When you’re working on your Disney World trip plans, it can be a lot, right?
EPCOT
And some of the biggest decisions are around the budget. I mean, you’ve got to figure out how to get to Disney World, where you’re going to sleep, what you’re going to eat, and how you’re going to get back home, all on budget of course. Now, that actually got us thinking about the things that are 100% worth buying in Disney World, no matter the cost, so we reached out to you to get your thoughts. Well, we asked and you delivered!
We reached out to our followers on Facebook to ask: “7 Things Disney Experts Say Are 100% Worth Buying, No Matter the Cost” We had quite a few people leave their opinions in the comments!
What do you think?
Now, let’s dive into some of your top responses!
PhotoPass
Our Disney World memories are priceless, and that’s why you shared how much you love Disney’s PhotoPass since they’re there to help you capture them all. To that point, our reader Dulcie shared, “We are a family of 3 and nobody gets left out. We have the best photo memories with our daughter from age 2 to 19! And even now she uses it on her DCP! I love getting random pics of her enjoying her program ❤️”
©Disney
Joanna added, “I love having pics of me and my family.” Chelsea added, “As a mom, the only photos I have with my kids are usually selfies. It’s great getting to look back on our Disney memories and being able to show the kids that mom was there too ❤️” If capturing those in-the-moment smiles is high on your list, PhotoPass is a worthy investment.
Lightning Lane
If waiting in long lines isn’t your idea of fun, Lightning Lane is your fast pass to bliss. It allows you to skip the standby line for select attractions, and our readers are adamant it’s worth every penny. For example, Jill shared, “Lightning Lane for your FAVORITE attraction. Me = Guardians of the Galaxy.”
Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind is included with EPCOT’s Lightning Lane Premier Pass
Sid recommended, “Lightning Lane Multi Pass, if you want to do everything and not waste your day in long lines.” Barbie swears by it sharing, “Lighting Lanes, as my husband is not a Disney lover, so if we don’t need to stand in lines, the complaining is minimized.”
Staying on Disney Property
Sure, staying off-property can save a few bucks, but Disney experts agree that the magic of staying on Disney property is irreplaceable. Not only do you stay close to the action, but you also get early park access, immersive theming, and Disney-exclusive perks.
All-Star Music Resort
Pam shared, “Staying on property. Totally worth it.” And Dustin added, “Staying in a resort on Disney property.” There really is nothing like it.
Park Hopper
Now, if flexibility is key to your Disney World experience, the Park Hopper option is your new best friend. This add-on lets you jump between the Disney World parks on a whim (especially when you’re chasing those dining reservations!).
LET’S HOP!
Our reader Josh shared, “Park Hopper. I absolutely love the flexibility of being able to go anywhere, anytime on a whim, especially for dining reservations.” For anyone who likes to maximize their day, Park Hopper is a definite game-changer.
Refillable Mugs
Okay, this one’s for all the beverage lovers out there! Disney’s Refillable Mugs are a small but mighty investment that many of our readers swear by. These mugs give you unlimited refills at your resort hotel throughout your stay, and that makes them both a fun souvenir and a practical way to quench your thirst on those hot Disney days.
Refillable Mug
Our reader Gabrielle summed it up with a big “Refillable mugs 😆” because, honestly, who doesn’t love unlimited drinks?
Character Dining
We all feel meeting Mickey and friends is magical, but meeting them while enjoying a meal is truly like next-level Disney magic. Character Dining lets you skip the long meet-and-greet lines and enjoy quality time with beloved Disney characters at your table.
Farmer Mickey!
April, one of our readers, shared, “At least one character dining if you have kids who love the characters. The smiles and excitement they get is priceless.” For kids and kids-at-heart alike, character dining brings the fairytale to life and it can be worth every penny.
Whatever Makes You Happy
Maybe it’s Disney holiday decor, plushies, or that one souvenir you’ve had your eye on, but sometimes, the best Disney World investment is just going for whatever brings you joy.
Halloween Mickey pumpkin light up bubble wand
To that point, our reader Steve shared, “Whatever makes YOU happy! Favorites of ours are PhotoPass and we make it rain in the Christmas Store.” Sometimes treating yourself to those “must-have” items really can be the cherry on top of your magical day.
Magic Kingdom
Those were just some of your thoughts on the things that are 100% worth buying in Disney World, no matter the cost, and now we want to hear even more from you! Until then, keep it right here for all the latest Disney news! Also, follow us on Facebook to join in on the next discussion.
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I agree with every one of these recommendations. We visited from the UK in April. My eldest son and I brought my autistic middle son, who’s 19 and has very high support needs. The things that made the trip so utterly special were staying onsite (All Star Movies – love it!), three character meals (Cinderella’s Royal Table, Akershus, and Chef Mickey’s), Lightening Lane pass for Tron and Guardians of the Galaxy, the Photo Pass that came with our holiday package, our refillable drinks mugs which we used before we left on the buses in the morning and again when we returned at night, the Hopper facility, and a realistic souvenir budget (we had a great day shopping at Disney Springs, and loved buying souvenirs of our very favourite rides). For those going to Disney Springs, I would also really recommend the Cirque de Soleil show and the excellent Amphicars. They have is memories we’ll never forget. But yes, budget for all of recommendations in the article – you won’t regret it.
There are lots of 100%s in my opinion – maybe not at ANY cost, but are often worth the cost – yes. One is table service for at least one meal a day. If you plan appropriately, it really doesn’t have to cost much more than quick service. A little more, yes. Not worth it more, no. (Now admittedly, that’s not how we roll, but having table service usually at least twice a day is one of our ‘worth its’ in general). It’s also very worth it to us to have a car. We have had rental cars and we’ve also driven our own to WDW, and we have never regretted it. And related to that, if your time is at a premium, and you have your own car, and you have something like AP or you’re staying on property that gets you basic theme park parking for free, the upgrade to preferred parking is often worth it. Chances are you won’t have to walk any further (or maybe not even as far) as you’d have to walk to get to the tram (if they are running), and by the time you’ve made that walk, you’re at your car. No time spent waiting for the tram, or on it. It also makes a trip back to the car much more tolerable if you’ve forgotten something or want to take something to it. Also, like your article says, if there’s something you see that you really like, especially if you realize that you’re kind of fixating on it, get it when you can. Trying to remember where it was can be harder than you would think, and maybe it will still be there, maybe it won’t. You can put in in your car, in a locker, or ship it home if you have to, if you don’t want to carry it around. What few regrets I have of our trips are not getting something I really liked. You often can fine the items on the resale market, but you’ll pay for that ‘convenience.’
I disagree about the Park Hopper. Every park is big enough to spend more than an entire day in, and you lose SO much time transporting from one park to the next, which isn’t always easy. It’s much easier to plan your reservations and rides around a single park for the day. To me, hopper not worth any price.
Now what IS 100% worth the price…a room with a fireworks view! This is something you can request on checkin, or even prior to your arrival. It is my favorite part of almost any trip to be able to simply step outside on a balcony and watch the fireworks from my window instead of having to fight insane crowds both for a viewing spot, for an exit afterward, and a transportation line to head back. Instead, I can leave the park early while everyone else is waiting for the show to start and get back to the hotel quickly. It makes a perfect end to my day to be able to simply step back inside after watching, and retire for the night, to be fresh and rested for the next day. If you can get a room with such a view, do it!