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3. Pack a lunch

Picnic

Another item that can quickly kill a budget is food. You might be tempted to cut down on the number of meals you need in order to save money, but the fact is that you will definitely need extra calories in order to handle all the walking that you'll do all day. And while Mickey Ice Cream Bars and souvenir-bucket popcorn can be hard to resist, your wallet will thank you when you pass by all of those treats.

Guests are allowed to bring food into the parks, though Disney suggests that the food not require heating, and they request guests to inform security castmembers about the food items as they're entering a park. Plan to stuff a backpack with power bars (which are good for breakfast and quick snacks), a refillable water bottle and sandwiches that can be eaten for lunch or dinner. Fruits and vegetables (like baby carrots) are also a good (and healthy!) choice. Or, if you don't want to bring your own food, you can try venturing off of Disney property, where food is considerably cheaper. 

4. Buy your souvenirs before or after your trip

Big Top Souvenirs

Have you been to a dollar store lately? If you haven't, you might be surprised to see lots of Disney-themed items there. These stores are also a good place to stock up on trip essentials. Instead of paying nearly $10 for a poncho in the parks, you can grab one there for only a buck. You can plan to steer clear of the souvenir shops in the parks, but if you're anxious to make a purchase, you can try waiting until after your trip. DisneyStore.com features a lot of the same park-exclusive merchandise for sale online, and you might prevent a lot of frenzied in-park shopping decisions, which will save you lots of money.

There are also two official Disney Outlets off property that sell official Disney Parks merchandise for as much as 70% off. Though these outlets require a 20-30 minute drive off property, it's possible to get t-shirts, MagicBands, collectibles, pins, plushes and more for a fraction of their original price. 

5. Forgo the extras 

Minnie with guest

Sure, Disney's PhotoPass Service is nice, but you've probably got your own camera. And the Disney Dining Plans save some hassle when paying at restaurants, but you might not normally spend that much money on food (and you may have tons of food and credits left over at the end of your trip). These — and other amenities — aren't necessary for an awesome vacation. You don't need them and you'll likely find that you don't even miss them. Plus, the most important part of a Disney trip — the memories you make — are free, and priceless. So if you start saving a little money now, you could be at Walt Disney World in no time, even if you're not a millionaire.

 
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