This may not be for everybody but this is what we do. We don't stay at a resort, too expensive. We stay at the Travelodge on Bronson Memorial Highway. It's not the most glamorous but it's clean and comfortable with microwave and refrigerator, free shuttle to the parks and free breakfast. The breakfast is only like cereal, milk, toast, muffins but that's all I ever eat for breakfast and you aren't in the room a lot and you save more money. There are other hotels off the resorts that are cheaper too and I don't need the extra stuff the resorts give you. The Mears shuttle to the hotel or cab or renting a car is expensive and the hotel has free shuttle so we take the public bus. It takes a little longer to get to your hotel but a lot cheaper. We don't go to a park on the first day because I'm not paying to go for half a day. And we have to get our food at the grocery store anyway. I get my tickets on Disney's website. The more you buy the cheaper they are and also Universals website. But be careful because there are scams out there. I don't eat in the parks, too expensive. I'm happy with my pack of cheese crackers, granola bar and bottled water I get from the bathroom. You can bring in any bottled water or soda and go up to any concession stand and they will give you a free cup of ice. I bring in a thermos for my niece and her friend with chicken nuggets I heated up before we left and they I buy a big bag of pretzels and put some in smaller plastic bags everyday for them. If you want any snacks there are places in the park that have them for $5 or less. Magic Kingdom has an ice cream place on Main street that gives 2 big scoops of ice cram cones for $5 I think. You can go on youtube and find out about other snacks. If you miss the last shuttle bus back to your hotel, take Uber, it's cheaper then a cab.