I Have Been Visiting Disney for 15 Years and These Are the Things I Never Buy!

Disney Parks vacations can be as expensive as they are magical. As a frequent visitor to Walt Disney World for over 15 years and an annual passholder for the last two years, I’ve learned a thing or two about how to maximize my budget and ways to cut costs to avoid piling on financial burdens with my frequent visits.

Fortunately, you get the opportunity to read about my experiences with not-so-magical purchases so you can avoid my mistakes and save yourself the headache (and a few dollars). These are my opinions based on years of experience collecting souvenirs and making purchases for myself and my kids. Deciding if a souvenir or other item is “worth it” is a very personal experience, so it’s ok if you disagree with my choices.

Keep reading to find out what to avoid to save yourself time and money on your next Disney vacation!

I never buy my kids costumes in the parks

My oldest children have aged out of the Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique, but I never paid for the highest-priced package that came with a costume when we did participate in a magical makeover experience. If your prince or princess simply must have a costume, I highly recommend getting it somewhere other than the boutique. The costumes are incredibly expensive, and they don’t have to be.

While the quality of costumes available is what you’d expect at a Disney Park, that comfort level is not. Between the velcro closures and the itchy, poofy skirt, I knew my child, who still occasionally has a sensitivity to tags on clothing, wouldn’t wear the costume long enough for even just one photo. I highly recommend researching other companies that sell clothing that appears costume-like but is much more comfortable to wear around the parks all day.

I never buy yearly merchandise

On occasion, I have purchased ornaments, shirts, or other souvenirs with important dates or anniversaries on them: October 1, 1971 (the day Magic Kingdom Park opened), July 17, 1955 (the day Disneyland Park opened), and April 22, 1998 (the day Animal Kingdom Park opened) are just a few of those important dates that come to mind.

However, I almost never purchase items with only the year on them. My exception to this rule was when they released the vault collections in honor of Walt Disney World’s 50th anniversary, and I simply could not resist merchandise from the 1970s and 1980s. Otherwise, dated merchandise does exactly what it’s supposed to: it dates you and/or your vacation.

While the ‘70s and ‘80s merchandise appealed to me because of its vintage nature, I look back at a shirt I purchased in 2014 and inwardly cringe. The design caught my eye then, but it is “very 2014,” and I won’t be pulling it out of the closet anytime soon. Maybe I’ll bring it back when it’s considered vintage one day.

I never buy light-up toys for my kids

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I have broken this rule so many times. I keep thinking the next item will surely be better, and I have yet to find a light-up souvenir that has met my expectations. Let’s face it: kids are rough, especially the under-10 crowd. No matter how sturdy something appears to be made, a child will find a way to break it if they can.

Thankfully, when items broke while we were still in the parks, the Cast Members were willing to replace or refund them. At this point in my Disney Parks experience, though, it’s not worth the hassle anymore, not to mention they are pricy items to boot.

I never buy water in the parks

Did you know you can get water for free at Disney Parks? As pricy as a Disney vacation may be, it’s nice to know a few free things are still available. Bottled water is available for purchase all over the parks, but there is no need to spend money on it.

How much free water can you get? That depends on where you get it from. I have walked up to quick-service restaurant counters that have given me small cups of water and ice. I have also asked at smaller venues like the Friar’s Nook in Fantasyland or Sleepy Hollow Refreshments in Liberty Square, both at Magic Kingdom Park. Popcorn and pretzel stands may not have the free water, but you won’t know unless you ask!

I never buy churros

Disneyland regulars, don’t clutch those pearls just yet! I always buy churros in Disneyland, but there is something that isn’t quite the same about the ones on the East Coast. Trust me on this one; I’ve tried the classic churros, the limited-time churros, the flavored churros, and everything in between. I have yet to find a churro at Walt Disney World that gives me the same sense of delight and euphoria that West Coast churros give me.

This opinion may be one of my most controversial ones, but I will stand by it. Walt Disney World churros are not worth the money or the calories.

I never buy shoes, socks, or underwear- unless it’s an emergency

I’ve seen nothing special about the shoes, socks, or underwear in any of the merchandise shops throughout Disney Parks. Almost everything in the parks is also online at DisneyStore.com, and the website has sales and discounts on those items more often than the parks do. Unless it’s an emergency, save your money and get your preschooler the cute character underpants somewhere cheaper.

The same thought process applies to socks and shoes. Even Disney-branded Crocs can be purchased elsewhere for a lot less than you can buy them in the parks. Save that money and spend it on something unique you can’t buy outside the theme parks.

I never buy balloons

This may be another controversial opinion, but the life of a balloon is short. Yes, I know the Disney Parks balloons last longer than most, but they eventually lose their helium and deflate, making for one sad souvenir.

Disney balloons make adorable props in photos but are a pain to keep up with. More than once, I’ve witnessed a family tie off their balloon to a stroller to get in line for a ride, and not five minutes later, their balloon is floating off into the great beyond. Disney balloons are not cheap. You’re better off saving those funds for a different souvenir or a few more Dole Whips before you leave.

I never buy candy, crackers, or cookies in the parks.

Hear me out on this one: I don’t buy non-Disney candy, crackers, or cookies in the parks. Disney Parks sell a lot of Mickey-shaped goods, including different foods in the shape of everyone’s favorite mouse. Those purchases are difficult to say no to. However, I have also seen familiar grocery store brands like M&Ms and Lays for sale in the parks.

These items are usually overpriced, and purchasing them with a Disney markup added to the price tag doesn't make financial sense.

I never buy autograph books or pens in the parks

Have I been caught on vacation without the beloved autograph book or a pen? Yes, I have. Have I spent a ridiculous amount of money on the same autograph book and multiple pens? Also, yes. Like many other items in this article, autograph books and pens are marked up much too high for what they cost outside the parks.

Purchase them ahead of time for less, or come up with a completely unique item to have characters’ autographs. I’ve seen picture frame mats, hats, and even blank canvas shoes get autographed! Any pen or marker will do, and you won’t have had to spend your Dole Whip fund on an overpriced, cheaply made character pen.

I never buy hand sanitizer

There are plenty of places to wash your hands in Disney Parks. If you need to sanitize quickly, pack your own gel or wipes and resist the urge to buy the cute keychain sanitizers in the stores.

A large bottle that can refill several small sanitizer bottles can easily be purchased in a bargain store for less than $5. The Disney-branded sanitizer keychains cost twice as much and only provide enough sanitizer for a few days’ use. Plan ahead and save yourself a few bucks by bringing your own personal hygiene items.

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