Truthfully, all of these "tips" have originated from the lovely emails I receive from Disney planning parents. I've collected the most common questions I receive, and my answers are below. I'm trying to help the masses, save everyone money and preserve as much sanity for Disney planners as possible.
It's a big job but someone has to do it.
1. Disney has Pin Trading, which is a hoot for kids. You can buy a starter kit in Disney World for about $30.00. Anyone wearing pins can trade pins with anyone in the park who is also wearing the mighty pin trading lanyard. We usually trade with every castmember we encounter.
Trouble is, these pins are pricey. And you buy them only to watch your five year old trade a $15 pin for a $8 pin. It takes a strong parent to watch this over and over and over again. Trust me, I know from experience.
One tip I received from a reader will save parents of pin trading munchkins TONS of money.
Before your trip, buy a set of Disney pins on EBAY. These are a fraction of the cost, and most of the pins will be traded in Disney anyway. When you get to Disney, buy a new lanyard, load it up with EBAY pins, and watch your children trade away!
2. If you don't have to worry about school schedules, plan your trip in the fall or summer. Fall is a great time to visit, and Disney usually runs excellent deals such as free dining with their packages. Summer also boasts many moneysaving offers.
If you are trying to plan around school breaks, consider adding a day or two onto a long weekend such as President's Day. Price out what your trip will cost if you piece it together, and what it costs through a package (Disney, AAA or elsewhere). The cheapest route is no dining, value resort, no park hoppers.
3. As tempting as it may be, trying to rent a car and squeeze in Universal is very costly. Disney "rewards" you for saying longer, and the cost between a five and six day ticket is minimal (none if you buy through undercover tourist). When you get into a day in Disney, a day in Universal and a rental car you are spending mucho denaro.
Just Sayin'.
Make your trip Disney all the way and save money.
4. Kids love to spend money in Disney. There is merchandise at every turn and the whining to shop is just enough to make any parent crazy.
You need a plan before you embark on your trip.
There is a little known thing such as "Disney Dollars." Disney Dollars are face value, but can only be spent in Disney. While I am a big believer in children bringing souvenir money and spending only what they bring, Disney Dollars can also keep kids in check. Each child gets the same amount of magical Disney Dollars, sent from Mickey Mouse himself.
Stuff them in a Christmas Stocking, a birthday card or an Easter basket. Once they spend them in Disney...they are gone. No more stuffed animals and tiny Pirates of the Carribean figures.
More information on Disney Dollars.
5. Do NOT rent strollers in Disney! If you have a car, you are better off buying a cheap stroller at Walmart and leaving it behind than you are renting a stroller for five days. While Disney strollers have a phenomenal turning radius, and they are convenient, they are expensive to rent. If you are trying to save, bring a stroller, or buy a new one cheap when you get there.
Happy Planning!
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