a) drive (if you are not too far) b) stay in an off-property hotel c) depending on the kids age limit yourself to Magic Kingdom + a couple of minor parks.

Disney has several ticket options, like the park hopper and such. A representative can give you the best options given how many are in your party and what it is you want to see. Food in the parks is expensive. You can easily pack in some snacks and a light lunch and enjoy it anywhere in the parks. Most hotels offer free shuttles to the parks, so you probably don't have to rent a car. On-property resorts are terrific but can be expensive. Still, there are several tiers of Disney properties. You can get a room for as little as $82 and, given the quality of many surrounding off-property hotels, you might want to strongly consider staying on property. Visit during the "value season:" Jan. 1 - Feb. 13; Aug. 3 - Oct. 1; Nov. 30 - Dec. 18. Summer also experiences a lull, but it's incredibly hot and humid, especially if you're not used to sub-tropic conditions. DON'T fall for the many "Free Tickets" offers you can run across for Disney. They are all either outright scams or will cost you a day listening to timeshare sales pitches. If you can sacrifice that kind of time and energy, fine. Otherwise, you'll regret it. Disney is expensive, but it's an excellent vacation choice. There are some really great new attractions and they've refurbished some classics as well. Good luck.

The cheapest way is also the most annoying. However, you did ask for cheapest. Many of the timeshare condo communities offer a free stay for 4-5 days during the slower times. In exchange, you have to spend 90 minutes of your time listening to a sales pitch, but no one requires you to buy. As I said, it is annoying, but eliminates the cost of housing when you make your trip. Most of these communities have shuttles that stop by at regular intervals to take you to the theme parks, as well, so you don't need a rental car.

Many of the answers above are right on the money but some aren't always exact. Depending on the ages, children enjoy the free things at Disney including LegoLand at Downtown Disney, the ground fountains, the lights and fireworks, riding the monorails from Contemporary resort to Epcot and back, etc. etc. etc. Obviously getting a room or unit with refrigerator and laundry, you can save money along with using Disney transportation (buses).

last spring break my mom took my brothers and i to disney land while coming back from san diego. she didn't want to spend a lot either. so we went to subway and got sandwhiches to bring into the park, b/c the PARK FOOD IS INCREDIBLY OVER PRICED!!! so bring your own food in. that it self saved us probably $100 at the least for the 4 of us. and set a limit to your spending money and stick to it.

If you wnat to save money, choose what you want on your ticket carefully. You can choose park hopper( go to two parks in one day), or fun( arcade in Downtown Disney). If you are staying at a Disney hotel with a a lot of parks around it, you might want to choose the park hopper. If you have nothing, or only one do not choose the park hopper. You can also stay off property. They do have hotels that are very close to Disney but, are not owned by Disney.