Visiting Disney World is a dream vacation for many, but without careful planning, it can lead to overspending. It’s easy to get swept up in the excitement, but not all purchases in the park are worth the hefty price tags. Let’s identify common money traps at Disney World and offer practical ways to enjoy your visit without going over budget.
Expensive Souvenirs
While it’s tempting to buy Disney-themed merchandise as keepsakes, many items like plush toys and branded apparel are significantly marked up inside the park. You can often find similar or identical items online or at local stores outside the park for a fraction of the price.
Full-Service Dining Every Meal
Eating every meal at Disney’s full-service restaurants can quickly drain your wallet due to their high prices. Instead, mix in quick-service meals or pack your own snacks to save a considerable amount of money.
Premium Parking
Premium parking spots offer closer access to the entrance gates but come at a steep price compared to standard parking. The parks are well-serviced by trams and shuttles, making the extra cost for premium spots largely unnecessary.
PhotoPass Service
Disney’s PhotoPass Service, which provides professional photos of your family with characters and iconic backdrops, is expensive. Most photo spots have Disney staff who are willing to take a picture using your own camera for free. Opt for this personal touch instead of the costly package.
Water Bottles
Buying water bottles throughout the day adds up quickly, especially in the Florida heat. Bring a refillable water bottle and fill it at the numerous water fountains and refill stations throughout the parks. This saves money and reduces plastic waste.
Mid-Day Rides
Avoid purchasing line-skipping passes like Disney’s Lightning Lane during mid-day when the park is most crowded and prices are at their peak. Plan to visit popular rides during early morning or late evening when lines are shorter.
Character Breakfasts
Character breakfasts are a fun but costly way to meet Disney characters. Instead of splurging on an expensive meal, attend meet-and-greet sessions in the parks where you can interact with characters for free. Check the daily schedule for times and locations.
Theme Park Games
The games at Disney’s theme parks are enticing but often overpriced for the chance to win a prize. These games are not only costly, but the odds of winning are typically low. Save your money for guaranteed entertainment like shows or souvenir shopping instead.
Rental Strollers
Renting a stroller inside the park can be costly, especially for multi-day visits. Consider bringing a stroller from home or renting from a third-party vendor outside the park for a better rate. This simple switch can save you a significant amount over the course of your trip.
Park Hopper Tickets
While Park Hopper tickets offer the flexibility to visit multiple parks in one day, they come at a higher price. If you plan your day well, staying in one park per day can be just as fulfilling and much more economical. Assess your family’s stamina and interests to decide if the extra cost is worth it.
Specialty Cocktails
Disney World’s specialty cocktails can be pricey and often contain only a small amount of alcohol. Consider enjoying a drink at your hotel before heading to the park or seek out happy hour specials at Disney Springs.
On-Ride Photos
On-ride photos are an exciting but expensive way to capture the moment. Instead, ask someone to take a photo or video of you entering or exiting the ride with your own device. Many rides also have viewing screens at the exit where you can snap a quick photo of your on-ride picture.
Face Painting
Face painting at Disney parks is a fun but temporary and expensive activity for kids. If face painting is a must-do, consider bringing your own kit and turning it into a fun activity at your hotel before you head to the parks. This can be a more cost-effective and personalized experience.
Oversized Plush Toys
Oversized plush toys are adorable and very tempting, especially to young visitors, but they are cumbersome to carry and expensive. Consider opting for smaller plush toys or purchase them from a Disney outlet store or online, where they’re often discounted. This makes for easier transport and better pricing.
Event Upcharge Experiences
Special event tickets like Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party are exciting but come with a hefty upcharge. Weigh the unique experiences these events offer against their high costs and consider visiting during regular hours with themed attire instead. This can provide a festive experience without the additional expense.
Guided Tours
Guided tours offering a deeper look into the magic of Disney can be incredibly pricey. Instead, research and plan your visit with free online resources and apps that offer tour-like information and trivia. This DIY approach can enrich your experience without the hefty price tag.
Snack Credits on Meal Plans
If you’re using a Disney meal plan, be cautious about using snack credits for low-cost items. Instead, use them for higher-priced snacks like specialty cupcakes or the iconic Dole Whip to maximize their value. Plan your snack credits usage wisely to get the most out of your meal plan.
Glow Toys
Glow toys light up the night and are a hit with kids, but Disney charges a premium for them. Purchase glow sticks or other light-up toys before your trip to a dollar store and bring them with you. This saves money and keeps your children just as happy during nighttime parades.
In-Park Balloons
Balloons are a quintessential part of the Disney experience but are expensive and not allowed on rides. They can also be a hassle to transport home. Enjoy the colorful spectacle without buying one, or purchase a cheaper balloon outside the park as a keepsake.
Custom Merchandise
Custom merchandise like personalized Mickey ears are delightful but pricey. Explore creating your own before arriving at the park or customize plain bought ears with accessories from craft stores.
After-Hours Parties
Disney’s after-hours parties offer unique experiences but at a high entry cost. Before buying tickets, consider if the late-night hours and extra attractions are worth the expense beyond a normal day pass. Often, experiencing the park during regular hours can be equally magical.
Sit-Down Desserts
Dining in for desserts at Disney’s sit-down restaurants can be expensive. Opt for on-the-go sweet treats from kiosks or bakeries in the park instead, where you can enjoy delicious pastries, ice cream, or chocolate-covered fruits.
Digital Ride Videos
Purchasing digital downloads of ride videos and experiences is an exciting way to relive the memories, but it can be costly. Set up your smartphone or camera to capture your reactions right after the ride or take advantage of viewing screens to capture the moment for free. This alternative preserves memories without the added expense.
Deluxe Dining Plan
The deluxe dining plan can seem like a good value because of all the food included, but often, it’s more than a family can realistically consume. Evaluate your family’s eating habits and consider opting for a less inclusive plan or paying out of pocket to better suit your needs and save money.
Souvenir Popcorn Buckets
While collectible popcorn buckets feature adorable Disney designs, they are often pricey and bulky. If you love the designs, consider checking eBay or other resale sites, which often appear at a lower cost after your visit.
