This post was originally published on PlanningTheMagic.net by Krystel. All photos courtesy of Planning the Magic.
Our quest of going to Disney on a budget continues…
Buying souvenirs at Disney is one of the most overlooked aspects of someone’s trip budget. Does that hold true for you? Take a look at these 25 budget-friendly WDW souvenirs to effectively plan your Disney vacation on a budget.
Number 1: Magnets
Magnets are awesome souvenirs that you can find in most WDW retail stores. You can’t buy the ones that they have at WDW at local stores or online. What I like most about the magnets: that they are super inexpensive and very good looking.
Number 2: Keychains
Again – keychains are going to be a great “Disney on a budget” souvenir and more importantly you are taking a little bit of the magic home with you that you can carry around on a daily basis. I use my magnets, keychains, and mugs to keep patient until the next trip. That brings us to the next item: Mugs
Number 3: Mugs
Are you an avid coffee drinker like me? How about tea or hot chocolate? I have a fascination with having a collection of different types of mugs and what is great is that I can get really nice ones under $10 if I look hard enough.
Number 4: Mickey/Minnie Ears
You can’t go to Disney and not get a pair of ears. They come in all shapes and sizes, different themes etc. Though at first, the price tag might not seem to Disney on a budget friendly, you can purchase them once and never again, just bring them back with you every time you go to Disney.
Number 5: Pressed Pennies
My girlfriend is obsessed with these and for good reason. You can find pressed penny machines all over the parks from 51¢ to $1.01, talk about Walt Disney World on a budget! Pressed pennies are cheap and it’s an adventure to look out for and find the machines.
Number 6: Create your own Shadowbox
Shadowbox… must I say more? This is a simpler, cheaper scrapbook. Why wouldn’t you do this? In here you can put anything from the free guides, pressed pennies, to any celebration pins you get. What are celebration pins you ask?
Number 7: Celebration Pins
Celebration pins are free pins that Disney gives you for a specific celebration. This can be a birthday, anniversary, just married, etc. Here is the one I just got for my birthday. Again this is “Disney free.”
Number 8: Antenna Toppers
If this is your type of thing then go for it, I know you have seen those cute mickey antenna toppers before!
Number 9: Shots anyone?!
Number 10: Disney Pins
I will start this with a warning. Some pins can be very expensive. Basically, the nicer and more elaborate – the more expensive they are. However, those are unnecessary and not what we are looking for. Look for the multi-pack mystery boxes. You can find inexpensive pins that go well with planning your Disney vacation on a budget. The ones below are from my personal collection.
Number 11: Disney Lanyards
Lanyards can be purchased from Disney and other places super cheaply. They also go well with the pins since you can put them on there and where it around. I have a few to just hold my keepsake pins as well as for my water.
Number 12: Free crafts at Epcot
Number 13: Epcot Passport
Purchase a passport kit at most Epcot retail locations for approximately $11. This kit includes a blank passport and stamps for each of the World Showcase countries. Stop at the Kidcot stations to learn about that specific country and receive your stamp. Not only does this fit perfectly with going to Disney on a budget but it is also something that will entertain your kids at Epcot. If you’ve been then you know how hard that can sometimes be.
Number 14: Did someone say $1?!
If you have a Dollar Tree or even Family Dollar near you, then you know how many Disney items they carry. They are great buys for kids and can be in place of any of the expensive items at the parks. $1 surpasses Disney on a budget, don’t you think? Road trip fun anyone?
Number 15: Disney t-shirts from a superstore
When you get to Disney you will see everyone in their latest Disney gear. Families in matching shirts, you name it. Head over to Walmart or Target to get a nice Disney shirt for less. Don’t pay exorbitant prices at the parks!
Number 16: Mr. Potatoe Head
Head over to the Once Upon a Toy store and build your Mr. Potato Head – this is inexpensive and an adventure in itself. For the “Disney on a budget” option buy the actual head elsewhere and only worry about the parts at Disney. Here is an amazon link.
Number 17: Autograph book
Autograph books are fantastic “Disney on a budget” keepsakes. I have had the same one for a long time. Occasionally I’ll get newer signatures but usually, I keep it as a memento. These can be purchased at Disney, Walmart or can even be made.
Number 18: Disney Sales
This is a big one and one of my favorites. I get an email from the Disney Store every day outlining their sale of the day. Usually, it is mediocre but sometimes it is fantastic. I recently purchased a bathing suit set for a baby (swimsuit, towel, hat, etc) for less than $20. See an actual sale below and another example from a Facebook post I put up.
Number 19: Disney Outlet Stores
Is it weird that I go to the Disney outlet just for fun? I do. I just scored the cup below for $4.99. Now I will take it with me to Disney to be used at the parks. You will be amazed what you can find at the outlets.
Number 20: Christmas Ornaments
Disney Springs has a 365 Days of Christmas store. Head there for yourself to see the amazing ornaments that are beautiful and inexpensive. I have more than a dozen and wish I had more. Here is my favorite out of my collection.
Number 21: Disney Pens or Pencils
No need to buy this as the hotel will come with a free pen and pad of paper. However, they can also be Disney on a budget friendly gifts!
Number 22: Hand Sanitizer Holder
Number 23: Vinyl Figures
Have you heard of Vinylmation? Well these vinyl figures are adorable, addictive, and perfect for Disney on a budget. Just don’t buy too many of them!
Number 24: Rolling backpack
Pretty self-explanatory. Good for a plane drive or road trip and can be purchased for under $20 from Walmart, Target, etc. Any kid would love this Disney on a budget gift!
Number 25: Disney Beach Towels!
I know I said 25 but I just couldn’t help adding this bonus!
Number 26: Sorcerer’s of the Magic Kingdom Game
Sorcerers of the Magic is a free game that can be played at Magic Kingdom. Click here for more details. Keep your trading cards as keepsakes and put them in your inexpensive shadow box. Talk about adventure!
My name is Krystel, and I am here to share the joy Disney gives me. If you want to learn more about planning the perfect Walt Disney World Vacation visit Planning The Magic. I’ve spent a lot of time creating the perfect Disney On A Budget eBook because I really want everyone to have a magical vacation within reach.