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Image © Genevieve Pelletier

Walt Disney World is an incredible place where anything can come true. You can dance with princes, go to space, and still have time for a 5-star dinner. If you can dream it, they can do it. However, as many guests find out, when you're in the business of living out a Disney dream, the pricetag can escalate pretty quickly. 

However, you don't have to despair if you can’t spend big bucks to make specific magic happen. There are alternatives that fit within any guest's wallet. They may not be the exact experience guests first considered, but they are pretty close. The best part is they are all so much cheaper.

Here are 5 alternatives to Disney activities that you can do to save a little money in your pocket.

The Dream: Becoming a princess

Boutique

Image © Disney

The expensive option: Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique

It's owned by Cinderella’s Fairy Godmother and operated by her apprentices. Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique is a favorite of many little girls. They can choose their hairstyle, add makeup, nail color, accessories, and even a Disney princess costume. Doesn’t that all sound fantastic? Of course, it does until you see the price. The different packages range from $59.95 for the Crown package, all the way to $194.95 for the Castle package. That’s a lot of Dole Whips.

A cheaper alternative: Harmony Barber Shop

If the boutique is too expensive for your family, there is a great alternative. The Harmony Barber Shop on Main Street USA is the answer to your princess problems. Kids can get their hair cut, lightly styled and all the Pixie Dust their hair can hold for only $15.00. Yes, it may not be the exact experience, but bring her princess dress from home and your little girl won’t know the difference. They will just see they look like every other little princess walking around. You can even go to a dollar store before leaving home and pick up a tiara to complete the look. 

The dream: Country livin'

BBQ

Image © Disney

The expensive option: Mickey’s Backyard BBQ

Is your family in the mood for a “Hootin’ Tootin’ Hoedown”? Were you planning on attending the music-filled evening with some of your favorite characters? Do you lick your lips thinking of the all-you-can-eat BBQ spread? Well Mickey’s Backyard BBQ sounds perfect for your family. It sounds fantastic until you hear it’s $30-$59.99 per adult. Ouch partner, that’s a lot of gold. 

A cheaper alternative: Chip ‘N Dale’s Campfire Sing-a-long

A great alternative is Chip ‘N Dale’s Campfire Sing-a-long at Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort campsites. You can bring your own marshmallows and roast them as you sing along with Chip ‘N Dale. The Chuckwagon Snack Bar even sells S'mores kits. Old-time favorite songs are led by a guitar-playing cowboy as Chip ‘N Dale pose for photos and sign autographs. The best part for parents is it’s free.

 
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Comments

Even though i love them...ALL Disney experiences,parks, food,merchandise ---> overpriced!

A few other options:
Not sure if it is still offered, but I went on a free tour of the Wilderness lodge lobby going into details you don't normally notice.

I also went on a free tour at the Beach Club outside with a landscaper/gardener explaining what they do.

All of at least the moderate, deluxe, and DVC resorts let you roast marshmallows nightly.

EPCOT world showcase lets kids color a Duffy bear at each country.

Animal Kingdom lets kids go on a quest to fill out a free wilderness explorer book.

EPCOT has a free Phineas and Ferb game for the kids.

Fishing is a low cost option at Port Orleans resort.

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