STOP Spending Money on These Disney Extras

Here’s the deal. This is YOUR money. You’ve likely worked countless hours at a difficult job to save every last penny possible for a Disney vacation. We get it as a Disney budget is necessary for our family.

So, while we’re going to share what we recommend you should not spend your money on, keep in mind… this is your money, and you’re free to do with it what you please. If one of these Disney extras appeals to you, by all means, spend away, Disney fans!

Let’s get to it, shall we? Here’s what to scratch off that extra budget money list with several to note before you even step foot into a Disney Park.

Disney Genie+ at MOST Parks

Ok, it’s no secret most Disney fans are not thrilled with Disney Genie+. This once-free FastPass+ system to skip the wait on select attractions has jumped from a free perk to an upcharge of $15 per person per day at Walt Disney World Resort or $20 per person per day at Disneyland Resort.

RELATED: Is Disney Genie+ Too Complicated to Be Worth the Cost?

At most Disney Parks, our experience has been that the extra $60 for a day of Genie+ for our family of four simply isn’t worth it. With the low number of attractions (and best rides not even included on Genie+) at EPCOT, Disney’s Hollywood Studios, and Disney’s Animal Kingdom – it’s just not worth it.

We will say because of the number of attractions at Magic Kingdom Park, we have felt like Disney Genie+ is beneficial most days at that select Park. We also enjoy Genie+ at Disneyland Park and Disney California Adventure as Genie+ offers return times for the current time rather than hours later, as you’ll find at Walt Disney World.

Park Hopper Passes

At Walt Disney World Resort, we highly recommend skipping the additional fee of purchasing a Park Hopper pass. Currently, Guests can’t Park hop until 2:00 pm anyway, so this limits the time in the other Parks you may be interested in hopping to. Plus, it’s super easy to spend one day in a Disney Park and still have plenty left to see and experience.

Character Dining Meals (Outside of Breakfast)

If you’re looking to avoid the lengthy character meet and greet lines in the Parks, a character dining meal can be a great way to experience several characters along with a delicious meal. BUT – don’t make a reservation for lunch or dinner.

If you really want to make character dining a part of your Disney experience, check out breakfast options with characters. Breakfast within a character dining restaurant is much cheaper than lunch or dinner reservations.

“Must Have” Merchandise

Disney merchandise can be so tempting! But, do yourself a favor and stop for a moment before you go spending hundreds on your credit card. Does your child REALLY need another plush stuffed animal? Do you have any use for the desirable Mickey ears outside of your Disney vacation? And how many Disney backpacks could one person possibly need?

RELATED: The Best Trick For The Cheapest Disney Merchandise

Yes, every now and then, treat yourself with something impractical. But, stop for a moment and think about how this item can be used when you get home. Don’t get wrapped up in the “must-have” merchandise everyone is talking about. Instead, look for something practical to remember your vacation by year after year, such as an ornament or a shirt you know you’ll be wearing when not in the Parks.

MagicBand+

Disney recently introduced an all-news MagicBand called MagicBand+. The MagicBand+ is currently available at Walt Disney World and coming soon to Disneyland. The only difference between a MagicBand and a MagicBand+ is that MagicBand+ will interact by lighting up and buzzing during select Park experiences.

RELATED: Everything You Need to Know About Disney’s MagicBand+

During Magic Kingdom’s “Disney Enchantment” and EPCOT’s “Harmonious” nighttime spectaculars, MagicBand+ will light up. The new MagicBand also interacts when waving at Fab 50 character sculptures throughout the Disney Parks. Sure, it’s cute, but definitely not worth the upcharge.

Glow Items

It’s time to settle in for a nighttime spectacular. Cast Members are coming around with carts of glow products such as glowing bubble wands, necklaces, and more. Save your money and shop ahead!

Instead of spending the hefty price for these items, buy some glow merchandise at your local dollar store and plan to surprise the kids with it when the sunsets in the Park.

Extras WORTH the Money

So, we’ve shared a few items that we feel aren’t worth the money… but there are a few extras we have learned to add to the Disney vacation memory experience for all ages.

If you have the extra money, the Hoop-Dee-Doo Musical Revue dinner show at Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground is worth splurging for. If you don’t visit Disney often and want exceptional photos of your experience, check out the pricing for Memory Maker with Disney’s PhotoPass service. We also suggest surprising family and friends with an enchanting extra in-room celebration, especially if it’s their first time visiting Disney.

As with any vacation, a Disney vacation requires research and planning… but it is totally worth the effort to ensure the Disney budget stays on track and the family still has a magical theme park experience!