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Must-Know Disney World Hacks for Your Next Vacation

Droid Depot Hollywood Studios
Credit: Disney

Planning a Walt Disney World vacation can be overwhelming, but knowing a few key hacks can make your trip smoother, more enjoyable, and budget-friendly. From saving money on food to ensuring your phone stays charged all day, these updated Disney World hacks will help you make the most of your trip.


1. Use Grocery Delivery Services for Big Savings

Food at Disney can add up quickly, but you can save money by having groceries delivered directly to your Disney Resort hotel. Services like Instacart, Amazon Fresh, Garden Grocer, and Walmart+ allow you to order essentials such as snacks, breakfast items, and beverages. This can help cut costs on dining and provide easy in-room meal options for busy park days.

Plus, having a quick breakfast in your room can save valuable time in the morning.


2. Keep Spending in Check with Disney Gift Cards

Disney gift cards are a great option if you want to manage your spending at Disney, especially for kids. You can purchase them at a discount from retailers like Target, Sam’s Club, and BJ’s, helping you save even more. Giving each child their own gift card also helps them understand budgeting, preventing endless souvenir requests.

An Assortment of Different Disney Gift Cards

Credit: Disney


3. Don’t Let Your Phone Die – Bring External Battery Packs

With so much of your Disney trip relying on the My Disney Experience app—mobile ordering, Lightning Lane selections, and park maps—your phone battery will drain quickly. Pack a fully charged external battery pack to keep your device powered all day. Make sure to charge your battery pack each night so it’s ready to go in the morning.


4. Bring Your Own Drinks and Snacks

Disney allows guests to bring their own food and non-alcoholic beverages, as long as they are not in glass containers and don’t require heating. Refillable water bottles are a great way to stay hydrated in the Florida heat, and bringing your own juice boxes or small snack packs can help you avoid high park prices. Skipping sodas and opting for water can save a family of four up to $20 per quick-service meal.


5. Buy Disney Merchandise Before Your Trip

Disney merchandise is hard to resist, but park prices can be steep. Consider buying Disney-themed shirts, ears, and accessories before your trip from retailers like ShopDisney, Target, Walmart, or small businesses on Etsy. Some stores even carry items that closely resemble those found in the parks, allowing you to save while still feeling festive.


6. Consider a Refillable Resort Mug

If you plan to spend time at your Disney Resort hotel, purchasing a refillable resort mug may be worth it. These mugs cost around $21 and provide unlimited refills of soft drinks, coffee, tea, and cocoa at resort beverage stations throughout your stay. If you drink at least two beverages per day at your resort, you can easily break even and start saving money.

Two hands holding colorful Disney-themed mugs, each adorned with images of Mickey Mouse and Disney landmarks, against a blurred background. The mugs bear "Walt Disney World 50" in celebration of the park's anniversary.

Credit: Disney


7. Bring Your Stroller for Convenience and Savings

Stroller rentals at Disney World can add up quickly, costing around $15 per day. Bringing your stroller not only saves money but also ensures your little ones have a comfortable and familiar ride throughout the parks. If you’re traveling during warmer months, consider packing a small battery-operated fan to attach to the stroller to keep kids cool while waiting in line or moving around the parks.


By following these updated Disney World hacks, you can maximize savings, improve efficiency, and enhance the overall magic of your trip. Happy planning, and may your Disney adventure be filled with unforgettable memories!

About Katie Chapman

Hey There! I am a Georgia native with a passion for writing, traveling, cooking, decorating, pugs and of course all things Disney. Growing up in South Georgia just a few hours from Walt Disney World made for a magical childhood. Some of my best memories were made on Main Street U.S.A. with my sister watching SpectroMagic nighttime parade or beside my grandparents, parents and extended family at Chef Mickey’s celebrating on a family vacation. Epcot was my favorite park from a young age and I credit it with my interest in and love for international travel. As a kid I loved meeting characters and watching films around World Showcase and could spend hours exploring each of the countries in Epcot. These days, my husband and I get away to explore a new country whenever we can and even incorporate trips to The Disney Store and Disney Parks around the world in our travels. One of our travel goals is to visit every Disney Park in the world. I love writing about Disney restaurants, park tips, Disney outfit inspiration and Disney history. Pocahontas is my favorite Disney Princess (90s kid here!) but Mr. Toad is my spirit animal. When I’m not at Disney I’m reading about park history, watching Disney documentaries and shopping vintage Disney merch for park outfits. I never pass up a reservation to Ohana, an empty seat on Living with the Land or a Violet Sake.

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