When going to the Happiest Place on Earth, our wallets remind us that it's not in the happiest state when we return home. With the inflation of admission ticket prices, sales tax, gas, and anything that affects travel, it definitely hurts your wallet when everything inside the theme parks is "expensive." Anyway to save a couple dollars here and there at theme parks are parents favorite things to do and plan for during their trip. Here is a list of my go-to items to pack for a long day ahead at Disney.

1. Bottled Water

With restrictions of "no outside food or beverage" in most of the Disney World Parks here in Orlando, there is a way to get around it. In my opinion the no outside food/beverage means nothing "open", or from a competitor.

2. Flavor Water Enhancers

Theme park water never really tastes the greatest quite frankly, so these flavor enhancers give you a break from drinking water. They come in different flavors and brands; from Gatorade, POWERADE, Minute Maid, and Mio there is a flavor for everyone's taste buds!

3. Nature Valley Oat Bars

For me, I never leave the house without at least one of these in my purse or bag for the day. These bars are so easy to eat throughout the day, and fill you up longer than anything sugary would. Plus they taste good and if you bring a to-go peanut butter you have a sweet and savory treat that is easy to eat in the long lines.

4. Fruit Snacks/Gummies

If you're in need of a sugar rush, can't stop yawning, or have a headache that won't go away, fruit snacks are the way to go for the short bursts of energy. Fruit snacks are a kids favorite snack, and they are easy to pack, easy to eat, and portion sized properly.

5. Trail Mix

Sticking to the original snack group, trail mix definitely helps a hungry stomach! With different combinations of what goes in trail mix gives you the option to create a personalized bag of yum for you and your group. One tip, don't plan on using M&M's or chocolate chips in your trail mix unless you like melted chocolate from the Florida sun!

6. Dried Fruit

Another easy snack to prep at home with a dehydrator. They are on the healthier side of the snack option because they are sweet from their own. My favorite fruit dried is apples with a little bit of cinnamon sugar sprinkled on top of the slices while they are in the process of becoming dried.

7. Medication

Even though it's not really a snack, packing your own medication will be a life saver for the long day full of memories you have ahead at the parks. Anything headache, cramp, digestion, lactose medicine that you need I would recommend to make a little emergency kit and take, because you'll never know when you need a tums.

8. Crackers

My favorite snack is any type of cracker. It's easy to share with the group and eat throughout the day. These could range from Goldfish to Cheeze-its to peanut butter cracker sandwiches.

The next time you plan on conquering the lines at Walt Disney World, just remember the money you can save with packing snacks for you and your group!

Make memories that'll last a lifetime,

xoxo