Disney Souvenir Shopping: Five Tips to Make it Magical!

Disney Souvenir Shopping:  Five Tips to Make it Magical!

You can’t go to Walt Disney World without buying souvenirs!  This is true on so many levels….you want to remember your trip with something special, many items are ONLY found in Disney Parks, and we all agree that Disney has marketing down to a science.  So, how do you decide what to buy?  What’s worth it?  What is something unique?  Let me share with you Five Tips for Shopping for Souvenirs at the Disney Parks.

  • Before you leave, buy Disney gift cards so you can set a limit.  When we travel, we often buy each of our children a $50 gift card, and then one of a slightly larger amount for us parents to use.  This is beneficial because then you have an idea of how much you’re spending AND in many cases you’ll get fuel discounts if you buy the gift cards at the grocery Disney Souvenir Shopping:  Five Tips to Make it Magical!  .  
  • When at Disney, and you find a souvenir you REALLY want, buy it.  Or, make a note of it on your phone or somewhere so you can come back and get it later.  Many times, what you see is probably unique to that park.  There’s a decent chance you won’t come across it later.

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Celebrating Easter at Walt Disney World

Celebrating Easter at Walt Disney World

Easter is one of the busiest times to visit Walt Disney World, between Spring Break and the Holiday.  According to TouringPlans.com, expect Crowd Levels of 10 out of 10 from March 23rd to April 2nd. However, I had no idea there were so many additional activities Disney offered in the week prior or on Easter Sunday.

Here is and idea of what to expect on Easter.

THE PARKS

Magic Kingdom

  •  Meet and Greet with Mr. and Mrs. Easter Bunny- Starting now through Easter Sunday.  At the Bunny Lane Gardens near City Hall from 9am to 5pm.
  • Easter Pre-Parade-An Easter Themed introduction 15 minutes prior to the 3pm parade. That’s 2:45pm folks!
  • Fantasyland walkway between Little Mermaid and Storybook Circus will be open through April 8th to alleviate crowds.

Epcot

  • Disney Limited Time Magic Vinylmation Easter Egg Hunt-Purchase a map for $4.95 and search for hidden “eggs” throughout  Epcot and you will be rewarded with an Easter Vinylmation surprise.
  • Easter Egg Hunts-At the UK Pavilion Garden Maze and Future World Innoventions “Easter Garden”.  Additional Easter Activities at the “Easter Garden”
  • Meet and Greet with Mr. and Mrs. Easter Bunny-On Easter Sunday only at the UK Pavilion Garden Maze.

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Get Disney Souvenirs at Marketplace Fun Finds

Get Disney Souvenirs at Marketplace Fun Finds

Disney souvenirs can be an expensive part of your vacation, but you can get authentic Disney souvenirs at Marketplace Fun Finds for reasonable prices. There’s a great store at Downtown Disney called Marketplace Fun Finds where you can get your Disney souvenirs marked down to just a few dollars! Downtown Disney has no cost for admission and even offers free parking! Although the largest Disney store, World of Disney, is found here, there are plenty of other great places to get souvenirs! Marketplace Fun Finds can be found in the Marketplace section of Downtown Disney, next to Little MissMatched. This store has brand new, Disney merchandise for affordable prices!

More after the jump…

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Events & Attractions for Easter 2013 at Walt Disney World

Events & Attractions for Easter 2013 at Walt Disney World

Easter is one of the busiest times to visit Walt Disney World, between Spring Break and the Holiday.  According to TouringPlans.com, expect Crowd Levels of 10 out of 10 from March 23rd to April 2nd. However, I had no idea there were so many additional activities Disney offered in the week prior or on Easter Sunday.

Here is a preview of what to expect on Easter.

THE PARKS

Magic Kingdom

  •  Meet and Greet with Mr. and Mrs. Easter Bunny-Starts a week prior and on Easter Sunday.  At the Gardens near City Hall.
  • Easter Pre-Parade-An Easter Themed introduction 15 minutes prior to the 3pm parade. That’s 2:45pm folks!

Epcot

  • Easter Egg Hunts-At the UK Pavilion Garden Maze and Future World Innoventions “Easter Garden”.  Additional Easter Activities at the “Easter Garden”
  • Meet and Greet with Mr. and Mrs. Easter Bunny-On Easter Sunday only at the UK Pavilion Garden Maze.

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Planning 101: Stocking up for Birthday and Holiday Gifts at Disney

Planning 101:  Stocking up for Birthday and Holiday Gifts at Disney

Like many Disney guests, I’ve celebrated my kids birthdays and even one crazy Christmas at Walt Disney World.  I would go broke if I waited and bought their presents upon arrival, so a little planning is often required.  Keep in mind you need to get these supplies to Disney, so if flying you should weigh the cost options of an extra bag or mailing to your resort vs. your savings. Here are a few of my tips for stocking up for giving giving with a  little Disney magic:

  • Disney Store or DisneyStore.com-When Disney has a sale, they have a good one.  I’m also lucky enough to have two outlet stores nearby and can snag some deals.  Park exclusives are available as well!  Take advantage of their “Twice Upon a Year Sales” and after Christmas markdowns for next Christmas.  Beware:  Some items will be dated with the year, so look at the online description.
  • “Other Websites”-There are a lot of sites selling Disney merchandise.  One being LaughingPlaceStore.com which has items like autograph books and pin sets.  BirthdayExpress.com has Disney party goods to make birthday’s special.
  • “Other Stores”-Again, look for deals and clearance but Disney items can be found at Target, Sears, Walmart, Toys R Us, etc.  I’ve gotten some really cute sweatshirts to give as gifts and wear at the park.
  • Get Creative-Zazzle.com allows you to make custom clothing with official Disney graphics.  Perfect for announcing to the park your special trip.  Etsy.com is also a really creative place for custom Disney clothing.

Part of having fun at Disney  immersing yourself in the Magic of Disney.  So budget a bit to get a special “One of a Kind” present from the gift shops.  Don’t forget to get a “Happy Birthday” Button at Guest Services as you enter the parks.  Decorate your window at your resort for Birthdays or Christmas.  For ideas, click here.  Have fun and enjoy your special holiday vacation!

Mickey  Mom is Mom to two boys with birthdays that often get celebrated as one big party in Walt Disney World.

 

Planning 101:  Stocking up for Birthday and Holiday Gifts at Disney

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