by Alaina M. Coyle

Created on: March 08, 2010

Bringing your child to Walt Disney World for the first time is an exciting and magical experience. It can be also be quite overwhelming if you are not effectively prepared. The following tips and suggestions can help you avoid unnecessary stress, save money, and enjoy your vacation to Disney much more.

WHAT TO BRING

One of the most important parts of your Disney vacation begins before you even leave your house. Knowing what to pack is crucial if you want to cut costs while you are on vacation. Besides the obvious essentials like sun block and comfortable shoes, you will also want to include a few other things.

* An extra set of batteries. Just when you want to snap a shot of your starry-eyed son with Mickey Mouse, your camera dies. Of course you can buy a package of batteries at most of the gift shops, but they will be ridiculously expensive. Plan ahead by sticking an extra set in your backpack or purse. While we are on the subject of cameras, make sure that you have a quality digital camera that takes great pictures. Then you won’t have to buy the pricey photos the Disney representatives offer you.

* Your own stroller. If you can manage to bring a stroller from home, you will save $15 a day, as that is what the stroller rentals currently charge.

* Snacks and bottled water. You won’t be able to purchase a thing to eat or drink for under $3.00, so if you are traveling with a family, a simple snack break can quickly add up. Pack a few granola bars, a bag of trail mix, and bottles of water in a backpack, and save your money for souvenirs.

* Disney Princess Dress. If you only have sons, skip this part. If you have a young daughter, this tip can save you between $50 to $100. At Magic Kingdom there is a “Princess Experience” you can purchase which includes make-up and hairstyling for your little girl, and a Disney dress of their choice. To save money, bring the dress from home (your local Wal-Mart stocks these) and your own lip gloss and hair accessories. Your daughter will still look like a princess, and you can still afford to feed your family supper.

* Hooded Sweatshirts. This is especially important if you are traveling to Florida in the winter months. Most people believe that this southern state is warm and sunny year-round, but that is not always the case. You will want to be prepared for chilly weather just in case, and since sweatshirts at Disney can cost $50 or more, packing your own is the smartest option. (Side note: Ponchos at Disney

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