A Disney World vacation can get expensive. Use tips here on what not to buy at Disney parks to save money and still experience the magic of Disney. Below are 10 items guests should not buy from Disney parks, and what to do or buy instead.
10 Items Not To Buy At Disney World Parks:
- Autograph Book – Autograph books are sold in Disney parks, however consider one of these 11 creative items to have Disney Characters sign, and purchase prior to your trip.
- Autograph Pen – Purchase a retractable Sharpie (or larger retractable pen), these are convenient and easy for characters to grip.
- Band-Aids – Instead of buying overpriced Band-Aids or ointments at a Disney gift shop, head to a First-Aid station in the parks for unexpected scrapes and other minor ailments.
- Clothing – Disney themed apparel is sold at many major retailers such as Walmart, Target, JC Penny and more. Purchase your character apparel before your trip and save big. This includes Princess Dresses for girls. Otherwise, pay $70 for a Princess Dress at Disney World.
- Lanyard– If you plan on Pin Trading a Lanyard is perfect for displaying pins, pick one up for $1 at Dollar Stores. I have even seen Disney themed Lanyards at Five Below.
- Light-Up Toys – When the sun goes down at Disney World, light up toys are aplenty and will cost you an average of $20. Curb the need to buy these by purchasing lights up toys or Glow sticks (for $1) to pack.
- Pins – Pins cost on average $5-$10 a piece, which can get pricey if you are purchasing just for Pin Trading. Instead head to ebay before your vacation and buy a lot of pins for a fraction of the price. Look for a reputable seller (seller feedback) and that they come with official mickey head backing.
- Poncho – Disney ponchos will cost you are $10 each, for a family or group that adds up. Not to mention, the time wasted in line with everyone else buying ponchos. They are durable, however then you have to worry about storing it after the rain passes. Instead, buy $1 ponchos from a Dollar Store (Dollar Tree) and save time and money. Walmart also sells disposable ponchos.
- Small Souvenirs – Save your souvenir budget for something unique, personal or special to you. Skip the small souvenirs you could anywhere for half the price. For children, consider TinkerBell Gifts.
- Water – A bottle of water will cost you $3 each. If a family of 4 each drinks 2 bottles a water a day, over 5 day that is $40 spent just on water! Instead, bring a Brita Water Bottle or have water shipped to your resort. Or stop by a quick service counter and get a free cup of ice water in the parks.
Learn more about planning your Walt Disney World vacation. Plus overwhelmed with all the planning? Destinations in Florida can help you plan your perfect trip.
Lorraine Mooney says
On an October trip we brought flat foam pumpkins and ghosts from the dollar tree. I put them on a small clipboard to make signing them easy for the characters. Did the same with Christmas tree shapes in December. They are now in a photo album. The Dollar stores have foam snowflakes that you can put one of the stickers the cast members hand out in the center and then hang them on your tree.