Disney

• Find Character greeting locations and times
• Browse restaurant menus and make dining reservations
• Select and modify your party’s FastPass+ experiences
• Share your itinerary with others through Family & Friends
• Manage your Disney Resort reservations, tickets, MagicBands and cards
• Preview your Disney PhotoPass photos on your mobile device throughout your vacation
• + MORE!

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9. Don't wait to make FastPass Reservations.

Disney's FASTPASS or FastPass+ service allows you to reserve access to select Disneyland or Walt Disney World theme park attractions, entertainment and Character Greetings in advance. There is no additional cost to use the FASTPASS service―it is included with your theme park admission.

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BUT be sure to make your FASTPASS or FastPass+ reservations as early as possible! Whenever you get your MagicBands, you can create an account and link all your FASTPASS times and reservations with other family members. You'll be able to use your MagicBand or card to enter the FastPass+ line any time during the 1-hour arrival window and avoid having to wait in lines for that ride!

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Note that with a ticket or pass, you can make your selections up to 30 days in advance. Or if you are staying at a Disney Resort hotel, you can make your FastPass selections up to 60 days prior to check-in for the entire length of your stay. You can lock in up to three FastPass selections for each day.

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10. Don't pay for expensive souvenirs.

Before forking out a lot of money on overly priced souvenirs at the park, be sure to hit up the Dollar Tree where they carry a lot of Disney licensed items for just $1 each, as well as glow sticks, trinkets, reusable bags, toys and more.

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Target also has fun and inexpensive Disney items in Bullseye's Playground (i.e - their dollar spot). Buy your own and pack them in your suitcase for fun treats for the kids!

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11. Don't buy Disney apparel (Instead DIY!).

Instead of paying for expensive Disney T-Shirts or apparel, consider making your own before you go (check out Lina's tutorial here) OR head to stores like the Disney Store, JCPenney, Old Navy or Kohl's with a coupon or during a sale when you can purchase Disney apparel on the cheap!

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If you do purchase items at a Disney World park, be sure to keep your receipts from your purchases. On the bottom of some receipts, you may find a money-saving coupon valid for specific stores at select times during your stay (like 10-20% off merchandise etc).

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12. Don't pay for drinks & snacks in the park.

One way to save money on food and drinks is to bring your own into the park. Yes, you are allowed to bring a soft case cooler and food into the theme parks (note that the cooler or bag can be no larger than 24″ x 15″ x 18″ and you can no longer bring your own ice into the park). Also, to save on dining out expenses, consider buying groceries at the store when you arrive and prepare as many meals yourself as you can manage.

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Do you drink a lot of soda? Since buying soda can add up really quickly, consider purchasing a refillable mug at your Disney Resort for $14.95 and refill as much as you would like at the beverage station at your resort. This mug will also be a fun souvenir from your trip.

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Also, if you're heading to the park on a hot summer day, be sure to pack a small reusable water bottle and refill at water fountains or in restaurants throughout the day to avoid the cost of bottled water. And, if you're able to fit rain ponchos, baby gear and other things you may need in your luggage, you'll save a bundle than having to purchase them in the park.

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13. Don't wait until your child is older than...

If you have a child under the age of 3, now might be the perfect time to plan a trip to Disney World. You might be thinking it’s not very cost effective to take a small child to Disney, but when they are able to eat free on the Disney Dining Plan, enter any of the Disney World theme parks for free (including the two water parks!), and experience any of the attractions (as long as they meet the height requirements for the attraction), well it really seems like a great time to plan a trip.

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But do consider bringing your own stroller as rentals can add up quickly and those little legs may get tired easily. Also, if you do choose to rent a stroller while in the parks, pre-paying for the duration of your vacation will save a few dollars. Go here for more tips on using a stroller.

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14. Don't pay for expensive photos unless...

If you don't like having to carry around a heavy camera or worry about taking pictures yourself and IF it's in your budget, you may consider the Memory Maker service to capture fun memories.

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However, if you own a camera or mobile device that takes quality photos, consider passing up the Memory Maker service as it costs between $169-$199. Once you download the first photo on MyDisneyPhotoPass.online or the My Disney Experience Mobile App, you only have 30 days to capture more photos. Be sure to download your photos before they expire.

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Instead or purchasing the Memory Maker service, consider asking a PhotoPass photographer to take a photo of you and your family with your device.

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15. Don't pay full price for Disney gift cards.

Consider saving a few dollars by purchasing Disney Gift Cards before you go. You can purchase discounted gift cards on sites like Raise.online and eBay OR even cash in your reward points for Disney gift cards on sites like Disney Movie Rewards, Kellogg's Family Rewards, etc. Occasionally, some stores like CVS, Walgreens, Target, Kroger, and Safeway will have promotions on gift cards.

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These gift cards can be used online at Disney Store online, Disney Store locations in the US and participating locations at Walt Disney World Resort, Disneyland Resort and Disney Cruise Line (includes most shopping and dining locations). If you want to be able to use the card at Walt Disney World, be careful that you are purchasing a Disney Gift Card, not a Disney Store Gift Card, which can only be spent at Disney Stores (there are NO Disney Stores at Walt Disney World).

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16. Don't apply for a Disney credit card unless...

Disney has two co-branded VISA cards offered by Chase - the Disney Rewards VISA Card and the Disney Premier VISA Card. Both cards offer a rebate in the form of "Disney Reward Dollars" that can be redeemed towards Disney merchandise or toward Disney vacations (Disney Theme Park tickets, Resort stays, shopping, dining at Disney restaurants and more).

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Disney Rewards VISA Card:

• Annual fee: $0
• Sign-up bonus: Get a $50 Disney Gift Card after first purchase
• Earn 1% in reward dollars on all card purchases

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Disney Premier VISA Card:

• Annual fee: $49
• Sign-up bonus: Earn a $200 Disney Gift Card after spending $500 in the first 3 months from account opening
• Earn 2% in Disney Rewards Dollars on card purchases at gas stations, grocery stores, restaurants and most Disney locations. Earn 1% on all other card purchases.
• 10% off select merchandise purchases of $50 or more at select locations and 10% off select dining locations
• 10% on select purchases at Disney Store online and in-store.

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If you spend a lot of time at Disney parks, consider getting a Disney Rewards VISA Card as it doesn’t have an annual fee. However, if you spend more than $4,900 annually on the categories that accrue bonuses, then the Disney Premier VISA Card might make the most sense for you.