How is the DIS bankrupting you?

[BuckeyeBama]

Fortunately I started visiting WDW long before the Dis existed, so I come here to discuss changes and running. I would say that the things that I have learned here have saved me time and money.

 

[ravenclawforever]

This is the best thread ever!!. I signed up for an account just so I could post and say that. I am an obsessive planner (I find it so fun) so I have so enjoyed reading these forums for the past year while I plan my third trip to Universal (which really doesn't require much planning, but hey, it makes me happy). I don't know what specific ideas that I have gotten from DIS but I know that I buy more stuff than I need. I have 2 pair of Keens - best shoes ever (I even wear them with socks to work when I can justify it with the outfit). I did just buy sketchers go-walk flip flops for me and my DD after reading about them here. We both have Keens but surely we would want different shoes to wear around the resort and the pool right? And after walking around the parks all day (even in my wonderful Keens) surely my feet need very comfy (and expensive) flip flops. I also like crafting so I have made different bags to go with each of my park outfits (think Disneybounding Universal style). I have one that is a white owl (Hedwig), another Harry Potter one, and a Minions one. I'm now converting them all into hip bags (fanny packs) because I read that you can take fanny packs on some of the rides that don't allow bags (except for the big three coasters). I am a big fan of packing cubes - I had to majorly resist when someone posted a link to some on sale. I bought a skort which I'm sure I will never wear anywhere else besides Orlando. It is just nice to have a place to read threads and know I'm not alone in my obsession!

 

[MrsDuck]

Bodyglide for sure, but that was totally worth the cost!

 

[minnie mum]

I'm cheap by nature, so on the whole the Dis has probably saved us money in the long run. Things like discounts and how to do the Disney math to see how the DDP would actually cost us more money than paying OOP!

The only things I've bought after learning about them on the Dis have turned out to be really useful either for other vacations or in everyday life
- cross body bag
- fan/ mister - it's probably the only way I survive the Florida heat and humidity
-support sandals- my fallen arches will be forever grateful
- OVER THE DOOR SHOE ORGANIZER!!!!!! Best invention ever. And I would never cruise without one, either. Even DH makes sure I've packed it before we leave.

My biggest fail- lanyards. When I first joined the Dis everyone was extolling the virtues of the lanyard to hold your KTTW card/credit card/cash instead of keeping them loose in your pocket. So of course we buy everyone their own lanyard ( a different colour/ character for each person). Two trips later - MBs make them redundant. Ah well...

 

[TheFloatingBear]

This is the best thread ever!!. I signed up for an account just so I could post and say that. I am an obsessive planner (I find it so fun) so I have so enjoyed reading these forums for the past year while I plan my third trip to Universal (which really doesn't require much planning, but hey, it makes me happy). I don't know what specific ideas that I have gotten from DIS but I know that I buy more stuff than I need. I have 2 pair of Keens - best shoes ever (I even wear them with socks to work when I can justify it with the outfit). I did just buy sketchers go-walk flip flops for me and my DD after reading about them here. We both have Keens but surely we would want different shoes to wear around the resort and the pool right? And after walking around the parks all day (even in my wonderful Keens) surely my feet need very comfy (and expensive) flip flops. I also like crafting so I have made different bags to go with each of my park outfits (think Disneybounding Universal style). I have one that is a white owl (Hedwig), another Harry Potter one, and a Minions one. I'm now converting them all into hip bags (fanny packs) because I read that you can take fanny packs on some of the rides that don't allow bags (except for the big three coasters). I am a big fan of packing cubes - I had to majorly resist when someone posted a link to some on sale. I bought a skort which I'm sure I will never wear anywhere else besides Orlando. It is just nice to have a place to read threads and know I'm not alone in my obsession!

Your bags sound great! I always need two pairs of shoes to get through the day - I usually do good sneakers during the day and then switch to supportive sandals (for my middle-aged feet!) during the evenings! The ones I got for our last trip were these Dansko thong sandals - loved them!

 

[phillymummer]

This thread is great!!

I learned about FD promotions through the DIS so that saved me some money on one trip, but I have definitely bought several things that I read about here:

1. frogg toggs- I like them, though. I have used them several times . I cut them half, length-wise so they are not as bulky. The only problem is I lost two of them to mold before I found a good way to a store them!
2. cross body bag- I have definitely gotten my money's worth out of it! I use it on long-day trips when I don't want to carry a purse.
3. packing cubes- love them!! I have small and medium sized cubes.
4. extremely light-weight backpack. I was looking for something a little lighter and less bulky than my cross-body bag. I have only used it once though.
5. moisture-wicking underwear! I had no idea this existed until the DIS, but I went out and bought them.
6. I don't know if this counts, bc this was kind of money-saver.... sent a prime pantry box to POR on my last trip. I filled it with things that I didn't really need (like coffee creamer bc I am picky!).... but bought anyway bc I could!
7. Magic band covers! I spent hours designing covers for me, my daughter and hubby. So worth it though!

~PM

 

[powellrj]

I have been around here for a long time (2003) so my lists of buys is long and many items are out dated, but here goes:

Using dollar store gel AP instead of body glide

I live 90 minutes from Ft Wayne IN (home of Vera Bradley) but had never bought any, now I have a whole closet area devoted of my Vera's.

Bagginni (sp) bags I got from Marshalls

Crocs that I still wear along with Danko shoes that I also still wear

Sparkle Skorts OMG I got these for our trip last year and fell in love with them

Britta water bottles (hated these and gave them away)

Passporter lanyard still wear it

Club level rooms at Universal (another thing I love)

renting condos and pool homes

Packing snacks for kids in fanny packs ( HUGE mistake and never did it again. They were more interested in their snacks and the fruit roll ups melted and made a mess)

Bought Disney scented melts last night from Esty

Disney Visa

Landry club

This is just off the top of my head, I haven't even given it much thought! I am sure I could write a small book if I tried!

 

[richkaryn]

I've single-handedly kept amazon in business over the last 3 months buying stuff I "must have/need" for our upcoming DCL Alaskan cruise. Amazon literally delivers to my house EVERY SINGLE DAY! (along with various other websites ). I am definitely in need of some sort of intervention I'm sure.

 

[yeheyprincex2]

I have yet to purchase every thing the DIS says I need.
I do love my go walks which I didn't learn from the DIS but from good old tv advertising.
I have never purchased a Disney themed designer bag because I would never use it out side of Disney World.
I dont buy souvenirs before I go on vacation because part of the fun is buying them while on vacation and my kids would beg for them anyway.
I own a few pairs of tennis shorts that I wear at Disney and at home during the summer.

But I will say on our last family vacation two weeks ago, as I was digging through my suit case I was thinking "there has to be a better way". And I thought of the packing cubes I have read about here on the DIS.

 

[goofy Jr. 88]

Well in 2010 we made tie dye shirts for the four of us ( got the idea from creative / clever people here on the DIS ). Including the T-shirt it was about five bucks for each shirt and we got plenty of compliments while in the Magic Kingdom. Cool.

So in 2014 we went to Disney with another family of 4 and we all wanted tie dye shirts. Great.
Then... we had the idea that 2 shirts each would be twice as fun. Hmm, we wanted a different design that we came up with, it took multiple tries to get 8 more shirts for 16 total... $$$$ 125. later we had 16 home made shirts. lol

It was a lot of fun though.

 

[Oswin]

I don't know what Disneybound is ... And now I'm afraid to look.

It's basically dressing up like a character or even a ride/parade/concept at the parks using normal clothes! Some people go really over the top and do things pretty close to costumes but others go the complete opposite direction and just wear a character's signature colors. It's really fun to do but can get expensive if you do elaborate dbounds.

For our upcoming trip I'm doing a...few things!

Ariel - mint & lavender skater dress
Yacht Club resort - a nautical dress and a red hairbow
Orange Bird - a blue dress with oranges all over it, with custom orange bird mouse ears off etsy. I also have dreamsicle orange shorts, a pastel green tank top, and orange bird hairbows to wear.
Donald Duck - White shorts, blue tank top, donald duck mouse ears from etsy. I also can alternate this outfit with my custom duffy ears and have a duffy day if I want.
Figment - I have a lavender sundress that I'm sewing orange wings on the back of. I also have tiny figment bows I'm going to put in my hair that I'm braiding and putting in twists on top of my head to look like his horns.
Tsum Tsum - I found the cutest tsum tsum dress at Target in the kids department and got that, and made a Tsum Tsum character bag/purse by buying a medium size plush one and cutting it open up top to gut the stuffing and then put in a zipper and a crossbody strap.

 

[OurLaughingPlace]

Love Vera Bradley bags - and I use them at home.
Frogg Toggs - we travel each August and we use them every day! Couldn't survive the heat without them. I don't like the misters (bulky and need to be carried)
Body Glide - DD's love this
DD's love to collect pins, but I've gotten wiser over the years and learned that I can find better prices if I shop around.
So far, love most of the advice from the DIS
Fun thread to read

 

[JustCallMeMommy]

I never would have known about Fish Extenders if it wasn't for this place. I could have saved a bundle on my last cruise. Of course, I also wouldn't have been insane enough to pay a premium to go on a Disney Cruise if it wasn't for this place.

I probably wouldn't have done matching t-shirts...for most trips.

I wouldn't have my trip bag - NOT a Vera Bradley, for the record. I learned about the AmeriBag (Healthy Back Bag) here and haven't found another I like better. Honestly though, it has gotten so much use as a travel bag that it was worth every penny. I have the small sized one, and I am almost certain I need the even smaller and bigger ones to give me more options. These things are great - they can be work in about a dozen different positions, so once you get tired of one, you just flip it somewhere else. They are very light weight, and they aren't so girl-ish that the men in your group will refuse to hold it.

 

[AngolaHeartsDisney]

These are new essentials thanks to the dis in most useful order:
-Body Glide
-Moleskin
-Frog Toggs- we also cut them into 4- for our necks- these save us in the heat

So thanks Everyone... I also vote for CROCS... I have been a CROC flip flop lover for years... so worth the price...

 

[Mainemama]

This is all so fun!
I have succumbed to sketchers (I was already a crocs convert), spray fan, sharpies and duct tape were also already in my junk drawer. Green Grocer, rental stroller, Tshirts, glow sticks (those are a waste, as I never remember I packed them!), dollar store hampers, laundry bags, and organizers, and ultimately APs (thanks Dis for teaching me about this "discount!"!) so far, I have resisted many of the very tempting items mentioned on this thread. But a new trip beckons. Sparkle shorts, packing cubes.... Must.... Look.... Now!

 

[Jfine]

I think most of these came fromDis or were enabled here
What didn't work:
Moleskin
Body glide
Countless sandals
DVC
Ridiculous amount of Disney clothes, accessories. We could wear Disney shirts that we've bought in the past two years for a month straight and not have to replace. Okay technically this worked, but it's out of control!!

What we keep doing:
APs
Deluxe hotels
DOONEY & Bourke (will keep the one I have!)
Special events
MB decorations
Buying a Christmas ornament every year
Decorating a Christmas tree in just Disney
New Disney events (why just go to World when there's land, cruise, & ABD)
Tours

 

[Aunt Dani]

Have you been snooping through my notes/Amazon wish list?!?! My family thinks I'm insane for all the planning, and all the money I've spent (and they probably don't know the half of it yet) for our trip in May.

• Frog Togs are on the list, though I haven't bought them yet...maybe not necessary in early May? Feel free to talk me out of them
• Definitely getting an external battery/charger, but I think I've settled on a small one...only need to charge my phone...no one else cares to check apps, etc during the day
• Not a sundress girl, but have been trying to find a skort I'm comfortable in
• Regardless of the skort decision, will get Body Glide
• Am already a fan of Skechers, but thinking I should have Keens or some other kind of fancy sandal? No..No...No?
• Did buy 1 set of customized matching t-shirts from Etsy, specifically to celebrate the day of my niece's birthday when we are there
• Everyone else also got a variety of Disney tshirts for their birthdays/Christmas last year
• I can't be convinced of the value of packing cubes...but I did decide that the kiddos clothes MUST be packed in ziplocs, one outfit per day. In color coded ziplock...purple for her and orange for him...but since I got value packs of the ziplock, what to do with the other 60 gallon sized orange and purple bags after our trip (yes, the value pack was 40 of each). Mind you, these are not my kids, but my niece and nephew, so this also involves convincing their Mamma that she MUST pack this way.
• Looking at new cross-body bags...because obviously the 3 other ones in my closet that have been on trips around the world aren't quite suitable for Disney
• Reserved a cabana for our day at Blizzard Beach. Might not be necessary for early May, but this is for Grandma's peace of mind (which basically means my peace of mind) about where our stuff will be safe and where she can be since she doesn't like water parks anyway
• Custom birthday cakes...planning 2 in one day...a mini-cake after dinner at Akershus, plus a bigger cake we can all share that will be delivered to the room midday
• Oh, plus the balloons from Disney florist that will be delivered to the room day of the cake
• Oh, plus the gifts from Tinkerbell that will magically appear every morning (and are starting to take up a lot of space in the suitcase)...
• ...with a customized invitation to that day's ADR (thank heavens for friends who are graphic designers)
• Was feeling creative so I made little pre-trip 5x7 schedule books on Snapfish...each spread has the day's schedule on the left side, with an open page for 'Magical Moments' on the right side
• An assortment of glow things from the dollar section in Target
• A small battery powered string of Christmas lights to wrap around the handle of the stroller to find it at night

Oh my...all written out like this...obviously I have a problem

 

[ConnecticutNonna]

A while back there was a post about how being on the disboards negatively affected your planning (as in, you knew too much which caused problems). Allow me to create an offshoot to that - how are the Dis boards causing you to buy more than you should. Allow me to give you an example ...

Long ago in a galaxy far, far away, I was told I needed Frog Togs to successfully navigate any Disney vacation. This was by a real life person. Ok, Frog Togs. Except said Frog Togs were heavy, bulky, and were worn a grand total of 30 mins the entire trip. Oh well. Live and learn. But what exactly have I learned (now that I have the disboards)? Ahh, let me tell you.

I learned about good athletic sandals, whose existence I was only vaguely aware of before I asked (yes, I asked, my own fault, I know). Now I own 4 pairs of them (but I got them on sale!). Which is totally necessary because I also learned that sundresses are the way to go in the parks. Oh. I've only recently begun to re-embrace non-wedding related dresses after a 15 year hiatus. So yes, sundress. Got it!

But wait! There's more!

One can't wear a cool, short sundress unless one also wears shorts/shimmies/slipshorts/bikershorts under it or there will be chaffing! I've never had such chaffing, but I've never worn sundresses at Disney World before! So Body Glide (but I justify because my old non-athletic flats cause blisters at work so this is totally dual use!!). And did you notice that? Plural. Plural sundresses. Oops. I'm sure they were on sale. Or maybe they're just breeding in my closet. And if I wear said awesome dresses which don't typically come with pockets (curses, designers of women's clothing), I will need a cross body bag. And then, because I would not want to jump too far into embracing non-wedding related dresses, I need new capris. No, too pedestrian. I need hiking pants! I do. I need them (I hiked 2 mountains ... in 2007). They don't stain and they're cool and light weight and also on sale. Oh, and speaking of lightweight I need misters, because we already established that the Frog Togs are too heavy and bulky. Misters will certainly be better.

And then there's the pins I got my kids to trade, the customized autograph books with colored retractable sharpies (my kids' Disney experience would be totally subpar without them!!), trinkets to trade with the Jawas, wrinkle releaser, and various glow stuff to keep the kids happy without having to take out a second mortgage to get them in the park (never mind that I'm needing a second mortgage just to get to the park).

And then today, was the coups de gras. Packing cubes. I had no idea what they were. I am not organized by nature. Nor does that fact bother me under normal circumstances. I get by just fine. But I was thinking these were some collapsible grids of canvas or something (fabric cubbies?). How would that be useful? Only crazy neurotic over scheduled, over planning, over thinking people would get something like that. Right? Right??!! Oh. They're separate suitcases to put in my suitcase so I don't go pawing through looking for socks on day 1 and creating a complete and total mess of wrinkled clothes (but I bought wrinkle releaser!!!!!!)?

Raspberry small/medium classic/slim combo pack.



I hope you've enjoyed this summary of useful things from recent posts. Please understand that if you were the person to suggest any of the things above, I really do appreciate it. I am just mocking myself and my inability to be rational about what I need and don't need. Each individual item, I'm sure, will be very useful. Taken as a whole ... well, I just need to close the Amazon app and step away.

So anyone else need a Disney pre-trip purchasing 12 step group?

CRACK... ME... UP... !!! Great post, very funny! I, too have bought things that I thought were "absolute necessities" to my park experience, only to find, alas, not so!!!
You have definately made my evening, I'll be chuckling about this for days!
Sparkle on, @PrincessWithABlaster! Sparkle on!

 

[ConnecticutNonna]

Sorry to "high-jack" this thread but your comment about Vera Bradley made me think of a quick funny -



I spoke with a Elementary School Teacher the other day (where I work at) who told me that one day, a little girl had lost her purse and was very upset over it.
Later on in the day, a little boy found it and told her, "It's easy to know who this belongs to.

He pointed at the front of it and said, "The owner's name is monogrammed on it...just call Vera Bradley and let her know we have found her purse." & .




Ah.....from outta the mouth of Babes ---



Allright - we now return you to your regually scheduled programming......





T.T.F.N.
&
CHEERS Y'ALL

OR....
Back to the future, "Calvin" because he was wearing Calvin Klein underwear!
Love the VB kid!

 

[phillymummer]

• Am already a fan of Skechers, but thinking I should have Keens or some other kind of fancy sandal? No..No...No?

YES... YES... YES!!

I LOVE my whisper lite keens. They are comfortable enough to wear all day in the parks. They dry quickly and are still comfortable to walk around in while wet. I don't worry about my feet getting wet on Splash Mt. or Kali. (Or PotC! ). I have had them for about 3 years now and they are still holding up. I wear them everywhere in the summer!