Cheap Disney merchandise and souvenirs outside the parks are easier to find than most first-time visitors expect, and a little planning can save a family real money. Park shops are convenient but tend to cost more, so the smartest approach is to decide on your souvenirs before you go and shop around for the rest. Here are practical ways to bring home memories without overspending.
Set a souvenir budget before you leave
Kids ask for everything in a gift shop, and the shop at the end of every ride is designed for it. A simple rule helps:
- Give each child a fixed souvenir amount for the whole trip.
- Let them choose one keepsake and decide when to buy it.
- Skip impulse buys at the exit of rides and shows.
Our guide to saving money on a Disney World vacation with kids has more ideas for keeping the whole trip on budget.
Shop for cheap Disney merchandise before the trip
Many families buy basics at home. Matching family T-shirts, autograph books, pins for trading and ear headbands can often be found online or at general stores before you travel. Check current prices and the return policy first, and buy only what your family will actually wear.
Pack a few flat, lightweight items too, such as a small notebook or a plain tote bag, so kids have somewhere to put the things they collect.
Look at stores outside the parks
Central Florida has plenty of shops beyond the park gates, including gift stores, outlet-style centers and everyday retailers that carry Orlando-themed items. Keep a few things in mind when you browse:
- Compare prices on similar items between stores before buying.
- Make sure an item is the real thing and not a poor imitation.
- Be wary of sellers who seem too good to be true.
- Remember that stock and prices change, so check before you plan a special trip.
If you want an easy evening out with some browsing, our post on Disney Springs parking, dining and an easy night out covers what to expect. Disney Springs is usually under 15 minutes from Windsor Hills.
Choose cheap Disney souvenirs that are not merchandise
Not every souvenir needs a logo. Some of the best keepsakes cost very little:
- a photo book of your trip, made after you get home
- a postcard or pressed penny from a park visit
- a scrapbook page with ticket stubs and a favorite photo
- a small jar of Florida citrus candy from a local store
A photo of the kids in front of the palm trees at the resort often means more than a plush toy in six months.
Save on food and spend on memories
Every dollar you do not spend on snacks and meals can go toward a souvenir your family truly wants. Windsor Hills homes have full kitchens, so cooking breakfast and packing lunches frees up room in the budget. See our family food budget guide for a realistic starting point, and our list of 10 easy ways families can spend less at Disney World for more savings.
Make your Disney home base work for your budget
Windsor Hills is a gated resort about 5 to 10 minutes from Disney property, with a heated lagoon resort pool, the Sir Windsor AquaVenture water park, splash areas, a clubhouse and a games room, so the whole family has fun that does not cost extra. Book direct with owners and put the savings toward the souvenirs that matter.
Browse Windsor Hills rentals to find a spacious home with a kitchen and start planning your budget-friendly Disney trip.
