Are you revealing a gift to Disneyland, or hoping to include some Disney gifts in an upcoming holiday? Today I’m going to share some great gift ideas for someone headed to the parks that they will really enjoy & appreciate once they are there! We will include items under $15, gifts for kids and adults alike!
Of course the BEST gift for anyone going to Disney is EASY trip planning. As a Disneyland planning pro I recommend Get Away Today. They have amazing customer service, and a best price guarantee that really makes Disneyland trip planning the easiest. I’ve used them since 1998.
My ❤️ hotels for your 2024 trip:
– Best Western Park Place — it’s the CLOSEST hotel, has a breakfast and if it’s available for your dates, BOOK IT. If not, check out the Tropicana.
– Cambria – this is my favorite one with a great price point for larger groups – has a water park and free breakfast (not walkable though) – but if you want a walkable suite check out Castle Inn
Gift Ideas for Someone Going to Disneyland Under $15
A fan. Honestly guys I never feel like global warming is more real than when I’m at the Disney parks. There are a few great options:
- This one is Disney themed, and it is nice and flat for your Disney bag.
- I actually prefer this one. I also like the flashlight function “just in case” — since it’s NOT Disney themed you can use it lots of places….
- There is also this misting option (it’s above $15 — but I wanted to include it). I actually liked the misting less than I thought I would….
- Hand fans can be great as well (and take up less room / don’t need charging).
A shirt. I love either having matching shirts or some shirts of our favorite characters before we get to the parks. Not only does this add to the magic of getting ready that first Disney day, it can also save money/time as you don’t shop for things in the parks. There are a lot of cute ones on Amazon (many over the $15 range) or check your local Target or Walmart for some good options too!
Cooling Towel – I am always surprised by how helpful these are, and they are REALLY easy to slip into a Disney bag. I recommend these for anyone going to Disneyland park from about May through September, and almost any time of the year in Orlando.
Cross-Body Bag – these are handy because they don’t get in the way of a seatbelt, and for most rides you can just keep it on throughout the ride. It’s a great thing to get for everyone in your party!
Disney Gift Card – Even a small Disney gift card can allow someone to get a treat while they’re at the parks. They’re super easy to use — don’t feel like you have to get an expensive one to make it “worth it”
Ponchos – If you’re going Disney WORLD this is a no-brainer (random rain all the time). But at Disneyland rain can creep up OR you can wear them on water rides to not hate the rest of your day! I tend to prefer the ones I can just throw away (I try to get them under $1) but there are some nice-reusable ones (just be aware you’ll have to dry them).
Grab my Disneyland Day Planner to make the most of your upcoming trip:
Kid Gift Ideas for Someone Going to Disneyland
Kids are so fun at Disneyland, and there are some really great things you can get them for their trip (and bonus because many don’t cost much).
A Height Chart – Got a little one who’s slowly moving up the ranks for their Disney experiences? A height chart can be a fun way to get excited for your trip and what they CAN ride. I have a whole post on height restrictions you might find helpful!
Autograph album — many Disney characters will sign their album. I always loved to get a photo too and then I could create a keepsake for them. My kids have enjoyed looking back at their photos with favorite characters. Getting this EARLY will save you a bunch, they’re pricey in the parks! Be sure to grab a fan pen (I recommend a sharpie) to go with it (sometimes characters have a harder time gripping “regular”-sized pens). I like that with these you don’t have to worry about losing the cap.
Daily Shirts – I always tried to get a shirt for each day in the parks at Walmart or Target to allow us to bypass the gift shop. I tried to pick out favorite characters and shirts that would be fun to wear after the trip as well. I can’t stress how much this can save you in both time, money and energy!
Their own bag – If kid are going to want things like sunglasses, or an autograph book having their own bag can be handy.
Cheap Disney ears — I would recommend some cheaper Disney ears because there is a good chance these may get lost during your day. BUT they are fun for photos and good while they last. Most kids don’t want them on for a long time though.
Shoes — I can’t stress how important it is for everyone to have proper footwear for their Disney experience. If your child may not have the right shoes for the park, getting some in advance are ones that they can wear after the trip but make your upcoming trip extra special!
Going with kids? Grab my guide for parents so you don’t scare your kids:
Adult Gift Ideas for Someone Going to Disneyland
I think adults will enjoy those cheaper gifts I had up above too — but here are a few more things that have made my park stay more enjoyable:
Compression Stockings – Yes, I sound like I’m 80 years old when I talk about this, but they really do help! If you tend to get an ache in your leg as you stand in line, these help you keep your blood from pooling in that area and give it back to the rest of your body! There are lots of fun designs and even a lighter compression stocking can be helpful!
Pro tip: I’ve also used compression sleeves with some more cushioned socks (the compression stockings tend to have very “basic” socks and I like a little more cushion in mine.
Kinesiology tape: I first read studies about this tape that honestly made no sense, but I tried it out myself with some plantar fasciitis one time and it really made a difference in my feet/calves. If you have parts of your body that hurt more than others at Disneyland, I’d recommend it.
The Right Bag. I have a whole post on the best Disneyland backpacks that I will let you peruse. As a mom I prefer the backpack, although sometimes I’ve had someone else in my family haul the backpack around and I just took a cross body bag.
I think it’s really important to be thoughtful about what you really want to haul through the parks. My backpack is small and it allows me to take it on any ride (but also limits what I can take).
External Battery – you’re going to use your phone a LOT at Disneyland — for things like checking ride wait times, getting a Lightening Lane (if you use them) or mobile ordering. You do NOT want that thing to die. There’s a couple of good options:
- Fuel rods are in the parks and allow you to exchange them for free if you’ve brought one from home (cheaper). Most people find these don’t fill your phone up and they have to make several exchanges during the day, which can waste time.
- I LOVE this one. It does quick charging (as long as you have a fast-charge cable) and holds a LOT of power for everyone in my party!
- I use this one around home — it’s SUPER fast and really convenient. It only does one charge though.
Disney costs can stack-up — grab my cost calculator:
Female Gift Ideas for Someone Going to Disneyland
Cute Mickey Ears — now, adults aren’t as prone to leave their ears somewhere — and I love these types of ears as they don’t pinch my head. They’re also cheaper than the ones at the parks. I have a whole post on Mickey Ears that don’t hurt if you want some other ideas. I REALLY like to get ones based on a favorite character or ride to make it more special.
Pro Tip: I’m a HUGE fan of having an ear holder on my bag so when I take my ears off I don’t lose them. I have always used this kind — but I think these would be really cute on my bag when not holding ears.
Disney Necklace – I have an older Splash Mountain one that I really love (maybe I love it even more now that it’s closed). It’s a fun addition to any outfit, and an extra-fun way to announce a Disney trip! This is a fun more generic one if you’re not sure what to choose.
A great travel backpack. I have this one and I love it. It’s not too big, but can hold a water bottle (it’s tight, but it works). It also folds really small in my carryon so it’s not annoying to take on a plane. There are a lot of Disney-specific backpacks out there, but a great travel backpack would be worth it.
Quick dry pants: Your chance of getting wet at a Disney park isn’t slim, and I LOVE wearing quick-dry pants. I’m a huge fan of them in the parks.
And of course, spending less, making it easier AND having a great bed to sleep the nights off is key to a great Disney trip. Check out the options from Get Away Today!
Don’t miss my list of Best Affordable Disneyland hotels — a list of 30+ of my favorite hotels (plus my own current top 10 hotel list).
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