HAA Disney: Top 10 – Tips to Travel to Walt Disney World as a Canadian – Happily Adventures After

Hey Howdy HAA Everyone!

Welcome Back to Happily Adventures After. Today we are going to go through our Happily Adventures After HAA Disney: Top 10 – Tips for Traveling to Walt Disney World as a Canadian.

Welcome to another exciting episode of HAA Disney: Top 10! As we all know, planning a trip to Walt Disney World is magical, but for Canadians and other non-U.S. citizens, there are a few extra steps that can make the journey even smoother and more budget-friendly. From navigating currency exchange and U.S. travel regulations to figuring out what to pack, these tips will ensure you have a hassle-free experience from start to finish.

Trust me, These little travel tip that can be a game-changer for Canadians (and other non-U.S. citizens) heading to Disney World!

In no particular order, and Without further ado, Here are our HAA Disney: Top 10 Tips for Canadians Traveling to Disney. As Mickey Mouse has said…Here We Go!

1. High Ball the Exchange

When budgeting for a trip to the U.S., round up the exchange rate. For example, if it’s 1.42 CAD to 1 USD, budget as if it’s 1.5 CAD. This small adjustment provides a financial cushion against rate fluctuations and unexpected costs. On my last trip, this strategy saved me from some stress when the rate shifted, allowing me to focus on enjoying my time instead of worrying about money.

2. Carry Cash for Gas

For U.S. road trips, carry cash for gas. Stations often offer cash discounts, and you avoid foreign transaction fees and zip code hassles. During a recent road trip, I found this tip invaluable. Not only did I save on gas, but I also avoided the confusion of using a credit card with a U.S. zip code. Keeping cash handy made the journey smoother and more affordable.

3. Use CAA/AAA and Costco Discounts

If you have a CAA or AAA membership, use it to save on hotels and attractions. I’ve found that discounts through AAA, which CAA members can also use, have made our Disney trips more affordable. For example, Hilton Honors gave us significant savings on our hotel stays, and CAA discounts on park tickets meant more budget for extra treats and experiences.

4. Plan Your Road Trip Stops

Plan your driving breaks in advance to make your trip more manageable. I learned this the hard way by pushing through long drives without planning stops, which made the journey stressful. Using guides like Along Interstate 75 has since helped us find great places to rest and eat, turning our long drives into pleasant parts of the trip.

5. Fly from a U.S. Airport

Consider flying from a U.S. airport like Detroit or Buffalo instead of Toronto Pearson. My family and I discovered that Detroit Metro Airport often offers cheaper flights and less chaos than Toronto. This tip has consistently saved us money and hassle, making our journey to Disney World smoother from the start.

6. Carry Border Crossing Cash

Check the border crossing fees and carry some extra cash. During one trip, we were caught off guard by a fee increase at the Windsor-Detroit crossing. Having extra cash saved us from scrambling at the toll booth. This preparation ensures you’re ready for any unexpected costs at the border.

7. Check Your Credit Limit

Make sure your credit limit can handle additional holds, like those for car rentals. On a past trip, I found myself in a bind when my credit limit was too close to the rental hold amount. By overpaying my credit card before the trip, I created a financial cushion that helped avoid stress and kept our trip on track.

8. Check Your Phone Plan

Ensure your phone plan covers U.S. travel to avoid roaming fees. I have a USA-Canada plan, which makes my trips hassle-free, but I’ve seen family members struggle with roaming charges. Checking your plan or using Wi-Fi with airplane mode can save you from expensive fees and ensure you stay connected without extra stress.

9. Expect to Spend 25% More

Budget for about 20-25% more than planned for your Disney trip. The magic of Disney always seems to pull me into extra purchases—whether it’s a special souvenir or a spontaneous treat. By expecting a bit more spending, I’ve avoided stress and fully enjoyed those unexpected delights and magical moments.

10. Print It Out

Print all your travel confirmations and reservations. I’ve had tech glitches and system failures more times than I can count. On one trip, my phone acted up, and having printed copies of our hotel bookings saved us from a potential fiasco. Physical documents are a simple yet effective way to ensure your trip goes smoothly, even when technology lets you down.

We know I hardly make it out without some Honourable Mentions, so….

Know That OTC Medications Differ Medications can vary between Canada and the U.S. For example, muscle relaxers like Robaxin are prescription-only in the U.S., while they’re available over the counter in Canada. Even common meds like Midol or Tylenol might have different formulations. Knowing this beforehand and checking ingredients can prevent issues, especially if you have an allergy or sensitivity.
Photocopy Important Documents Photocopy your passport, driver’s license, health card, and insurance details. Having copies can be a lifesaver if documents are lost or damaged. On one trip, having photocopies saved me from a potential mess when my original documents were misplaced. Store copies separately for added security, so you can focus on enjoying your Disney adventure rather than dealing with paperwork issues.
Check out Disney’s Special Offers Page – Disney Parks and Disney Cruise Line often put out special discounts for Canadians either with stays, ticket prices or cruises. Be sure to check the Special Offers page before you book! If an offer exclusive for Canadians comes out after you book, be sure to call Disney Parks or DCL so that it can be applied to your Disney experience!

As we conclude our HAA Disney: Top 10 Tips for Traveling to the USA as a Canadian, it’s clear that a bit of planning can go a long way in ensuring a smooth and enjoyable trip. From taking advantage of discounts and knowing your limits to preparing for unexpected costs and keeping track of essential documents, each tip we’ve shared is designed to help you navigate your journey to Disney World with ease.

We’ve covered everything from the benefits of using Hilton Honors and CAA/AAA discounts to the importance of bringing printed copies of your reservations. Whether it’s the small savings from a AAA discount or the peace of mind from having a printed itinerary, these practical tips are all about making your Disney experience as magical as possible.

At Happily Adventures After, we’re excited to help you make the most of your trip and avoid common travel pitfalls.

We’d love to hear from you—what are your top tips for traveling to Disney World from Canada, or even another international location? Have you encountered any surprises on your journey that these tips might help with?

Join the conversation on our blog and podcast as we continue to explore and share the magic of Disney. Your stories and insights enrich our community, and we can’t wait to hear about your adventures.