*This Disney themed article for what to buy before going to Disney includes Amazon Affiliate links. If clicked for purchasing, I will make a small commission off these purchases.
Are you planning a much-anticipated vacation to Walt Disney World? Well, we are heading back to Disney World in the next two months. I even booked our FastPass+ reservations earlier this week. So excited! Therefore it is just about that time to stock up on items, we need to buy before going to Disney World again.
If you are also going to Disney World soon, keep in mind the following advice. See stores in and around the park offer many things you’ll probably need throughout the trip. But prices are much higher than they are in other stores.
So don’t end up paying top-dollar for things you could have bought inexpensively back home. See there are a few things to buy before going to Disney. It may require you to pack an extra suitcase. But, the money you save is totally worth it.
Read on now…
5 Must Have Items to Buy Before Going to Disney World
1. Backpack or Messenger Bag
You’ll have all sorts of things to carry around the park with you, especially when you take younger kids. One solution is to buy a large backpack or messenger bag before going to Disney. Backpacks, as well as, smaller totes are pretty pricey in the Disney World gift shops. However, they’re usually reasonably priced in dollar stores or supermarkets in your neighborhood.

Meeting Pluto at Disney’s Epcot with Backpacks On
Some local-to-you stores even carry Disney character themed bags. So you can still carry your stuff from point a to point b in true Mickey style.
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2. Rain Ponchos
Unexpected rain can really put a damper on your day at the park. This is especially true, if you aren’t prepared. Disposable rain ponchos cost very little in stores. They also easily fit in a backpack or messenger bag.

Disney during a Thunderstorm – Poncho time!
If you don’t have them with you and get caught in the rain, you’ll end up paying quite a lot extra for rain gear from the gift shop. Unless, of course, you prefer to head back to your hotel room and wait for the weather to clear. So, therefore rain ponchos are a must buy before going to Disney.
3. Disney-Themed Apparel
The souvenir stores at Disney World stock a wide variety of Disney-themed apparel. Of course, management hopes you’ll buy and wear around the park. But, buying just a couple t-shirts for every member of your group can cost a fortune.

Wearing Disney Themed Sweatshirts and Shirts, too!
If you shop for these clothing and accessories before the trip, you’ll spend much less. Not only will you spend less money, but probably make you feel less tempted to buy more on the trip.
4. Souvenirs
Souvenirs can easily add up to be the biggest expense you rack up during your Walt Disney World vacation. So save yourself a ton of money. How? By buying souvenirs before your trip. Make it fun by keeping them a secret from your family, then giving them out at the hotel.
They won’t mind that their gifts came from a store at home rather than a gift shop in the park. It’s extremely simple to find all sorts of Disney-themed souvenirs online. Plus, you can even buy stuff from the Disney Store itself. Make the process easier by having the souvenirs delivered right to your hotel room. Many hotels and resorts readily allow you to do so.
5. Snacks
Exploring a park as big as Disney World is sure to build up an appetite. While meal prices aren’t outrageous at some of the counter-service restaurants, buying snacks for your family every few hours is going to put a strain on your wallet.
Instead of paying for food in or near the park, buy snacks in bulk from the supermarket. You can even leave them in your hotel room. Then, everybody can head back to rest up and grab a bite to eat rather than spending money whenever you get hungry.
Meredith Spidel says
You always have such smart Disney tips! Thanks for sharing!
Janine says
Thank you for saying that and also for sharing, too!!!! 🙂
William Holland says
Very helpful for sure. I’ll pass this on to those who are much more likely to go than me. 🙂 Happy Thursday Janine!
Janine says
Aw, thanks Bill for passing on and Happy Thursday to you now, too!! 🙂
Tamara says
I’m embarrassed to tell you what I’ve spent on Disney themed apparel at Disney Springs. And in only seconds!
That said, we’re going back too in 2018 and I can’t wait until January!!
Janine says
Tamara, trust me I have done similar. But am trying to learn from that. So thought now would be a good time to share that lesson and more here, too! And here is to November and January for both of us now!! 🙂
Mary says
Great list Janine. I took notes and emailed it to my friend who loves visiting Disney world.
Janine says
Thanks Mary and hope this list does help out your Disney loving friend, too 🙂
Aunt Gloria says
Good advice for folks going to Disney. Buying things there costs a lot more. This helps folks plan ahead. I know you are looking forward to your next trip. Let’s hope hurricane season is over soon! xxoo
Janine says
Thanks Aunt Gloria and got my fingers crossed about hurricane season, as well now! xoxo
AnnMarie John says
Those are all really great tips. Don’t forget to bring your reusable water bottle and sunscreen. Even if you’re going in Winter, you’re still going to need your sunscreen.
Janine says
So true and what great add-ons here from my fellow Disney lover. Thanks Annmarie 🙂 🙂
Echo says
This is such a great list! I am still dreaming of Disney, but I pinned this for future reference!
Janine says
Aw, thank you pinning and I hope you get back to Disney soon, too now 🙂
Christine Carter says
I would totally buy these things before the trip too. Such great ideas here Janine! Disney is SO expensive, so every bit of savings helps!
Janine says
I couldn’t agree more and so true every little bit does help, Chris!
Rea says
Aww, sometimes we get too carried away when buying souvenirs that we buy them in an impulse. LOL. And wow, happy for you that you’re going back to Disney once again. 🙂
Janine says
Aw, thanks Rea and just so excited right now 🙂
Jen says
You are awesome! And also, can you do flip flops at Disney and not turn your feet into slabs of sore and tired bricks?! You are my hero 🙂
Janine says
Jen, I couldn’t everyday though. The first day this past summer, I did I thought my feet were going to fall off LOL!! 🙂