Best prices on Disney World parks essentials?

[All Tangled Up]

My trip isn't until Jan '18 but I'm already starting to stash away supplies whenever I can get the best deals on them.

I bought a few rain ponchos on eBay for $0.99 each but they are really thin (think plastic grocery bag) and took forever to get here, still I will definitely use them and just look for better quality next time. Last trip, near the end when we were done with our ponchos we would sit on them for fireworks at Epcot and MK, so we wouldn't have to sit on the ground- but we had also bought $10 Disney ponchos and felt a bit guilty about doing that lol- we are a frugal group

Not sure where to go to get the best prices on sunscreen. I am buying my own from a brand I like because I am very picky and don't like the greasy kind, but the rest of my group will probably take whatever they can get haha. I was thinking Walmart for that, as well as portable chargers.

Kmart near us was going out of business so I grabbed eye drops and moleskin shoe padding.

Any suggestions are welcome!

 

[Jen and Ashwin]

My trip isn't until Jan '18 but I'm already starting to stash away supplies whenever I can get the best deals on them.

I bought a few rain ponchos on eBay for $0.99 each but they are really thin (think plastic grocery bag) and took forever to get here, still I will definitely use them and just look for better quality next time. Last trip, near the end when we were done with our ponchos we would sit on them for fireworks at Epcot and MK, so we wouldn't have to sit on the ground- but we had also bought $10 Disney ponchos and felt a bit guilty about doing that lol- we are a frugal group

Not sure where to go to get the best prices on sunscreen. I am buying my own from a brand I like because I am very picky and don't like the greasy kind, but the rest of my group will probably take whatever they can get haha. I was thinking Walmart for that, as well as portable chargers.

Kmart near us was going out of business so I grabbed eye drops and moleskin shoe padding.

Any suggestions are welcome!

For sunscreen, I would go to Walmart. Their sunscreen is rated as a best buy by consumer reports because it is cheap and actually has the level of protection that the packaging claims.

We always take reusable water bottles into the parks with us, so I recommend taking some of those. I have a fancy one that I probably got at Target on sale. I use it in my lunch every day and take it with me when I travel too.

 

[danielocha30]

if you have kids in your group go to a Dollar Tree store, from disney themed zipploc bags, reusable bottles and glow in the dark toys, laundry hamper, night lights disney themed, wash clothes and even some brand name travel size toiletteries it doesn't hurt to stop by and check

 

[BattyKoda]

but we had also bought $10 Disney ponchos and felt a bit guilty about doing that lol- we are a frugal group

Don't feel too bad about this purchase, Disney will replace them if they get damaged. We were able to do this our last trip (with poncho's bought on the previous trip) with no issues. Based on that, i think that they are well worth the cost, frugal or not (unless they have stopped this practice since my last trip, lol).

 

[Lvsdisney]

Since you're not going til next January, I would scout out clearance sunscreen after the summer season. It typically has a 2 year shelf life, so it won't be expired by the time you use it. I purchased Up&Up sunscreen fromTarget last summer for $1.98, it's the "children's" kind so it has a high SPF.

 

[janicept]

I love Dollar Tree as well. Not sure if I would trust their sunscreen though. I've found really good deals on ebay for extra phone chargers and device batteries. I also got a second fitbit charger for less than $2 to keep in my luggage - I would always forget that one at home.

 

[GaSleepingBeautyFan]

I get my portable chargers from amazon. Easier and not too expensive. Even if you go the fuel rod route so you can exchange it in the park later, it's cheaper on amazon.

 

[MomToOne]

Last trip, near the end when we were done with our ponchos we would sit on them for fireworks at Epcot and MK, so we wouldn't have to sit on the ground- but we had also bought $10 Disney ponchos and felt a bit guilty about doing that lol- we are a frugal group

I like to get the "flannel backed" tableclothes at DollarTree for this. The flannel backing is a joke, but it is enough to make them easier to fold and unfold than straight plastic ones. I buy a large one, cut it in half, and then pack one of the halves in my backpack and pull it out as needed. Takes up very little room.


Sunscreen - I look for clearance bottles at Target. Usually once or twice a year I can find some I like for just a couple of dollars. Just be sure to check the expiration date.

Portable chargers - Amazon. Watch the reviews to make sure the ones you get are actually quality.

Travel size toiletries - I try to find free samples, or re-use small containers I have from other items and just fill them from my bigger bottles at home. If that won't work, I just pick up the ones I need at Target.

Clothing - usually Kohl's during their 30% off sales with a bit of Target clearance thrown in as I find it

Rain ponchos - I buy good ones in this case and re-use them for multiple trips. That takes some dedication to the cause though - you have to fight the temptation to just throw them away when it's time to pack to come home and they are still dripping wet.

Shoes - My go-to store is the Sketchers outlet. I love me some Sketchers for vacation - or rather, my feet do And I can get them a lot cheaper at the outlet store.

Over the counter Medical supplies (band aids, Hydrocortizone, etc) - DollarTree, Target or Walmart. Depends on whether I will eventually use a lot of the item (band aids - Target or Walmart) or if I just need a little/it's likely to get very little use before it's expired (Antibiotic cream, Hydrocortizone and a host of other "just in case" things - DollarTree).

 

[All Tangled Up]

Thanks everyone for the replies so far!

For sunscreen, I would go to Walmart. Their sunscreen is rated as a best buy by consumer reports because it is cheap and actually has the level of protection that the packaging claims.

We always take reusable water bottles into the parks with us, so I recommend taking some of those. I have a fancy one that I probably got at Target on sale. I use it in my lunch every day and take it with me when I travel too.

Thanks for the suggestions! The water bottle idea is great, especially if it's one of those that keep your water cold all day long. Last year I happily paid $3 a bottle for cold water- I can't drink Florida water cause it tastes nasty, and I can't stomach warm water either (if I brought bottles into the parks) did not like the idea of carrying a small cooler with me all day either. So we coughed it up and those $3 added up fast >.< Hoping to avoid that for next trip.

if you have kids in your group go to a Dollar Tree store, from disney themed zipploc bags, reusable bottles and glow in the dark toys, laundry hamper, night lights disney themed, wash clothes and even some brand name travel size toiletteries it doesn't hurt to stop by and check

We don't have kids this time around but Dollar Tree sounds like an awesome idea! Especially for the toiletteries!

Don't feel too bad about this purchase, Disney will replace them if they get damaged. We were able to do this our last trip (with poncho's bought on the previous trip) with no issues. Based on that, i think that they are well worth the cost, frugal or not (unless they have stopped this practice since my last trip, lol).

That's good to know, I think I will put $10 for myself aside, even though they are pricey imo the quality is really worth it especially if they have a sort of warranty on them. Ponchos were thick, sturdy, comfortable and were clear with a cute Disney design (which is much better than the nice quality, but blindingly atrocious colored cheaper ones I've seen). I'm not sure if the rest of my group will want to splurge on ponchos xD But I know I will so I'll put aside the cheap ones for them or as extras.

Since you're not going til next January, I would scout out clearance sunscreen after the summer season. It typically has a 2 year shelf life, so it won't be expired by the time you use it. I purchased Up&Up sunscreen fromTarget last summer for $1.98, it's the "children's" kind so it has a high SPF.

That's an awesome idea, thanks!!

I get my portable chargers from amazon. Easier and not too expensive. Even if you go the fuel rod route so you can exchange it in the park later, it's cheaper on amazon.

I got my solar powered one off eBay for $10 but it's big, heavy, and it takes so long to charge up that I've just considered buying a new one. I have Prime as well so that is good to know

I like to get the "flannel backed" tableclothes at DollarTree for this. The flannel backing is a joke, but it is enough to make them easier to fold and unfold than straight plastic ones. I buy a large one, cut it in half, and then pack one of the halves in my backpack and pull it out as needed. Takes up very little room.

(cut the rest to save space)

Great suggestions, thank you so much! Where do you buy your ponchos?