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To get all four designs from a pressed penny machine, use a credit card; using single dollar bills will result in a surprise design.
From AllEars.net · 2/27/2026
Insider tips for your next adventure
To get all four designs from a pressed penny machine, use a credit card; using single dollar bills will result in a surprise design.
Purchase a refillable squeeze bottle at Homecoming in Disney Springs for $24, then get boozy refills for $16 on future visits or at Splitzville.
Get a personalized Japanese fan for under $5 inside the Mitsukoshi department store in the Japan Pavilion at Epcot.
Check the Disneyland website's offers and discounts page regularly for potential savings on park tickets and Disney-owned hotels.
If a reusable cup purchased with a Magic Band is stolen, guest services can track the purchase receipt to help you get a replacement.
Use the mobile checkout feature in the My Disney Experience app at popular gift shops like World of Disney to skip checkout lines.
When paying with a card that doesn't charge foreign transaction fees, always select to pay in USD when prompted at checkout to avoid extra conversion fees.
Customize any fan purchased at the Mitsukoshi department store in Epcot's Japan Pavilion with your name or a custom phrase written in Japanese.
Consider the new Mickey and Minnie Mouse Dooney & Bourke tote bag featuring them exploring Main Street.
Check out the Mickey and Minnie Mouse Dooney & Bourke ears with a black leather earband and gold badge.
To save money, consider packing your own food and snacks, especially if you don't want to shell out for expensive park merchandise like a $70 sweatshirt.
Consider the Alice in Wonderland Tea Time for a special occasion like a birthday or anniversary due to its high cost ($79/adult, $49/child) and unique experience.
Consider purchasing a decorative bowl from Walmart, similar to those found at Anthropology, for around $10.
Grab bubble wands from the Easter section at Walmart for around $8.98, which is cheaper than the toy section.
Run, don't walk, to get the Winnie the Pooh Christmas bag from the Disney Store if you plan a Christmas trip, as they sell out quickly.
Always ask about available discounts for Annual Passholders, Disney Visa cardholders, or other membership groups at dining locations and merchandise spots, as they are not always proactively offered.
Book Disney cruises during shoulder seasons like fall for the Bahamas/Caribbean (outside hurricane season) or September for better prices and milder temperatures.
To avoid roaming fees, download movies, shows, books, and offline games onto your devices before boarding the ship.
Take advantage of free onboard activities like karaoke, sketch classes, napkin folding, and trivia games instead of paying for extra entertainment.
Prepay gratuities for your dining room server, assistant server, head server, and stateroom host on the DCL website or Navigator app under 'My Reservations' to handle tips in advance.
To combat resellers, check the official Disney Store website for merchandise before your trip, or try Disney hotel gift shops and the World of Disney store at Disney Springs early.
For limited edition popcorn buckets or other merchandise, always check if it can be purchased via mobile order on the My Disney Experience app.
Utilize the Universal Coca-Cola Freestyle refillable cup for unlimited drinks, including Powerade and water, and consider reactivating it on subsequent days for continued use.
Set a strict souvenir budget for Epcot's World Showcase, using gift cards to track spending, as unique items can easily lead to overspending.
When purchasing artwork at Epcot's Festival of the Arts, consider the mini postcard versions for a more affordable souvenir option.
Consider using an eSIM service like Sim Local for international travel to save money on your primary phone plan by avoiding expensive international roaming fees.
Consider the Disney Waterpark Seasonal Pass for $89 (adult) / $83 (child) for unlimited visits to Blizzard Beach through May 9th, 2026, excluding a few dates in late March/early April.
Check the pin boards at Frontier Trading Post in Magic Kingdom for animated feature pins.
When doing a monorail crawl, practice safety by having a water at every stop and food at every other stop, and utilize free transportation like the monorail or Uber if you plan to drink.
Book DVC rentals through DVCrequest.com/tv for potential cost savings.
Consider purchasing Pokemon plush balls like the Friend Ball, Dive Ball, or Premier Ball at the Japan gift shop, but compare prices as they might be found cheaper on Amazon.
The 25th anniversary popcorn buckets at DCA can sell out quickly, with wait times of up to an hour for mobile order pickup on busy days.
Do not bring outside alcohol, foods in glass containers (except baby food), foods requiring heating/refrigeration, or pungent foods into the parks.
Limit yourself to two alcoholic beverages per transaction at quick-service locations and Epcot festival booths to encourage responsible consumption.
Consider purchasing a novelty candy container, like the new Polynesian design, from the Confectionery as a unique souvenir.
Grab an exclusive annual passholder magnet featuring Nick and Judy from Zootopia at Discovery Trading Company in Animal Kingdom.
Florida residents can get a deal on Walt Disney World annual passes with a reduced down payment.
Check the Disney outlet for specific park merchandise like Animal Kingdom Christmas ornaments at a fraction of the original price.
If you missed limited edition items like Jollywood Nights merchandise, check the outlet store for potential availability at a discount.
Check the Disney outlet for collectible medallions featuring the four parks, offering a park souvenir without needing park admission.
Try the exclusive Zoravski crystal statues at the Arribas Brothers store in Disney Springs, including a unique crystal parrot.
Get exclusive Disney Springs merchandise, such as Grou or Star Wars themed items, at the drop shop located near the photo studio.
Purchase a Disney Springs exclusive pin at Pin Traders in Disney Springs to commemorate your visit.
Bring your own snacks and drinks or use a grocery delivery service, as hotel store items are overpriced.
If you need an emergency item like sunscreen or Pepto-Bismol, check the 'essentials wall' in the resort store.
Consider a value resort like the All-Stars if you plan to be in the parks from open to close and only need a place to sleep.
For unique blind box collectibles, check out the Disney Villain Tower or Stitch and Tron series at the Drop Shop in Disney Springs.
Check for Skyliner merchandise at Pop Century Resort's store.
When shopping at Contemporary Resort, check for merchandise like Vineyard Vines apparel which may have a different pricing structure than typical Disney items.
Consider skipping the dining plan if you're traveling solo and don't typically order high-value meat or fish dishes.