One of the biggest drawbacks to Disney World is how expensive it is. Everything seems to cost more – the hotels, the food, the park tickets themselves! We’ve visited the parks many times over the years and we’ve learned exactly where money gets wasted before you even arrive.
One of the easiest ways to overspend is falling for the pre-trip shopping hype. Blogs, social media, and “packing lists” push a long list of “must-have” Disney items that sound essential but usually aren’t. We know, we even have our own lists of “things to bring” to Disney World. We do try to be very clear that you don’t NEED anything on our lists! The items we suggest are if you have the desire AND budget!
In this post, we’re breaking down 11 items you don’t need to buy before your Disney World trip. Skipping these common purchases can easily save you $200–$1500 while keeping your packing light and your vacation just as magical.
Why Skip the Pre-Trip Disney Shopping Hype?
- Many “essentials” are just upgraded versions of basics you already own.
- New items (especially shoes) often cause discomfort during long park days.
- Disney allows practical alternatives for almost everything marketed as “required.”
11 Things You Don’t Need to Buy Before Going To Disney World
Ready to keep more money for park food, souvenirs, or even an extra day? Here are the top 11 items to leave off your shopping list. We have priced things out for a family of 5.
1. MagicBands – save $175
Ok we love MagicBands, but they are absolutely not necessary. A long time ago, Disney used to offer MagicBands for free to anyone staying at a Disney Resort. Now, of course, that seems like a fairy tale! Because MagicBands became the “go to” for many guests, they now seem like something you must get.
MagicBands are NOT cheap. MagicBands are a minimum of $35 per person for the plain designs. For a family of 5 that is $175 – plus tax and shipping. You DO NOT NEED THESE.
You can get a Key To The World card for free at your Disney World Hotel! Simply ask for one at the front desk and they will help you out. If you are staying off site, stop at Guest Relations. You can also very easily use your phone! Simply download the Disney Experience App (you should do this anyway) and your phone will work the same way as a MagicBand.
2. Memory Maker – save $185
Disney will try to sell you on the Memory Maker. While there are some definite perks of this add on, it is not necessary AT ALL. The price for this service is $185 if you purchase it 3 days before your vacation starts. If you forget, and decide you want it later than that, the price will be $210.
Any Disney guest can stop by ANY photo pass person in any of the parks and get photos for free. All you have to do is kindly ask the photo pass person if they can take a photo for you with your phone. They will do it!
If you decide to purchase Lightning Lanes, your ride photos will be included with that purchase!
3. Disney themed clothing – save $300
Ok, we know we have a ton of posts dedicated to Disney themed outfits. We have a lot of fun dressing in Disney themed clothes. We do, however, try to do this as affordably as possible.
That being said, we are absolutely certain you already have enough shorts and t-shirts in your closets to wear to Disney World. Tell yourself over and over – I do not need more clothes to go to Disney World. If you would like to purchase a themed shirt you totally can, but do not fall for the trap that you MUST have new Mickey shirts in order to have a fun trip.
If you spent an average of $15 per shirt for a family of five, that is $75 just on shirts for ONE DAY. Do that times 4 park days and you will have spent $300 on unnecessary clothing.
4. New shoes – save $100 per adult
This is another item that all the Facebook groups and blogs will make you panic. “I must need new walking shoes for Disney!” Yes, it is true that you will be walking 8-10 miles per day at Disney. If you do not have good walking shoes, you might want to consider getting some. But chances are, you probably already have a pair of shoes that will work totally fine.
If you were already planning on buying some new sneakers, now might be a good time to do so. But do not buy new walking shoes JUST for Disney. You do not need to spend $100+ on new sneakers just because someone on Facebook said you should get On Cloud or Brooks sneakers. Make sure the shoes that you wear now will be comfortable for several days of walking. We recommend bringing two pairs of shoes and alternate each day.
5. A Loungefly backpack – save $70
Honestly, we don’t get the hype of the $70+ Loungefly backpacks. We actually bought our mom one for Christmas one year, and she ended up selling it because it was just not worth it (with our blessing!).
These come in a ton of fun designs, but are absolutely an unnecessary purchase. Chances are you already have a backpack or slingback that will work. If you don’t have one – borrow one, or purchase a very inexpensive one! You can see our favorite $20 one here – it holds everything we need, plus pockets for a water bottle and an umbrella!
6. Mickey Ears – save $80
Yes, we love Mickey ears – but they aren’t necessary and some can end up being very uncomfortable! We have seen people spend $60 or more on one pair of Mickey ears! It’s a little insane how much people are willing to spend on unnecessary Disney accessories.
Most of the Mickey ears we purchase are less than $20 – but even that can add up. For budgeting purposes, assume you are bringing 4 pair of Disney ears on your trip. That is $80 that you don’t need to spend.
7. Autograph Books – save $30
If your kiddos are wanting to meet characters you don’t need to get a $10 autograph book. You can bring literally ANYTHING for the characters to sign! A notebook, a Disney book you already have at home, your backpack! In fact, at one character meeting Jen forgot her kids’ books. The cast members brought out notecards for the characters to sign! It was perfect.
Our of our favorite ideas is an expensive photo mat. Be creative and save some money!
8. Trading Pins – save $150
Here’s our little secret: Jen and I have been visiting Disney since we were in elementary school, but we didn’t start trading pins until we were in our 40s! Sure, pin trading is fun. But honestly, your kids won’t know what they are missing. Pin trading is very subtle at the parks.
A pin trading starter set includes 4 official Disney pins and a lanyard. The price? $50. If you have three kids that will be an additional $150. Trust us – you’ll want to put that money towards a Mickey ice cream bar when you are melting in the sun at Hollywood Studios.
9. Character dining reservations – save $300
Here is another unnecessary expense. The internet will tell you that you MUST have dining reservations – but you don’t. Let us free you from that expectation. Yes, there are perks to dining with characters, but you can have a magical trip without it.
Dining at Disney is expensive no matter what, but dining with the characters is a whole other ballgame when it comes to the cost. Often the food isn’t that great because you are paying for the experience. Character dining dinner will cost you $275 – plus tax and tip – for a family of 5. Breakfast will be slightly less expensive.
Remember – you can meet the characters at the parks!
10. Expensive rain gear – $100
Yes, it’s probably going to rain on your trip. Thats the way things go in Florida. But that doesn’t mean you have to spend $50 on a fancy brand name rain jacket! If you have a rain coat already, simply bring that! If you don’t have a rain coat, get a poncho with elastic on the cuffs. Ponchos are the best because you can put it right over your backpack. Boom, done!
11. Disney themed packing cubes, luggage, zipper pouches, and water bottles – save $100
Have you traveled before? You have luggage. You have gotten by without any Stitch packing cubes. You don’t need princess zipper pouches – you can use ziplock bags or something else that you already have at home. And by all means, don’t buy the metal Disney water bottles! They are heavy in your backpack and if you lose it, you’ll be sad.
It is so easy to buy into the hype of Disney! Disney is a magical place all on its own without having to purchase all the unnecessary extras. If you find yourself getting sucked into all the hype, take a break from social media. You can definitely go to Disney on a budget! If you are looking for even more ideas, you can see our extensive list here.
Focus on the necessary items – hotels, transportation, food, and park tickets. If you have extra in your budget, we suggest prioritizing lightning lanes for Magic Kingdom and Hollywood Studios. And get ready for a magical trip!