You scrimped, saved and worked hard to afford the airfare, tickets, and/or hotel for your perfect Disney vacation. But, what happens when you get in the park? There are temptations everywhere (and trust me – your kids will notice). So, how do you save money once you are in Disneyland or Disney World?
Everywhere you look in the park, you will see temptations. And, while you can easily ignore them, your kids will be distracted by them. Even if you don’t want to buy, you’ll still hear “I want!”
You paid a lot of money on transportation, lodging, and tickets to get in the park. So, do what you can to save as much as possible when you are there, and get the most out of your visit.
Read More:
- How to Save on Disney Park Tickets
- How to Save to Afford Your Disney Vacation
- Insider Tricks For Visiting Disney World
- How to Save on Your Food And Drinks at Disney
- Planning and Saving for a SHORTER Disney Vacation
SAVE MONEY INSIDE DISNEY
There are some tricks that you can try, which will actually thrill your own kids! Read our tips on things you can do to ensure you save as much money as possible while in the Disney parks!
1. Bring Glowsticks
You can put them on the kids, the stroller (and your significant other). It makes the dark rides a little less scary for the little ones, makes your family easier to spot when the sun goes down and you can always find your stroller easily.
You can pick them up at the Dollar Store or Five Below (they have packs of 50). Walmart even sells a package of 100 of them for around $10.
Make sure you get enough for each day! Also, your children won’t ask to buy them there, this will save you a lot of money!
2. Mickey/Tinker Bell gifts
Purchase some inexpensive items at your local store before you leave. You can give the special gifts to your child as you see fit, which can cut down on them asking for souvenirs and will cost you much less than purchasing them in the park.
You can pick up Disney items at the Dollar Store, Five Below, The Christmas Tree Shop or almost anywhere! You can also watch the Disney Store for discounts. Again, just purchase all items in advance!
3. Disney Transportation Driver Trading Cards
When you get on a bus, ask for one – for free! You can also ask cast members for stickers too! It’s a fun way to give your kids something that won’t cost you a dime.
4. Free Pixie Dust
Stop by the Bibbidy Bobbidy Boutique and just ask! A Fairy Godmother will happily sprinkle you free of charge! Poof – a fun freebie!
5. Bring ponchos
Buy them at the Dollar Store, Walmart, The Christmas Tree Shop- they are $1- much cheaper than the ones at Disney! Trust me, if you don’t bring one with you, it will rain. 😉
6. Take your own photos
If you don’t want to pay for the Disney Photos or the Memory Maker, you can still get great pictures! Ask the Disney photographer to take a picture using your camera- they are more than happy to oblige!
7. Ask for money in lieu of gifts
As holidays and birthdays approach, ask for money for your trip! The bonus is that it also stops family members from asking you what do you want, or your kids ending up with another pile of toys that they won’t play within a month.
8. Skip Bibbidy Bobbidy Boutique
Want a special hairdo without the cost of the Bibbidy Bobbidy Boutique? Try Harmony Barbershop on Main Street. It is MUCH cheaper and they do hairstyles for boys and girls (haircuts too if you’re interested) and use hair confetti!
9. Disney Dollars
Your child could earn these prior to the trip instead of allowance and that is how much they have to spend! You could use the Daddy Bucks as a guide to get started.
10. Time is money so use it wisely
Be there before the parks open (rope drop). It is the least busy time of the day. You will get more done in your first hour then three hours later on!
11. Bring a pocket sized fan
You can pick them up at Target or Walmart for a few bucks. They sell them at Disney for a lot more! And trust me, if you visit in the summer months, you’ll be glad you have it.
12. Memory Maker Savings Tip
If you are thinking of getting Memory Maker, buy it in advance- it’s cheaper! Of course, you can always skip it completely and save even more.
13. Free Sorcerer Cards
Every day you are at Magic Kingdom, pick up a free package of sorcerer cards (one per person) even if you are not playing- it’s a great free souvenir!
14. Free Activity at the Lego Store in Downtown Disney
Kids can play for hours and the parking is free! Can’t be free entertainment.
15. Go to Chip & Dale’s Campfire Sing Along
Bring marshmallow, chocolate and graham cracker with you and you can make s’mores while singing, dancing, getting pictures and autographs with Chip & Dale!
There you’ve got it – some simple ways to save money in Disney parks! Best of all, your kids will love every one of them.
Heather Fiory is a mother of two, wonderful children. She has travels to Disney often and is a Disney expert! She has a passion for Disney, deals, and family fun. Heather is a travel agent specializing in Disney vacations, affiliated with Mouse Counselors, an Authorized Disney Travel Planner. She offers free, concierge service in planning such vacations as Walt Disney World, Disneyland, Disney Cruises, Disney’s Aulani and Adventures by Disney. She helps you to create personalized vacations to meet the needs and wants for your family. Let her plan your next Disney vacation! Contact her to request a vacation quote at heatherf@mousecounselors.com or https://www.facebook.com/