Image Courtesy of Disney

I attended a wedding this past weekend, and within the first hour at the reception it happened. I was enjoying getting to know the other couples at table 5 and I turned the topic of conversation to Walt Disney World. It’s somewhat of a joke with my husband and close friends, because it ALWAYS happens. I mean, I don’t think “How can I discuss ‘the Most Magical Place on Earth’ with these people?” but… it almost ALWAYS comes up if you are talking to me! It just comes out- I can’t help it!

So, the question that I was asked that night was how do I save money when I’m going to Walt Disney World? I know I have shared my opinion on the wonderful Value Resort options, but I decided to share my other little secret with them and now with you. I pre-buy my souvenirs for my kids!

I enjoy a bargain, so whenever I see small Disney trinkets, I try and pick them up. Here are some of my favorite places to shop for my girls before our Disney Trips:

• Target- This store always hits the bullseye! Target has a great selection in their Dollar Spot, from books and water bottles to socks and pencil cases. You never know what you might find in the Dollar Spot.
• Walmart- I love finding the clearance racks and stocking up on necklaces that have the Disney Princesses or Tinker Bell and friends on them. They often will have hair bows or small purses as well.
• Dollar Tree– Hands down, the Dollar Tree always has the best selection of glow-sticks with Disney licensed characters. This is great, because once the sun goes down at a Disney Park, the vendors turn on all of their glow-in-the-dark and light up toys. Purchasing the glow sticks in advance has probably saved us hundreds of dollars.
• Disney Store– Seems a bit odd, huh? But the Disney Store and DisneyStore.com can have some amazing deals. And right NOW thanks to Labor Day Sales (in store and online), you will find a wide variety of things that you could buy now for your future trip.
• Etsy– If you love wearing matching shirts or want a custom outfit for your child, Etsy.com is a great place to look. But be warned- these items are usually handmade and are not cheap.

So many fun items in the Dollar Spot at my local Target! Selection is constantly changing so you can keep checking to find your favorite character stickers, socks, books and other items.

Target Dollar Spot Glow Sticks

Of course, getting these little trinkets and gifts early means you can have fun with how your children get the items. Perhaps you give your child a bag of goodies before you leave for the vacation or maybe you decide to have “Mickey or Princess Gifts” that your child can open every morning of the trip. Whatever your delivery method, have fun stocking up and getting ready for your next Disney Parks vacation!