Disney Mistakes That Quietly Drain Your Wallet

Disney is expensive. Everyone knows that.
But there’s a difference between Disney being expensive and you accidentally lighting your wallet on fire because you followed bad advice.

In this episode, Scott and Candice tackle the real financial mistakes guests make at Walt Disney World and Disneyland—not from a place of judgment, but from experience, observation, and plenty of hard-earned lessons.

Candice draws on her work as a travel professional to share what she consistently sees cost people real money, while Scott brings the skepticism, humor, and occasional Gen X side-eye to the conversation.

This isn’t about shame. It’s about smarter choices, better planning, and making sure your Disney money actually buys you joy instead of regret.

In this episode, we discuss:

• Why lack of planning is often the most expensive mistake of all

• The hidden cost of not understanding dining reservations and cancellation policies

• How park hopper tickets frequently get overbought and underused

• When staying off-property can actually cost more than staying on Disney property

• Transportation confusion that leads to unnecessary Uber, Minnie Van, and time costs

• Social media pressure and the myth that you have to “do everything”

• Food FOMO and why ordering for Instagram instead of hunger gets expensive fast

• The truth about overhyped dining experiences

• Emotional support Loungeflys, impulse souvenir regret, and popcorn bucket realities

• Why trying to do everything leads to disappointment—even on expensive trips

• How a simple strategy (4–5 priorities per park) can radically improve your experience

• A practical budgeting tip for festivals: gift cards instead of open-ended credit cards

The core takeaway:

You don’t need to experience Disney the most expensive way.
You need to experience Disney the most intentional way.

Because the biggest mistake of all?
Spending thousands of dollars and coming home with more frustration than magic.