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Disney World on a Budget for a Family of 5 | Road Trip & Packing Guide
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Hilary Lewandowski profile picture
Hilary Lewandowski
We’re heading to Disney World this summer as a family of 5, and we’re doing it on a budget. We’re driving from Pennsylvania instead of flying, using Disney Visa rewards points, and being flexible with our travel dates so we could take advantage of Di...
Sections
5
 
🚗 Road Trip to Disney World with Kids
 
🎒 Budget Disney World Park Essentials
 
🧳 What We’re Packing for a Family of 5
 
💰 Money-Saving Disney World Swaps & Skips
 
💳 Using Disney Visa Rewards for Our Trip

🚗 Road Trip to Disney World with Kids

We’re driving to Disney World from Pennsylvania instead of flying to save money and keep more flexibility. These are the road trip essentials that help keep three boys comfortable, entertained, and organized during a long drive to Orlando. If you’re ...

 
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A travel must have for the kids!! Even at home they love (fight over) this! I love that the screen locks so when the older boys want to color the whole screen the baby cant erase it! Bringing this on my next trip!
Teriph 8.5in LCD Writing Tablet for Kids
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Hilary Lewandowski profile picture
A fun game for animal lovers! Its easy to play in the car too since its just a guessing game!
Skillmatics Guess in 10 World of Animals Card Game
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Hilary Lewandowski profile picture
The perfect game for on the go fun, especially for the Disney lovers!
Ravensburger Disney Eye Found It Card Game
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Hilary Lewandowski profile picture
These are so cool, even the adults love them! Perfect to keep the little ones occupied on the go and they fit perfectly in the diaper bag or behind the car seat pocket!
TECJOE 2 Pack 10 Inch LCD Writing Tablet for Kids
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Perfect for creative kids who love to doodle and even a perfect fit for the diaper bag!
Melissa & Doug Drawing Paper 3-Pack, 9x12, 50 Sheets
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These are so much fun for the kids, they absolutely love them!! We bring them on in the car, out to eat and for on the go!
CALPALMY 800PCS Neon Wax Sticks for Kids
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🎒 Budget Disney World Park Essentials

These are the affordable park essentials we’re bringing instead of buying inside Disney World. From cooling towels to ponchos and refillable water bottles, these items help cut costs while keeping everyone comfortable in the parks. Perfect for famili...

 
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FuelRod Portable Charger Kit Absolute must-have for Disney parks! FuelRod portable chargers keep your phone charged all day, and you can swap out for a fully charged one at convenient kiosks throughout Disney—no waiting or worrying about a dead batte...
FuelRod Portable Charger Kit - Pack of 2
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Hilary Lewandowski profile picture
Love this side by side double for my boys. Folds easily, fits through standard doorways, and approved for Disney!
Baby Strollers, Cribs, Baby Gear, Bassinets & Baby Registry
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🧳 What We’re Packing for a Family of 5

Packing for Disney World with three kids takes strategy. This section includes what we’re bringing to stay organized, avoid overpacking, and keep laundry and outfit changes manageable. If you’re traveling as a family of 5, these packing tools and bas...

 
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Waterproof Park Bag My go-to bag for Disney days! This waterproof bag keeps everything safe and dry—rain or splash rides are no problem. It’s super spacious with tons of storage, making it easy to organize snacks, ponchos, souvenirs, and all the esse...
Pritent Trendy Crossbody Sling Bag
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Hilary Lewandowski profile picture
Love this bag! I use it everyday actually but it is especially convenient for traveling.
Everywhere Belt Bag 1L | Unisex Bags,Purses,Wallets | lululemon
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Ok, I wanted to look for a new water bottle because my other go to is heavy and not spill proof. This one is by far my favorite! I love the ring too carry it and how it also clicks down to the lid and it really is spill proof!!
Simple Modern Mesa Loop 24oz Water Bottle
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Cooling Towels (4 Pack) Perfect for keeping the whole family cool during hot Disney days! These lightweight, quick-dry towels are a game changer—just wet, wring, and snap for instant cooling relief in the parks or waiting in line. Great for everyone ...
4 Pack Cooling Towels(40"x 12"),Ice Towel for Neck and Face,Soft Breathable Chilly Microfiber Keep Cool Towels for Yoga,Gym,Fitness,Camping,Running,Workout & More Activities
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Save yourself some money by bringing your own reusable water bottles into the parks! Perfect size to carry along in the stroller for the kiddos. My Toy Story loving 2 year old loves the print!!
Simple Modern Kids Toy Story 14oz Water Bottle
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Loved being able to customize my Minnie ears for our Disney Trip! Im not really a headband girl, they always hurt the back of my ears. When I found this I just had to try and now have 3 pairs!
Minnie ears, Women adult Minnie mouse ears elastic headband, Minnie mouse ears headband, Mickey ears with stretch band, No headache headband
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These compression packing cubes are a great alternative to the vacuum seal bags. We used both on our Alaskan Cruise and Banff. We fit so much kids clothes in these bags!
BAGSMART Compression Packing Cubes Travel Set
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Calling moms of Toy Story lovers!! These pj's are buttery soft with a fun print in vibrant colors! My little loves them! I do suggest sizing up!
Character Toddler Viscose Unisex 2-Piece Pajama Set, Sizes 12M-5T - Walmart.com
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💰 Money-Saving Disney World Swaps & Skips

These are the small swaps we’re making to lower our overall Disney vacation costs. Think glow sticks instead of pricey night souvenirs, autograph book alternatives, and snack strategies that actually work. Simple changes like these add up quickly for...

 
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Our budget saving tip for this trip is staying at a Value resort. As much as we love to be on the Skyliner, I'm so excited to stay at All Star Movies! My youngest is Buzz and Woody obsessed and I cant wait for him to see the giant Woody and Buzz and ...
Disney's All-Star Movies Resort
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💳 Using Disney Visa Rewards for Our Trip

We booked our Disney World trip using Disney Visa rewards and flexible travel dates to take advantage of seasonal promotions. As a travel agent, I always tell families that timing and stacking offers can significantly reduce costs. This section share...

 
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We love that we can redeem our Disney Credit Card points for Disney trips and shopping! The kids love our fun themed cards too, lol!
Disney Rewards
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