One mistake guests make at Walt Disney World is unforeseen costs. Below find seven common unexpected expenses for a Walt Disney World vacation. Being prepared will help you to stay within budget.
1. Water At Disney World
A bottle of water at Walt Disney World averages $3.50 per bottle. A great tip is to have bottled water shipped to your resort (Keep in mind this service now costs $6 per package). Or, avoid costs by grabbing free ice water at Disney or by bringing your own Brita Water bottle to the parks.
2. Not Packing Items
Forgetting to pack an item for Disney means paying full price at the parks. Commonly forgotten items are: Band-Aids, chapstick, gum, cough drops, hats, other first aid items & over the counter medications (cough, Motrin, allergy), Sunglasses, sunscreen and clothing for warm and cool weather. Bookmark this ultimate packing list.
3. Light Up Toys
Once the sun goes down at Disney World the night lights up from attractions, stores and… light up toys. Save money by bringing your own. Glow sticks are an inexpensive option.
4. Tinker Bell Gifts
Souvenirs can add up. One way to minimize the need to go shopping is to have fun items already on hand by purchasing them prior to your trip. Children will love their Tinkerbell Gifts and parents will love the savings.
5. Hair Wrapping
Hair wrapping is a popular souvenir. If someone in your group wants Hair Wrapping done at Disney the rate is $2.00 per inch. For someone with long hair this can become quite costly.
6. Tipping
The dining plan is a great option for saving money but tipping is not included. Be prepared for tipping at Disney restaurants on the Dining Plan. Also, having cash on hand for cast members who help with luggage, mousekeeping, Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique or for a hair cut or hair wrap etc. are nice gestures.
7. Eating At The Airport
Eating on travel days can dip into the vacation budget. Be mindful of travel times and if a meal will need to be purchased at the Airport.
Learn more about planning your Walt Disney World vacation. Plus overwhelmed with all the planning? Destinations in Florida can help you plan your perfect trip.
Stupid article. Not a single one of these is “unexpected”.
Resorts have activities that cost extra as well such as tye dye ranging from 10 to 20 dollars and slime making 10 dollars per kid. These are useful for resort days on your vacay.
Water is free at any quick service
If you don’t like the thread Joe F feel free to take your swimming pools and movie stars lifestyle somewhere else. But for those of us who have to budget a vacation thank you Kristin.
Let’s not forget the 20$ parking fee per day :-) we were shocked when we got there in September.
Fyi… manynlisted items in number 2 are available at the first aid center at each park, many for free.
Regarding most of the above, you are taking the fun out of vacation. Leave your penny pinching ways at home for a week. I agree with water being expensive but most Disney DVC resorts sell water by the case that is reasonably priced for Disney. For first aid supplies there are first aid stations in all parks where you can pickup a bandaid, etc.
Otherwise, enjoy your family vaca!!!!
You are correct! The biggest draw for our family is knowing what the vacation will cost before we arrive including meals transportation airfare hotel. All the little extras that add up are part of the cash on hand/gifts budget. Every time we have gone you feel we have received value for our dollars.
Joe F, why are you reading the post if you’re just going to criticize it?
Cause some people have no life!