Hey Disney Halloween friends! If you’re headed to a Disney Halloween party this year, whether that’s Oogie Boogie Bash at Disney California Adventure in the Disneyland Resort or Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party at Magic Kingdom in Walt Disney World, you might already be thinking about how to keep that holiday budget under control.
Now, it’s very easy to think YOLO (you only live once!) and throw caution to the wind when you’re surrounded by Halloween treats, costumes, and all those tempting Disney extras. But if you’re a frequent Disney flyer like me, keeping each visit in check is part of making sure you can come back again and again without finding yourself dealing with a world of unexpected debt afterward. So, here are five simple ways I like to keep things a little more sensible while still enjoying all the spooky fun.
Don’t Double-Ticket Your Day
To seasoned Disney professionals, this one might seem obvious, but for anyone newer to the party experience, it’s worth saying. If your party ticket gives you access to a theme park starting in the afternoon, try to avoid the temptation to also buy a separate park ticket just to fill the morning.
You’re going to have a long night ahead, and everyone will be tired by the time the party really gets going. Instead, use those earlier hours to enjoy something outside the parks. A wander around Disney Springs or Downtown Disney can still give you plenty of those autumn and Halloween feels without adding another park ticket to the bill.
Make a Snack Plan
Snacks are one of the biggest temptations during the Halloween season, and those little purchases can add up incredibly quickly. The good news is that with so many detailed food guides available before your trip, you can do a little planning before you even arrive.
Set a monetary limit that everyone can spend as they choose, or make a priority list of the treats you absolutely want to try. That way, you can enjoy the seasonal food without discovering halfway through the night that you’ve spent an entire meal’s worth of money on things you didn’t even really want.
Come Wardrobe Prepared
I absolutely understand wanting the perfect Halloween costume, but time and time again I’ve seen guests arrive in something that looks fantastic and then discover that it isn’t particularly practical for a night in the parks. Suddenly you’re buying a sweatshirt, poncho or change of clothes that wasn’t anywhere in the original budget.
Prioritize practicality, even if only by a little bit. Make sure you’re prepared for cooler fall evenings, comfortable enough to walk for hours, and able to enjoy your favorite attractions. And yes, that includes bringing a cheap poncho for Tiana’s Bayou Adventure if you’re determined to ride. Getting soaked is one thing. Having to buy an expensive sweatshirt because your carefully planned costume is drenched is quite another!
Skip Paid Dessert Parties
Now, this one hurts because I really do love a good dessert party, but if you’re trying to keep your Halloween budget under control, this is one extra expense you can probably live without.
Part of what I love about these evenings is the atmosphere. The low lighting, costumes, decorations and general spooky feeling make the parks feel completely different, and I want to be right in the middle of it. If you’re planning to enjoy the parade or other entertainment, find yourself a good viewing spot early, enjoy some of that candy you’ve collected along the way and save the hefty dessert party price tag.
Use Mobile Ordering
Just like my online grocery order helps me keep the weekly household budget in check, mobile ordering can do the same thing in the parks. Being able to see exactly what everyone is ordering and watch that total add up before you commit makes it much easier to stay in control.
Instead of everyone wandering up to a quick-service window and discovering the final bill after the fact, use the Disney app to plan your order together. Just remember that popular pickup windows can fill quickly, especially during busy party nights, so don’t leave it until everyone is already starving.
Right, friends, those are five little ways I like to keep the Halloween fun from turning into a frightening credit card statement! If you’ve got your own budgeting tips for Disney Halloween parties, share them with the rest of the class in the comments below. We can all use a few more tricks to keep those treats affordable!
