Food and souvenirs are a huge part of every Disneyland vacation but the amount of waste it creates is ridiculous. Over the past couple of years, I’ve realized how much waste we create on a single trip to Disneyland. To do our part, we’ve started carrying a few reusable and eco-friendly options to minimize the rubbish we leave behind.
Many of these suggestions have become popular for everyday use, but not really for vacations – especially Disney vacations.
These 7 simple swaps are super easy to do while you’re at Disneyland or Disney World. It’s always the little things that matter the most and these easy changes can make a big impact over time.
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This post is all about 7 simple swaps you can make at Disneyland to minimize waste.
#1 Reusable Water Bottle
Reusable water bottles are the number one easiest swap. We all have a water bottle at home or in the car that’s not getting used. Fill it up, pack it and skip the $4 bottled Dasani water at the parks. You can also find water bottles with filters, in case the fountain water isn’t your thing. You can find a few options at places like Target, Amazon, and Walmart. Insulated water bottles are also great, especially for the summer. Pack some ice in an insulated bottle to use all day. You can also refill ice and water at restaurants around the park.
Disneyland Drinking Fountains and Water Bottle Filling Stations
- There are 47 drinking fountains and filling stations throughout Disneyland park. You can also ask for a cup of water at most restaurants.
Disney’s California Adventure Drinking Fountains and Water Bottle Filling Stations
- There are 25 drinking fountains and water bottling filling stations throughout California Adventure. Just like at Disneyland, you can ask for a cup of water at the restaurants to use to fill up your water bottle.
#2 Cloth Napkins
This one is easy but simple to forget. You can pack a dish towel or regular cloth napkins from home. I know that sometimes you don’t want to carry dirty towels/napkins with you all day. We carry one reusable small towel or napkin to wipe our hands for small messes like sticky fingers or if we spilled something on our shirt. We usually grab paper napkins for super messy meals and whatever we don’t use we store them in our backpack to use later. I really don’t like to leave clean and unused napkins or utensils behind. Just store them in your bag for later.
#3 Reusable Utensils
Reusable forks and spoons have been everywhere for years. They are lightweight and easy to carry around in your bag. Many of the sets you can find online include a carrying case too. Skipping the disposable utensils can make a big impact, considering you will have at least two meals at the parks.
#4 Reusable Straw
Please skip the paper straw! Disney has gone all-in on the paper straw movement. But honestly, they start to break down halfway through your drink and no one likes that. Pick up a reusable straw at your grocery store, Amazon, or even on Disney property. Starbucks also sells sets of their straws in a cute carrying case. I purchased one on my last trip and usually carry that with me in my purse to have it available whenever I may need it.
#5 Reusable Snack Containers
Reusable snack containers are the way to go. They are so simple and can be very affordable. You can find them at Ikea, Target, Amazon and so many other places. They are cute a much better alternative to single-use plastic bags. I have a few different brands of silicone bags and also stainless steel containers. The stainless steel is great if you’re trying to avoid plastic altogether. The beeswax wraps are also a great alternative to foil or plastic wrap. I’ve meal-prepped all of my meals for Disneyland before so I know it’s possible. And these reusable containers make everything easier. The reusable containers help with messes too and snacks you can’t finish. Don’t toss out your food, save it for later when you’re hungry – like when you’re in a long line!
#6 Reusable bag for souvenirs
We’ve all gotten used to using reusable bags for shopping at the grocery store but what about at Disneyland? It’s such a simple swap and it takes up barely any room in your bag. Pack a thin foldable bag in your backpack to use for souvenir shopping, to hold sweaters and Mickey ears during rides, and more! An extra bag is always handy to have on you when you’re out all day and away from your hotel room or car.
#7 Use the app and skip the map
It’s hard to skip the map, especially if you like to keep it for a souvenir but the less we take of these maps the less they make. You can find an interactive map with dining locations, character spots, and more on the Disneyland Genie App. It’s completely free and includes a ton of great extras like games and mobile-order for quick-serve restaurants.
Bonus Tips
- Eat at full-service restaurants to avoid single-use plates, napkins, cups, and utensils.
- Plan ahead and do your research – Look into options that fit your lifestyle and are realistic for you and your family. Check out restaurants, snacks, merch, and more to help make low-waste decisions ahead of time.
- Simple snacks – Pack simple snacks at home in your reusable containers to avoid the single-use plastic at the parks. Fruit slices, crackers and sandwiches are great items to pack for Disneyland.
- Drink at the full-service restaurants and use your own straw. Skip the plastic cup drinks at the stands and order your cocktails and beer at the full-service restaurants.
- Save clean, unused items for later. Stash them in your bag for later in the day or even to use in your hotel room for late-night meals – this includes the little ketchup packets. You never know when you might need them later in the trip.
It can seem unrealistic to make all of these changes in a single Disney trip and that’s okay – it can be unrealistic. You can also go slow. No one is counting every napkin you use or shaming you if you purchase a Dasani water bottle. These are just suggestions you can slowly and, for the most part, easily work into your day at Disneyland.
The more education, knowledge, awareness around reusable, sustainable options the easier it is to make these changes.
Let me know what your favorite swap is and if you have any other ideas for sustainable, eco-friendly options white vacationing at Disneyland.
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