Anyone who has been to Walt Disney World knows that there’s no shortage of things to buy at Disney World. From snacks and souvenirs to collectibles and candy, there are many, MANY options. However, some things just aren’t worth picking up at the resort.

Bubble Wand

That’s not to say that most of these items aren’t essential, but rather that for many of them, the smarter play is to pick them up outside of Disney property.

Candy

Okay, before we jump into Disney World essentials, just a word on candy. Now, don’t get me wrong here, Disney World offers a wide variety of candy options, usually with special branding.

Power Limes!

Now, that’s not to say it’s not delicious — it certainly is — but the majority of prepackaged candy available around Disney World is the same as candy available outside, just in a new wrapper. If I’m indulging my sweet tooth, I’d rather have one of the unique baked treats/ice cream confections/etc as opposed to the same candy I can get at home.

Your Chosen Path Cupcake

Ponchos

Does Disney sell ponchos in the parks? Yes. Should you rely on them in the event of a Disney World downpour? Our hours of testing suggest no. You can get a cheaper and higher-quality poncho online before your trip that you will actually be able to reuse again and again!

Frogg Toggs Poncho

We have tried A LOT of ponchos at Walt Disney World over the years, and this is BY FAR our favorite, especially for the kind of rainy weather you may find in Central Florida. This poncho — available on Amazon in multiple colors, including this striking hot pink — had several features that we simply adored, which make it superior to the Disney models sold at the resort. The material allowed the rain to slip right off, and between that and the lack of sleeves, we didn’t feel steamed or hot underneath. On top of that, the poncho was large enough that our backpack was able to fit underneath it comfortably, while still keeping the bag and our backs completely covered from the rain.

If all that wasn’t enough, the poncho even comes with a waterproof storage bag, meaning we were able to quickly pack it up and throw it in our backpack as soon as the storm ended without worrying about anything in there getting wet.

SHOP HERE

LACOVIA Mickey Mouse Fan

Another item you can likely find in the parks are misting fans. But you will be paying a premium price in the parks and honestly, those fans may not even hold up the entire trip.

LACOVIA Cute Mouse Misting Mini Fan

This Mickey-shaped fan has 3 speeds and a misting option, and even features tiny nubs that I’ll refer to as “feet” for it to be sat on a desk or table while you’re seated to keep the fan upright without tipping over. It has a plastic cage around the actual fan part, so I don’t have to worry about a little one sticking their fingers in it, and it is rechargeable with a USB-C charging cord.

SHOP HERE

JISULIFE 3-in-1 Handheld Fan

This is another amazing fan option for really inexpensive!

JISULIFE 3 IN 1 Handheld Mini Fan

This USB-powered fan is actually 3 products in 1, as it also functions as a flashlight and an emergency power bank. It’s also foldable, making it easily portable to carry everywhere, including theme parks. Either of these fan options is essential for Florida in the summertime, and both are far cheaper than the counterparts sold within the parks.

SHOP HERE

Supergoop! Glow Screen SPF 40

Can you buy sunscreen in Disney World? Duh. But will it be your favorite brand or a price that makes you excited that you forgot your personal sunscreen at home? Nope.

Supergoop!

For a fraction of the cost, this broad-spectrum sunscreen features SPF 40 that helps filter blue light and doubles as a makeup-gripping primer for dewy, glowing skin that isn’t greasy or oily.

SHOP HERE

Minnie Mouse Light and Sound Musical Bubble Wand

Bubble wands can be PRICEY in the parks. And we must say, your kids are going to see other kiddos with cool light up bubble wands, so when that happens, having one of these on hand will make you the parent of the day and save you some money!

©Amazon

This Minnie Mouse version plays whimsical music while blowing tons of bubbles. It includes one 4oz. bottle of ELSA premium bubble solution, and requires 3AAA batteries (not included). Other characters are also available.

SHOP HERE

If you need any of these essentials for your next Disney World trip, consider picking them up on Amazon beforehand instead of picking them up at the parks, and stay tuned to DFB each week for our latest Amazon finds!