When you work at Disney World, you go to the parks pretty frequently. You start to get a little bit jaded. Or, maybe, your eyes are just opened to things that you never notice as a theme park guest.

After working at Disney World, there are things that I never do anymore during my park day, but there are also things that I never BUY anymore. Working for Mickey Mouse really teaches you how to make every penny count, and you quickly learn what isn’t worth the purchase. We’re here to tell you about those things!

We’re not here to judge you for what you spend your money on. Nope, we’re just here to let you know that you might find better options elsewhere — and save a few dollars in the process.

Anything at Cosmic Ray’s

Yes, we’re here to talk about Cosmic Ray’s Starlight Cafe. As one of the most POPULAR dining locations in all of Disney World, a lot of the folks who visit are a bit shocked by how average the food is at this Magic Kingdom quick service spot.

It’s fine. It’s okay. It’s whatever. It’s just overpriced for the quality of food, and you can totally get better American theme park fare at other places around Disney World. (Or McDonald’s.)

I was a Disney World Cast Member. Do NOT Order This at Cosmic Ray’s in Magic Kingdom

Balloons

The balloons that you can purchase from Cast Members at the Disney Parks (well, you can’t buy them at Animal Kingdom) are super cute until you’re carrying them around all day and it’s smacking you in the face any time the wind blows.

Plus, Cast Members will make you keep the balloons at the ride entrance until you’re off the ride. A lot of the time, folks forget the balloons entirely and Cast Members have to take them to Lost and Found at the end of the night, where they usually end up discarded.

Unless you have a baby and are attaching the balloon to a stroller, or it’s an exclusive balloon that you plan to deflate and frame as a keepsake, we recommend skipping out on these.

Click here to check out souvenirs we DO love! 

Sunscreen and First Aid

Okay, if it’s an EMERGENCY, totally buy Disney World’s sunscreen and first aid. We’d just recommend avoiding it if you can! It’s a bit overpriced, and we find it much cheaper and easier to buy it beforehand or elsewhere. It’ll save you a couple of dollars and a trip to the gift shop.

If you need medical attention in a theme park, please talk to a Cast Member! They can point you in the right direction of where to buy certain things as well as help you find the First Aid building in the park.

I got food poisoning in Disney World. Here’s what happened! 

Autograph Books

At the Disney World gift shops, you can snag all sorts of different autograph books for characters to sign as you meet them.

After working at Disney World and seeing all the creative ways folks have collected character autographs that AREN’T the books, we just don’t think we’ll purchase those ever again. (And if we do, we can find much cheaper options on Etsy or Amazon.)

We’ve gotten picture frames signed, and have even seen folks bring in T-shirts and Stanley cups to get signed. The possibilities are endless with a little bit of creativity!

I was a Disney World Cast Member, and I’m letting you in on a character secret.

Bottles of Water

We don’t have much to say about this one.

Would you rather purchase a $4 bottle of Dasani water or have endless free ice water all day to refill your own bottle?

Yep, grab it for free from any quick service location.

Well, we hope that you now have a few extra ways to save some money while you’re at Disney World. We’ll be sure to keep you updated with more Disney news, so follow along so that you’re always in the loop!

Looking for more Cast Member tips and secrets? Click here!  

What do YOU never buy in the parks? Let us know in the comments! 

The post I Was a Disney World Cast Member. These Are Things I NEVER Pay For in the Parks. first appeared on the disney food blog.