How to do Disney on a budget: Money-saving tips for your upcoming vacation

Buy personal items ahead of time

Aside from food, it’s also a good idea to buy any personal items needed for the parks well ahead of time. The hotels will provide soap, toothpaste, and shampoo, but guests will need things like sunscreen, baggies, and other loose ends. It’s much better to load up on such small items before a park visit to avoid spending more on a hotel gift shop. 

Limit the souvenirs

Yes, everyone wants some special mementos from their Disney trip, but souvenirs in the park are very expensive. You can save a bit on these through Disney gift cards, but also be sure to check out the nearby outlet malls or even shop online.

Also, an underrated idea is buying some souvenirs ahead of the trip for the kids so they won’t be as tempted by flashier items in the parks. If you do feel like an actual park souvenir, something simple like a picture frame or even a magnet can be better than spending way too much on a trinket. 

So it really can be easier to shave a few hundred dollars off a Disney trip but still have a great time, and how a Disney vacation doesn’t have to bankrupt you.