Magic Kingdom is one of those places where everything looks cute, magical, and suddenly essential.

You can plan your budget, walk through those gates, and instantly feel like you need to buy every single sparkly thing that catches your eye. Pros know the truth, though, and that truth is that not every souvenir is worth the money. If you want to stretch your budget and avoid regrets later, these are the souvenirs seasoned Disney fans typically skip in Magic Kingdom.

Mickey Balloons

Mickey balloons are one of the most iconic sights in Magic Kingdom. They float above Main Street, they look adorable in photos, and kids get wide-eyed the minute they see them.

The problem is how expensive they are and how difficult they are to manage for the rest of the day. Pros skip them because carrying a balloon through crowds, ride queues, and buses…well, let’s say it’s not exactly fun. If you love the look, take a photo instead and save yourself the hassle.

Note: You can get them deflated at the Disney Store at MCO if you want your balloon to come home with you!

Autograph Books

Autograph books feel like a classic rite of passage, and they can be fun for kids meeting characters for the first time.

One of the reasons pros usually leave them behind because they tend to get tossed aside the minute the trip is over. Families often end up with stacks of half-filled books that never get looked at again. If you want a longer-lasting option, have characters sign something practical like a photo mat, tumbler, or a tote bag.

Those tend to feel more special over time and do not end up forgotten in a drawer. If you still want one, they can be purchased for cheaper on Amazon.

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Large Character Pens

You will see these oversized character pens all over the shops. They look adorable, and they seem like a cute way to level up the autograph experience. Pros usually skip them because they are bulky, they are not comfortable to hold, and they run out of ink quickly.

Kids struggle to write with them, and parents end up carrying them around. A regular pen works better for autographs, and it is usually something you already have on hand.

Bubble Wands

Bubble wands bring instant magic the moment you turn them on, and kids absolutely love them. The downside is that the novelty fades fast, and the bubbles can create a slippery mess around walkways and strollers.

Pros tend to skip these because once the bubbles stop working or the batteries die, you are left with an expensive toy that does not do much. They can also leak in bags and on clothing, which is not a fun surprise later in the day. If your child really wants one, a cheaper option is picking up one from Amazon and bringing it with you to the park.

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Ponchos

Florida weather can turn rainy without warning, so it is easy to grab a poncho at the first sign of clouds. Pros know that the Magic Kingdom ponchos sold in the parks come with a high price tag, and the quality isn’t exactly the greatest.

Bringing your own reusable poncho from home usually works better. You get something sturdier that costs a lot less and can be folded back into your park bag without falling apart. You can pick one up from Amazon and bring it with you to the park. We love this FROGG TOGGs option because it is inexpensive, comes with a bag to put your poncho in so all your items don’t get wet after a downpour, and it doesn’t feel like a plastic bag when you wear it!

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Umbrellas

Just like with ponchos, you’ll find umbrellas in many Magic Kingdom stores on rainy days. They are small and easy to grab, but that convenience comes with drawbacks. Pros don’t bother with them because they can be flimsy in strong winds and don’t provide much coverage.

A compact umbrella from home usually works better and does not force you to buy a second one later in the trip. You can pick one up from Amazon and bring it with you. We like this one because it is perfect for UV as well! It’s also really small and easy to travel with.

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Making smart purchases in Magic Kingdom takes a little practice, and even we long-time fans admit that we get caught by the occasional cute souvenir. You can avoid the most common regrets by skipping these items and saving your money for treats or collectibles that will last long after your trip is over. Staying thoughtful about what you buy can make your day easier to manage and your suitcase easier to pack.

Until then, for more Disney news, keep following DFB!

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What souvenir do you avoid buying in Magic Kingdom? Let us know in the comments!