Anyone who’s ever been to Disney World knows there are a LOT of things to spend money on. From souvenirs to essentials to snacks, it can be overwhelming to decide how to allocate your budget. That’s where our experts come in!
We asked our reporters about what they would wish people would stop spending money on in the parks… and what to get instead! As you can imagine, they had opinions. So let’s get to it.
Bubble Wands
Yes, we know kids love those bubble wands. It brings them a lot of fun, but on the other hand, they kinda create an issue for everyone else. Plus, they are PRICEY.
Breedlove pointed out, “I know it brings a lot of joy to children and money to Disney but when the parents don’t know how to turn off ‘Under The Sea’ from playing over and over again and when a bubble pops on your mouth and you didn’t know it, and you lick your lips and think that someone has poisoned you it kind of messes up your day.”
Bottled Water
Yes, we talk about this a lot, but you should never buy bottled water in the parks. It’s overpriced, and you don’t have to pay for it. You should bring your own water bottle, like this Owala FreeSip Water Bottle that we love, and fill it up at the free water refill stations. We even had the characters sign ours!
Breedlove would also like you to know you can get free cups of iced water at most quick-service locations. All you have to do is ask. Sage also offered an extra plug to stop buying DASANI water. But then again, he thinks you should just buy more coffee instead.
Get This Water Bottle on Amazon
Sunscreen
Quincy cannot reiterate how important it is to not just have sunscreen in Disney World, but to buy it BEFORE you get there. That’s because the sunscreen in Disney World is expensive, and your options are limited. We’re big fans of this Supergoop Glow Sunscreen!
This is a pricier option, but it wears well with makeup, even when we’re sweating in the parks!
Plushes
Yes, we know how irresistible some of those plushes in the Disney World stores can be, but you should not buy them in the parks. You can get them before your trip a lot cheaper ONLINE. We found those Disney 100th Anniversary Squishmallow Plushes on Amazon!
According to Emma, “I love a good teddy bear or Mickey pillow, BUT these can be bought before the park,s and you can save some money on them. (This is also a great way to surprise your kids with toys on the trip, but still manage to save some money).”
Ponchos
Disney World takes advantage of the unprepared, and when it rains, it’s got ponchos ready in the stores at a pretty big markup. But you can buy your own and bring it with you, just like this FROGG TOGGS Ultra-lite2 Waterproof, Breathable Rain Poncho we’re always recommending.
Emma has actually tested this one out, and although she normally hates ponchos because they get so steamy and humid, she didn’t have that problem with this one. Plus, the material was great and dried REALLY fast.
Lightning Lane Multi Pass in Disney’s Animal Kingdom and EPCOT
Purchasing Lightning Lane Multi Pass can be a valuable tool to save time in Disney World so you can skip the long standby lines for rides. However, we don’t feel it’s a good value if you’re purchasing it for Animal Kingdom or EPCOT. We break down Lightning Lane in Animal Kingdom here:
Instead, you may want to consider getting Lightning Lane Single Pass for the popular rides you want to ride and skipping Lighting Lane Multi Pass altogether.
Fuel Rods
Fuel Rods can really come in handy at the parks because you will be on your phone A LOT. That means your phone’s battery life will drain fast. However, if you wait and buy them in the parks, you’ll end up paying more. Instead, get Fuel Rods on Amazon.
According to Angie, you can get two Fuel Rods on Amazon for what one will cost you in the parks.
Park tickets on same day of party or after hours event
Here’s the thing: if you buy a park ticket for the same day you have a ticket for a party or after hours event, you’re going to be wasting a bit of money, PLUS you’re going to be in for a VERY VERY long day.
Quincy said, “We always always say skip the day ticket if you have a separately ticketed event and use it as a restful morning. Then head to the park as soon as you can because most of those tickets let you in several hours before park close.”
Disney Dining Plan
Yes, we know that the Disney Dining Plan is VERY popular and many of our readers like it for its convenience. But it’s also very hard to get your money’s worth if you buy it. We’ve done the math and figured it out, so you don’t have to:
It might be a lot easier just to set a budget for food because you’ll likely spend less money that way than by purchasing the dining plan.
Mickey Pretzels
Mickey Pretzels are a rite of passage, and you won’t see us occasionally munching on one with a cup of cheese sauce. But if you want a GOOD pretzel, you can find ones that aren’t shaped like Mickey that will be so much more satisfying. For example, in Hollywood Studios, we head to BaseLine Tap House for a good pretzel.
Breedlove said, “I just got the prince Eric’s pretzel recently again, and everyone looked at me like I had done a magic trick carrying around a giant pretzel that was not in the shape of Mickey’s face.”
These are what our reporters think? Where do you stand? Check back with AllEars again soon for more.
What do you think? What should people stop buying in Disney World? Let us know in the comments!
I agree except for the Bubble Wands. They make kids on the spectrum happy and calm. They are worth the $$. Someone stole our bubble wand, which my husband left in the stroller while we rode Frozen at EPCOT. He is a penny pincher. But even he agreed that it had to be replaced immediately! The cast member at the register asked how his day was and he said “well I am buying a replacement bubble wand!” The cast member was sympathetic about the theft and gave him a discount!
Bubble wands are great. It brings me just a little joy knowing that they are irritating and I always buy three for my nieces and nephew. As for park tickets and after hours events. I took my mom there a couple of years ago. I have an annual pass and she doesn’t but we got her a ticket for the same day as the Not So Scary event. We were able to do everything we wanted before two. Went back to the hotel and came back and just enjoyed the parades and shows and rode a couple of rides too. People, you need to break your day up. Unplug and relax.