Overpriced Items at Disney World

Taking into account that your vacation is already expensive from the moment that you start planning, there are a number of items that we’ve anticipated will be too pricey to justify buying at Walt Disney World.

If you are actually thinking about saving money, there are ways that Disney will change the game in order to get more for less. This isn’t a bad thing, because there are honestly items that you will either break or lose and just can’t live without.

This list isn’t for either of those situations.

Just before we get into the bulk of the article, please note that prices change constantly and although I’ll be posting photos of price tags or signage…there’s a really REALLY good chance that even if it’s an image from yesterday…it may change today.

T-SHIRTS

This is an easy one to start with because even with the two-for deals, you’re still better off to either get a shirt at the Character Warehouse @ the Orlando Premium Outlets OR online at TeePublic.

If you are going to get a shirt in the parks, make sure it’s right size…because I’ve bought shirts that I thought were certain style and fit, and it turned out to be an overpriced pillow because I couldn’t wear it after sending it through the laundry.

We’ve put together a list of the Disney Shirts in my Closet and Disney Shirts You Gotta Have


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SOFT DRINKS

Soft Drink Machine at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge (Image: Dustin Fuhs / StepstoMagic)

Ok, so I’m a soda fan. If you ask Jill or anyone who I grab a meal with…there’s usually a Coke involved. That being said, the soda prices at Walt Disney World are baffling!

There are typically four ways to get a soft drink on your vacation:

  1. At an outdoor vending cart. Usually, they will include tax in the price, so handing over three dollars is reasonable.
  2. At an indoor merchandise location. The price is always different, but you may be able to use an Annual Pass discount, which you aren’t able to do at a food location.
  3. With your quick service meal, and sometimes if you’re lucky…it’s a self-service soda fountain and you’re able to get refills without worrying. Examples of this style is at Satu-li Canteen or Contempo Cafe.
  4. With your table service meal, so enjoy all the refills you’d like! Sometimes, they may even give you a to-go cup…but that’s only if you ask:)

How do you get around the overpriced soda? You may want to switch to juice crystals for the week when you’re getting ice water…and then save the caffeine for meals.

PONCHOS

This is an easy one – go to the dollar store and buy 1 poncho per person per three days of the vacation. Even if you “splurge” on styles that are a couple dollars, you’ll still be saving mega dollars because in the parks, you’re looking at around $12-15 per adult poncho and $8-12 per kid poncho.

Why waste the money?

SUNSCREEN

It’s hot in Florida. You may not like sunscreen, but the back of your neck or shoulders REALLY will thank you if you add a little protection every once in a while. You don’t have to over-do it


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BALLOONS

Balloons on Main Street USA at the Magic Kingdom (Image: Dustin Fuhs / StepstoMagic)

You know that you can’t take a balloon on the airplane, or on an attraction…or really anywhere. Not only are they expensive, but they’re just going to blow away or be attacked by a flock of seagulls (which I’ve seen and is as funny as you can imagine)

MINNIE VANS

UBER vs Minnie Vans…what’s more practical and what’s more of a luxury? We’ve looked at the options and when it comes down to it, the price difference is so significant that there are only a few reasons why a Minnie Van would be good for the budget. Keeping it as an option is one thing, but when you’re looking at Overpriced items at Disney – this is a whopper!


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CHARACTER DINING

I love a good meal and I really enjoy meeting characters, so here’s my question…why is a character buffet as expensive as it is when you only get a 15-20 second interaction at a table-side and no Photopass photographer?

I look at the set-up that Be Our Guest has at dinner, when you finish your meal, you end with a portrait avec le host of the castle OR at Akershus, where you start your dining experience with a photo before heading to your table. Keep thing separate and know that for families…there’s always going to the the member of the group that’s the dedicated photographer.

PRE-PACKAGED SNACKS

Pre-Packaged Snacks at the Magic Kingdom (Image: Dustin Fuhs / StepstoMagic)

Looking for a healthier option than a baked good from Starbucks? Grapes or a sliced apple sounds good, but is it really worth $4.95? Think about the pre-packaged pricing when you’re putting together your strategy for breakfasts, because at the end of the day…why not just bring granola bars or fruit cups with you?

Related Article – The Best Snacks to Pack for a Day at Disney World

MAGICBANDS

I’ve never bought a Magic Band because in my opinion, it’s the biggest waste of money out there! Why? Well to answer that, you’ll have to get a lesson on how the bands work…because once the battery that’s inside runs out of juice (usually within two years), there’s no way to replace it. It’s dead.

Why spend money on something that you can’t use after a period of time? We already have iPhones in our lives;)

Related Article – 10 Things We Regret Buying at Walt Disney World


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OVERSIZED PENS FOR CHARACTER AUTOGRAPHS

Novelty Pens for Autographs (Image: Dustin Fuhs / StepstoMagic)

Remember how I was talking about Character Dining and having a few moments with characters that you have wanted to meet for ever? Well how are you going to get those signatures?

Here’s a tip – bring a Sharpie from home. Want variety? Head to Amazon and pick up a 5 pack, with Silver/Black/Red/Blue/White and you’ll be set for every single opportunity.

What you shouldn’t do is expect to pay a couple dollars for a sharpie in the parks. You’re instead offered an upsell to a giant pen which retails for $7.99! It’s okay though, because the characters really like them;)

Related Article – 5 Disney Character Autograph Tips

TOWELS

Did you know that you can bring a towel from your resort in your bag? Well, let’s say that you are planning on enjoying a log ride on Splash Mountain…and think you won’t get soaked? If you don’t have a towel in your backpack, you can purchase a towel for $25 OR the deal…if you buy two, they are $22 each! #Bargain

MIST FANS AND BUBBLES

You know that your kids will be wanting these, so why not head to the dollar store and have them in your luggage in preparation of when the tantrums may start. I’ve seen the best behaved children go from zero to full-fledged meltdown just because they wanted a fan!

Why spend $18.77+tax when you can drop $3-5 beforehand:)

Related Article – The Best Stuff to Buy Online Before Your Next Disney Trip


I hope that this article will help you prepare for the sticker shock that will happen when you’re on a Disney Vacation. The best part about this list is that it’ll be updated constantly! 😉

Dustin Fuhshttp://www.stepstomagic.com
I’m Dustin Fuhs, a theme park fanatic that has created this platform to showcase my passion, tools and opinions to create a fun and interactive experience for everyone who visits. My goal is to help you and your family have the most magical experience at Walt Disney World. In reading my articles and ideas, I hope that you can find some fantastic ways to bring your dreams into reality!

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