GrillMouster
Mouster of the Grill
- Joined
- Dec 13, 2005
- Messages
- 1,236
Disney doesn't mind you bringing food, drinks, and snacks as long as you don't bring glass containers, or big coolers. DW and I usually put this stuff in my backpack.
You shouldn't feel cheap, stingy, or in any way bad for doing whatever you have to do to make a visit to Disney affordable = enjoyable. If it weren't for the little cost-savings techniques DW and I employ at Disney, it would have long ago become unenjoyable due to the expense. I'd rather enjoy my visit and continue to have fond memories months later, rather than having a great time then later wondering where all the money went to when its time to pay off the credit card.
I don't want to leave you with the impression that we don't spend any money at the parks. We spend a good amount; we just choose to spend on those things that will truly make the visit more enjoyable, splurge on things that will give us pleasant memories. This includes souvenirs, nice dinners, and treats (Dole Whips at MK - a family tradition, Mickey Mouse Ice Cream Bars, etc).
The number one tip I give anyone visiting any theme park is to STAY HYDRATED! If you wait until you're thirsty to take that drink, you're probably already partially dehydrated. DW and I always carry a bottle of water in the backpack. We refill the bottle with water from fountains throughout the park, or from the free cups of ice water you can get from any restaurant in the park. By taking frequent sips of water as we walk around or wait in a line we're able to stay awake an energetic for those eighteen-hour days at the park. Plus, were thirsty less often, so when we don't need to buy drinks as frequently, and when we do buy a soda, we can enjoy it instead of gulping it down to quench osmotic thirst. Also, we order our colas with little or no ice, because the drinks are plenty cold right out of the fountain machine. This way we get a little more drink for our money.
We usually bring a bag of dried fruit/trail mix/etc. Snacking while waiting in line also keeps our energy up and keeps us less hungry. We try to keep a balance, so in addition to packing a sweet snack (dried fruit), we pack a salty/savory snack, like chips, popcorn, or crackers. However, keep in mind that salty foods will dry you out, making you more tired, so only snack on these foods; don't make a meal out of them. We usually eat breakfast before arriving at the park (at home, or in the hotel room). McDonald's breakfast sandwich w/ OJ on the morning of a Disney trip has become sort of a tradition with DW and I; sure it costs money, but it's still cheaper than eating at the park. By snacking and keeping hydrated, DW and I can often split a lunch and dinner entrée, or get one of the children's meals, which can be significantly cheaper than the adult-sized portions (plus we bring home the Mickey-shaped kids' plates for chips & dip on football Sunday).
We even try to save a little money on souvenirs. A lot of the souvenirs sold at the parks look great when you're there, but quickly become space-eaters and dust-collectors when you get home. Refrigerator magnets are among the cheapest souvenirs at the parks. They take up practically no space in your home, and they'll be there years from now as a reminder of your great trip to Disney! For Disney decorating in my office or the kids rooms, I like the plastic character banks sold at the parks. They're pretty sizable, and are a great, cheap, alternative to the sculptures sold at the stores. The flashing-light necklaces, bracelets and sunglasses sold in the evenings at the parks can be purchased for pennies on the dollar in your hometown/mall/internet. Or, if you have ever bought one of these at a theme park in the past, bring them with you on your next trip instead of buying another one. Also, buy a little plush Mickey Mouse at the Disney store, Wal Mart, or some other store close to home instead of at the park. When you get to the park, give it to the kids (or, in my case I just bring it for myself). This way you save money on souvenirs, but you still feel the Disney spirit, you feel like you're participating in the celebration when everyone else around you has Mickey dolls and light-up necklaces. On an earlier trip my wife bought a bucket of popcorn at MK. When we went back the following week, we brought the same bucket, but filled it with our own popcorn (buttered, cheese, & caramel) that came in a Disney-themed tin we bought at Wal Mart. The tin will double as a trash can for the kids room, and also came with a 500-piece puzzle of several Disney characters than be used as wall decoration for the kids room.
You dont have to go out of your way to save money; you just need to look around in your daily voyages for ways to save.
Sorry to be so long-winded, but I'm passionate about this stuff. Its very easy for all of the expenses to kill the Magic ($9 parking every time I visit, 10 times a year!). Penny pinching helps me keep the Magic alive!
You shouldn't feel cheap, stingy, or in any way bad for doing whatever you have to do to make a visit to Disney affordable = enjoyable. If it weren't for the little cost-savings techniques DW and I employ at Disney, it would have long ago become unenjoyable due to the expense. I'd rather enjoy my visit and continue to have fond memories months later, rather than having a great time then later wondering where all the money went to when its time to pay off the credit card.
I don't want to leave you with the impression that we don't spend any money at the parks. We spend a good amount; we just choose to spend on those things that will truly make the visit more enjoyable, splurge on things that will give us pleasant memories. This includes souvenirs, nice dinners, and treats (Dole Whips at MK - a family tradition, Mickey Mouse Ice Cream Bars, etc).
The number one tip I give anyone visiting any theme park is to STAY HYDRATED! If you wait until you're thirsty to take that drink, you're probably already partially dehydrated. DW and I always carry a bottle of water in the backpack. We refill the bottle with water from fountains throughout the park, or from the free cups of ice water you can get from any restaurant in the park. By taking frequent sips of water as we walk around or wait in a line we're able to stay awake an energetic for those eighteen-hour days at the park. Plus, were thirsty less often, so when we don't need to buy drinks as frequently, and when we do buy a soda, we can enjoy it instead of gulping it down to quench osmotic thirst. Also, we order our colas with little or no ice, because the drinks are plenty cold right out of the fountain machine. This way we get a little more drink for our money.
We usually bring a bag of dried fruit/trail mix/etc. Snacking while waiting in line also keeps our energy up and keeps us less hungry. We try to keep a balance, so in addition to packing a sweet snack (dried fruit), we pack a salty/savory snack, like chips, popcorn, or crackers. However, keep in mind that salty foods will dry you out, making you more tired, so only snack on these foods; don't make a meal out of them. We usually eat breakfast before arriving at the park (at home, or in the hotel room). McDonald's breakfast sandwich w/ OJ on the morning of a Disney trip has become sort of a tradition with DW and I; sure it costs money, but it's still cheaper than eating at the park. By snacking and keeping hydrated, DW and I can often split a lunch and dinner entrée, or get one of the children's meals, which can be significantly cheaper than the adult-sized portions (plus we bring home the Mickey-shaped kids' plates for chips & dip on football Sunday).
We even try to save a little money on souvenirs. A lot of the souvenirs sold at the parks look great when you're there, but quickly become space-eaters and dust-collectors when you get home. Refrigerator magnets are among the cheapest souvenirs at the parks. They take up practically no space in your home, and they'll be there years from now as a reminder of your great trip to Disney! For Disney decorating in my office or the kids rooms, I like the plastic character banks sold at the parks. They're pretty sizable, and are a great, cheap, alternative to the sculptures sold at the stores. The flashing-light necklaces, bracelets and sunglasses sold in the evenings at the parks can be purchased for pennies on the dollar in your hometown/mall/internet. Or, if you have ever bought one of these at a theme park in the past, bring them with you on your next trip instead of buying another one. Also, buy a little plush Mickey Mouse at the Disney store, Wal Mart, or some other store close to home instead of at the park. When you get to the park, give it to the kids (or, in my case I just bring it for myself). This way you save money on souvenirs, but you still feel the Disney spirit, you feel like you're participating in the celebration when everyone else around you has Mickey dolls and light-up necklaces. On an earlier trip my wife bought a bucket of popcorn at MK. When we went back the following week, we brought the same bucket, but filled it with our own popcorn (buttered, cheese, & caramel) that came in a Disney-themed tin we bought at Wal Mart. The tin will double as a trash can for the kids room, and also came with a 500-piece puzzle of several Disney characters than be used as wall decoration for the kids room.
You dont have to go out of your way to save money; you just need to look around in your daily voyages for ways to save.
Sorry to be so long-winded, but I'm passionate about this stuff. Its very easy for all of the expenses to kill the Magic ($9 parking every time I visit, 10 times a year!). Penny pinching helps me keep the Magic alive!
