Buy This Before Heading to Walt Disney World

If you are getting ready for a trip to Walt Disney World, you might be trying to figure out exactly what you need (check out our packing tips).  We have a list of items that expert Disney travelers often purchase prior to heading down on vacation.  These items will help you save money and time on your next Walt Disney World vacation.

Hand Sanitizer

Disney has done a great job of having hand sanitizer throughout the parks and resorts; however, we still recommend bringing your own.  Having some hand sanitizer in your Park bag makes it extremely easy to access no matter where you are.  Check out Target’s Disney-themed hand sanitizer or bring your favorite brand down with you.  Bringing some hand sanitizer with you will not only save you time finding it throughout the Parks but also money and stress if you feel like you need some in your Park bag once there.

Portable Charger

It seems more and more at Walt Disney World requires the use of the My Disney Experience (MDE) app while visiting the theme parks and resorts.  From entering your resort room and the parks, to ordering food and checking in to dining locations, the MDE is a much-needed resource throughout your vacation.  This means that you will need your phone charged and ready to go each and every day.  Be prepared for this by purchasing a portable charger (or two) before heading down.  Although you can find fuel rods in different places throughout Disney Property, it is going to be a lot cheaper to snag one off of Amazon.  Don’t be stuck in the parks wanting to take photos of those magical moments only to find your phone has died.  Come prepared with a portable charger!  This will save a lot of stress.  If you have teens that have their own phones, make sure they have their own portable charger as well.

Weather-Related Gear

Before heading down on vacation, double and triple-check the weather and pack accordingly.  Make sure to grab those weather-related items before heading down so you don’t end up spending triple in the parks.  Have ponchos and umbrellas ready for the rainy season.  In the summer months and throughout the fall it is fairly likely that you will encounter a rainstorm during your vacation.  Save yourself money by purchasing some cheap ones at the dollar store ahead of time.  These can easily be tossed into a bag or purchased and for only $1 easily thrown out when done.

Make sure to have plenty of sunscreens, fans, and even cooling towels for those hot and humid summer months.  Disney sells these in the parks but again save yourself some money and bring them from home.  There are many fans on Amazon that are great options.  For more tips check out our top ways to beat the heat!

 If traveling in the winter, don’t forget to pack mittens, hats, and even scarfs as it does get cold in the evenings.  Having these items packed ahead of time will save you lots of money and keep you comfortable as you travel through the parks.

No matter when in the year you are traveling, the weather can greatly impact your vacation if you aren’t prepared.  Don’t be surprising but instead, come prepared.

Snacks

There is food everywhere in Disney, but if you have a little one (or even a big one) that has to have cheerios for breakfast or cheez-its every afternoon, make sure to bring those with you.  Coming prepared with snacks for emergencies will help with those hangry meltdowns as you wait in line.  Save your money for those Mickey bars and pretzels and not the overpriced snacks you could bring from home.

First-Aid Items

We know it isn’t realistic to pack every first-aid item you might need while in Disney, but consider buying a few essentials prior to heading on vacation.  Motion sickness medicine, Tylenol or ibuprofen are all good staples to have along in the parks.  Think about moleskin and bandaids for blisters.  Disney has amazing baby care centers where you can get these items easily, but we know they will be cheaper if you bring them from home.

Souvenirs

This might seem like cheating, but we assure you it isn’t.  Consider bringing some souvenir items with you to save some money.  If you want to do small gifts each day for little ones, check out the dollar stores or dollar spots at stores.  Often you can find great options there like coloring or activity books or even small Disney toys.  Think about heading to shopDisney to purchase some Disney authentic toys ahead of time when they are on sale or have free shipping.  Look for the Twice Upon a Year Sale, free shipping or even the BOGO plush sales to snag some great items for a cheaper price!

Gift Cards

Very similar to the souvenirs is purchasing gift cards ahead of time.  There are some stores that offer discounted Disney gift cards and it is a great way to save up for a vacation.  Use these throughout your stay for food, souvenirs, or even tickets.  Discounted gift cards are an excellent way to save some money on your vacation.

Glow Sticks and Bubbles

This might seem silly, but another item many veteran Disney travelers bring are glow sticks and bubbles.  Children will see the amazing bubble wands and want their own.  Which is great until the bubbles run out.  Come prepare to restock with bubbles from the dollar stores in your area.  This will keep the magic going without costing you lots of money.

Also popular with the kids are the glow bracelets, necklaces, and more.  If your family will be enjoying a nighttime spectacular, consider packing some glow items to help celebrate the show.  These are fun for kids to play with and wear during the show and are super cheap back at home. 

These are all items that can be extremely helpful to purchase prior to heading down to Walt Disney World.  They can save you money, time, and stress by having them ready to go when you arrive.