I have been knee deep in Disney preparations, and one of the common things asked on Disney forums is what items to buy and bring ahead of time.  The logic behind that is simple: while you can find most items at Disney, the markup is much higher. Bring some stuff ahead of time saves you time and money. On the off chance you don’t have space or forget something it isn’t a big deal, but anything you can save on (especially like throw away ponchos) is worth trying to get ahead of time.


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1) Souvenirs– I do plan on letting Drake and Juliet pick out something on their trip.  They are both young and will probably be fine with only one item. But I have read a lot of people stocking up when Disney stores have sales and then giving their child the gifts at Disney. I have also heard of little gifts called “Tinkerbell Gifts” that she leaves in the room each day.

2) Snacks– Disney lets you bring some outside food and let’s face it — food in the parks for a family can really add up. We will still eat in the park but I plan on bringing some cereal, granola bars, and Goldfish along to keep in the room and to take to the park for when the munchies come along. I am also thinking of bringing some sunflower butter and jelly to keep in the fridge in case Drake gets picky at dinner. Since we are driving and will have a mini fridge in the hotel room, I think it’s a good idea to have some back up food.

3) Disney Pins & Lanyards– If you plan on pin trading at Disney, it’s recommended you buy the pins and lanyard to keep them ahead of time as you can get them fairly cheap online, but in Disney they average around $8-$10 a piece, if not more.  Since you are planning on trading away the pins you have for other ones from cast members, it’s better to get the ones you are going to be trading away for less rather than purchasing them in the parks.

4) Glowsticks– You can purchase these at most of the night shows. I was debating on this one but the dollar store also carries these so I might get a few.

5) Autograph Book–  I’m not sure how excited Drake is going to be about autographs but if I can find a cute little notepad ahead of time to bring in, I will.  They are a fun thing to search and do for little kids and when they are older, it’ll be nice to have a memory to look back on.

6) Ponchos– I remember standing in Disneyworld as a child when it started to pour out of nowhere. Storms blow through Florida on a daily basis and nothing is worse than being soaking wet far away from your hotel room and dry clothes.  I remember my parents buying ponchos for us. Ponchos in the parks were close to $10 back then so I have no idea what they would cost now. Since these are going to be disposed of I don’t want to spend a ton on them, and this 4 pack works perfectly to stash and pull out when needed.

7) Sunscreen– Between 3 adults and 2 kids, I think we will be going through quite a bit of sunscreen in the hot Florida sun. I’ve made the mistake of forgetting to buy it on trips in the past with just Mr. Chocolate, and paying a huge markup for it at our destinations. So this time I am stocking up ahead of time!

8) Spray fans–  I have read you can pick up these spray fans at the dollar store (I need to check), which is of course much cheaper than the prices Disney sells them for.

9) Water bottles– Water is a necessity in Florida heat.  Disney allows you to bring in your own water bottles and often times you can ask for a glass of water from counter stations to refill it.  Saves on buying sugary drinks and keeps everyone hydrated to last the day.