3. Credit Cards
Image: Disney
Alright, let’s talk about money. Disney parks aren’t cheap (and you’re definitely going to need to bring some cold hard cash with you as a backup) but think again before you whip out that credit card. If you have the option, always invest in Disney gift cards before you go on vacation.
Why? Oh, so many reasons. The first reason is the most glaringly obvious: identity theft. We don’t like to talk about it because it’s definitely not magical, but it does happen and using a gift card frees you of the fear of losing your credit card and putting you at risk for identity theft. From a purely safety standpoint, bringing a credit card into a Disney park just isn’t the best idea. A second reason is to curb excessive spending. Making a budget beforehand and getting the right amount on gift cards will keep you from thinking about how much you will owe once the vacation is over and give you the relaxation you really need. Plus, you can give each person in your group their own gift card for souveniers, ensuring a level of fairness and equality and taking the pressure off you. The third is that is it a simple, low-risk solution. Disney gift cards can easily be purchased online with free standard shipping and are accepted at U.S. parks; this includes tickets, food, and merchandise at Disney World and Disneyland as well as in person and online with Disney’s Photopass System. Plus, if you happen to lose a gift card, you can simply take the receipt to guest relations and the amount can be frozen and transferred onto a new card. Easy peasy.
4. New shoes
If you were looking for the number one rookie mistake, here it is: new shoes. It’s okay; we’ve all done it. You think about going to Disney and suddenly you realize, you’re going to need a great pair of walking shoes. So you go to the store, pick out a pair and go put them into your luggage right away, right? Wrong! Those shoes need to be broken in before you go traipsing across 40 square miles of pavement.
Too many feet have fallen prey to the new shoe fallacy. The next time you’re tempted to get new shoes for your trip, remember to wear them down a bit before packing them. Or, if possible, bring an older pair of shoes. If you want them to be Disney-fied you can still spruce them up with some Disney-themed shoelaces or sneaker charms. Trust me, your feet will thank you.
Agree or disagree? Let us know in the comments below.
Comments
The gift card idea is a great one, and I have a trick to get a Little edge! Sign up for a Target RedCard and you'll get 5% off everything Including gift cards, so your $100 gift card will be only $95...it's not a HUGE edge, but it's enough for an extra pretzel or fruit cup!
Going to disagree with you on the poncho, but you need the right kind. Walmart sells a $5 poncho that easily rolls up and fits into a small, 6 inch pouch with a draw string. Feed your fanny pack belt (yes, fanny packs look ridiculous, but everyone is wearing them at Disney so you won't stand out) through the draw string, and you are set to walk relatively dry during those sudden Florida summer downpours.
Walmart also sells at water bottle holder, too, that can be attached to said fanny pack. We may have more gadgets attached to us than Batman on his utility belt, but it works for us!
Love the idea of using gift cards! I can see it being very nice for groups with older children and teens.
I think you overestimate the size of pockets on women's clothing. You can barely fit a tube of chapstick in your pocket, forget a cellphone.
Um.. I am going to disagree with well all of these items.
1) a poncho can be had for less than a dollar at your local discount store. and they come all folded up, smaller than a pack of cards. easier to carry around than a jacket. and quite a bit lighter as well. now, for umbrellas, yeah, that's a bit much. and annoying to have to dodge other guests, or trying to avoid guests with them. stick to the cheap poncho.
2) purse bag? eh. with things like the cell phones and cameras and batteries and all, a nice bag is worth it. i never felt inconvenienced having to go through security or having to "manage" the bag throughout the day. Made for carrying the ponchos, sun screen, snacks, autograph books, water bottles etc. Also if you have a medical condition, the bag offers a nice way to carry those items as well.
3) gift card over credit card? i'm not buying the security thing. any time there has been a data breach free credit monitoring is provided and the CC companies are good with tracking fraudulent charges. If I lost my credit card in the park, i just call and have a new one sent. I can even freeze the account. if the disney gift card goes bye-bye that money is lost. oh, yeah, you can transfer it IF you have the receipt handy. so now you have to carry receipts for the gift cards as well as the cards? come on!
Plus with the disney visa, don't you get 10% discount at stores, plus access to the lounge in EPCOT?
4) Ok. yeah, you don't buy new shoes the night before you go to disney. But isn't that common knowledge that you should have a good pair of walking shoes that are worn in? not falling apart, but worn enough before hand to have the shape of your foot but not lacking any of the support material?