of Disney vacation you want to plan. From tours and resorts to theme parks and cruises, here are four vacation options that offer something for everyone.

Disney theme parks

While Disney offers a variety of vacation experiences, the most popular attractions are its iconic resorts and theme parks, which offer thrilling rides, dazzling performances, and world-class dining options — all in a completely immersive and interactive Disney-themed setting. There are currently six Disney Resorts worldwide, offering up 12 unique theme park experiences for guests: 

• Disneyland Paris — Disneyland Park, Walt Disney Studios Park

• Disneyland Resort — Disneyland Park, Disney California Adventure Park

• Hong Kong Disneyland Resort — Hong Kong Disneyland

• Shanghai Disney Resort — Shanghai Disneyland 

• Tokyo Disney Resort —  Tokyo Disneyland, Tokyo DisneySea 

• Walt Disney World Resort — EPCOT, Magic Kingdom Park, Disney’s Animal Kingdom, Disney’s Hollywood Studios

Disney Cruise Line

From the tropical shores of Bermuda to the snow-capped peaks of Alaska, Disney Cruise Line offers sailing adventures around the globe. Passengers aboard Disney’s state-of-the-art fleet can dine at Disney-themed bars and restaurants, see live music and performances, mix it up at on-deck parties, and explore countless options for recreation — including a see-through water coaster! With fun activities just for kids and 18+ events for adults, Disney cruises have something for every member of the family

Discover a whole new world with Adventures by Disney, where experienced Adventure Guides lead immersive group tours to some of the planet’s most beautiful destinations. Destination highlights of 2025 include Prague, Vienna, and Salzburg in Central Europe, along with Italian cities like Rome, Venice, and Tuscany. There are also dozens of other exciting Land Adventures and Small Ship Adventures for travelers to explore, including tours of Alaska, Japan, Australia, Greece, and New Zealand.

Disney resorts and spas

Prefer relaxation to rides? Then pamper yourself at Disney Vacation Club Resorts, where you can relax with all the comforts of home — plus all the magic of Disney. Unwind in stunning settings like Disney’s Polynesian Villas and Bungalows, the Europe-inspired Riviera Resort, or the tropical Aulani Resort located in Ko Olina, Hawai’i. No matter which destination you choose, every Disney resort offers friendly service, stylish accommodations, and lavish guest amenities.