diy mama

lifestyle blog sharing diy, family, travel, organization & disney tips

Disney World Resort and Parks

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Favorite Disney Gear for Kids at the Parks

We’re headed to the most magical place on earth in less than a month. Of course I am consumed with all things Disney. I’ve been looking for the best outfits for my family and I and wanted to share what works best for us when we head to Walt Disney World Resorts. I’ll share a women’s post but this is what I found works best for our daughter.

Favorite Disney Gear for Kids at the Parks

Some links below are Amazon affiliate links.

What Should My Kid Wear to Disney?

  1. Custom Magic Band– Magic bands are good forever and they really hold up well through sweat, sunscreen and Splash Mountain.
  2. Minnie Ears– Minnie Ears have exploded over the past few years. People make them and pay lots of money for custom ears. We found this rainbow sequins pair on Amazon for almost half of what they are in the parks.
  3. Fanny Pack– I know! They’re totally in again though. Our daughter is always carrying a purse with her lip gloss, pen, money, bows and her mirror. We want her to be able to feel responsible to carry her own money for souvenirs.
  4. Cute Sunnies– Sunglasses are a must in Florida no matter what time of year you visit. We love these because they’re flexible and tough. They are also polarized which a lot of kid sunglasses don’t have.
  5. Pin Lanyard– We love pin trading and our daughter does as well. It’s a great way for her to talk to kids and other park guests. It’s also the perfect way to collect an inexpensive souvenir each time we visit.
  6. Minnie Skirt– Our girlie wants to wear her princess dresses all day every day but they can get hot in the parks. She settled for a little Disney Bounding skirt to look like Minnie this year.
  7. Character Shirt– The Disney Store runs sales all the time so we usually pick up our favorite character shirts before heading to the park. Target is great for this as well.
  8. Comfortable Shoes– They’re going to want to wear flip flops or princess shoes but you’ve got to put your foot down with this. Broken in tennis shoes are necessary for them and yourselves while walking all day in the parks.

What kid gear am I missing besides the obvious of sunscreen and tons of water?!

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102 Ways to Save in Disney World Book

Happy first full week of the new year! Whew! I feel like the past couple weeks months were a bit of a whirl wind. I’m welcoming 2015 with open arms and a bright shining smile. Especially because, we’re going to Disney!

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Let me back up. I have been listening to one podcast religiously for the past several months. WDW Radio hosted by Lou Mongello.
I can’t get enough of it. His casts inspire me to learn as much as possible about Disney. His knowledge far outweighs my own on the history of Walt and all that is Disney but his passion for The Mouse definitely rivals my own. Honestly, I’m getting choked up (as always) just thinking about Disney World and all the magic it represents.

I’ll be posting more Disney inspired posts coming up in the next few months as I plan for our trip and will flood you with Disney knowledge once we return (in September). Why can’t we just move to Disney already so I can be a travel planner, or better yet, a ‘travel inspirer’ for Disney?! Sometimes I think nothing would make me happier, but in reality, my family does.

Enough of the mushy! I’m here today to review one of the many awesome products created by Lou Mongello.
102 Ways to Save Money For and At Walt Disney World: Bonus! 40 Free Things to Enjoy, Eat, Do and Collect!

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I may come off as a pedant in regards to my Disney World vacation planning knowledge but it’s really passion that fuels my desire to want you to have the very best experience possible. Lou, on the other hand, really is a braniac at not only Disney World, but Disney Land, their cruises and the history of Walt and the parks. I don’t want to spoil all of the top secret information that he shares in his book, but I wanted to share a few tips that I found helpful.

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  • PAGE 126 What to Pack or Ship: We’ll be shipping diapers from Amazon to our resort for when we go in September. We’re also going to be ordering groceries from Garden Grocer to save money on dining.
  • PAGE 140 Park Bag List: Freezing your water bottle the night before, wet wipes, extra ziplock bags (one for wet clothes and one to keep electronics dry on water rides) and those are just a few great ideas from his list!
  • Page 143: Eating in the Parks: (I’ve heard this on his podcast so I don’t feel bad for spilling this tip.) If you’re looking for a quality and inexpensive character meal, make your reservation for breakfast at the Garden Grove restaurant found at Walt Disney World Swan hotel. Less crowded (quality time with characters) and less expensive. Win win!
  • Page 150: Request ice water for free anywhere. You can save more than $145 on soda alone with a family of 4 (and you’ll stay better hydrated!)
  • Page 178: Night-time Safari: You can view animals roaming the savannah at night by going to the Animal Kingdom Lodge. Go to the fire pit viewing area and ask a cast member to use the free night vision goggles. Definitely on my to-do list for our next trip!

There are SO MANY wonderful tips in this book on how to save before traveling, planning how to use your time best, save while at Walt Disney World Resort and free things to do and see while visiting. I’m so happy my husband found WDW Radio podcast for me because I have been loving obsessing over Disney ever since.

This is a must buy book for anyone planning a trip to visit The Mouse in Disney World. I’d love to know any fun tips you have learned from traveling to Disney. I also strongly encourage you to check out Lou’s blog and podcast! PS. If when you get 102 Ways to Save Money For and At Walt Disney World, my favorite page is 117.

(There are affiliate links within this post. I paid for my own copy of this book but may receive compensation if you purchase the book through the above links.)

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