DH thinks I'm going overboard

[snowman1035]

I am going over our budget for our upcoming trip in August. We are taking out DGS for the first time, he is 2. I budgeted $1000 for spending and DH thinks I am going overboard with that portion! I didn't think it was that bad since there is a total of 5 of us, DH, DD, DS, DGS and myself. DD will have her own spending money, but being a single parent it's tough. I just want to make it special and do some extra things while we are there. Is DH right? Is that alot to be budgeting for spending money? I didn't think it was so bad, when you consider the photo pass, passports at Epcot, drawings and so on. Please let me hear your thoughts.

 

[ama4889]

Is spending money just souvenirs and the like? Or does it include food, snacks, etc

If its just souvenirs, personally I think it sounds just a tad expensive.

BTW, love the Poconos. Im from the Philly burbs

Edited to add: If you want photopass, I highly highly suggest getting the prepaid $100 cd. DF and I regretted not getting it and are getting it this time for sure! The cd gets you high res copies of all your pictures, so you can just take them to walgreens or cvs or whatever and get them for a few dollars instead of thirty

 

[Blessed99]

I would not consider $1000 overboard, I would consider it being prepared . Think of it this way, any that you don't spend can be put away for your next Disney trip!!

Me and DD Kamryn 8

 

[tinkbutt]

I don't believe you are over budgeting has he been to WDW it is $$$$ just budget yourself as such... if you want to do some random nice things you will need the extra cash

you never wanna be down there and not be able to get you kid a mickey ice cream just because you might go over your under estimated budget!!!!

 

[snowman1035]

That is just spending, for whatever everyone would like. We are staying in our villa off site so we will be doing alot of our meals there and it will give us a little break with DGS. I know it sounds crazy for the spending amount, but our DGS almost died from the hands of his father last year and he spent almost 2 months in Children's Hospital in Philly and I want to just go Disney wild with him and my family. This is a special trip for all!

 

[snowman1035]

ama4889, love philly as well. Great people down there! And did I forget to add the cheese steaks are out of this world!!

 

[Grandbuddy]

That is just spending, for whatever everyone would like. We are staying in our villa off site so we will be doing alot of our meals there and it will give us a little break with DGS. I know it sounds crazy for the spending amount, but our DGS almost died from the hands of his father last year and he spent almost 2 months in Children's Hospital in Philly and I want to just go Disney wild with him and my family. This is a special trip for all!

What the DGS will get out of this trip is some time to feel secure and safe, surrounded by people who love him, in the most magical place on earth. I would urge you to not deluge him with "things," but with loving attention - while continuing to hold him to proper standards of behavior (which is the hardest thing to do, when a child has been "at risk.") Lest you think me heartless, my younger son was born with major birth defects, and had surgery numerous times before his 7th birthday. The best thing we ever did for him was treat him like any other kid - as best we could. And he became like any other kid, despite a very visible birth defect. He is now the father of my oldest DGS, who will accompany my wife and me to WDW week after next.

God bless you. I hope all of you have a wonderful, wonderful time. And your best memories will not depend on the amount of money you spend.

 

[Millie12591]

That is just spending, for whatever everyone would like. We are staying in our villa off site so we will be doing alot of our meals there and it will give us a little break with DGS. I know it sounds crazy for the spending amount, but our DGS almost died from the hands of his father last year and he spent almost 2 months in Children's Hospital in Philly and I want to just go Disney wild with him and my family. This is a special trip for all!

I think what your saying and and wanting to do is so sweet. But remember that he's 2 and will not remember a thing about this trip when he's older, so maybe get him some really neat items he seems to fall in love with and then hold off for another trip when he will remember it to really go wild! Just have fun and not worry about trying to make it overly fun, trust me your going to have an amazing time no matter how much money you spend!

I gave my children $100 each when we went last year and that was plenty for the both of them. If they hadn't spent a lot of it on lanyards and pins they would have had much more to spend on other things, but that was their choice and when the money was gone it was gone. You won't be disappointing him if you don't spend that money on him, he will be just as thrilled if he gets a little something and is with you all at The World!
Have an amazing time and don't forget to take your video camera to catch every moment of sweetness, this is such a sweet time for your whole family. God bless you and your little man, you already know that God has had His hand on your little man, so don't worry and have a wonderful time.

 

[dvczerfs]

ama4889, love philly as well. Great people down there! And did I forget to add the cheese steaks are out of this world!!

better to have to much than too little!! hope dgs is doing better! child. hosp and univ. of pa is the best hosp in the country! ( dont for get the pretzels!)

 

[marimario]

ama4889, love philly as well. Great people down there! And did I forget to add the cheese steaks are out of this world!!

Cheese steak w/ cheese fries, hoguies(sp), I miss all that great food. After living there for 25 years!!!

I think 1000 is not over board, just have fun. It is a vacation.

Glad to know that your DGS is doing well, Children Hospital is a great hospital.

Have fun, fun ,fun

 

[VAN]

I would suggest giving your DD $100 just for herself and then just buy 1 or 2 nice things for your DGS. At age 2, I would think a plush character and maybe one or two other things that catch his eye.

Once you are home, then make up a nice photo album for your DD and DGS so they can relive the Disney moments.

We just gave our children a modest amount to spend and they were very careful about their selections - they still have those items today!!

Once you get past a couple of souveniers it just starts getting to be "junk" and will just end up as clutter.

 

[Rylee]

What the DGS will get out of this trip is some time to feel secure and safe, surrounded by people who love him, in the most magical place on earth. I would urge you to not deluge him with "things," but with loving attention - while continuing to hold him to proper standards of behavior (which is the hardest thing to do, when a child has been "at risk.") Lest you think me heartless, my younger son was born with major birth defects, and had surgery numerous times before his 7th birthday. The best thing we ever did for him was treat him like any other kid - as best we could. And he became like any other kid, despite a very visible birth defect. He is now the father of my oldest DGS, who will accompany my wife and me to WDW week after next.

God bless you. I hope all of you have a wonderful, wonderful time. And your best memories will not depend on the amount of money you spend.

*applauds*

Your response is perfect and very touching.

We, too, have a child born with a major birth defect, a very rare, but hidden defect... 5 surgeries by age 4, with more to go. (He's 6.) The best thing we can do for him, is to raise him with the same expectations as we have for our 4 other children.

 

[Rylee]

I am going over our budget for our upcoming trip in August. We are taking out DGS for the first time, he is 2. I budgeted $1000 for spending and DH thinks I am going overboard with that portion! I didn't think it was that bad since there is a total of 5 of us, DH, DD, DS, DGS and myself. DD will have her own spending money, but being a single parent it's tough. I just want to make it special and do some extra things while we are there. Is DH right? Is that alot to be budgeting for spending money? I didn't think it was so bad, when you consider the photo pass, passports at Epcot, drawings and so on. Please let me hear your thoughts.

I think you will find you won't need an extra $1000 to have a Magical trip.

Have a great time with your precious grandson!

 

[snowman1035]

The memories alone are going to be the best! I guess you all are right, he is only 2! He will be with the people who love him. We love him dearly but in no way does he get special treatment. We have to learn that no matter what challanges we have to face in life we have to deal and live on and that is what we teach our children. I am so glad we can keep each other straight in our thinking here! I am sprinkling magical dust on all!

 

[Unregistered]

The memories alone are going to be the best! I guess you all are right, he is only 2! He will be with the people who love him. We love him dearly but in no way does he get special treatment. We have to learn that no matter what challanges we have to face in life we have to deal and live on and that is what we teach our children. I am so glad we can keep each other straight in our thinking here! I am sprinkling magical dust on all!

Your right, the memories are going to be the best. He may not remember this trip but you will never forget it. The first trip is always the best trip and I hope you have a great time.

As a family we always take at least that much for spending but it depends on how long we plan on being there. Just because you take that much doesn't mean you have to spend it but it is WDW so it is good to be prepared.

I am so excited for you and your family. Have a great time!

 

[Grandbuddy]

The memories alone are going to be the best! I guess you all are right, he is only 2! He will be with the people who love him. We love him dearly but in no way does he get special treatment. We have to learn that no matter what challanges we have to face in life we have to deal and live on and that is what we teach our children. I am so glad we can keep each other straight in our thinking here! I am sprinkling magical dust on all!

Have a wonderful, magical time.

 

[Millie12591]

What the DGS will get out of this trip is some time to feel secure and safe, surrounded by people who love him, in the most magical place on earth. I would urge you to not deluge him with "things," but with loving attention - while continuing to hold him to proper standards of behavior (which is the hardest thing to do, when a child has been "at risk.") Lest you think me heartless, my younger son was born with major birth defects, and had surgery numerous times before his 7th birthday. The best thing we ever did for him was treat him like any other kid - as best we could. And he became like any other kid, despite a very visible birth defect. He is now the father of my oldest DGS, who will accompany my wife and me to WDW week after next.

God bless you. I hope all of you have a wonderful, wonderful time. And your best memories will not depend on the amount of money you spend.

OMGosh, you so blessed me with your words and your testimony of your son, and this wasn't even for me! LOL I'm so happy your getting to go to The World with your son and family, your short testimony made me tear up and happy all at the same time! OK, back to the OP.

 

[Millie12591]

The memories alone are going to be the best! I guess you all are right, he is only 2! He will be with the people who love him. We love him dearly but in no way does he get special treatment. We have to learn that no matter what challanges we have to face in life we have to deal and live on and that is what we teach our children. I am so glad we can keep each other straight in our thinking here! I am sprinkling magical dust on all!

<standing under the dust> Your a smart Grandma/woman, you would have figured this out without us. Now go have some fun!!!

 

[ama4889]

Have a wonderful time!

 

[snowman1035]

I am sure we are going to have a wonderful time, never had a bad trip yet to Disney. I just love sharing it with our kids and now we get to do it with our little guy. I am also hoping that I get to meet some people from the boards while we are down there, that would make it more special. The best thing about this board is, even though we know what is right we just need to hear it from someone else! Again, thank you everyone for keeping me in line. The bad part is, I gotta tell DH he was right!