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If you’re like me, the last thing you want is to spend a small fortune on a Disney vacation only to then spend a small fortune during your trip. I have planned multiple trips to Disney for my family over the years. I have discovered how to plan a Disney World vacation to save money.
First, for any Disney related travel plans, let me encourage you to utilize the service of a travel professional that specializes in Disney Destinations.
Plan Your Pack for a Trip to Disney World
There are quite a few things that you can do ahead of time to make it easier for you and your family to both enjoy your Disney vacation and limit the amount of spending you do once you are there. All these ways include planning the items that you bring with you (or ship directly to your resort for convenience) so you are not stuck having to purchase the same items at a big mark up inside the Disney bubble. These items include souvenirs, toiletries, tee shirts, and items you will find you need when vacationing in the sunshine state.
photo: @bizzy.runninganddizn
What to Buy Outside of Disney World
The following are items that I recommend and pack myself for any trip to Disney World. Please note, you can also ship items directly to your Disney resort within 2 weeks of your arrival. There is an approximate fee of $6 per package that the resort will hold for you until your arrival. You can find out how to ship your items to your Disney resort in 6 Ways to Save Money on Your Trip to Disney World.
1. Ponchos
It rains in Florida pretty much daily, especially in the warmer months from about May until October. I have been in Disney World at all times of the year, and I can tell you with confidence that even on a bright sunny day, it can and will rain at some point. You want to be prepared, and you don’t want to have to purchase ponchos in the gift shops. The price difference is staggering! Ponchos are your best bet because there are also frequent thunderstorms in Florida. You don’t want to be holding an umbrella in that!
In addition, ponchos are great for the water rides. They will keep you dry- mostly, and then can be easily removed and stored.
2. Plastic storage and sandwich bags
Plastic storage and sandwich bags are a God send on your day at the theme park! The reason is the first item I listed as well as other reasons. I will explain. The inside of your park bag will need to be protected from that wet poncho I just mentioned.
Also, a plastic sandwich bag will protect your cell phone and other devices from getting wet when it rains or on those water rides. Both can be easily stored inside your park bag for use. You may also find them very helpful for wet clothing, especially socks, as well as leftovers or half eaten lollipops your kids are unable to finish.
3. A good sturdy backpack/park bag
Over the years I have used many different bags to haul stuff around when I’m in the park. I have found that a good sturdy backpack is really the best bet on a Disney vacation. It keeps your hands free and can hold a lot of items, especially if it has a good number of separated compartments. The link I’m providing is to give you an example of the one I have used the last several years. I have not had to replace it yet, so it’s become my favorite.
4. Comfortable waterproof shoes.
As I mentioned, it frequently rains in Disney World, and you are probably going to ride those water rides I keep talking about. The area the poncho won’t protect, is your feet! It’s best to wear shoes that work best in a puddle situation. First tip is to wear those shoes at home a few times to make sure they are comfortable for the distance. Second tip, make sure they aren’t flip flops. If your feet are wet, you don’t want to be slipping and sliding inside your slides while walking all day in Magic Kingdom.
Instead, try a pair of walking sandals that have a back or strap to keep them in place even for your kids I use the Dream Pairs walking sandals from Amazon. In fact, I’m wearing them right now and I own several pair. They are very comfortable and offer a lot of support for the distance.
5. Souvenirs
Let’s be clear! Souvenirs are where you are bound to spend some money. My trick? Buy Disney items ahead of time and bring them with me or have them shipped and waiting for you at your resort. Disney has an online store, shopdisney.com where you can purchase sale items. In addition, Target, Amazon, even Etsy, have Disney “shops” where you can purchase authentic Disney merchandise at a cheaper price then inside those gift shops
You don’t want to feel FOMO, but you also don’t want to regret spending way too much money on an item you could have gotten much cheaper a different way. Items such as tee shirts, lightsabers, Mickey and Minnie themed backpacks for kids, plushies, and more are available to purchase at a variety of places. Have them with you and feel proud you made a good decision.
6. Snacks/Drinks
You DO NOT want to get stuck paying for a bottle of water in a Disney Park when you can either get a free cup of water at any counter service location or purchase a case of water for your room and bring them with you for your day. There are water refilling stations at many locations throughout the parks. So, it’s even better to bring your own personal water bottle and refill it.
Disney allows guests to bring food/drinks into the park if you don’t bring ice packs or ice. So, items like protein bars, chips, cookies, cereal, frozen peanut butter and jelly sandwiches, goldfish, etc., are easily touted around inside your park bag for when the hunger pang strikes.
You can purchase these things in bulk ahead of time or use a service like Instacart or Amazon fresh to deliver them on the day of your arrival. You can pick up your deliveries right in the front lobby, but deliveries cannot be made directly to your room.
7. Fuel Rods
It is impressive how quickly your cell phone battery will drain in the parks. You will be using your phone very frequently between accessing Disney Genie for suggestions and taking pictures. There are recharging stations in various areas, so also bring your phone charger. But the on-the-go option is having a couple fuel rods.
Fuel rods are pocket size phone chargers that you can connect to your phone without being tied to a USB port or outlet. There are also Fuel Rod exchange kiosks around the parks and resorts, so when yours loses its charge, you can exchange it for a new one at no extra charge.
8. Toiletries
The top of the list of these is sunscreen and aloe vera! I’ll say it again, Florida weather is unpredictable but what Is fairly certain is no matter what time of year you visit, it will probably be sunny and hot enough to do sun damage. You do not want to have to purchase sunscreen at the resort. The price difference will hit you right in the wallet.
Have your sunscreen, shampoo, conditioner, body wash, whatever you prefer shipped to the resort within 2 weeks of your arrival day. Then you don’t have to worry about packing it. EXTRA TIP: just bring a carry on if you can swing it. Almost all of the Disney resorts have laundry service to some capacity, and some have a washer and dryer in the room.
9. Hand Sanitizer
Recent events have proven that it is so important to protect yourself especially when you are touching surfaces a few thousand other people have touched before you. Disney World does a great job of providing several hand sanitizer units before and after rides. Sometimes they are empty. Quite frankly, it is also not the most pleasant hand sanitizer I’ve used before either. It’s a bit gooey.
For added protection, I recommend purchasing small personal hand sanitizers for your travel party to keep on hand (no pun intended). The small bottles fit perfectly in a park bag, or you can get keychain style holders for your convenience.
10. Medication/bandages
There is nothing worse than getting hit with a headache or having a blister or worse on your vacation. You don’t want to HAVE to purchase that type of thing in a gift shop. Again, the prices will make you sad.
If you can prepurchase over the counter medication or bring a small sampling from your medicine cabinet, you will save yourself that hassle. Plus, Murphy’s law suggests if you are prepared then it won’t happen. That may just be in my world though.
I recommend Acetaminophen, ibuprofen, antihistamine medication and cream, blister care items, a chafing stick and antibiotic cream
The above are 10 things you MUST bring with you on your next Disney vacation. I recommend these items after planning and having many Disney trips over the years and making mistakes. As a travel planner, I share this information with my clients.
If you are interested in planning a vacation to Disney World, reach out to DizN Vacations. Thier expert advice and experience will help you have the personalized trip of your dreams. You can also submit a free no obligation quote request to start making your trip plans.
You can find additional tips and tricks on my tools page. Please continue to read my blogs for even more great ideas on the best way to vacation at Disney’s destinations and Universal Studios.
Comment below if you have any questions, or if you have any tips and tricks you would like to share.
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