Money Saving Tips When Visiting Disney Parks

Disney trips are a load of fun but they can also take a toll on your wallet. There are a few things I always try and do before visiting the parks to make sure that I don't worry too much about money when I am there. 

Purchase tickets using gift cards

We use our Target Red Card to purchase gift cards at 5% off. Target offers debit or credit card options. We then use these cards to buy our tickets online. This is a great way to save a few dollars on each ticket! It also helps budget before your trip. You can buy a gift card every month or so when you have a few extra dollars, it will add up sooner than you think!

Purchase gift cards for spending money

You can also use the Target gift card hack to buy gift cards for your in park spending like food, souvenirs etc. 

Purchase Used Pins 

We purchase a pack of Disney pins BEFORE we fly to Disney on ebay or Mercari (use my link to save $30!) .  Search for Disney Pin Lot and make sure they have the Disney marking on the back. You can trade these pins with Disney cast members to create your own collection.

Pack snacks

Whether we drive or fly to the park we always bring snacks. Southwest lets you bring 2 bags so a half a bag or so of food is worth it. We always bring: goldfish, jerky, oatmeal packets, my favorite sour raisins, nuts and most importantly capri suns or juice boxes. 

Get a hotel room with a fridge

Making sure your room has a spot for cold snacks is a must. We bring capri suns or juice boxes and freeze them. They act as ice packs in your back pack for your other snacks. 

Bring a Water Bottle or Camelbak

In order to continue their exclusive contract with Disney, Coca Cola provides all its products to the park for free. This includes water bottles. Plastic is so wasteful and water is FREE. Our camelbak has seen so many Disney trips and its one of our fave items. We got ours second hand but the investment is worth it.  Make sure to pick one that has extra space for snacks. 

Pack glow sticks from the Dollar Store

Every time I am at the park I see kids sad because their parents wont buy them the ridiculously priced goodies they bring out at parade time. You know, that cart that walks by with glow sticks and light up toys? When I was a kid my mom was clever enough to buy glow sticks in advance that she pulled out during parade time. It was cheaper and just as fun! 

Bring apparel from your favorite small businesses

I love to wear small shop Disney swag, especially in the park where I can tell all the people who ask me where to get the cute items. A few of my faves are Pixie Lee & Co., Ears Full of Sugar,  Ambrie,  and Bibbidi Bobbidi Brooke.  You can also find cute things on Mercari (use my link to save $30!)  and poshmark like gently used spirit jerseys and kids clothing! 

I hope this guide gives you some fun tips to save money on your next magical getaway!

Sincerely,

Samantha