Disney is filled with items to impulse buy, from ponchos during a rainstorm to disposable cameras (yes, they still make them!). The goal of this article is to share what to buy before your Disney vacation from an online retailer, or from a store prior to your trip. If you have to purchase any of your vacation staples Amazon, Wal-Mart, and the Dollar Tree are my go-to stores for stocking up on Disney vacation essentials. If you are looking for some advice on what to pack in your bags check out our FREE Packing List Printable!
Comfy Flip Flops - aka Sanuks
I can not stop talking about these stylish flip-flops. I pretty much exclusively wear these in the summer. They are the perfect shoe to wear because they dry out so fast and they are super comfy. Each one of Sanuk's shoes has a yoga mat bottoms, squishy, comfy goodness! Check out their endless color options here!
Rent Camera / Video Equipment
If you aren't starting your own professional photography business you may not be ready to invest in a high-end camera to capture all your vacation family moments. Well, did you know that you can rent cameras and video equipment? It's a great way to get high-end equipment for a whole lot less!
Or maybe you have been eyeing over a specific camera but aren't sure it's worth it. Again, renting is a perfect way to give a camera or video camera test run. We have used and love Borrowed Lens.
Disney Gift Cards
Lucky for you, I have a few tricks up my sleeves to help you save some money on your next Disney vacation or shopping spree. They all have to do with discounted Disney gift cards! That’s right, you can get discounted gift cards, and trust me these savings do add up! Disney gift cards can be used just like cash at Walt Disney World, Disneyland, Aulani, Disney Stores, Adventures by Disney, Disney Cruise Line, and ShopDisney.com! Plenty of places to rack up the savings!For the complete low down on how to maximize your savings read our mega guide on how to score Discount Disney Gift Cards.
Baby Wipes
You may be wondering why this one is on the list. Whether or not you have a little one with diapers to change you still find yourself in sticky situations. Think of a hot summer day at Disney World with a quickly melting Dole Whip! These wipes sure do come in handy for all sorts of spills! We recommend picking up some packs over at your local Dollar Store or order one of these cute wipes/clutch combos.
Unbreakable Umbrella
Sometimes it isn't raining hard enough to wear a poncho and I must say I do like to avoid them at all costs. Ponchos make you feel hot and clammy but I will admit they keep you the driest when caught in the rain at Disney. We recommend this umbrella because it lasts. I have bought so many cheaper ones and eventually, they all end up broken but not this guy.
Hanging Toiletry Organizer
This one is a game changer especially if you are going on a Disney Cruise! We used it on our last Disney Resort stay. Even at a deluxe resort, your counter space is super limited in the bathroom. Our hanging toiletry organizer kept everything in our room tidy and made our departure easier.
When shopping for an organizer look for clear pockets so you can see what's inside! I like to use the large zipped area at the bottom for bulkier items like shampoo, razor, gels, etc.
Amazon Fire Stick
Your channel selection isn't always the greatest when staying at a Disney hotel. If you are staying off property it can be even more unpredictable what channel selection you will get. If you pack this little device you will gain access to your streaming accounts like HBO Go, Netflix, Hulu, YouTube, and so much more! Learn more here.
Hand Sanitizer
Maybe I am just a giant germ-a-phobic but I always have one of these guys hanging on my Disney bag. Lots of germs are hanging around the big crowds at Disney and you will be surprised at the surfaces you touch getting on and off rides. While Disney does their best to keep things clean you can never be too safe. You can get a great deal on an eight pack here.
For a bonus, I also love adding in essential oils to ward off park germs. You can read more about it here, The Best Essential Oils to Take to Disney World.
Discounted Disney Pins for Trading
One of the best pin trading tips we have is to buy a lot of these Disney trading pins ahead of time and trade them in the parks. Pins at Walt Disney World can range from $12 to $18 which is pretty steep if your intent is to trade. Pick up this no duplicate lot here. We have also found some great deals at the Disney Character Outlet here in Orlando. This is where they sell all the discontinued theme park items.
Power Strip or USB Charger
Maybe it's just all the camera equipment, Apple Watches, iPhones, etc. we bring on our Disney trips but we never seem to have enough outlets to get everything charged. We made this mistake on one of our trips and immediately ordered this guy, haven't had an issue since!
Portable USB Powered Fan
It is hot! And when it is hot you need a way to cool down. In the summer months, a mini fan can be a real lifesaver. After picking one up myself I don't know how I survived the first few years living in Florida without one. I specifically upgraded to this model this year and am loving it. It has three speeds lasts a full long park day and really blasts some wind your way! If you are planning a summer trip to Florida be sure to read our guide on how to stay cool!
Sunscreen
You don't want to get stuck buying this one at the resort due to Disney's steep upcharge. Trust me I have been there unpacking and realizing it was missing. While you can find it in your Disney resort's gift shop you're going to be less than happy with the price. It's sunny more often than not here in Florida this is a MUST pack item no matter the time of year you visit.
Family's Favorite Snacks
With all that walking you're going to get in around the parks you are going to need a healthy supply of snacks. If you are looking to save money or want some backups for your hotel room I highly recommend packing some snacks. We are big fans of granola bars, pretzels, Gogo Squeeze, and Pop-Tarts.
As a money-saving hack, I try to bring with me a quick breakfast I can make and eat in the room. So that may be a four-pack of Chocolate chip muffins from Publix or my new obsession Kodiak Cakes Minute Muffins in Double Dark Chocolate! One minute in the microwave these muffins are delicious and packed with protein to help hold you over until lunch.