Updated for 2018!
Ever need a cute gift that also shows off your all encompassing love of all things Disney? Head over to Wal-mart, where you’ll find a large assortment of watches for under $20.
[Read more…]
Where Can You Find Disney Character Watches Under $20?
July 16, 2016 by
Doing Disney World for Less: Souvenir Picture Frames
June 10, 2016 by
Updated for 2018!
Souvenirs are expensive at Walt Disney World. It’s not like walking into Wal-mart of T.J. Maxx where items go on sale. There’s almost nothing on sale at WDW, and paying full retail price hurts.
I like to recommend that vacationers purchase souvenir items they can use every day at home, or at least something you can see every day, so you feel like you got the best use of your money. [Read more…]
Top 5 Souvenir Shops at Walt Disney World
May 28, 2016 by
Every vacation budget has that one important line item…souvenirs. How much should you spend? What will we buy? What is the one (or two) perfect vacation souvenir to take home that could carry all your magical memories home with it? [Read more…]
Visiting Animal Kingdom at Night? Be Sure to Catch the Harambe Wildlife Parti!
May 26, 2016 by
Updated for 2018!
If you are visiting Animal Kingdom after sundown, be sure to catch the Harambe Wildlife Parti. This safari after-party fills Harambe, which is an African village located within Disney’s Animal Kingdom park, featuring a beautiful theatre district and a hopping marketplace. Busy during the day with local street musicians and entertainment, at night, it’s time to get ready for a parti! [Read more…]
20 Cheapskate Tips for Souvenirs and Activities at Disney World: How to Save Money!!
May 12, 2016 by
Updated for 2018!
Disney vacation souvenirs are expensive, but do you always have to pay retail?
We have some tips on saving money for your next Disney vacation, plus ideas on how to save money on souvenirs and activities. So put your Visa card away, hide your checkbook, and let’s see how the cheapskates do Disney!
Read: Almost 130 FREE Walt Disney World Resort Activities!
runDisney in Your Neighborhood and Earn Mickey Medals!
April 29, 2016 by
2016
I’ve wanted to participate in a runDisney race for years, but the timing of the races has never been compatible with my work schedule, and planning a vacation around a race just hasn’t fit into my budget. With the announcement of Disney’s Virtual Running Shorts Series, beginners to seasoned runDisney veterans can get outside for some Disney-inspired fun and exercise this summer and bring home official race bling! You can run with friends and family or all by yourself. What you don’t have to do is actually run in Orlando, and you have from May 15th to June 30th to do it.
Are you ready to bring home some Disney race bling without ever setting foot on Disney property? Then it’s time to get out your Visa and register.
Walking Miles & Miles at Disney Theme Parks
In your own backyard…
RunDisney will now add virtual races to their established park race lineup, and your whole family is invited to join the Disney fun without driving to Orlando. Participants can walk, jog, stroll through your neighborhood, or run a race on a treadmill. You will choose the course that’s right for you, selecting from one of three Mickey-themed Disney 5Ks. You also have the option to run all three for completion of the Running Shorts Series.
Runners track their own times and completion is based on the honor system; you can register here starting April 28.
Many people drive to Orlando for the runDisney races just to enjoy time with friends, dress in Disney-themed race costumes, and of course the exhilaration of running across Disney property. But let’s face it; prices are going up and a weekend stay in Orlando with food, souvenirs, and race registration can cost hundreds of dollars, even thousands if you stay Deluxe and fly into town. But if the funds aren’t there for 2016, or you want some motivation to work yourself up to a half or full marathon on Disney property, then these Virtual Running Shorts could be just what you need.
What will you get for your money, since you will not be on Disney property?
- exercise (although technically this part is free!)
- medals: up to four specially-designed Finisher Medals celebrating Mickey Mouse
- tumbler if you participate in the three-run series
Almost 130 FREE Walt Disney World Resort Activities!
Running Shorts 5K – Yellow Shoes Highlights
- 3.1 mile run on course of runner’s choosing
- Proof of run not required
Running Shorts 5K – Yellow Shoes Race Participants Receive
- Commemorative Mickey’s Yellow Shoes Finisher Medal
- Yellow Shoes Digital Race Bib
Completion Timeframe: May 15 – June 1, 2016
Running Shorts 5K –2 Red Pants Highlights
- 3.1 mile run on course of runner’s choosing
- Proof of run not required
Running Shorts 5K-2 Red Pants Race Participants Receive
- Commemorative Mickey’s Red Pants Finisher Medal
- Red Pants Digital Race Bib
Completion Timeframe: June 5 – June 18, 2016
Running Shorts 5K-3 White Glove Highlights
- 3.1 mile run on course of runner’s choosing
- Proof of run not required
Running Shorts 5K-3 White Glove Race Participants Receive
- Commemorative Mickey’s White Glove Finisher Medal
- White Glove Digital Race Bib
Completion Timeframe: June 19 – June 30, 2016
What You Can NOT Wear to Disney Theme Parks
4. runDisney Virtual Running Shorts Series $142.00
This will be the Disney fan’s ultimate summer running challenge – three 5Ks, four Mickey Finisher Medals, and 9.3 miles of fun!
RunDisney’s Virtual Running Shorts Series combines all three Running Shorts 5Ks for 9.3 miles of fun. Complete the runs within the scheduled dates to earn the first-ever Running Shorts Mickey Series Medal and Mickey tumbler, plus you get the Red Pants, Yellow Shoes and White Glove Individual Finisher Medals.
Note: you must register for the Virtual Running Shorts Series to receive the Running Shorts Mickey Series Medal and Mickey tumbler in addition to individual race medals. Your completion timeframe is May 15th to June 30th, 2016
Running Shorts Series Highlights
- Running Shorts 5K – Yellow Shoes, 5K – Red Pants, and 5K – White Glove runs totaling 9.3 miles.
- Proof of run not required
Virtual Running Shorts Series Participants Receive
- Running Shorts Challenge Digital Race Bib
- Special Mickey Series Finisher Medal and Mickey tumbler, along with Commemorative Running Shorts Yellow Shoes, Red Pants and White Glove Individual Finisher Medals.
How to Pack the BEST Disney World Theme Park Bag Ever!
The Fine Print
- Entry fees for the runDisney Virtual Running Shorts Series are non-refundable.
- This was stated above, but you must register for the Virtual Running Shorts Series to receive the Running Shorts Mickey Series Medal and Mickey tumbler in addition to individual race medals.
- Dates, times, prices and inclusions subject to change.
- Disney reserves the right to refuse the entry into, and/or revoke any registration for, any race for any reason in its sole discretion with refund of any applicable registration fees being the sole remedy of any such refusal and/or revocation.
- Disney reserves the right to refuse the entry into, and/or revoke any registration for any race for any reason in its sole discretion with refund of any applicable registration fees being the sole remedy of any such refusal and/or revocation.
- All races are non-transferable between individuals.
- You can share your experiences with all the races at #runDisneyShorts.
The Ultimate Disney World Tinker Bell Gift Guide
When you finish your summer races, you might treat yourself to one of those PANDORA race charms, because now you’ll be an official runDisney runner!
So for the first time, you can now participate in a runDisney race without ever setting foot in Orlando. Or for more fun, complete your race on Walt Disney World or Disneyland property!
Use this link for more information and to register.
Thanks for stopping by, and we’ll see you lacing up your running shoes, deciding where to hang your medal (or medals!)
To see more of our Cheapskating Guides, use this link.
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Disney’s Cheapskate Princess
.
Now let our vacation planner help you plan your trip, totally for FREE!
Earn $20 Rewards for Vacation Referrals!
Use this link for a free no obligation vacation quote from Mike Ellis, our Disney Vacation Planner with Pixie Vacations.
Call Mike at 919-606-6725 or e-mail him at mike@pixievacations.com.
Amanda Major is the creator of cheapskateprincess.com. She remembers her first visit to Magic Kingdom like it was yesterday, because she had a ham sandwich tucked in her shorts pocket. The whole family snuck in their lunch; you can’t make that kinda stuff up. 40 years worth of trips to Orlando later, she is still trying to save money on vacations.
Amanda is a Disney Vacation Club Member and Annual Pass holder. Her amazing husband, band director Carl Major, plus three teen children and two dogs keep her busy. Amanda teaches Leadership to high school seniors in the almost-coastal town of Foley, Alabama. Read about her cheapskating local vacations with this link. When she’s not writing, she’s reading, walking somewhere, or paddling a kayak. Life is indeed a blast.
We hope we can help save you some money too. Use this link for a free no obligation vacation quote from our Travel Consultant with Pixie Vacations, Mike Ellis. You can also e-mail him at mike@pixievacations.com.
Come see us at Disney’s Cheapskate Princess on Facebook and Cheapskate Princess on Pinterest.
The Pros & Cons of Staying at Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort
April 26, 2016 by
Situated near Epcot and Hollywood Studios at Walt Disney World Resort in Orlando lies the lush tropical-themed Caribbean Beach Resort. This moderate resort provides the amenities and comforts one would expect from a Disney resort, with a very relaxing island vibe. If you are looking for a quiet, tropical vacation, this could be the perfect resort for you. It’s a big property at over 200 acres, which has both good and bad points.
Compared to Disney’s value resorts, the moderate resorts typically provide larger rooms, queen beds – though there are exceptions, more on-site dining options, and upgraded pools with slides. Compared to Disney’s Deluxe resorts, moderates typically provide smaller rooms, not as-lush accommodations, fewer on-site dining options and fewer park transportation options. Caribbean Beach Resort provides a great middle ground for first time and seasoned visitors alike.
Let this Pros and Cons of Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort list help you decide if this is the vacation property for you and your family!
Disney World Resort Hopping
Caribbean Beach Resort of the 2112 rooms, 350 are specially Pirate Themed Rooms
Caribbean Beach Resort Pros:
- For larger families, rooms can comfortably accommodate 5 adults
- Other than the Pirate themed rooms, all rooms with 2 beds have 2 queen sized beds
- Designed like a fortress, complete with water canons, this has one of the best themed resort pools
- Main pool and kids splash area have zero entry, which is perfect for little ones
- Never hard to get a chair at the pools, since there are 7 pools to choose from
- Larger resort size and lower density buildings help keep resort quiet
- Food Court is adjacent to main pool; very convenient for refill mugs and quick meals and snacks
- Lush green landscape throughout the resort
- Newly refurbished rooms feel new and modern yet comfortable and fresh
- Registered guests receive free resort and theme park parking
- Registered guests receive access to Extra Magic Hours in the parks when offered
- Free airport transportation via Disney’s Magical Express
- Free Disney Theme Park transportation via bus every 15-20 minutes
- Resort shuttle available, running the interior of all bus stops to Port Royale area
- Islands of the Caribbean Pirate Cruise offered for the little ones (for an extra fee)
Caribbean Beach Resort Cons:
- No elevators for those with mobility issues
- Transportation can take longer than other Walt Disney World moderate resorts as there are two more resort-wide bus stops
- Larger resort means it can be a long walk from your room to Old Port Royale or to a bus stop
- Pirate Themed rooms beds are same sized as value resorts and not a fit for those who need queen sized beds
- No balconies outside of rooms
- Only location for refill on resort mugs is at the Old Port Royale area, which is not convenient for all rooms
Differences in the Disney World Resort Levels
Knowing the pros and the cons can certainly help you decide if this is good resort for your family. My assessment is this is most definitely a resort to try for your next Disney vacation. I think the good qualities outweigh the bad with this property. With the right planning, you can avoid some of the cons with staying here.
To see more of our Cheapskating Guides, use this link.
.
.
Disney’s Cheapskate Princess
.
Now let our vacation planner help you plan your trip, totally for FREE!
Earn $20 Rewards for Vacation Referrals!
Use this link for a free no obligation vacation quote from Mike Ellis, our Disney Vacation Planner with Pixie Vacations.
Call Mike at 919-606-6725 or e-mail him at mike@pixievacations.com.
Amanda Major is the creator of cheapskateprincess.com. She remembers her first visit to Magic Kingdom like it was yesterday, because she had a ham sandwich tucked in her shorts pocket. The whole family snuck in their lunch; you can’t make that kinda stuff up. 40 years worth of trips to Orlando later, she is still trying to save money on vacations.
Amanda is a Disney Vacation Club Member and Annual Pass holder. Her amazing husband, band director Carl Major, plus three teen children and two dogs keep her busy. Amanda teaches Leadership to high school seniors in the almost-coastal town of Foley, Alabama. Read about her cheapskating local vacations with this link. When she’s not writing, she’s reading, walking somewhere, or paddling a kayak. Life is indeed a blast.
We hope we can help save you some money too. Use this link for a free no obligation vacation quote from our Travel Consultant with Pixie Vacations, Mike Ellis. You can also e-mail him at mike@pixievacations.com.
Come see us at Disney’s Cheapskate Princess on Facebook and Cheapskate Princess on Pinterest.
Top 5 Reasons Why YOU Want to Take a Disney Cruise!
April 18, 2016 by
There are so many reasons why your next Disney vacation should be on one of the many Disney Cruise Ships, but here are our top five.
Top Three Disney World Souvenirs You’ll Use Every Day
Cheapskate Guide Top 5 Reasons to Take a Disney Cruise:
#5 Mom & Dad Get to Relax!
Disney vacations are perfect for making family memories. But Mom and Dad need a chance to relax too! On a Disney Cruise, you will have plenty of activities and events that you can experience together with the whole family. But, as a bonus, the children’s programs and kid, tween and teen clubs are unparalleled in quality. Safe and secure, the kids’ clubs are the perfect way for your kids to have some great energy-releasing activities, while Mom and Dad take in the sun or a dip in the pool. The ability for the whole family to relax AND also get quality family time on board is the first reason you should be looking into setting sail on one of the four Disney Cruise Ships.
#4 Best Food on the Planet
The best cruise food you can devour… One of the first things people tell me when I am booking their first Disney cruise is that they are worried about the food. They’ve cruised on other cruise lines and didn’t have a positive experience. Is the food on Disney cruise ship really THAT good? In a word? YES! You will eat like a royal family. The cuisine is a highlight for everyone in your group, even the pickiest of little eaters. Plus, you get the bonus of the friendly and kind wait staff that stays with you for your entire voyage. They get to know your children’s likes and dislikes and help make meal time extra special for the smallest family member to the parents and grandparents traveling together.
*Do you have food allergies, or sensitivities? Do not worry. You are very well accommodated on a Disney cruise ship, and your travel agent helps make sure the cruise line knows everything they need to about your needs before you ever set sail.
20 Cheapskate Tips for Accommodations and Tickets at Disney World
#3. Excursions, Entertainment, Experiences, OH MY!
Disney-level quality is something we all know about. This quality is carried over into offering the best excursions for your family. You are getting Disney quality at locations and ports around the world. Wherever you are heading on your cruise, the crew of your Disney ship is getting you there safely and serving you while you debark and embark the ship to make sure you experience these once in a lifetime moments.
The entertainment offered on board a Disney cruise is Broadway quality. I am going to say that again, BROADWAY quality entertainment. Brought to you. On your cruise. The convenience and quality of experiencing this level of entertainment is worth its weight in cost right there.
Character experiences are a definite plus on a Disney Cruise. Your kids will LOVE these experiences almost as much as seeing characters in the parks, because Mickey Mouse is sailing WITH you. All of this is happening just steps from your Disney quality stateroom!
Disney World Vacation Planning: Non-Holiday Dates to Avoid
#2. Quality and Cleanliness
So many people tell me they would like to try a Disney Cruise, but they are afraid of going on any cruise because of the possibility of getting sick or sharing germs in such a confined space. Disney is the industry gold standard for keeping their ships clean, maintained, and when it comes to traveling with children, this is the only cruise line I choose for my family to travel on.
#1 Castaway Cay
I don’t know about you, but every so often a private island of my own slips into my dreams. Now, I’m pretty sure I am never going to own a tropical island all for myself, but Disney’s Castaway Cay is the best close second possible. Castaway Cay is Disney’s own piece of paradise in the Bahamas. It has its own dock (so easy access on and off the boat) and many different areas for adventure or just relaxing on the beach. The clear blue water, snorkeling, miles and miles of private shoreline give you the best backdrop for a gorgeous, relaxing day. There is an adult only beach, as well as children areas, so there is something for everyone.
Exciting News! Disney just released the Disney Cruise itineraries for 2017, and they include TWO days at this beautiful private island.
How a Walt Disney World Trip Alters Your After-Vacation Reality
To see more of our Cheapskating Guides, use this link.
.
.
Disney’s Cheapskate Princess
.
Now let our vacation planner help you plan your trip, totally for FREE!
Earn $20 Rewards for Vacation Referrals!
Use this link for a free no obligation vacation quote from Mike Ellis, our Disney Vacation Planner with Pixie Vacations.
Call Mike at 919-606-6725 or e-mail him at mike@pixievacations.com.
Amanda Major is the creator of cheapskateprincess.com. She remembers her first visit to Magic Kingdom like it was yesterday, because she had a ham sandwich tucked in her shorts pocket. The whole family snuck in their lunch; you can’t make that kinda stuff up. 40 years worth of trips to Orlando later, she is still trying to save money on vacations.
Amanda is a Disney Vacation Club Member and Annual Pass holder. Her amazing husband, band director Carl Major, plus three teen children and two dogs keep her busy. Amanda teaches Leadership to high school seniors in the almost-coastal town of Foley, Alabama. Read about her cheapskating local vacations with this link. When she’s not writing, she’s reading, walking somewhere, or paddling a kayak. Life is indeed a blast.
We hope we can help save you some money too. Use this link for a free no obligation vacation quote from our Travel Consultant with Pixie Vacations, Mike Ellis. You can also e-mail him at mike@pixievacations.com.
Come see us at Disney’s Cheapskate Princess on Facebook and Cheapskate Princess on Pinterest.
Most Popular Disney World Souvenirs: Mouse Ear Hats
April 11, 2016 by
Updated for 2018!
Disney World is like a huge red carpet of Mouse fashion. You won’t be able to turn five feet without seeing someone with a Disney character on their shirt or on their head. This can be intimidating for first time travelers or even long time travelers; you feel the pressure to be dressed like everybody else, and everybody else seems to have paid for Mickey items to show off on vacation.
And covered in bright colors and shiny sequins, Mouse Ear Hats are now all the rage. They aren’t the least expensive items you’ll find in gift shops, but they are cheaper than many other items like $49.00 sweatshirts and $125.00 sterling silver necklaces.
The Disney Rash: How to Beat It!
April 2, 2016 by
Updated for 2018!
Have you ever heard of the “Disney Rash?” You will do an incredible amount of walking on a Disney vacation. Sometimes the mileage adding up can be more painful than the sticker shock from the cost of your trip. Sore legs, aching feet, and then throw in a rash. Wait, what?? Seasoned Disney World and Disneyland travelers have noticed a rash appearing on the legs of people walking in the parks and resorts. They call it the “Disney Rash.” Is there really such a vacation ailment?
I know my Disney Visa bill can make my eye twitchy, but can a Disney vacation really make you itchy? [Read more…]
Understanding Disney Park Closure Phases: A Cheapskate Princess Guide
October 13, 2015 by
There are a LOT of people taking vacations to Disney parks, which these days can pretty much be year ’round. There seem to be no “down” times to go to Disney with short lines and low crowds like in years past. And during holidays, things can be just downright crazy! If you are one of those people planning a trip to Disney, you need to be aware that all these visitors in one place at one time can affect your vacation in more ways than you may realize.
Walt Disney World will limit the amount of people they allow through the gates so guests have more fun and stay safe. What happens if you are vacationing during these crowd-intense times? Can you get shut out of the theme parks?
Use this link for more Cheapskate Guides!
Parking Lots Closing
The first thing to close when crowd attendance levels start to peak will be the Disney parking lots, because they generally reach capacity levels before the parks start closure procedures. At this point, your car may be diverted to an alternate parking lot. You will be provided bus transportation back to the park with the closed parking lot, provided that park is still open to visitors.
Time = Money. Driving over to another parking lot will take a lot of time, with traffic moving slowly, bumper to bumper. You will use up time getting to the new parking lot, plus time to get to your destination. When parking has reached the point of diversion, your day is going to get off to a slower start.
Parks Closing
Now remember that the phrase “park closure” does not mean Cast Members simply shut the gates immediately; there are levels of closures.
Every single Disney World theme parks has reached a level of closure at some point, even if it was a lower level, and predictably because of its popularity, Magic Kingdom is the most likely to start closure procedures based on high crowd levels.
Hollywood Studios and Animal Kingdom are less likely to reach closure phases, but it is definitely possible because they are smaller parks with less standing around room than Magic Kingdom.
Epcot has massive amounts of space, so it’s less likely to close than the other three parks.
Even Disney’s water parks, Blizzard Beach and Typhoon Lagoon, can close due to high crowd levels, which can occur during Easter holidays and the week of July 4th.
“Best of the Best” Walt Disney World Freebies
Phases for Closure
The Disney Company does not currently publish any specific information regarding park closure phases. What we assume about closure phases can change at any time with no notice to anyone, so this is our best guess guide.
“Closure phases” are initiated by Disney to restrict the amount of guests coming into theme parks. There are four phases to closures. These closure phases also may not last all day long. If enough guests leave mid-afternoon or in the evening, closure restrictions can be listed and more guest will be permitted entry.
Phase One
Guests allowed to enter:
- Annual Passholders
- Multi-day or multi-park tickets holders
- Guests staying on Disney Resort property
- Guests re-entering the same park that day
- Guests who entered another park that day (park hoppers)
- Guests with in-park reservations or appointments
- Guests arriving using Disney transportation rather than personal transportation
Guests not allowed to enter:
- Visitors with no park tickets
- Visitors with one-day, single-park tickets
- Visitors intending to use Cast Member passes
Phase Two
The only guests allowed through the turnstiles and into the parking lots are:
- Annual Passholders
- Guests staying on Disney Resort property
- Guests re-entering the same park that day
- Guests who entered another park that day (park hoppers)
- Guests with in-park reservations or appointments
- Guests arriving using Disney transportation rather than personal transportation
Guests not allowed to enter:
- Visitors with no park tickets
- Visitors with one-day, single-park tickets
- Multi-day or multi-park tickets holders
- Visitors intending to use Cast Member passes
Phase Three
The only visitors allowed through the turnstiles and into the parking lots now:
- Annual Passholders
- Guests staying at a Disney Resort
- Guests with in-park reservations or appointments
Phase Four
The theme park and the parking lot is now closed to all arriving guests. You can assume the entire world is now standing inside that park.
5 Steps for Planning a Disney Vacation: A Cheapskate Princess Guide*
How Can You Ensure You Get In?
Best Times to Visit Walt Disney World: A Cheapskate Princess Guide
3. Stay on Resort Property
Booking your stay on resort property has several advantages, even if you pay more for this privilege.
By waking up already located on Disney property, you can utilize Disney resort transportation. Guests arriving using Disney transportation rather than personal transportation are allowed through the turnstiles through a level two closure.
Disney Resorts guarantee their guests access to a Disney World theme park. However, just because you are guaranteed to get into a park does not mean you will be able to get into the specific park that you want to visit. And just because you get in, standing side by side with all those people, this does not ensure you’ll enjoy the low-stress holiday you were looking forward to enjoying (see scheduling tip #1.)
Where to stay? Use this guide: *Differences in the Disney World Resort Levels: A Cheapskate Guide
4. Make In-Park Reservations or Appointments
Guests with in-park reservations get into the parks through a level three closure, so save up your money and schedule a special event or meal just to be sure.
You can start making ADRs (Advanced Dining Reservations) 180 days in advance of your trip. This is very important as dining reservations fill up fast during holiday seasons. Use this guide: Disney World Advanced Dining Reservations: A Cheapskate Princess Guide
Surviving Disney World at Christmas: A Cheapskate Princess Guide*
Thanks for stopping by, and we’ll see you considering what you and the fam. are doing during Christmas vacation…
To see more of our Cheapskating Guides, use this link.
.
.
Amanda, Disney’s Cheapskate Princess
.
Mike Ellis
Now let our vacation planner help you plan your trip, totally for FREE!
Earn $20 Rewards for Vacation Referrals!
Use this link for a free no obligation vacation quote from Mike Ellis, our Disney Vacation Planner with Pixie Vacations.
Call Mike at 919-606-6725 or e-mail him at mike@pixievacations.com.
How a Walt Disney World Trip Alters Your After-Vacation Reality
September 26, 2015 by
Updated for 2018!
Returning home from a really fun vacation may be one of the most unpleasant feelings in the world. If you’re reading articles about Disney, you’re probably either planning a trip or you’re fighting depression. Walt Disney World is a magical place, and a journey to Disney parks and resorts can affect you in an assortment if surprising ways. [Read more…]
