What Disney stuff should I buy BEFORE WDW so I don't have to buy it AT WDW?

[firechick139]

Hi! I'm new to posting on this part of the forum but I have been a member since Oct. 2007. This place has so much info, it is mind-boggling! We are planning our first family trip to WDW, and I was wondering what we could take so we don't have to buy there. I just bought a couple of lanyards off of ebay (haven't even touched starting looking for pins yet! I am too afraid of buying fakes with my limited knowledge). I plan on buying a couple of autograph books, and I bought a bunch of neon bracelets and necklaces at the dollar store for nighttime. What else would be a good idea to take? We are going to have a limited budget.

[justplaingoofy]

Things we bring, not sure if it will affect you because of the season, we go in Sept.

-cheap disposable ponchos (usually about $1)
-glo sticks, necklaces
-zip lock bags so we can bring face cloths from the room to wet them to cool us down.
-disposable coffee cups (we get the refillable mugs, but sometimes fill the refillable mug, then pour it into the disposable cup to bring to the parks with us so we don't have to carry around the mugs at the parks for the day)
-tealight w/ matches (never know if you loose power in the room)
-clothespin to keep the drapes fully closed.
-mini misting fans on cabanera clips.
-quarters (if you plan on doing laundry)
-measure our powder detergent, or get the small condesed all brand 2 oz.(does 2 loads) with a couple of dryer sheets.

[noahdove]

Something pretty neat for the kids, are the pressed pennies..you will need 2 quarters and a penny for each machine. there is a thread somewhere on here with the listing of where the machines are..my nephew will be doing that:) Don't forget to take extra batteries for your camera..some type of ID for your kids..I bought mine rubber like bracelets with their name and what they call me, with my cell phone #,JUST to be on the safe side...the bracelets will glow in the dark, info can't be seen unless taken off..wipes of some type to use often...I take post card stamps with me and I also print out the labels for all the cards I will send. Suncreen, take those new big click markers for autographs..depending on the age of your children, a journal for them to keep track of all their awesome experiences..something little to keep your room keys in if you are staying on Disney property..the magnetic strips make demagnitize if kept with your other credit cards..I hope I gave you some helpful tips..have a grand time and enjoy every magical moment..you will have many:)

[Millie12591]

I just shopped at the Disney Store Outlet today and bought a bunch of pins, I bought every pin that was $5.50, they were half off. Can't beat that! I was so thrilled since we like to go with the pins we want to trade not pins that the kids really like, then this way they have something right off the bat to trade with, and hopefully won't waste money on buying any new one's. I hope. I hope. I hope.

I also just bought T-shirts ahead of time, some where 4.99 and some where 2.99, for my DH, DS and DD. My DD is the only one that will wear them outside of the parks, so I just can't see wearing or buying something that cost full price. I also have bought our back packs we will be using, actually it's called a baggallini, very good smaller pack to use, but still fits everything in it that could be used or needed while in the parks. Bought these at a discount on bagsbuy.com and also bought my sons Crocs messenger bag at Dicks Sporting Goods, free shipping from both places. There was a sale at Dicks for the crocs bag (pretty cool bag, they have cool packs as well).

There's a discount code at bagsbuy.com. (save10) for the baggallini's and then you'll get another 10% off when you register, if you want to buy more than one baggallini, buy them seperate, this way you'll get the ten dollar discount for every one that you buy. It's free shipping so why not, it doesn't cost you anything more, but it will sure save you!

Hope this helps, also I've bought hats from the Disney Stores for DD, this way I'm not buying them in the parks, those suckers can really add up! I bought my visor ahead of time as well, anything that you can get ahead of time is good, except the mist fans, I know that a lot of people buy these ahead of time, but it's hard to find one that doesn't end up breaking. If you buy the one in the park, you have the security of knowing that (if you save your receipt) if your batteries run out they will replace the whole fan, if it stops working they will replace it and even when we ran out of the cold water that's in them when you buy them, they replaced the whole thing! I think it was worth getting it there. But that's me. Hope I've helped. Oh, check the regular Disney Stores for the same things that I've listed here, I think they have all the same stuff I got.

[firechick139]

OH! I didn't realize the Disney Store sold pins! Kind of logical, now that I think of it. LOL! I guess I just never looked for them before. I will definately be doing that.

Are there any "fad" souveniers that ALL the kids have there? I know the glow sticks are a big thing, but is there anything else that anyone sees most of the kids with?

[Truelovernr1122]

If you plan on taking pictures at the pool/waterparks, definitely purchase a water-resistant camera BEFORE you get there! They charge a fortune (last time I went, I think it was in the 20 dollar range). Spend the 8-10 at the grocery store and save yourself a bundle of money.

Same goes for medication! Bring tylenol, pepto, or any other medicine that you might end up needing. If you don't and you end up having to purchase it at your resort - you'll pay ridiculous amounts of money!

Lastly...weather-related items! Buy the ponchos and mini fans in advance, it'll save you from paying 15 for each of those when you can easily buy them at a dollar store before-hand!

Hope that helps :)

[belle&sebastiansmom]

[QUOTE=Millie12591;25651714]I just shopped at the Disney Store Outlet today and bought a bunch of pins, I bought every pin that was $5.50, they were half off. Can't beat that! I was so thrilled since we like to go with the pins we want to trade not pins that the kids really like, then this way they have something right off the bat to trade with, and hopefully won't waste money on buying any new one's. I hope. I hope. I hope.

mouspinsonline has pins for $1.75, all for trading. You get a grab bag full.

[Bill_Lin]

At Wal-Mart in Orlando, you can buy Disney lanyards, cups, clothes, packs and such.

[Bill_Lin]

Due to the frequency of heavy rain and winds in Orlando, I believe it is worth the investment to purchase non-disposable ponchos. You can pick them up at Wal-Mart for a very reasonable price. Do not buy the heavy ones. To be of any use, you will need to have them in your fanny pack, shoulder bag or pocket at all times. They won't do you any good in your car trunk.

Some friends of ours bought the thin disposable type and they did not stand up to the first storm when their kids wore them. For this reason, I don't think you should buy the really thin ones.

To find just the right thickness, I had to look through several sections of the sporting goods area. I found them in the hiking equipment. We were able to purchase matching colors. This way, we could quickly find each other in the crowds at the park. We even put large Disney stickers on the backs.

[Samantha/NC]

We put our tickets in little waterproof pouches-
We visited a wal-mart in Orlando and bought TONS of disney things for our kids--yeah they did not exactly come from disney world but close enough and lots cheaper:thumbsup2

[KiKi Mouse]

If you bring your own stroller...a plastic rain cover for the stroller.

You have to park your stroller in designated areas and you don't want to come back to it being soaked.

[moonvxn]

congrats on your first family trip!!

if you are going during warm weather, I would bring a cortisone cream or a medicated powder just in case anyone gets heat rash. My little girl had a very hard time when we went due to that.
also on that note, the new pre-measured benadryl packs are also good to have.

we generally take a trip to a store when we get there and pick up some water bottles to put in the fridge, they are VERY expensive on property (picking up any drink is a good idea)

I have young kids and am a little concerned with all the nasty bugs going aroung so I bring the travel size clorox wipes (those are the only ones that not only kill bacteria and the flu virus but staph too) and just keep them with me in case i feel the need in a restaurant or on the plane if the kids are being rambuncious and touching or slobbering on stuff

also i write up an itinerary (x2) that has all of our dinner reservation #'s on and I carry one with me and leave one in the room that way we aren't searching if something doesn't come up correctly at a restaurant.

I would absolutely get disney t-shirts at like walmart, or on ebay, or sometimes disneyshopping.com and their online outlet will have disney shirts for like $5- just keep a look out, MUCH cheaper than at the mouse's house.

ditto on the ponchos from above-

note if you decide to rent a stroller you can get a discounted multi day ticket "booklet" just ask the stroller rental on the first day, you can pay in advance for the time you'll need it

if you rent a car- you can go on ebay and buy a AAA diamond parking pass which gives you preffered parking at the parks-(just make sure it isn't signed) which can be a total lifesaver with tired cranky kids.

hope that helps and have a wonderful time
:)

[englishrose47]

Don't laugh.. an ace bandage !!
Also moleskin,autograph books Fat pens,extension cord are just a few not mentioned !!

[Minniemouse07]

I second haunting the Disney Store for deals on family sets of shirts, etc. They definitely have great sales on that stuff.

I would also keep your eyes open for those spinny light things (do they have an official name?). I picked up one for each of the kids last year for $3 or $4 and they are OBSCENELY priced in the parks.

The other Disney Store purchase that worked out great was their beanie baby sized stuffed characters. Got a bunch on discount and we left them on our bed in a big pile each day. When we returned Mousekeeping always set them up in cool ways. I think I paid $20 total for Mickey, Minnie, Donald, Daisy, Goofy, Buzz, Woody and a few others.

The Dollar Store has a great selection of Disney themed stuff to choose from. I was able to pick up activity books for my 6yo as well as stickers, pens, little notebooks, small toys, etc.

My dh rolled his eyes at me every time I came home w/ more junk for our trip...but when we were at WDW in December all I kept hearing was, "Mom, you rock!"

It was wonderful to not be nickeled and dimed to death w/ all the small stuff. We also were able to avoid the Mom I wants since the kids had all kinds of "new" stuff!

Oh, I also picked up a bunch of glow stuff too... we handed it out to other kids during parades and fireworks!

[sueh]

Congrats on your trip!

We leave in July for our first ever family trip!

These are the things that I bought:

Disposable camera for each of the girls
Lanyards
autograph book w/pen
Mickey hat (got these at Walmart on clearance_
Visor
T-shirts from the Disney store (they were $5 each)
handheld fans
glow sticks
ziploc baggies

granola bars
poptarts
a few bottles of gatorade to make sure that they don't dehydrate.

I also picked up somethings that I will leave out each night as a special gift from tinkerbell.

Have a great trip!

[englishrose47]

Where did you find those lighted spinny things? I saw them a lot in Feb at Disney and they were outrageous in price! I pick up glow sticks all the time but have not found the spinny things yet!!

[Minniemouse07]

Where did you find those lighted spinny things? I saw them a lot in Feb at Disney and they were outrageous in price! I pick up glow sticks all the time but have not found the spinny things yet!!

At the Disney Store!

[englishrose47]

At the Disney Store!

Thanks !!

[Millie12591]

I've not found the pins at the regular Disney Store's, just the outlet. :confused3 I don't know why that is, but that besides the parks are the only place that I've seen the pins. I didn't want anyone to go to the store and be let down because they didn't have them, at least that's the way it is here in our stores, does anyone else have stores that sells the pins besides outlets?
BTW, does anyone have the skinny on which stores will be closing and staying open? :worried: I spoke with a Disney Store Manager today and she said that the stores that were going to close have already closed, but I'm not convinced she knows which one's will stay open or close.



OH! I didn't realize the Disney Store sold pins! Kind of logical, now that I think of it. LOL! I guess I just never looked for them before. I will definately be doing that.

Are there any "fad" souveniers that ALL the kids have there? I know the glow sticks are a big thing, but is there anything else that anyone sees most of the kids with?

[Millie12591]

Your family is where we were last year in May, it was our first family vacation also going to WDW~! Your going to have so much fun! Word to the wise, take it easy the first day your there, and make your first full day your first day to hit it hot and heavy, getting good rest is very helpful, and taking breakes in the afternoon after hitting the parks first thing in the morning (for rope drop) is a must if you want to be able to keep "on the go" through the entire trip. You'll have a great time no matter what, but take those much needed breaks when you can. Sorry to be so :offtopic:, Be blessed and have a great trip! ::yes::


Congrats on your trip!

We leave in July for our first ever family trip!

These are the things that I bought:

Disposable camera for each of the girls
Lanyards
autograph book w/pen
Mickey hat (got these at Walmart on clearance_
Visor
T-shirts from the Disney store (they were $5 each)
handheld fans
glow sticks
ziploc baggies

granola bars
poptarts
a few bottles of gatorade to make sure that they don't dehydrate.

I also picked up somethings that I will leave out each night as a special gift from tinkerbell.

Have a great trip!

[LittlePurplePumpkin]

check out your dollar store...I got a ton of little disney toys and coloring books. I left out a small present for the kids every morning and they seemed not to ask much for other items. I would bring the glow items also look on ebay for any of those cool hats and light up things. I would let the kids make snack packs for each of your days there with candy, snacks...whatever.

[kaysmom]

I've looked all over for child size ponchos...can anyone shed some light on which store carries them and in what section? I easily found adult ones at dollar tree but have searched my local target and walmart to no avail!!

[abeyst]

I've looked all over for child size ponchos...can anyone shed some light on which store carries them and in what section? I easily found adult ones at dollar tree but have searched my local target and walmart to no avail!!

A few years ago I bought ours at K-mart. They were hanging by the umbrellas.

[CarolinaMomOf3boys]

I just bought 2 of them at Party City yesterday for $3.99 each!


Where did you find those lighted spinny things? I saw them a lot in Feb at Disney and they were outrageous in price! I pick up glow sticks all the time but have not found the spinny things yet!!

[MapleGirl]

but I buy glow-sticks and a tiara before our trip and give them to random kids while we're waiting in line for the buses. It's my own way of spreading the magic (and I get to wear the tiara around the first day!):thumbsup2 Is this strange?

Anyway, I recommend getting costume items before hand (tiaras, princess wands/dresses, pirate hats, play swords, etc...). If you don't want to have to pack them and bring them home, share them with another family!

Bring a bandana. This can be wet down to keep you cool, serve as a hankie, wrap a sore ankle, etc.....

Bring at least 2 pairs of shoes each.

Quiet time things to do in the hotel room for before bed or during break time - books, coloring books, cards, and such.

Make sure to pack your camera!!! (and extra batteries and memory cards)

;) DH just added that you don't want to carry too much stuff around. Being weighed down takes away from the enjoyment. Hmmmm.... maybe my pack mule is trying to tell me something! :lmao:

Hope this helps!! Have a great trip

[macraven]

i always buy the disney small items and glow bracelets/necklaces at the dollar store, walmart, disney outlet store before i go to the motherland.

the most important things i buy at home before i go are the items that are so high priced at the resort gift shops and at the park.

i always take tylenol, bandades, mole skin, mini collapsable scissors, tweezers, rolaids, sunscreen, aloe vera lotion, (so when i burn, i can sleep at night) qtips, etc..... all that type of general needed items.

i use disney transportation and can't go to the local drug stores or walmart when i am at disney.

[justplaingoofy]

aloe vera lotion, (so when i burn, i can sleep at night)


If you are staying at a hotel with a refrigerator...keep the aloe in the fridge and it will be soooo good going on:worship:

[lcvb]

I've not found the pins at the regular Disney Store's, just the outlet. :confused3 I don't know why that is, but that besides the parks are the only place that I've seen the pins. I didn't want anyone to go to the store and be let down because they didn't have them, at least that's the way it is here in our stores, does anyone else have stores that sells the pins besides outlets?

We live in Canada and our regular Disney Store does sell the pins. I didn't even know this until last week when I went in and asked and found they were all 50% off.

[englishrose47]

If you are staying at a hotel with a refrigerator...keep the aloe in the fridge and it will be soooo good going on:worship:

I fyou are staying at a value that doesn't have a fridge check out the Budget boards for fridge swaps !! I too always take the basic stuff bandaids etc, I buy cheap umbrellas as thay work great for shade too when watching a parade !!I take snax for the parks too sometimes I mail them and sometimes I pack them !! It saves a lot of I'm hungry and I wants !!!

[fortheboys]

We are bringing the following, and probably more - most I find at dollar stores, or on clearance in any discount store. We are traveling with 2 boys under 5. I find we spend more money on the little "stuff" that isn't really necessary, but it sure adds up so....I bring 1 small bag into the park, and customize it for what we are doing each day - my bag is about the size of an average purse and I pack it with fresh "stuff" everyday, diapers, wipes and a fresh pair of shorts for each child. My husband and I divert their attention to the things we have packed which is easier for those with little kids in some regards... I hate the gimmies, so we try to avoid them!

Things I bring, and rotate in the bag, as needed:
Water muscles(swimmies), water diapers and a beach ball (to burn energy while not at the parks, and it is easy to pack!)

Plush toys (my boys LOVE the animals at AK, so we will tuck these away for the right moment in that park) Don't forget minnies and micky's!

Glow sticks, bracelets, necklaces, light chasers, light saber and fiber optic thingies! Dollar stores, the boardwalk and flea markets are great places to find this stuff! Anything to divert them from those darn glowing carts that suck $20 bills out of your wallet like a hoover!

Candy from the dollar store: Esp those HUGE lollipops that are like a foot long! Penny candy etc(but not anything perishable like chocolate!) Our dollar store even has bags of cotton candy and those spinning lollipop holders that cost $9 in WDW.

Disney coloring books and crayons (dollar store), Legos (from home) nothing gets them in the mood like the inspiration at the lego store!

Things to do in line: mini magnadoodle (great for playing games!), small hand games (paddle w/ ball, little ball mazes (dollar store)) a few matchbox cars, silly puddy etc. Nothing big or heavy, just a few small items that you can slip in a pocket to pass 20 minutes with...

Disney action figures - these come in handy to pass the time while waiting for a parade or show to start and they sell alot of these sets in DTD.

A few train toys from home - if you have boys, nothing brings out the choo choo in them like a few spins on the monorail! (And OMG the monorail train set is $100)

Favorite character toys - my DS1 is a Buzz Lightyear NUT. So we plan on making sure that he has something new "buzz" related for the day we go to MK, becuase we know that Lightyear Spin sets him into a buying frenzy!
Also:
Sun hats
autograph book and fat pen
popcorn:: snacks snacks snacks/breakfast food
case of water/drinks/powdered drink mix sticks
suntan lotion, lip balm, meds and tummy remedies.

:moped: Becuase we drive from NJ, I pack bag of snacks and cooler of drinks for the ride down, and I also pack and set aside a bag of snacks for the ride back. Any leftover drinks go in the cooler filled with hotel ice, and leftover snack credits from the DDP get spent on take home snacks. Saves money from stopping and grabbing snacks/drinks at the rest stops.

I just started packing my Disney box now, for our next trip in Jan. It's those little extras that can make the trip magical (and expensive!):) I also thnk that loading that special "gift box" is part of the fun!

[englishrose47]

I agree I started a Tink gift bag! I plan to give the kida a gift from Tink every morning, I also pack snax for the park, glow sticks autograph books and fat pens. I keep a Disney suitcase with allthe "stuff" in so can save money on rebuying stuff! The big thing I want to find before next year is those spinny things I am not paying $20 each at Disney!!

[mom2munchkins]

I agree I started a Tink gift bag! I plan to give the kida a gift from Tink every morning, I also pack snax for the park, glow sticks autograph books and fat pens. I keep a Disney suitcase with allthe "stuff" in so can save money on rebuying stuff! The big thing I want to find before next year is those spinny things I am not paying $20 each at Disney!!
Great idea on the Tink gifts. I love it! Those spinny things seems to be on sale at my local Disney store around Christmas time. I think last year whe nI went the day after Turkey Day they were on sale for $5-$10. Was gonna grab themn then but since we're not going until next year I figure I'll get them this year.

[englishrose47]

Great idea on the Tink gifts. I love it! Those spinny things seems to be on sale at my local Disney store around Christmas time. I think last year whe nI went the day after Turkey Day they were on sale for $5-$10. Was gonna grab themn then but since we're not going until next year I figure I'll get them this year.
I think our Disney store is closing or closed in Buffalo! I heard Party time had them for $4 we have one about 15 miles away !!

[DisneyFun08]

Where did you find those lighted spinny things? I saw them a lot in Feb at Disney and they were outrageous in price! I pick up glow sticks all the time but have not found the spinny things yet!!

I saw this on another thread, I think the Budget Board.

http://www.premierglow.com/index.php

They have the glow stuff and the spinning light stuff!

[curlz2tite]

One of my favorite things to do before a trip to the World is order my case of water from Staples.com & have it shipped to my resort. Saves a ton of $$ in the long run.

[firechick139]

I fyou are staying at a value that doesn't have a fridge check out the Budget boards for fridge swaps !!


Yes, I've been looking, but haven't found one available at my time, yet.

Does anyone recommend paying for a frig? Will it be worth the extra $100 we will spend to rent it? I have been going back and forth with this. We do bring home leftovers, but never seem to eat them, and always end up throwing the stuff away at the end of a trip. Do they have ice buckets and ice machines at ASMovies? I was thinking maybe put a few drinks on ice in the ice bucket to keep them cool each day.

[Minniemouse07]

Yes, I've been looking, but haven't found one available at my time, yet.

Does anyone recommend paying for a frig? Will it be worth the extra $100 we will spend to rent it? I have been going back and forth with this. We do bring home leftovers, but never seem to eat them, and always end up throwing the stuff away at the end of a trip. Do they have ice buckets and ice machines at ASMovies? I was thinking maybe put a few drinks on ice in the ice bucket to keep them cool each day.

When we were choosing a resort for our December trip it made more sense financially to upgrade to a moderate (POR) w/ the fridge included as opposed to paying for a fridge each night at a value. I think the net price difference was less than $50.

[Renee845]

I saw this on another thread, I think the Budget Board.

http://www.premierglow.com/index.php

They have the glow stuff and the spinning light stuff!

What a great site!!! Thank you!!!!!:banana:

[Renee845]

Yes, I've been looking, but haven't found one available at my time, yet.

Does anyone recommend paying for a frig? Will it be worth the extra $100 we will spend to rent it? I have been going back and forth with this. We do bring home leftovers, but never seem to eat them, and always end up throwing the stuff away at the end of a trip. Do they have ice buckets and ice machines at ASMovies? I was thinking maybe put a few drinks on ice in the ice bucket to keep them cool each day.

We used to fill the sink with ice and put drinks in it, works out perfectly!

[pmcneff]

Does Downtown Disney have a grocery store to get milk, cerial, bread, etc...

[lwilliam]

does NOT have a grocery store (what a GREAT idea that would be - also a drugstore!) - the closest store would be at The Crossings (expensive grocery store) - also, when we are at the Boardwalk, we walked to the Hess gas station for necessities - water, snacks, etc.:yay:


Thank you so much for the idea about the disposable coffee cups! I think I have taken every idea that was mentioned on this thread (we are 'twice a year visitors' to the parks) but the disposable coffee cups was a new one to me....I hate carrying those mugs around the parks (well, it is because of ME that I must carry them - i like to carry my coffee on the bus!):thanks: :disrocks:

[misricsmith]

fort wilderness has a small store with bread milk etc....:banana:

[macraven]

Yes, I've been looking, but haven't found one available at my time, yet.

Does anyone recommend paying for a frig? Will it be worth the extra $100 we will spend to rent it? I have been going back and forth with this. We do bring home leftovers, but never seem to eat them, and always end up throwing the stuff away at the end of a trip. Do they have ice buckets and ice machines at ASMovies? I was thinking maybe put a few drinks on ice in the ice bucket to keep them cool each day.

i do car service from mco to wdw.
i get a free grocery stop with it.

what i pay for this ($85) more than covers the snacks and incidental costs i would be paying at the resorts/parks.

i buy the $4. styrofoam ice chests during the grocery stop.

i fill it with ice from the machines at the resort.
i keep the ice chest with lid on it in the bathtub while i am at the parks.
i leave a note on top, do not move, so the housekeepers dont take it out of the tub.

i fill it in the morning and refill when i go to bed.
i don't fill it all the way up , just enough to keep items cold.
milk, lunch meats, food containers from the resturarnts, etc can be kept in there.

you can use the microwaves at the food courts to heat up the leftovers.

it may seem like a lot of work, but it works for us.

[dani blaski]

I agree with the meds.
Did anyone mention duct tape? You can small rolls and it is helpful in repairing a show or luggage. Cheap enough to keep in your travel bag if you never open it.
I always pack a travel pack of Tide JUST in case. I was traveling on business once and a go-cup of coffee exploded on me when it bent while trying to put the lid on!
If I am going on a trip with our son: I always pack a few ziplocs and plastic garbage bags. Actually if we are using the car I have a box of each in the trunk! I have had to use them for messy clothes, stinky diapers, muddy shoes, and wet clothes. And they also serve as emergency ponchos!
Also I use a ziploc for wipes since I buy the large refill packs of diaper wipes. Also great for cleaning the car interior!

[englishrose47]

I agree with the meds.
Did anyone mention duct tape? You can small rolls and it is helpful in repairing a show or luggage. Cheap enough to keep in your travel bag if you never open it.
I always pack a travel pack of Tide JUST in case. I was traveling on business once and a go-cup of coffee exploded on me when it bent while trying to put the lid on!
If I am going on a trip with our son: I always pack a few ziplocs and plastic garbage bags. Actually if we are using the car I have a box of each in the trunk! I have had to use them for messy clothes, stinky diapers, muddy shoes, and wet clothes. And they also serve as emergency ponchos!
Also I use a ziploc for wipes since I buy the large refill packs of diaper wipes. Also great for cleaning the car interior!

I can think of other uses for duct tape:rotfl2: :rotfl2:

[dizlizzy223]

I've found that the pins at the Disney Store really aren't that great of a value because you can choose from a better variety in Disney World or Disneyland and the pins are usually the same price or even less. I would also get ponchos in any other color but yellow before you go, so the people in your family are more visible and you'll save money.

[macraven]

disney stopped selling yellow ponchos maybe 3-4 years ago.

they are clear ponchos with the wdw logo on the back of them.

[Bill_Lin]

I recommend the blue ones from Wal-Mart, which, ironically are like the very old WDW blue ones.

[sbell111]

On the day we arrive in Orlando, we always drive to the WalMart and/or Target on 192. We buy whatever essentials that we'll need and also browse through the tons of Disney stuff that they have. These side trips have allowed us to save tons of cash on snacks, drinks, and toiletries. We've also picked up lots of Disney clothes and gifty stuff for much less than we would have paid in the parks. Strangely, we still end up buying tons of stuff at the parks and DTD. Oh well.

Years ago, we bought the Disney ponchos. for years, we lugged them back and forth on our Disney trips, but we've stopped doing that. I now pack a bunch of the disposable ponchos. I actually bring enough of them so every member of our party has a new one each day. I toss enough for each of us in the backpack in case it rains. If it does, we are covered. If not, they are saved until next trip.

The best thing about using the disposable kind is that you can dispose of them. If it's done raining for the day, you throw it out, rather than babysit it.

Another good tip relates to the penny squishies. These make good momentos, but they can be a bit of a pain. First of all, you have to carry around a bunch of change with you. Second, you end up carrying around a bunch of penny squishies that junk up your pockets or your backpack pockets.

Based on someone's tip, we now keep an M&M minis tube with our luggage. When we are preparing for our trip, we get a bunch of change and sort it into the tube. By stacking the coins (2 quarters, 1 penny, 2 quarters, 1 penny...), it is easy peasy to dig out the change at the machine. A bonus is that as soon as you've bought a couple pressed pennies, you'll have room in the tube to store them.

[Bill_Lin]

I would love to know more about what sort of Disney stuff you might find at Target. I wonder if they have stores with such stuff near Disneyland as well.

Inflation is amazing sometimes. How did the penny squishers get from a quarter to 2 quarters..... Wow. I love the M & M tube ideas. I also bought some glow stick bracelet things. The tubes they came in are great for storing stuff in a back pack.

Bill

Bill

[SGMCO]

[QUOTE=sbell111;25874249]

The best thing about using the disposable kind is that you can dispose of them. If it's done raining for the day, you throw it out, rather than babysit it.
QUOTE]


Where can you find disposable ponchos at?

If they are not to expensive they would be great because
it's very hard sometimes to get the wet ponchos dried out to
repack.

[englishrose47]

[QUOTE=sbell111;25874249]

The best thing about using the disposable kind is that you can dispose of them. If it's done raining for the day, you throw it out, rather than babysit it.
QUOTE]


Where can you find disposable ponchos at?

If they are not to expensive they would be great because
it's very hard sometimes to get the wet ponchos dried out to
repack.

Dollar Tree has them they are 2/$1 They are usually on a stand near the door at our stores. Sure beats $6 or$7 at WDW!!

[polineedyan]

We bought the cheapo ponchos, but never used them, despite the rain..we also bought a lot of our disney clothing at kmart, walmart, etc for less than 1/2 the cost of the disney clothing onsite.
The one thing I would recommend is the sprayer fans. We got there without one, and ds was just dying for one. At 15.50 (i think) I was reluctant..but on the hottest day, I splurged, and boy was it great. 15.50 is way high for that, especially when the strap said disneyland resort and we were at EPCOT. But really, it was VERY nice to have. Way too expensive.

[justplaingoofy]

We don't have a dollar store, but I found the disposable ponchos at Walmart in the camping section....I think they were .89 cents. Kmart also had them in that department.;)

[cindar91]

To add to the list...in the days of all electro gadgets...we take a power strip cause there are never enough plugs in the room for the chargers..not too mention blow dryers and things..
sunscreen and after sun..walkie talkies are also kind of coo,if your kids are alittle older but too young for a cell phone...
have a great trip..

[englishrose47]

We bought the spray bottles too and they are NOT going this year, the kids thought the idea was to spray each other and us and we will not make that mistake again!!

[Ohio Disney Girl]

We buy several of the metal "dog tags" with our children's ID info. and our cell numbers on them, thread them onto elastic hair ties, and "loop" them though their tags in their shorts or shirts, or even shoes. That way, they have I.D., but it's not easily available to strangers, it's easy to transfer ecah day, and doesn't come off like the tatoos do. We also attach one of these to our camera bag, stroller, etc.....

I know there are probably even better ideas out there, but this one works for us!

[Dopey420]

We always make sure to buy canned sodas and bottled water. Much cheaper than out of the vending machines...

[mom to 3 angels]

Where did you find those lighted spinny things? I saw them a lot in Feb at Disney and they were outrageous in price! I pick up glow sticks all the time but have not found the spinny things yet!!

I know this is a little late, but if it's what I'm thinking of (never been to WDW before, but I think I've got the idea) our WalMart had these in the "cheapie" toy isle. Near the 88 cent stuff. They were around $4-$5.


HTH
Sonja

[Jazcat]

but a tube of monistat antichaping gel this will prevent heat rash / chafting this can be bought at walmart or target.

[Wendaeh]

I pack the powdered drink "sticks" of propel/gatorade/crystal light. We are not real keen on the taste of Florida water plain, and don't want to lug around full water bottles. This way, we can fill up with water at the water fountains, then flavor the water. We all seem to drink more when there is flavor.

Have a wonderful trip!

[Bill_Lin]

That is a great idea about the drink mix. Since there is a "frown" upon brining food and beverages through the bag check, do you keep these in a pocket or something?

Bill

[ZoZo]

That is a great idea about the drink mix. Since there is a "frown" upon bringing food and beverages through the bag check, do you keep these in a pocket or something?

Bill

I have never had a problem bringing drinks or snacks through the bag check lines. I often have a baggie of trail mix, a granola bar, or other food item with me, and have never had a "bag checker" say anything. Luckily (I guess!), they're looking for weapons, not food, in people's bags!

[Bill_Lin]

So long as they don't think of soda cans as weapons :scared1:

[ThruTheEyesOfMyChild]

We are headin down to see the Mouse again next month....so here's what I just stocked up on!

DisneyShopping.com:
3 different sets of matching t-shirts for DD and me....$5 each! (Minnie, Tink & Mickey)

2 mini messenger bags, embroidered....$9 each! ON SALE!!!

8 trading pins....$5.50 each! She can trade them when she gets there!!!!

BIG LOTS:
4 mini battery-operated fans on lanyards....$3 each! 2 are Hannah Montana & 2 are Tinker Belle! I bought both of us 2, figured was cheaper than buying extra batteries!!!!

DOLLAR TREE:
2 rain ponchos...$1 each!
4 packs of light sticks & light necklaces/braclets...$1 each!

MY LOCAL SUPERMARKET:
1 box (10 pack) of Propel Lemonade individual packets...FREE (had coupon)
1 box (10 pack) of Country Time Lemonade individual packets...FREE (had coupon)

MY AUNT JUJU:
8 samples of TIDE detergent tablets...FREE! Yippie! That's a lot of clean clothes to come home with!

Hey, I am a single Mom! The more money I can save for Goofy's Candy Shop & DTD...the BETTER!!!! :banana: :banana: :banana:

[Bill_Lin]

I am impressed by your frugality.

[ThruTheEyesOfMyChild]

That is a great idea about the drink mix. Since there is a "frown" upon brining food and beverages through the bag check, do you keep these in a pocket or something?

Bill


I have never had a problem bringing in any of my DD's snacks, juice boxes or water bottles...at any of the 4 parks! They just want to see them!!!

[sms]

Last year we stayed at Pop. I took a shower rod and curtain to put between the vanity area and the room so I could change in private! Its an idea i got from here a while back. Other things to get before trip are: ear plugs, sunscreen, bug spray, motion sickness patches (just in case the rides get to you!) and batteries. I also like to take a small scented candle for the room. Don;t forget that there are a lot of great cheap souvenirs at Walmart in Orlando. No one will ever know the difference!:rolleyes1