Walt Disney World can be incredibly expensive, but there are things that you can skip without having a huge impact on your vacation. These may be activities, transportation, dining or souvenirs…the end goal is to keep extra cash in your pocket for experiences that will be memorable!
Why is this helpful? We want you to spend more money on things that actually matter.
And just a quick note: we update this all the time! Why? Because it’s too easy to laugh at the fandoms and what people will actually buy. Sometimes it feels like the ‘Malibu Stacy’ episode of The Simpsons when the world goes crazy because a doll got a new hat.
THE CURRENT LIST OF COLOSSAL MONEY WASTERS
- Generic Merchandise
- Glow in the Dark
- MagicBands+
- Outdoor Vending Carts
- Lacklustre Desserts
- Arcades
- Mears
- Ponchos
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SKIP GENERIC MERCHANDISE
Want a Disney t-shirt? Make sure that it’s something that you can’t get anywhere else! Remember that DisneyStore.com exists and you really don’t want to pay the “theme park premium” on clothing that you can get back home.
If you do have to get a replacement item, make sure to stop at Disney Springs or head to the Orlando Premium Outlets, as the $5-10 UBER ride will be worth the savings in the end.
Items may include:
- Swimming Shorts
- Plush Toys
- Socks
- Sunglasses
- Sweater/Long Sleeve Shirts
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AVOID THE TEMPTATION OF GLOW IN THE DARK STUFF
Yes, your kids may want the light-up necklace or the “Glow with the Show” items (like Ears or Wands), but at the end of the day it will just run out of batteries OR won’t be fully functional when you get home.
Remember to hit up the Dollar Store before your trip if you know that your kids will want glowing stuff and you’ll save huge!
MagicBands
Okay, so let’s be honest. In the current Disney Parks ecosystem, you’re not going to see a lot of people wearing MagicBands as most of the information is on the MyDisneyExperience app.
The only folks who get value are locals, but even at that point, it’s becoming less and less of a necessity to wear something for the entire day when you’ll really only need access for certain points.
- Scanning ticket for access to the lockers at Tron Lightcycle Run (although they have cards in case you don’t have access)
- Scanning into the park, but your phone wallet will work.
- RFID for on-ride attraction photos, but you can also tap at the end of the ride, like on Expedition Everest.
- Paying at merchandise locations can be done on the phone, so you really don’t need to worry about it.
OUTDOOR VENDING CARTS
From paying for water/soda to treats like the Mickey Premium Ice Cream Bars, most of the time it’s the temptation of something right in front of you that will win out. Not saying that ice cream isn’t awesome…but it’ll just melt all over your fingers anyway;)
Plus – fun fact, you don’t get your Annual Passholder discount at Outdoor Vending Carts…so if you are a Passholder, make sure to stop inside a retail shop.
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Lacklustre Desserts
Why would you spend $3.50 for a cookie when you can buy something special that you can only get at Disney World?
This is an easy one. Just make sure that you have a few snacks that you would want to splurge on IF you are needing a quick hit of energy. The number of times that we’ve seen people buy grapes at the Animal Kingdom when you can get a pickle-in-a-pouch!
We’ve also added the Premium Mickey Ice Cream Bar into this category, as you can literally buy the same thing at the grocery store back home.
Arcades
I love playing Air Hockey just like anyone else, but when you look at the prices for tokens at a Disney Resort arcade…re-investing that small fortune will get you at least a couple of Dole Whips!
If your kids want to spend time at the arcade, don’t be afraid to play the “bait and switch” and see if they’d rather hit the pool instead!
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Mears
I’m not just talking about the cabs, but I’m also sticking the shuttles in the same category.
In today’s marketplace, with UBER available, there’s no reason to pay “tourist” rates for any sort of transportation. Orlando is a little behind in options, so know that you can always do better than Mears.
I’ve got the receipts and personal experiences to back up this recommendation.
Ponchos
Rain in Walt Disney World is predictable.
If you know that there’s going to be a weather situation, then plan ahead by either bringing an umbrella or ponchos down in your suitcase or be prepared to wait out the rain.
There are times that I’ve actually seen a family buy four ponchos for everyone, just to walk outside and get everyone outfitted in some of the most uncomfortable plastic tarps in perfect time to have the rain stop.
Hope this was helpful!
I’ll be adding more to this list as they come to mind, but the main goal is to have you think about your overall budget, as the one-off’s and unneeded purchases can add up to take over a real memorable experience.
PS. Here’s the Malibu Stacy Hat clip from The Simpsons.