There's a very underrated "hack" to saving money on a Disney trip that many may ignore!
There's no question that a Disney park trip can be an expensive affair. Whether it's Walt Disney World or Disneyland, costs can pile up, and that includes food. We're not talking about the various restaurants but just the simple snacks and drinks you need for the parks.
It's easy to buy some at various stands or resorts, but obviously, Disney charges a pretty penny for those. Even if you stay off-property, buying at the hotels can be expensive, especially in California, where costs for things are higher.
That's why many who go to Disney parks may want to consider a hack that's often overlooked. It's something so simple but can save you some cash: Hit a grocery store first.
The benefits of a grocery run before a Disney park stay
Some folks may want to go straight from the airport to their hotel, especially if they're staying at a Disney resort. But a stop at a grocery store to pack up on supplies is a great idea in so many ways.
The obvious is the cost, as a standard grocery store has far lower prices than a Disney park. That's truer in Florida than California while either is best for those on a budget. Why pay five bucks for a bottle of water in the parks when you can get an entire 24-bottle case for the same price?
There's also how you get a much better variety of personalized snacks, especially for those with special dietary needs. You can better pick and choose and if you land on a sale for some items, the benefits add up more. As great as Disney can be, their options on the right snacks can pale next to what you can nab at a nearby store.
It won't just be for food either, as you can grab a few small toys for the kids in the party to handle. It's also a splendid way to save space packing as you can wait for this store run to get things like suntan lotion, mini-fans, soap, shampoo, etc, rather than trying to fit it all into your airport bags.
As great as it can be to have breakfast at a Disney resort hotel, some may want to whip something up in their own rooms (especially in suites with kitchens). Get the right ingredients and you can get a good enough breakfast or other meal for your room rather than pay a heftier price at the hotels and parks. It can also be a huge benefit to getting a smaller quick meal for those wanting to hit the parks early.
It's amazing how some people can forget this simple trip, which can save you so much in cash and is a great way to skip some trouble.
Where and how to get grocery delivery
Just in case you don't have the time to hit the store before the Disney parks, not to worry, as most Disney resorts (and some off-property ones) give you the option of using a service like Instacart to deliver to the hotel. Be warned, there's often a charge for the delivery, and the hotel itself may add on a surcharge depending on where you stay.
If you want to make a personal stop in Orlando, there are many options. Wal-Mart is obviously a draw thanks to its cheaper prices and wide selection of not just food but other items (batteries, clothing, small tools) that are quite beneficial for the parks. Target is much the same in both price and offerings.
However, Florida residents know that Publix is the best go-to grocery spot. There are a few in the Orlando area, all great supermarkets offering everything you'd need food wise from packs of water/soft drinks to fresh fruit and more. That's with great prices and very good service.
Winn-Dixie can be much the same, and likewise, several stores in the Orlando area. There's also Whole Food Markets Sprout's Farmer Markets for guests who want healthier options.
For Disneyland, the options are a bit less thanks to how it's mostly hotels right by the parks. Still, you can get Wal-Mart and Target, which are the closest to the area for your needs. For those wanting a more local feel, Vons, Albertsons, and Food 4 Less are easy to get to, all within a couple of miles of the main Disneyland area, with the latter living up to its name on prices.
Keep in mind that where you're staying can affect your choice of foods. If it's a smaller resort without mini-kitchens, trying to get items for full-on cooking won't work.
Also, remember that it can take a while for you to actually check in and get into your room, so buying frozen items isn't a smart move (not to mention some resort minifridges can be smaller than expected), in which case it's better to order them delivered.
In short, anyone who wants to save some cash on a Disney park trip would do well to make sure their airport ride makes a grocery stop first or at least order from one at the hotel. It's not only an economic boon but gives you a chance for some personalized meals and one hack that goes a long way to making a trip more enjoyable.
How do you plan ahead for your Disney trips?