Saving money while at WDW?

[ruadisneyfan2]

I second Mypoints. I use them and love them. I did last years Christmas shopping through them and ended up with $75 in Landry's cards that I used to cut my TRex bill in half (for six people.) I've then been able to build it back up with "here and there" shopping and the email click throughs to earn enough to give DH $35 in Barnes and Nobles giftcards for Christmas.

Bringing snacks to the park is a great idea. We did that this summer! I filled a pringles can with slim jims, fruit snacks, rice krispie treats, etc... and doled them out as people would mention being hungry. Many times we were in line for a ride and it saved us having to leave line to hunt down some food (especially for our youngest whose blood sugar can get low and cause headaches.) I also froze water bottles and took them with us. Huge $$ saver, $2.50 per water x 6 people = $$$

Also, make sure you buy plenty of sunscreen, pain relievers, and batteries beforehand. They add up at any vacation spot. Bringing some ponchos won't hurt either - they are fairly expensive in the park, and who really uses a poncho IRL...so do you need an expensive "Disney" one?

Personally, I like the Disney ponchos. They're thicker than the cheapo dollar store ones and they have a lifetime guarantee. Any time you have a rip or tear in one, just exchange it for a new one. We still have some of the old yellow ones from waaay back during ds's 1st trip at age 3, now almost 15. We just open them up to dry overnight and repack them. Except for the torn one we just replaced, they have lasted so many trips, probably 15, plus a Phillies game. The newer ones aren't as good quality as the older ones though.
We have surely gotten our $$ worth out of these.

I agree with the frozen bottled water for anyone with freezer access. Nothing is more refreshing on a hot day and even if you don't mind forking over the $ to buy water at the parks, it gets hot so quickly. That's something we really miss if we stay onsite.

 

[PrincessSuzanne]

I agree about the ponchos, we have taken the ones you get a the sporting goods store for less than $1 and they weren't anything but garbage. We have a couple of the ones we purchased at WDW and they are worth the $7 and we have had to replace them a couple of times, no questions asked.

I don't think it is going to be that hot by the time they get to WDW. We are having a real fall this year and I expect WDW is following suit.

The villa is going to have a coffee maker and I am pretty sure coffee is provided, it was at the Deluxe resorts, and it really isn't that bad with a good flavored creamer.

Have you checked restaurants.com for restaurant gift certificates for $2.00 for $25 worth of food. Today they have 60% off and have restocked their supply.

 

[DawnM]

SERIOUSLY???? There is a lifetime guarantee?

I had NO IDEA!

We have some with rips and are going in November, I think I will exchange them.

Thank you!

Dawn

Personally, I like the Disney ponchos. They're thicker than the cheapo dollar store ones and they have a lifetime guarantee. Any time you have a rip or tear in one, just exchange it for a new one. We still have some of the old yellow ones from waaay back during ds's 1st trip at age 3, now almost 15. We just open them up to dry overnight and repack them. Except for the torn one we just replaced, they have lasted so many trips, probably 15, plus a Phillies game. The newer ones aren't as good quality as the older ones though.
We have surely gotten our $$ worth out of these.

I agree with the frozen bottled water for anyone with freezer access. Nothing is more refreshing on a hot day and even if you don't mind forking over the $ to buy water at the parks, it gets hot so quickly. That's something we really miss if we stay onsite.

 

[DisneyCher]

As far as saving money in the parks, I don't know if it is still the case, but I know a lot of TS restaurants used to have lower lunch prices than dinner prices (obviously no buffets and family-style, but other places). If this is still true, you can plan for TS lunches and snack for dinner. I know when I was a kid, most of the WS retaurants had the same menus for lunch and dinner, but lunch was only about 2/3 the price. I haven't compared lunch and dinner menus when I've gone as an adult, though, so I have no idea if this is the case anymore.

 

[natenapril]

Is it just the two of you? If you have kids there are .99 kids' meals coupons for T-Rex. But you would need to purchase an adult meal to get that. We have 3 kids and typically get 2 adult meals and 2 kids' meals and can get out of there for around $50 if we don't order drinks. They also allowed us to use our Safari Club for free appetizers.

Dawn

Where can I find the coupons for .99 cent kids meals?

Have you checked restaurants.com for restaurant gift certificates for $2.00 for $25 worth of food. Today they have 60% off and have restocked their supply.

Good tip! Thanks!!

 

[AnjieNet]

Where can I find the coupons for .99 cent kids meals?



Good tip! Thanks!!

Not sure for T-Rex but here's one for Rainforest Cafe...

http://www.rainforestcafe.com/pdf/rewardCalendars/bambaSports.pdf

 

[natenapril]

Thanks Anjienet!

 

[Miffy]

At TS restaurants, share the entree and order a couple of appetizers. The entrees are often gigantic portions. Better (and cheaper) yet, just have appetizers for dinner at a TS restaurant. I know for a fact that this works great at Jiko.

Your plans are just great. Have fun!

 

[SPBendersky]

We always stop at the local markets before we get to the resorts to buy breakfast food. Gets the day going early and quick while everybody is getting ready. Also pop tarts and kellogs fruit bars are good for in the parks, some sucking candies keep us busy between meals so we dont gorge.