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I worked at Disney World and visit often, and there are a lot of things guests waste money on.
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I can’t rationalize buying heavy hats in Florida or dropping nearly $4 on a bottle of water.
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I’m not a fan of buying pricey bubble wands, character socks, or M&M’s in the parks either.
I never buy water bottles because I always bring my own.
If you’re on vacation and want to spend $3.50 on a bottle of water, be my guest. But I never buy water at the parks.
It’s a waste of money, especially because you’re allowed to bring your own bottles in.
The old trick of the trade is to ask for a water cup at any quick-service location, but frankly, I don’t like the taste of that water. Instead, I purchase a few cases of water on my way from the airport and carry them in a backpack around the parks.
It saves me money and keeps me hydrated in the Florida heat.
You won’t catch me spending nearly $40 on M&M’s.
I’m usually one to justify spending an exorbitant amount of money on anything shaped like Mickey Mouse. But M&M’s is where I draw the line.
I was walking through the Main Street Confectionery in Magic Kingdom one day and came across M&M’s in a Minnie Mouse container for $39.99.
The price is outrageous, and they’re destined to melt in the Florida heat before you can even eat them.
You’re better off getting some candy at a gas station on your way home.
Bring your own pen or ask an employee for one.
When I want autographs from Disney characters, I bring a pen from home.
Unless it’s a super fancy ballpoint pen, I can’t justify spending $8 or more on one at the parks.
Pro tip: If you ask a character attendant (the employees stationed with the characters), they’ll usually have a pouch filled with permanent markers you can borrow for free.
If rain is in the forecast, I bring my own ponchos to stay dry.
I’ll never forget a shift I had in Fantasyland at Magic Kingdom where there was a storm and guests flooded the store I worked at for ponchos.
A kids poncho is $10 and an adult poncho is $12 at the parks — with that said, I’ll never buy one at Disney World.
Before my trip, I’ll usually go to the dollar store and get a few cheap ponchos or bring a small umbrella.
There are so many delicious treats at Disney World, so I’ll never opt for a sugar cookie.
There are tons of delicious treats you can buy at Disney, so a sugar-cookie kit that’s been sitting in the Emporium gift shop for days isn’t very appealing to me.
If I’m going to buy something sweet, I’ll spend the money on a more original Disney treat, like Dole Whip.
Add flip-flops to your packing list if you don’t want to shell out $20.
Even if my shoes get wet, there’s no way I’ll spend $20 on flip-flops. Plus, as someone with large feet, I rarely even find my size on the shelves at Disney World.
Before my trip, I’ll get a cheap pair from the dollar store or on sale at Old Navy.
It’s too hot at the Florida parks to be wearing a bear hat.
I don’t know about you, but I’ve never wanted to wear a heavy hat to Disney World with the scorching Florida heat.
That’s why I’ll never waste money on the bear hats they sell in Frontierland.
I think a Minnie Mouse headband or Mickey Mouse ears are a much more practical accessory in the Florida heat.
Save the bubble wands for a local carnival.
I’m an adult, and the Disney bubble wands cost $30, so maybe I’m just biased against this purchase. But even from what I’ve witnessed with kids in the park, the toy only really keeps them distracted for a…
Read More: I used to work at Disney World. Here are 10 things I never buy at the parks.