Tips about Disney Dining Plan and Souvenirs
On a recent trip to Walt Disney World I was stymied as to what to get our neighbors as a "thank you for house- and pet-sitting" gift. They don't have the same affinity for Disney products as we do, so finding a gift that didn't have a character printed on it was challenging -- until I went into The Pantry at Disney Springs. There I found a great collection of items at the Spice and Tea Exchange section of the store. They have a variety of "collection packs" of 3 types of "something" (like interesting sugars, or curries, or salts, or a Hot and Spicy) for a reduced price. I ended up buying the "Grilling Rub" pack for our neighbors, and a "Super Duper Catnip" package for our furry felines we vacationed without. - Michelle B.
Wanted to pass along a tip for inexpensive souvenirs. When we go on vacation, I always like to buy a Christmas ornament for each of our kids. However, Christmas ornaments can get pricy at Disney ($12 and up), which adds up for three kids. One way I have found to keep costs down is by picking out keychains instead (around $5). When I get home, I just replace the chain with a ribbon and voila! Perfect for hanging on the tree. It is fun to "go down memory lane" when we decorate the tree.- Barb H.
We recently participated in Mama Melrose's Fantasmic! Dinner package. I wanted to let everyone know that on the regular dining plan under the Fantasmic package, we were able to order an appetizer, entree and dessert per person. The appetizer was no additional money and was included for the Fantasmic package under the regular dining plan. This is an excellent way to capitalize on a one table-service credit meal. - Jessica Stahl
1 User found this helpful.
Some of the holiday snacks and beverages are part of the Disney Dining Plan snack program. Look for the DDP symbol on the menus. - Deb Wills
0 Users found this helpful.
We just returned from a trip to Disney with my grandchildren. Of course, they want to buy everything. We found that by taking pictures of the item wanted (and the price) they could later go through the list and select the item they really wanted. It saved a lot of running around and they kids were able to "see" the items they were considering. - Stephen James
In reading the comments on the article about "Overcoming the Drop" (AllEars® Issue #735) it reminded me of a fun thing we do when the kids ride a new ride, especially one they have been scared to try. They "earn" a Disney pin for that attraction. We love picking out new ride pins with the kids and then love to show them off to friends and family when we return from our trip. - Jamie
When our son was much younger he always wanted another souvenir. Short of buying all of Disney World, we had a very small notebook and when he came upon another, "I need that!" we wrote all the information in his "souvenir handbook." At the end of the vacation he was able to go through the entire book and decide what he really wanted as his souvenir. After careful consideration he purchased his favorite. It stopped us from constantly having to say "no" and allowed him the control to really pick out the item that meant the most to him. Win-win situation! - Marti & Paul Linetzky
At my local Disney Store this morning, so excited to see a new line of "it's a small world" merchandise! Beautiful dolls that sing in both English and their native tongues, cute plush animals, all from the attraction! ADORABLE! - Denise
EDITOR'S NOTE: If you no longer have a Disney store in your area, you can always shop at the Disney Store online
0 Users found this helpful.
At my local Disney Store this morning, so excited to see a new line of "it's a small world" merchandise! Beautiful dolls that sing in both English and their native tongues, cute plush animals, all from the attraction! ADORABLE! - Denise
EDITOR'S NOTE: If you no longer have a Disney store in your area, you can always shop at the Disney Store online
0 Users found this helpful.
My daughter and her friends enjoyed pressing pennies and quarters while on our Disney trips. You can purchase a "book" to keep your pennies in. They have press machines in all the parks and resorts, even Disney Springs. They tried to get one for everything they did. We just purchased a new roll of pennies from the bank before the trip so that we had enough and they were all new and shiny. - Cindy Firmin
For those Disney fans who loved the SpectroMagic Parade in Walt Disney World's Magic Kingdom and miss it as much as I do, you now have an opportunity to buy the music. The full 14-minute song is available for purchase in the iTtunes store for $3.99. My wife and I now have it on our iPods and enjoy taking a 14-minute trip to the Most Magical Place on Earth (without having to travel to Tokyo). - Patrick Markham
0 Users found this helpful.
One of the best things I found to buy with the Disney Dining Plan Snack Credits are single serving items at the resort's quick service dining area. We go down to the quick service dining on the first morning and buy a couple bagels, some yogurt, single-serve cereals boxes, single-serve milk, bananas, and muffins. We bring them back to the room and use them for our breakfasts in the room each morning. We never have leftover credits that way and don't have to use a meal credit for breakfast. If you don't have a refrigerator in your room, bring a soft collapsible cooler bag, fill it with ice and put your cold stuff inside, replenishing the ice each morning. - Linda Brantner
1 User found this helpful.
Ever since my son was small, I have purchased Disney plush characters at home, at either a drug store or when The Disney Store has sales. I bring them hidden in our luggage and surprise him with one every day we're at WDW. He believes it's Disney magic that he gets a fun, new toy every day! He doesn't ask for as many toys from the parks and I save a ton of money not having to pay retail prices! - Nancy Cohan
A great way to save money is pre-purchase Disney souvenirs for your kids before you leave for your trip. You can then surprise them every morning with something new. Whether it just be a dollar store Mickey sticker book or a new t-shirt, your child will love it and you will save money! My mother did this on our 1998 trip and to this day I can remember receiving something every morning from a character. - Jessica Stahl
