How to Save Money at Disney: Buy These 27 Disney Essentials BEFORE Your Trip

That $12 Disney rain poncho, $20 pin, and overpriced princess dress? You don’t have to pay it. Get ahead of park pricing with these must-buy items before your Disney trip to ensure the memories you make are happy and the post-trip credit card bills more predictable.

Highlights

• What to buy: Basics like sunscreen, ponchos and glow toys.
• How to beat the heat: Cooling towels, misting fans and refillable water bottles help families stay comfortable.
• Plan for convenience: Bring snacks, portable chargers and Disney pins or ears.

Practical Disney Essentials to Buy Before You Go

Because you’re busy, here’s the list. Read on for tips, insights and reasons to buy them!

1. Sunscreen
2. Aloe vera gel or wipes
3. Rain ponchos and backpack covers
4. Cooling towels and misting fans
5. Water bottles that clip onto things
6. Backpack cooler for snacks
7. Coffee to keep you going all day long
8. Sunglasses and sunhats
9. Disney t-shirts and pajamas
10. Cute Disneybounding outfits
11. Waterproof shoes
12. Disney sweatshirts
13. Portable phone charger
14. Long phone charging cords
15. PopSocket
16. Wireless headphones
17. Masks
18. Friction stick
19. Hand sanitizer
20. First aid kit
21. Glow sticks and light-up toys
22. Princess dresses
23. Autograph books
24. Lanyard for displaying Disney pins
25. Mouse ears
26. Pressed penny booklets
27. Disney gift cards

1. Sunscreen

You know what makes your day at EPCOT miserable? A toddler with a sunburn. Don’t forget this Disney must-have because it’s a pricey gift shop purchase in the hotel or the Disney parks.

SheBuysTravel Tip: If you’re traveling with only a carry-on, buy sunscreen sticks. If you are checking bags, buy large bottles of sunscreen and pack them in Ziploc bags to avoid messy surprises!

2. Aloe Vera

Even if you regularly slather on the sunscreen, chances are someone will end up with a sunburn. It just happens. The excitement, the heat, the sweat. Be prepared by bringing aloe vera gel or wipes to soothe sore spots.

3. Rain Ponchos

When it rains at Disney, this magical theme park becomes a sea of Mickey ponchos. At roughly $12 per poncho, it would cost $72 to cover my family of 6. That’s an entirely unnecessary spend. I found heavy ponchos with reusable pouches for $3 (kids) and $4 (adults) at Walmart. Bonus points: My family stood out with our red and blue ponchos, making the kids easier to spot when we were walking in the rain or riding one of the you-always-get-soaked water rides like Kali River Rapids.

I also love these adult ponchos from Amazon. They call them disposable but they’re sturdy! You can use these throughout your whole trip without ripping them. In the spirit of keeping things dry, we also recommend looking at a backpack rain cover. Keep all your belongings dry with a bright cover that doubles as a clear visual for the kids to find you.

SheBuysTravel Tip: Don’t get really cheap and buy the plastic ponchos from the Dollar Store. They rip.

Disney Must-Haves to Beat the Heat

4. Misting Fans and Cooling Towels

In case you haven’t heard, Walt Disney World is in Florida. Florida is hot. In some months, unbearably so. It can get pretty toasty in Anaheim, California, home of Disneyland, as well.

Things we always buy before Disney to help with the heat? Cooling towels and misting fans. A misting fan can go a long way in lowering the whining levels of little ones during long wait times.

5. Water Bottle

Dehydration is a very real danger when it’s hot. Having a water bottle for everyone will help combat that. You can get free refills of ice water from any Disney quick-service restaurant. It’s one of the best free things at Disney.

Kiddo doesn’t like water? Bring a few flavor packets and turn that free water into lemonade or an electrolyte drink.

I love these water bottles that clip onto things. Even the kids’ water bottles with built-in straws have convenient carrying loops.

Disney Must-Haves: Food

6. Snacks

Bringing our own food has saved us at least $50 every day we’re in the parks. Best part? You’re not surviving on granola bars. We’ve got a whole list of varied snack and food ideas. We use a backpack cooler to carry food into the parks.

7. Coffee Options

In my family, a well-caffienated parental unit is the utmost Disney essential. The lines at the in-park Starbucks locations can be brutal. I always pack some instant coffee packs like Cafe Bustelo or Starbucks Via. I dump one into a water bottle for instant iced coffee whenever I need an in-park pick-me-up.

If you are driving, never underestimate the power of ready-to-drink iced lattes. Bring a bunch. Stick a couple in the cooler and you’re good to go.

Disney Must-Haves: Clothing Items to Consider

8. Sunglasses & Hats

Our Disney essentials include sunglasses and hats for all family members. We always include a few extras. Our teen son has a habit of putting his hat into the mesh pocket on roller coasters and walking off without it. We jokingly got him this one and he STILL lost it!

9. Disney Pajamas

You can often score Disney t-shirts and pajamas at a steep discount. If you don’t want to head out of your house to hunt for deals, check out shopDisney.

Read More: Disney Family T-Shirts – Funny, Cute and Clever Options

10. Comfy Disneybounding Options

Think you might take part in Disneybounding? We love this super comfy skirt option. It comes in a variety of colors so that you can be inspired by almost any Disney character. Or go the full dress route with a vintage-inspired beauty that comes in a rainbow of options.

SheBuysTravel Tip: If you plan to wear a dress or skirt on a hot day at Disney, you’ll also want to pack plenty of No. 18!

11. Slide Sandals

Remember when we mentioned that it POURS at Disney sometimes? My kids take after me and hate having wet shoes.

We always carry a Cotopaxi backpack. As soon as it starts raining, I pull out the slides and we tuck away their shoes to stay dry. They don’t take up much room in the bag and it stops a lot of whining. Plus, we’ll use the slides at pools and water parks too.

12. Disney Sweatshirt or Jacket for Chilly Nights

Even though the Disney parks are located in warm-weather states, you’ll be glad to have a sweatshirt or jacket with you once the sun sets. Honestly, this one isn’t even as much about the savings as being able to pick one that is your taste. If you wait until you’re there, you’ll see the same Disney sweatshirt options in every store, and on everyone.

Disney Must-Haves: Cell Phone Accessories

13. Portable Charger

Disney sucks the juice from phones the way a toddler empties a Capri Sun — FAST. Bring backup power for your phone so you don’t have to search for a spot to plug in (or buy a pricey Fuel Rod).

When it comes to chargers, name-brand really does matter. I’ve received a lot of the lipstick chargers and promo ones and they simply don’t last. I recommend (and carry) an Anker charger.

14. Longer Phone Charging Cord

Let’s face it, in the battle of phone charging cords at Disney, size does matter. Plugs are sometimes a little bit hidden, so the longer your cord, the better chance you have of reaching it. This is a convenience item that we highly recommend. It aso makes it easier to plug into your portable charger, slip the charger into your bag and still have plenty of cord to keep the phone in your hand or to your ear.

This pack comes with 6 (!) cords for under $12. I set the extras aside for when my kids steal my cords or claim they can’t find theirs. I also keep a backup in my purse and car.

Don’t want to fish around in your bag trying to find the ends of cords? Cord management is a breeze with these cord ties. Or go next level with this cord-organizing case.

15. PopSocket

Disney doesn’t allow selfie sticks, but there are other ways to take creative pictures of your family on your trip. With a PopSocket you can pop it out, lean your phone and take a cool picture of the whole group, including you!

I particularly love this one because it’s a combo phone wallet/PopSocket (and Stitch is my favorite). Looking for something a little cheaper? Try this PopSocket Kickstand.

16. Wireless Headphones

Practice good line etiquette by having the kids wear wireless headphones when watching videos in line! Keep them contained in cute protective character-themed cases.

Disney Must-Haves: Health and Safety Essentials

17. Masks

No, masks are note required at Disney, but if Covid taught me anything it was that people are gross. I pack masks in case a symphony of sneezing, coughing, snarfling and phlegm gymnastics happens in a confined space.

And on the topic of masks, do yourself a favor. Bring mints or gum to keep everything fresh and pleasant whether you’re wearing a mask or not. You can’t buy gum at Disney!

18. Friction Stick

What is a friction stick, you might be asking? Have you heard of Disney rash? Ever been in a Disney planning group when people start talking about thigh burn? This will save you and that’s priceless. Basically, it’s like deodorant for your inner thighs and prevents painful chafing. It’s a must!

19. Hand Sanitizer

Keep sanitizer close at hand with silicone holders that can be attached to belt loops, backpacks and strollers.

20. Basic First Aid Kit

Yes, Disney does have First Aid Centers that dole out basics like bandages and over-the-counter medications. But most of the First Aid Centers are near the entrance to the park and blisters usually happen well into a long day. Save the pain of limping to the front and do two things:

• First, always, always, always, break in shoes before wearing them at Disney. Comfortable shoes are a Disney must-have. We’ve got some great recommendations here for comfy shoes for theme parks
• Second, carry a few Band-Aids and some moleskin in your Disney Park bag or fanny pack. They are Disney essentials that can make or break your day.

Bring these basic supplies with you.

Buy Before Disney: Fun Disney Essentials

21. Glow Sticks/Light Up Toys

When the parade at Magic Kingdom starts and every other kid has a glowing light toy or a bubble blower, you can guarantee your toddler will find them fascinating. Meanwhile, you’ll find the price to buy one at Disney mind-boggling,

At night, glow sticks and spinning light toys pop up everywhere. Pick up a few packs of glow stick bracelets, wands and necklaces for big Disney savings. These may not be “Disney must-haves,” but if you’ve got toddlers, you will definitely hear about everyone else’s glow toys. It’s fun to be able to surprise them without breaking the bank.

Want more than the plain Dollar Store offerings? Buy fancy light wands online ahead of your trip.

SheBuysTravel Tip: It may be worth the splurge in the park for the bubble wand. Why? If it stops working while you’re at Disney, they’ll replace it.

22. Disney Must Have: Costumes for the Kiddos

A favorite tradition of ours was our girls waking up at the hotel on their first morning at Walt Disney World to find a dress left for them by a “princess.” By keeping an eye on shopDisney emails, I am usually able to snag these on sale. Timing-wise, deals tend to happen before Halloween, between Halloween and Christmas and then around April. I’m eyeing this adorable light-up princess dress. How amazing would this be for nighttime castle pics?!?!

On one Walt Disney World visit, I spied the exact same Belle dress my girls were wearing for more than twice what I paid for it.

23. Autograph Book

A popular toddler and kid activity at Disney is collecting the autographs of the Disney characters as you wander the parks or attend character meals. In the parks, autograph books sell for close to $20 for the cheapest option and go up from there. We made our own out of Dollar Store notebooks and Disney princess stickers.

24. Disney Pins/Lanyard

Pin trading is a fun way to find unique souvenirs.Pins need to be Official Disney Pins with the Mickey-shaped backing on them in order to be traded.

I bought several at the Disney Store Outlet for $4.95 each to get each of my kiddos started. Another way to save is to purchase a starter set of pins to trade. You can also buy a lanyard. Unpopular opinion – I actually dislike the lanyard method. Not only were most too long for my younger kids, but the pins kept coming loose. We use small zippered pouches to sort. Each kiddo gets a different color.

Are pins at Disney a must-have? You can do a trip without them, but in my opinion, it makes the trip really fun for kids (and adults). There’s something about hunting down that perfect pin.

If you wait to buy pins in the Disney Parks, expect to spend at least $7.95 per pin. Lanyards run close to $15.

25. Mouse Ears

Getting a new pair of Mouse Ear Headbands at the park might sound like a fun idea, but have you ever exhaustingly stood beside a tween while they try on every pair and attempt to make up their mind? Save money, time and your sanity by grabbing Mickey ears ahead of time. Who knows, you might even be able to score a limited release that you can’t find at the parks. We’ve also seen great deals on this Disney must-have at warehouse stores like Sam’s Club and Costco.

If you’re like me and have that one child who will repeatedly misplace them, buy a multipack of cheap Mickie headbands for Disney savings. Your blood pressure will thank you when they suddenly don’t know where their third look of the day is.

26. Plan for Pressed Pennies.

Elongated pennies are still a Disney must-have that will save you on souvenirs. The Disney must-have to buy now? Collectible booklets for storing the pennies. Pack one and pop the pennies in as you gather them. They’ll stay safe and you won’t be tempted by a pricier version in the parks. Have several kids interested? This 3-pack offers greater Disney savings.

What to Buy For Your Disney Trip: Advanced Disney Savings

27. Discount Gift Cards

The art of discount Disney gift cards is truly that – an art. Disney gift cards can be used across the parks for everything from dining to hotel rooms to souvenirs. Plan ahead and shop sales to turn your Disney budget up a notch.

For example, my local grocery chain, HEB, offered a coupon to buy $100 in Disney gift cards and save $20. Using my husband’s and my son’s mobile apps, we purchased $300 worth of Disney gift cards for $240. These deals tend to pop up starting in November and run through the Christmas season. Sam’s Club also runs discounted gift card deals.

In addition, you can purchase Disney gift cards at Target using your Target Circle Card for an everyday savings of at least 5%.

Overall, one of the biggest tips I can give is to use a packing list! Print it out and check it twice for Disney World essentials. Nothing makes the cost of a Disney vacation skyrocket like items you forgot to bring.