3. Use free rides and get cashback on Uber

Image: Spiros Vathis, Flickr (license)

While cabs were a decent option in the past for parkgoers to get around easily, Uber and Lyft have become something of a godsend for Disney guests looking for an alternative to Disney transportation. It’s a fast and easy way to navigate the property without some of the hassle of cabs, and the apps are more convenient than ever.

If you or someone in your party with a cell phone hasn’t used Uber or Lyft before, you can get a discount (or even a free trip) on your first ride using a promo code like “p1z52ue” on Uber or “WEHAVELYFTOFF” on Lyft (these two codes are from Denver but also work in Orlando). If you know anyone who drives for either of the services, ask them for their promotion code. The popular grocery savings app, Ibotta, also now offers Uber users some small savings (currently a dollar back) on each ride.

Always try to go with a driver who has a good rating if possible. If you get a driver that has a low rating, your best option is to cancel the trip and try again to see if you can get another driver (your driver is assigned based on who is closest). If you strike out with one service like Uber, try Lyft instead. If you absolutely love a driver, see if they have a business card and offer trips on call. Some drivers do this. Though it’s never mandatory, it’s always a blessing for drivers to get tips.

4. Use cashback cards to purchase gift cards, hotels, and more

Image: CL Photographs, Flickr (license)

Disney experts have some seriously insane ways to save huge amounts of money using cashback and rewards credit cards. Used wisely and with good financial sense, credit cards that give reward points or cashback can save guests hundreds on Disney trips. With enough time and effort, one gentleman supposedly planned a whole Disney trip for just the price of dining and souvenirs. This is an extreme example, but the savings offered by this method can’t be ignored.

First off, you can use cashback cards like Chase Freedom or CapitalOne Quicksilver to make major purchases for your trip and get 1-5% cashback, depending on the situation or promotion. Even getting something as simple as incidentals for your trip this way can add up.

One of the most popular hacks for cashback cards involves buying Disney gift cards from Target.com. If you buy your Disney Gift Cards using a Target REDCard, you get a 5% discount with each purchase. Instead of spending $500 in cash on your trip, using this method to get Disney gift cards would save you $25. You can then use these gift cards to get your tickets, pay for dining and souvenirs, or possibly even pay for your resort in some circumstances.

Image: HarshLight, Flickr (license)

You can also do your research well before your trip and sign up for a card with your favorite airline—Chase Southwest Rapid Rewards is a good option, as are general travel cards like CapitalOne Venture and Chase Sapphire Rewards according to Nerdwallet’s latest estimates. Use your card to pay off bills in the year leading up to your trip (be sure and pay it off quickly to not damage your credit) to save on your flight to and from Orlando.

You can also earn points towards a stay at Disney using American Express’s Starwood Preferred Guest card. This would give you access to potential free nights at the Swan and Dolphin hotel, which is not Disney-owned but still offers many of the perks of Disney resorts.

Even just doing something as simple as purchasing your tickets from Undercover Tourist using a cashback card will save you some money on your next trip. Every dollar counts!