My family loves going to Disney World. As a Florida native, it’s like a second home. (check out my other Disney posts: Disney Foot Care and Disney World Resort Activities) don’t need a map to navigate Magic Kingdom, and I can give you the order of the countries in the World Showcase at Epcot. Okay. I just did that in my head, and I missed Italy and Morocco, but you get the point. As much as I love Disney World, it is expensive! There will be a gift shop everywhere you look, so come prepared and know what to avoid. Disney World offers a host of high quality souvenirs. Over the years, I’ve bought my fair share of them, but I want share how to save money at Disney World with 5 things to avoid buying!
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Save Money at Disney World: 5 Things NOT to Buy
Character T-Shirts
While you can only get Disney World (and the respective theme park shirts) in the parks, many Disney character shirts can be found at numerous retailers across the country like Walmart, Target or Online. So, don’t spend your money on a generic shirt that will be at least $25, instead of $15 outside of the park. When I was kid and we would go to Disney World, my mom’s rule on Disney souvenirs was and still is: “If you can get it at Walmart, you’re not getting it here.”
Coloring Books and other Craft Items
Most of this stuff can be found at Walmart or the Dollar Store for around a buck. There are very few things at Disney World that cost a dollar. Again, my advice for Disney World Souvenirs is to NOT buy anything that isn’t specific to Walt Disney World and/or that will be a lasting souvenir.
Minnie Ears or Flamboyant Hats
Because we visit Disney World at least once a year, I bought a pair of Minnie Mouse Ears a few years ago. If you’re considering buying a crazy hat or Minnie Ears, consider how many times you’ll wear it after your vacation or where you’ll put them in your house. I’ve worn mine on several trips, and they sit on a stuffed animal until they return to the Castle.
Painkillers
If you have a headache, it can really put a damper on your day at Disney World. Some of the gift shops sell sample size pain medicine, but if you head to the first-aid station at any park, you can get some for free.
Bottled Water
Newsflash! It’s hot in Florida most of the year. Stay hydrated. A bottle of water at Disney World can set you back a $2.50 a bottle, but there’s a cheaper way. At every Disney World restaurant, you can ask for a cup of water-free of charge. I take a reusable water bottle and refill it throughout the day at water fountains and restaurants.
Do you have any other ways to save money at Disney World? Share them in the comments and don’t forget to pin!
Good tips on how to save money when visiting Disney World!
Thanks!
I go to the party store and get disney lanyards and have my daughter hang a favorite disney toy on it, she plays with it in line and when we pass shops I remind her she already owns a disney toy, amd she’s content. While at the party store i pick up balloons that light up, we blow these up when it gets dark and they start to sell glow things. A small bag of cotton candy and a small bag of popcorn make my kids feel like they arent missing out, Mickey ears and all character hats are sold there too as well as little toys and coloring books. I usually take a small toy for an afternoon reward for good behavior, and a small plush hat or coloring book as a suveniors at end of night. We have annual passes so we have to have a system.
Such great ideas! I remember my mom packing glow sticks for the parades at night. Thanks for sharing!
These tips all sound as if they would work equally well at Disneyland here in California. There are ways to save money, for sure, but the price increase in tickets is not so encouraging.
I’ve only been to Disneyland once, but you’re right- they do apply! The price hike does stink!