Looking for recommendations on my next blog post.

Leave any ideas, suggestions or requests below. 🙂 Thanks everyone.

Top 5 (Free) iPhone apps for Disney World!

Hello all, hope everyone is doing well. There are many apps that help organize your travels, obviously we’re here to talk about Disney. Of course, we the tough economic times that we’re going through the least I’m going to recommend is spending $4.99 on an app (I mean…that’s a bag of Popcorn at Magic Kingdom!! Priorities, people.). Anyhow, these are the apps that I found useful during my most recent trip.

Just a recommendation, search for the ones that suit you and your family’s needs.

1. Undercover Tourist : Disney World 

• Current park operation times (remember, sometimes they change by season), parade times, wait times.
• Favorites section
• Search for attractions and wait times with the “Near Me” button.
• Add scheduled events.
• Select rides by age/category/Fast Pass to search for.
• Dining options list by theme park/Restort/Downtown Disney area (Menus and prices included in most).
• Memory games.
• “Friend finder” – You can create groups and see where the other members are through this option. Great if you’re traveling with teenagers.
• Locate me – you never know.
• Parking – Know where you parked through GPS system.

2. Disney Mobile Magic

• Option for WDW Resort in Florida and Disneyland Resort in California.
• Map and event times by park.
• Entertainment areas (Typhoon Lagoon, Blizzard Beach, Downtown Disney, etc…)
• Resort maps with recreation areas listed. (Includes only Disney hotels, not even Downtown Disney area hotels).
• Some features are unlocked when you are at WDW since it uses the iPhones location feature.

3. My Disney Experience

• Guide map
• Wait times
• Sign in option to unlock more “magic”.
• Park hours
• New features.
• Things to-do
• Characters Today – See where your favorite characters will be that day and beat the crowds.
• MyReservations – Sign in with your Disney account and make reservations at your favorite reservations.

4. Disney World Wait Times

• Just wait times… – I list this one because maybe not everyone wants a lot of features and just the wait times, this simple app is the one for you.

5. Disney World Park Hours

• Park hours for up 5-6 months in advance. (For example, as I’m writing this I checked and you can see park times up until May 13, 2014.) Great for planning ahead.

– I know some of these apps share some common features but go ahead and check them out and see the one that you like better. My personal favorite is Undercover Tourist, I find it has everything I need. Check them out and see which one fits your travel needs.

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Disclaimer: This is not a sponsored post. All things mentioned are done so by my own recommendation. Photo are taken from iTunes.apple.com !

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Any additional questions, comments or suggestions you can contact me at– disneyandsparkle@gmail.com

10 Must-Do’s at Downtown Disney

I love Downtown Disney – some may say obsessed. This could be the result of two things. First off, I’ve been going to Downtown Disney every since I can remember, I’ve always stayed in the Downtown Disney (except once in 2008) resort area so we always ended our nights there. Second of all, it’s FREE and there is so much to do in a calmer pace than the theme parks.

1. Trade some pins! Whether you’re a collector, newbie or just looking for one or two pins to take back as a souvenir you won’t find a bigger collection than the one at Disney Pin Traders over at Marketplace. Even if you don’t buy any you can still see the amazing (and largest) pin collection on WDW grounds. If you’re on a budget order a few beforehand online and trade when you get there, just remember to follow the rules.

2. LEGO Imagination CenterWe’re still in Marketplace, keep up. – The best thing about LEGO Imagination Center is that kids (and adults) can both see amazing LEGO sculptures, play in the huge LEGO table or buy there own to build back in the hotel or at home. Take great pictures with the dragon in the lake or with the tourists. It’s like getting 2 “attractions” in one.

3. Disney’s Candy Cauldron
Now…don’t go yelling at me for mentioning candy, you’re on vacation, it’s allowed. Anyways, Candy Cauldron has everything from packaged goodies to fresh baked treats. Skip making lines for candy at the parks wasting precious time and make getting that caramel apple something to look forward to at the end of the night. Located in West Side (in front of Bongo’s). — Same goes for Goofy’s Candy Co. at Marketplace.

4. Disney’s Days of Christmas
Disney? Christmas? All year long? … Must I really say more?. Located in Marketplace.

5. Spice and Tea Exchange
Back to Marketplace, keep up. This is a great place to stop by for adults. It’s not just candy and glitter-y pens at WDW. There’s something for adults as well. This place has teas from all over the world, some WDW themed and some not but all great and lots of different flavors. Great spices too, but the tea assortment is the real winner. There are baggies, boxes, tea pots and tea cups! You’ll have to check with your airline’s regulations before stocking up but it’s great (and might I add, different) store to go to.

6. World of Disney
THE BIGGEST SELECTION OF DISNEY MERCHANDISE IN THE WORLD! Sorry…I got excited. Everything you could want is here, from toddler toys, pens, shirts and totes to Disney china for the kitchen and bedding it’s here. Everything you have seen in the parks you will find here and they usually have clearance sections for your budget travels. So stop carrying around bags with shirts, mugs and plush toys in the parks and buy them here at the end of the day to go back to the hotel. – Once you’re inside you have another hour or so after the store closes to finish your shopping, huge plus! Located in Marketplace.

7. House of Blues
I was a bit hesitant to mention HoB since you have to pay to get in but it’s too good to not mention. Located in West Side, HoB offers great Southern food (re-invented menu by Chef Aarón Sánchez), down-home ambiance and great entertainment. You can find events before online as well as purchase your tickets before them. It’s a great alternative to get away from Mouse and Pixie Dust overdose and enjoy good music and food… There’s even a tribute to Led Zeppelin this week.

8. Cirque Du Solei: La Nouba
Again.. I was a bit hesitant but it’s well worth the money. I believe it’s important to make the most of your trip (within your means of course) and if there are a few non-Disney things you can do while there go for it! La Nouba, Cirque du Soleil’s third permanent show, is an expensive one, the cheapest seats are currently $52 – however, if there is room in your budget it is breathtaking. Created as a fairy tale to keep in tone with the magic of WDW, the stunts are fun for the whole family, the “magic” is breathtaking for the kids and the music leaves you without words to describe how amazing it is. The acts are amazing as well, from the Diabolo girls (my personal favorite) to the flying trapeze to the aerial ballet in silk I know it’s steep but you won’t regret it. Located in West Side. You can find more information here. Apparently the backstage tour is no longer available according to their site, but be on the lookout and research before you go — it might become available in the future once more and it’s a great experience. (Off the record: I took it and was able to see everything, from costume rooms to rehearsals to even try my hand at the Diabolo girl’s act!)

9. Cap’n Jack’s Marina
Located in Marketplace this is one of the attractions in DD that I’ve always wanted to but have never gotten around to it. Although I can’t speak based on personal experience like the above mentioned must-do’s I will still recommend it. You rent nifty little boats and navigate your way through Village Lake, I can imagine amazing photo opportunities during the day and amazing views of everything lighted up during the night (specially during the holidays). The prices are rather reasonable for WDW and there’s a group offer that includes a driver (or should I say captain?) either way, check it out.

10. Eat something different!
Now I know this isn’t necessarily breaking news. However, there are many great dinning options at DD, gives you a break from the park hot dogs, fake grill marked burgers and fries. There’s Bongo’s Cuban Café for amazing Cuban food and mojitos. Fulton’s Crab House for seafood and an architecturally stimulating option. Wolfgang Puck Express for a different fare that won’t break your budget. Planet Hollywood and Rainforest Café – known chains with their own twist! If I had to pick I’d go with the latter, there’s something about a talking tree and rain noises that just opens up my appetite. Portobello for Italian dinning. T-REX Cafe , dinning in the pre-historic times of dino’s? Sign me up.

Can I add a number 11? Yes? Score!

Unofficial 11. Ghirardelli Soda Fountain & Ice Cream Shop
Maybe it’s because I don’t have one of these where I live, although we do have a wide variety of Ghirardelli products I can’t go back to DD ever again and not go to Ghirardelli. Everything from hot sundaes to cones with scoops this is heaven on earth (or maybe Willy Wonka’s version?). There’s usually a line but it goes by quite fast since they’re used to a heavy volume of costumers. My hotel had a book with a discount so check online beforehand for coupons or ask at the counter if you’re staying in a hotel. — Reasonable prices and you can share almost all desserts, they’re quite big. Located in Marketside.

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There are many other places to go and things to do. There’s a Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique where little girls are transformed into princesses (for a price). Team Mickey Athletic Club to grab a souvenir for that athlete in your life. Characters in Flight hot air balloon — I’m in a currently between a rock and a hard place with this; when I went in January the prices began at $40 however, online it says that they start at $12 , don’t think it’s worth the $$ though…get walking, do some cardio on vacation and see DD by foot (or in one of the boats) instead of standing in a hot air balloon. Of course, there’s always Disney Quest, but at $45 p/p may I suggest saving this in case you spend a whole day at DD? There’s also AMC Theaters, movie at Disney? Why not! (Can’t imagine how much the popcorn costs though).

Check out the map before you go! Maybe you can fit in a day there in between parks to rest a little bit and save some $$ on parking and park entrance. Great to go at night for street entertainment and performances.

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Disclaimer: This is not a sponsored post. All things mentioned are done so by my own recommendation. Photo is taken by and is property of Disney and Sparkle, feel free to use it but if you can, link back to us!

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Any additional questions, comments or suggestions you can contact me at– disneyandsparkle@gmail.com

UPDATE

Hi everyone. I’m so sorry I’ve been so M.I.A. – school has been beyond hectic. I won’t be able to finish the contest entry due to time, since I want to use the little time I have to concentrate on posts and a possible future CONTEST! Anyways, I greatly appreciate the nomination and hope to participate of one in the future (as well as maybe host one?).

Anyways, just wanted to let y’all know that I haven’t forgotten about this blog. Currently working on the next post. Remember to leave any ideas, comments or suggestions below.

Thank you all for your feedback. Look for the next post within this week.

 

Have a sparkle-y day.

Leibster Award & Next Post

Hello everyone, I’m currently working on the post for the Leibster Award for which Head Over Ears amazingly nominated me for. It’s taken me a while since I started my 2nd year of grad school this past week and I’m already a busy bee. After the post (in which I’ll nominate 11 blogs my self and post some facts about me) I’ll continue working on my Disney next post.

 

And speaking of, topics in mind are:

“DIY nicknacks before arriving at Walt Disney World”

“10 Best Disney Hollywood Studios Secrets”

“Free things to do around the WDW complex”

“Make the most of: Downtown Disney – Part 1”

 

Let me know your thoughts or if you have any other ideas – leave a comment below!

 

 

 

10 Best EPCOT Secrets !

I LOVE EPCOT…and no, I’m not writing in all caps throughout this post, I just wanted to emphasize love and EPCOT happens to be all caps. I wasn’t yelling at you, I promise, please don’t leave. Okay, moving on. EPCOT is my favorite of all the parks, however, it’s not a crowd pleaser with many kids. If you make your way to the Experimental Prototype Community of Tomorrow…or EPCOT make sure to take advantage of these great tips.

…10 Best EPCOT Secrets…

1.  Cool Club by Coca Cola | Conveniently located right before Test Track, Cool Club is a hidden gem in Future World West. It’s brought by Coca Cola and offers tastes of many Coca Cola products throughout the world (My favorite was Israel’s, hubby’s was Mozambique’s). You can try as many as you want as many times as you want for FREE! They have cute little paper cups for your “samples” which are a decent size. – And you didn’t read this here but you could maybe take a few if you have little kids to give them a bit of your drink and save money on that later on -. They have great Coca Cola/Disney merchandise that you won’t find anywhere else.

2. Character Spot | Located in Future World West, you can finally stop hunting down Minnie, Mickey and his friends for a picture. They’re here! All day! Although the 3rd guest changes, the day I went it was Pluto, that dog is so lovable. It’s indoors, air conditioned and has a carpeted floor. This means that you can get some air and have the kids sit on the floor while the wait – maybe even have a snack. A great trick is to go towards the end of the day. Stop by and ask the cast member on duty until what time they’re going to be there and go at least 30-40 minutes before, the later it is the high chances that everyone has already take their picture and are on their way to the fireworks show. We did this last time and only waited 15 minutes. Remember, they’ll take a picture with your camera but the ones with the Photo Pass will look much better since it’s the camera that the cast members are used to handle. Smile!

3. Kim Possible World Showcase Adventure | Great way to make EPCOT fun for kids. It will give them small assignments to due, clues to find and places to go while on an adventure with Kim and Wade. Find all the equipment necessary at one of the KP Recruitment Centers, look for them at the park map when you get there or ask a Cast Member.

4. Get there early and head straight to Soarin, Mission:SPACE or Test Track| Pick 2, make the line for one while someone from your party gets Fast Passes for the other. These are the rides that tend to have the longest lines and remember that Fast Passes do run out. Do this little trick early, why? Because World Showcase doesn’t open until 11 a.m. Get there early and you have 2 whole hours to go around Future World and beat the crowds. (If you have extra magic hours and it happens to be EPCOT’s day and you can get there at 8am count your blessings, you’re one lucky Mousketeer!)

5. Sugar Candy artist at Japan Pavilion | Japan  (duh!) Right next to Teppan Edo there’s a small booth where an artist makes amazing sugar candy figures, from parrots to flowers they are true artists. Watch as they make these “figurines” in the blink of an eye while explaining everything.

6. Innoventions East & West | Future World East | Great area for kids and the whole family to walk around, see how stuff works, learn how to make the world a better place and see all sorts of cool things related to saving energy, recycling, air, etc. (Don’t tell the kids it’s all science, they’ll go mad I tell ya’, simply mad.) Oh and it’s indoors with air conditioning.

7. Funky snacks at the pavilions | Don’t just walk by the pavilions. Go inside, take a look around. Besides amazing replicas, natives from the lands and great information on each country there are delicacies from each country there. You don’t have to spend a whole lot, maybe buy one thing at every pavilion for the whole family to share. There are seaweed and shrimp chips at Japan, gummy sushi at China, hummus and kabobs at Morroco, dark chocolate with hazelnuts at Italy, German chocolate cake at Germany (or bratwurst with biër if you’re 21+). In United Kingdom you’ll find butterscotch biscuits (cookies) and native chips, same with Canada.

In Mexico, Norway, France and U.S.A you’ll find more familiar treats such as nachos, taquitos, caramel, caramel popcorn, croissants, napoleon dessert and funnel cake.

8. Malestrom | Norway . Fun ride that you wouldn’t expect inside a pavilion and it ends with a short film that you watch or skip. Short wait times as well and it has a few surprises here and there that I won’t spoil.

9. Illuminations: Reflections of Earth | The best way to end the night at EPCOT! Start heading to Showcase Plaza at least an hour before it begins (Check the times in the “Show Times” paper conveniently located next to the park maps when you enter) to get a great view.

10. Learn a new word/how to write or say your name in another language | All cast members of the pavilions are natives of the land and therefore the language, although this may not necessarily be as fun in United Kingdom and Canada it will be in the more exotic pavilions like China, Germany, Morocco and Japan. Pick a word and ask a cast member to say it in their native language or teach you to write it. In Morocco I got a necklace with my name written in Arabic on both the plaque and the box it was kept in, great keapsake. It’s great for children so they learn something new. — Heck, maybe even practice those 4 years of high school Spanish in México — Have fun, they’re used to being asked questions and are there to make your day magical. If it’s for the kids maybe they can write what they learn in their autograph book (extra hint: that could be great for a Disney Trip scrapbook later on.)

What are your secrets for EPCOT? Favorite things to do? Let me know!

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Disclaimer: This is not a sponsored post. All things mentioned are done so by my own recommendation. Photo is taken by and is property of Disney and Sparkle, feel free to use it but if you can, link back to us! Have a sparkle-y day.

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Any additional questions, comments or suggestions you can contact me at– disneyandsparkle@gmail.com

Take a Break – Magic Kingdom

The Magic Kingdom (officially, it’s just Magic Kingdom, no “the” but it sounds more royal that way doesn’t it? No? Okay, moving on…) was the first WDW park to be opened back in 1971 and is represented and is home to the ever magical Cinderella Castle which is almost the official symbol of Walt Disney World. Magic Kingdom is divided into seven lands: Main Street, U.S.A, Adventureland, Frontierland, Liberty Square, Fantasyland and Tomorrowland. Each of this lands is amazing and has great rides and “take-a-break” rides. What are these? Glad you asked! (Did I mention your skin looks radiant today?) these are rides/attractions that over the years I have noticed are great to take a break during the day. They may not be super modern like Enchanted Tiki Room but they have low wait times, offer a seat and air conditioning for a hot day!

These rides/attractions are great to rest your feet, wait for a Fast Pass time to approach, for the young kids to rest their little legs for a bit, give moms and dads a break from pushing around the stroller and such. Of course the wait times will vary according to the season and day of the week but based on previous trips the following list of attractions has proven good to unwind for 10 – 20 minutes while still enjoying the Disney magic. These are great to schedule between high-wait-time rides, half day when kids are used to their naps, after having lunch and such.

Main Street, U.S.A

• Walt Disney World Railroad – Approximate duration: 20 minutes | This is an adorable train that circles MK, it’s about 1.5 miles in length and consists of 4 passenger cars, 2 of which are the ones that are usually functioning although they do add more as necessary during high season. The railroad begins functioning at 9:00 a.m. up until the fireworks show where it closes due to safety reasons. According to Wikipedia, the railroad remains closed during Mickey’s Pirate and Princess Party, Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party and Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party.The WDW railroad will give you 20 minutes of calmness as the train goes around the MK and behind a few bushes and trees. Although the wait tends to be 20-30 minutes while the train makes it way back if you’re at Main St. station the wait is under-roof which is good during the summer months.

Adventureland

• Disney World’s Enchanted Tiki Room – Approximate duration: 20 minutes | This is the attraction that gave way to the identification of “take-a-break rides”. It isn’t a live show, it needs a bit of upgrading but it’s comfy, it gave my feet a break when my brilliant mind decided to wear high heel boots for a day at MK (Lesson learned!).Enchanted Tiki Room is an audio-animatronics based show featuring friendly toucan birds, fake thunder, dark room, Hawaiian-ish music and dancing orchids. It has a small pre-show and line to get moves quickly (if there is any). It’s nothing to write home about but it’s a good 20 minute break.
• Jungle Cruise – Approximate duration: 7 minutes | I debated adding this one to the list since there usually tends to be a line and it is less than 10 minutes but if by some miracle there is little to no wait time go for it. No, there are no live animals and the narration has stayed pretty standard during the last couple of years but it’s a WDW classic. If there is a long line consider skipping it or getting a Fast Pass.

Frontierland

• Country Bear Jamboree – Approximate duration: 15 minutes | Ah Country Bear Jamboree, there’s something that just directly associates this ride with my childhood visits to WDW. It’s house in a medium sized theater where the “bears” sing country songs and provide a good show to relax and take a break. Check park map for specific times or if they do one every 20 minutes or so (like Enchanted Tiki Room) once you arrive.

Liberty Square

• Liberty Square Riverboat – Approximate duration: 17 minutes | Currently out of service | When I went in January ’13 the riverboat was working but now it is temporarily closed for enhancement (I wonder what they’ll do) hope they re-open soon. This is a great ride because it’s fun for all ages, it’s located on your way to Haunted Mansion/Fantasyland and covers a good half mile of MK territory cruising through Tom Sawyer Island. You can step back in time to the days of the early frontier while enjoying the ride on the Liberty Belle.
  Note: There is limited seating on the Liberty Belle (official riverboat name) so you might want to plan this break (when the it re-opens) to get there early and snatch a seat, however, it is still a great ride to sneak in half-day and unwind for a couple of minutes. The departure times are usually listed right in front of the ride, check attraction times when you arrive at MK so you don’t have to go all the way to Liberty Square from Tomorrowland only to see the Liberty Belle just departing.

Fantasyland

• Casey Jr. Splash’N’Soak Station– Approximate duration: As much time as you want |The splash station is a water play area located across from the Dumbo the Flying Elephant. This might be best for young kids during the summer to give them time to refresh while you sneaky-ly wait for a Fast Pass time to come up? – If it’s during the summer don’t forget to stay hydrated. That Florida sun takes it’s job seriously.

Tomorrowland

• Tomorrowland Transit Authority People Mover: Approximate duration: 10 minutes | Sit back, relax, give your feet a rest and enjoy a 10 minute tour of Tomorrowland above ground level allowing you see the second floor of many attractions.  It is located in the center of Rocket Tower Plaza (in front of Space Mountain). Lines move quickly since the PeopleMover seats 20 people per vehicle (there are 32) so, you do the math.
• Carousel of Progress: Approximate duration: 25-30 minutes| The duration is an estimate since research showed that the theater revolved around the 6 stages every 4 minutes. This is a blast from the past, it takes you back to the early 20th century, how technology, families, colors and even world events affected different time eras. It’s also fun that the seats revolve around the fixed stages, adding a little extra magic. The show hasn’t evolved much but I believe that’s what’s great about it.  It shows young children how things used to be and work back in the day and allows those that did live through those periods of time to go on a small trip down memory lane.

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Remember, in WDW everything is subject to change. Sporadic closing of rides due to mechanical maintenance, weather conditions, etc. can occur. However, the above mentioned attractions are pretty safe from those given the nature of their location and indoor seating.

Schedule these in between high wait time attractions like Splash Mountain, Space Mountain, Haunted Mansion and such. Like I said, these are good to rest your feet, give little kids some time to rest, wait for Fast Pass times to arrive or simply enjoy a calm attraction for those who get a little bit aggravated after 7 hours surrounded by masses.

Although you can sit and take a break at any restaurant or counter-service dinning option believe it or not there aren’t many benches and designated resting areas in MK so hey…two birds, one stone. And don’t forget to download the park map ahead of time (there are also iPhone apps that have them along with wait times – topic for another post), you don’t have to do a minute-by-minute plan but at least know what direction to head in as soon as you get off the monorail.

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Disclaimer: This is not a sponsored post. All things mentioned are done so by my own recommendation. Photo is taken by and is property of Disney and Sparkle, feel free to use it but if you can, link back to us! Have a sparkle-y day.

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Any additional questions, comments or suggestions you can contact me at– disneyandsparkle@gmail.com

10 Great Money Saving Tips – Walt Disney World

Visiting WDW, although magical can set you back quite a few bucks! I know there are MANY posts out there about how to save money but here are my tips and the ones I gathered as the most helpful while researching over the last few years as well as the ones that I have “created” on my own or inherited from my mother.

1. Go off season! – This is a hard one, since many people usually only get vacations once or twice a year and they may fall within high season (Christmas, New Year’s Day, Memorial Day weekend, Labor Day weekend, summer, etc.). However, if it’s possible go during “low season“. This won’t always assure short lines, I just recently went during the first week of January 2013 and we did encounter more lines & people than expected but it wasn’t quite as impossible as the week of the 24th – 31st of December.

2. Don’t stay at Disney hotels! – I know, it’s a tough one. But the reality is that you are charged a lot for Mickey Mouse sheets and riding on Disney’s Magical Express from MCO to your resort. There are many hotels within the WDW area, specially on International Drive, Downtown Disney area, etc. Sometimes you may find hotels for well under $70 a night (and if you venture out to Kissimmee you’ll, generally, find the absolute cheapest prices.) Rent a car, which you can find for around $300 a week during high season. Some of the benefits of renting a car are: cheaper breakfast off WDW grounds, transportation to supermarket/pharmacy to buy snacks, water, milk, etc., in case of emergency you don’t have to wait for a cab, if you park at the parks you don’t have to wait for a shuttle after an entire day of walking, dinner off grounds as well, you’re not limited to staying in WDW for the entire trip. Combine that with staying off grounds and you’re likely to save quite a few $$$. Specially buying snacks and water for the parks before hand, my number 1 tip!!, I’m sorry but almost $3 for a bottle of water? Heck no! Although, an extra tip is that anywhere inside WDW that serves fountain soft drinks you can ask for a cup of ice water at no charge. Also, don’t be afraid to look into one week apartment rentals, there are tons of sites like Air B&B that offer short term rentals (even weekends) for great prices – even compared to “cheap” hotels nearby.

3. BYO-Snacks/Water/Lunches – I cannot stress this enough, even if it’s a few bananas from the buffet (don’t look at me like that, it’s acceptable tourist on a budget behavior!), cereal boxes, water, etc. absolutely anything is helpful. What I’ve always done (a behavior inherited from my parents) is go to the supermarket on the first day and buy packs of water, snacks and even plastic bows, cereal and milk for a quick midnight snack or even breakfast. Technically you’re not supposed to bring food in to the parks but the nice cast members at the entry will look the other way – unless it’s in a cooler. That is a huge Disney no-no. A few snack bars, cookies and PBJ/Ham and cheese sandwiches will get you through the day and then you can go off-property for a calm family dinner to recover from park mayhem. There are many local and chain restaurants that won’t empty your wallet if you drive 10-15 minutes.

4. Buy your souvenirs off-ground! Whether it’s at Walgreens, WalMart, Publix or special discount souvenir stores (you’ll see them everywhere!) take advantage of them. If you want to take something home to your loved ones the important thing is the detail not the value of it. A key chain will cost you $11.95 at the Magic Kingdom yet can easily be found for $2.99 at Publix (true story).

5. Give kids their own money! I have yet to do this since I don’t have kids but my parents did it with me and I will one day do it with my own. If it’s a surprise trip give them a certain amount ($40 for a 4 day trip?…you figure it out) when you get there or if it’s planned let them earn it at home ($5 for cleaning their room?) and when you get to WDW anything they want to buy has to come out of their wallets. Of course, food and beverage are not included but souvenirs, plush toys, funny pens, etc are. Teach them not to buy anything until the last day if possible, that way they’ll be sure of what they want and not regret having bought that $10 book of stickers the first day.

6. Buy Disney apparel beforehand! Sometimes K-Mart and Target have Disney themed apparel at great prices. What’s the point of spending $25 on a t-shirt when you can get it for $10. Check online as well, you can even get the same one for the whole family if you want to match. Also, buy Minnie/Mickey ears beforehand online, they’ll set you back at least $20 p/p at the parks.

7. BYO Poncho! – Florida weather is unpredictable, having lived there and gone to Disney four times before I still did not learn my lesson this January and left home without buying rain ponchos at Walgreens and had to spend $40 on 2 of them when it started raining on the 3rd day of our trip. Not worth it, trust me.

8. Share park treats! I usually only spend money on food on park treats that I can’t get at home (remember, I take my own snacks and have a filling breakfast and dinner off property!). Who can resist a Mickey premium? or a huge Mickey shaped pretzel with neon-orange cheese sauce? I know I can’t! But to save both money and calories split your treat with someone, they are generally pretty huge and you can ask for an extra plate (if necessary) at no extra charge. Limit treats to one per day, that way you won’t go overboard with calories, save money, and have something special every day. Also, lunches are pretty big so share one or order off of the kid’s meal for a good-sized lunch with healthy sides (usually apples or veggie sticks) that won’t break the budget.

9. BYO- Meds, lotions, shampoo, toothpaste, band aids, etc. – Your feet WILL hurt after a day at the parks even if you go at your own pace without kids (like we did) so take ibuprofen or acetaminophen, petroleum jelly (hey, I’m not here to judge, sometimes adults get diaper rash from walking in jeans all day, it’s okay..no need to be ashamed.), vapor rub, fever reducer, band aids for small cuts, sunscreen, aloe vera for sun burns, moisturizer for dry skin during the winter, shampoo, conditioner, toothpaste, diapers, etc. Anything you can bring from home to save you money from having to buy at the parks (or drive off property to do so) is a life saver, specially if you all of a sudden get a headache at 11p.m. before going to bead. Remember to follow TSA rules for traveling with liquids and the things that you absolutely cannot take. If you plan ahead of time you can even order plastic bottles online for a few dollars and fill at home with the products you already have and are used to.

10. Plan ahead as much as you can! No need to create a minute-by-minute plan. But at least a day by day on your cellphone, where to have breakfast, what snacks to take, what treat to buy, extras budget, etc. so you have as little surprise expenses at possible. They will happen, they are sort of a staple of any vacation but research menus online, prices of certain souvenirs you’re certain you’re going to want to bring home and such. Review it in the morning and keep it in mind. There are lots of free things to do at WDW grounds – which is the topic for an upcoming post (so please come back :)). Research, set a certain amount for an emergency (flight cancelled…have to spend 10 extra hours at the airport..you’re going to need cash!) better to be over prepared than to be faced with surprises unprepared. Overall, have fun, laugh, eat that funnel cake you’ve been thinking about since you got to EPCOT but don’t get caught up in the vacation craze and keep your head on the ground, remember that you’ll probably be paying for the hotel room for at least a few months, you don’t want added unnecessary expenses to the ones you’ll already have waiting for you at home.

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Disclaimer: This is not a sponsored post. All companies, websites, stores mentioned are done so by my own recommendation. Photo is taken by and is property of Disney and Sparkle, feel free to use it but if you can, link back to us!. Have a sparkle-y day.

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What is D&S?

Disney and Sparkle is a blog/website dedicated to everything Disney. You can plan your vacation according to our tips and tricks, navigate through the parks more easily, find reviews, tricks, ideas for traveling with kiddos and much, much more. Feel free to send any inquiries or questions to disneyandsparkle@gmail.com. Have a sparkle-y day.