It is no secret that a Disney World vacation can get expensive!
Determining what you should spend your hard-earned dollars on can be challenging. It’s good that some Disney Adult experts (our awesome readers) weighed in on what they would never spend money on in the parks!
Almost everything at Disney World has a price, and some things are a better value than others. Many of our readers reached out to tell us what they avoid spending their money on at Disney World, and there was a common theme among their responses. These are five things that our readers say they would never spend money on!
Genie+
Starting with Genie+, many of our readers think it is not worth the hassle. Genie+ is Disney’s paid-for skip-the-line service that replaced FastPass+. Gone are the days of free FastPass lanes and selections. To skip the line, you go through Lightning Lanes, which are reserved through the Genie+ service. Some rides are not included with the base price of Genie+ and need to be individually purchased.
To Learn More About Genie+ and Lightning Lane, Click Here!
Many of our readers feel that Genie+ is not worth the money, but most importantly, it is not worth the hassle or the time.
One of our readers, Stacey, shared that her party decided to extend their trip by visiting each park for two days, along with rest days in between. While she knows this is more expensive, she feels it is better to have more time in the parks without having to deal with her phone all day. This way, her party can relax and enjoy their vacation.
Charles, another reader, agreed with Stacey. He said that Genie+ is a disaster of usability and enjoyment in the parks. He would rather not have his face in his phone all day and instead enjoy his vacation.
Sean, a reader, says that they would not pay the additional money just to ensure that they get to ride a popular ride. Tricia, a reader, also agrees and refuses to pay for Genie+ or individual Lightning Lanes.
Bubble Wands and Ballons
Both bubble wands and balloons are controversial souvenirs. While they are popular among children, the children at heart do not always love them.
Sabrina, a reader does not like bubble wands because she gets tired of constantly having bubbles be in her face while she is in the park.
Our readers Robyn and Rebekka both say that they would not buy either balloons or bubble wands. Leslie, another reader, on the other hand loves both balloons and bubble wands but feels that flying on a plane with them is not worth it.
For those who do want to try and fly with their Disney balloons, Carrie, a reader, pointed out that you can always try to ask a Cast Member at the Magic of Disney stores located at the Orlando Airport to deflate your balloon for you. When you get home you can try to take your deflated balloon to a floral or party store, and they can re-inflate them.
Bottled Water
Bottled drinks are marked up at Disney World, and the money spent on them can start to add up.
Anitra, one of our readers, gave the tip to get free water at quick service restaurants rather than buying bottles. Greer, a reader, says that they would rather spend money on things that can only be bought at Disney World. He made sure to mention that you can always bring drinks in or get water for free in the parks.
Maggie, one of our readers, gave a shoutout to Breedlove for teaching her where you can find free water throughout the parks.
If you do want to purchase a bottle, we suggest to buy them inside gift shops that have coolers. Annual passholders and Disney Vacation Club Members receive a discount on these purchases. You can also bring in your own bottle and refill it at various water bottle refill stations around the park.
Popcorn Buckets
Disney has been releasing so many cute popcorn buckets, but are they worth it? A lot of our readers do not think so.
When new buckets drop, it tends to draw a crowd, like the Figment Popcorn bucket in 2022. Gina says that they would not spend the time waiting in line, nor would they want to pay for one. Ed and Debbie agree that popcorn buckets are a no for them.
Josh, a reader, shared that he has bought buckets in the past to be part of a collection, but he does not want to have to carry a bucket around or eat popcorn all the time to make the refills worth it.
While some of these are iconic Disney souvenirs like Mickey balloons and popcorn buckets, some Disney Adults feel that they are not worth the money or the hype.
What do you think? Tell us in the comments, and keep following All Ears for more!
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I would add Starbucks to the list. Why would someone waste their time standing in line for something that they can purchase on any street corner?