I’ve been going to Disney World for 30 years and I’ve made my fair share of good (and bad) choices with my money. After so many visits, I’ve honed in on what I’m willing to splurge on and what add-ons are best skipped to save money to spend on other, more worthy experiences. So, I’m saving you the trouble and sharing the 8 things I refuse to spend money on. From souvenirs that don’t travel well to room upgrades that don’t give you enough of a perk, avoid spending money on these during your next Disney trip.

Preferred Room Upgrades

I’ve stayed at almost every Disney World Resort hotel and have found that the extra cost for preferred rooms just isn’t worth it. While these rooms may offer slightly better views or closer proximity to amenities, the price difference rarely justifies the minimal benefits.

Standard rooms at Disney resorts already provide comfortable accommodations and convenient access to parks and transportation. And, most Disney Resorts aren’t that big, so you’re not really saving that much time and energy by opting to stay in a further building. Plus, you could end up being placed in a room that’s right next to the building with the preferred rooms, basically giving you the perks of being close to all the amenities without the extra cost.

At $30+ per night extra for a preferred room, you can save hundreds of dollars by opting for a standard room instead. This money could be better spent on dining, souvenirs, or special experiences in the parks.

And, you never know what magic Disney might work during your stay! Sometimes you can be surprised by a free upgrade at check-in. And, Disney often has Cast Members driving around on golf carts offering quick rides to amenities if your room is particularly far away.

If you truly want a premium room, consider alternatives like booking a standard room at a higher category resort. This often provides better value than upgrading within the same hotel tier.

Remember, you’ll likely spend minimal time in your room during a Disney vacation. Take it from the experts and focus your budget on experiences that will create lasting memories rather than a slightly improved view or location.

Uber/Lyft

Using rideshare services like Uber and Lyft is one of my best hacks for getting anywhere in Disney World on a time crunch. But, the real Disney experts don’t rely on these costly services to get around…they master the Disney transportation system!

While Uber and Lyft offer convenience, the costs add up over multiple trips. Instead, spend time before your trip learning to navigate Disney’s complimentary transportation system. Buses, monorails, and boats connect the parks and resorts, often dropping you off right at the entrance.

To really maximize the system like a pro, stay at hotels with better transportation options! This can eliminate the need for rideshares altogether by giving you fast and convenient options for getting where you need to go. These hotels often cost a little extra, but it’s well worth it. In fact, I almost never stay at a hotel that only has bus transportation — it makes that big of a difference!

If you must use Uber or Lyft, limit it to occasional trips rather than relying on them exclusively. For example, use rideshares only when you’re running late or need to get somewhere quickly.

Premium Parking

Yes, even I’m tempted to pay for premium parking when driving to Disney World for a day trip…but this splurge is simply not worth it. While it offers closer proximity to entrances, the extra $25+ for daily parking usually doesn’t save you time or energy.

Standard parking lots are well-serviced by trams that take you to and from your car with minimal walking required. This free service negates much of the advantage of paying extra for premium spots.

Plus, depending on when you get to the parking lot, you might find that you’re parked only one row behind the area designated as premium parking. If you secure these coveted spots without paying extra, give yourself a pay on the back and treat yourself to some Dole Whip with that extra money you saved.

So, bypass the premium parking fee and consider these alternatives:

• Arrive early for better standard parking placement
• Take advantage of the parking trams if you’re further from the entrance
• Use Disney transportation if staying at a resort hotel

Remember, the magic happens inside the parks. Saving on parking leaves more room in your budget for the experiences that truly make your Disney visit memorable.

Ponchos

It’s no secret that nearly everything in Disney World is expensive. So, don’t waste your money on things that add no value to your trip and could easily be bought at home cheaper! The best example of this — ponchos.

While it’s tempting to grab a poncho from any of the stores in Disney when caught in a sudden downpour, the prices are significantly inflated compared to what you’d pay elsewhere.

You can find ponchos for a fraction of the cost online or at local stores before your trip. Planning ahead saves you money and ensures you’re prepared for Florida’s unpredictable weather.

I recommend packing a lightweight, reusable poncho instead of relying on disposable options. That way you buy one once and always have it stashed away in your park bag for when you need it! I like to bring an umbrella too for extra protection from the rain.

A major key to saving money at Disney is preparation. Pack your own rain gear and you’ll avoid one of the parks’ most notorious price markups.

Dining Cancellation Fees

While you’re probably not trying to end up with a cancellation fee charged to your account, accidents happen. But, there are a few tips and tricks I’ve learned over the years to avoid these pointless charges.

You’ll first want to know what the cancelation policy is for any restaurant or experience you book! Most restaurants at Walt Disney World require you to cancel your reservation at least 2 hours before the scheduled time to avoid a fee. However, this policy can vary by location so it’s important to check the specific cancellation policy for each restaurant you book. Some high-end spots like Victoria & Albert’s have stricter rules, requiring cancellation up to 5 days in advance to avoid charges.

To steer clear of these fees:

• Keep a list of your dining reservations
• Set reminders on your phone
• Cancel promptly if your plans change

You can typically cancel reservations through the My Disney Experience app or website. If you’re unsure, call the restaurant directly.

By staying organized and proactive, you can easily avoid these extra costs during your Disney vacation.

Water Bottles

The experts know better than to waste money on overpriced bottled water in the parks. A single bottle can cost $3.50 or more, which quickly adds up for families.

Instead, learn from the pros and bring your own reusable water bottle! And, even better, bring one that’s insulated to keep your water cold longer in the Florida heat. Disney World offers free water refill stations throughout the parks, allowing you to stay hydrated without the added expense.

So, be sure to pack your reusable bottle in your park bag each morning. You’ll thank yourself later when you’re not shelling out cash for basic hydration needs.

If you forget your bottle, don’t worry! Most quick service restaurants provide free cups of ice water upon request. This simple tip can save you a significant amount of money during your visit.

Dessert Parties

Disney’s dessert parties can be a tempting add-on to your park experience. You get a dedicated viewing area for fireworks shows, along with an array of sweet treats and beverages. And, while this is certainly a great way to celebrate a special occasion, I don’t recommend doing this regularly or for any first-time Disney goers.

Over the years, the cost of these parties has increased significantly, surpassing even the price of a nice sit-down meal in the parks! Trust me, the desserts and drinks aren’t that good. And, you’d need to consume a lot of desserts and drinks to justify the expense.

Plus, while you do get a reserved spot to watch the fireworks, the viewing locations aren’t always substantially better than what you can find elsewhere in the park for free.

So, if you’re not particularly focused on having an uncrowded viewing area, you might find better value elsewhere.

Impractical Souvenirs

We’ve all been there — your kid sees a bubble blower and their eyes go wide. You just want to make them happy so you pay way too much to walk in a sea of bubbles for the next 20 minutes until all the juice is used up. Or, you’re towing along a giant balloon that you paid $30 for because your kiddo thought it looked cute. Don’t let this be you!

Disney parks offer a lot of fun and cool souvenirs, but some items are best avoided. Balloons and bubble blowers are prime examples of souvenirs you might want to skip. While they add a fun touch to your day in the park, they’re difficult to transport home and often deflate or spill before you can enjoy them outside the gates.

Other impractical souvenirs that the experts will tell you to avoid include:

• Bulky or fragile items that are challenging to pack in your luggage
• Large plush toys that are hard to carry
• Small trinkets that you won’t use often

Don’t let the eye-catching souvenirs lure you into spending money on something you’ll never use outside of the parks! Choose your keepsakes wisely to make the most of your budget.

Comments

Are there other things you’d refuse to spend money on at Disney? Let us know in the comments!