Disney spending.

[NY Pirate Princess]

I have successfully used the gift card method for years. I've switched to cash because she has a harder time parting with it and feels the loss more, so she buys what she really wants. I agree with many of the above posters about getting the children something to hold in their hands while zooming through post ride gift shops. They are so little I think some small stuffed animals (buy two pre-trip of each in case of loss!) and then something that really strikes you in the parks, or them, is all they need.

We have two light sabers in closets. And a droid on my office floor. My husband purchased the light sabers when I refused, but I did get to go in and watch. Your husband can go in and help your son build. Put the other $219 plus tax into a 529 account, or a seed account for your next vacation. Trust me on this one. They are collectibles, not toys. Useful for TikTok and my husband's metal band, but not so much for anything else.

 

[disneyjr77]

We each get $300 (myself, DH and DD15) for each trip, whether it's Disney, or Universal. We plan and save for it when we do our vacation budget, for us it's like food (not in importance, but as a part of planning and budget) and is just a part of the trip. Anything extra outside of family stuff that we planned, comes out of her money...arcades, rock wall, stuff like that. We started the specific amount when she was 10, and it works well for our family. When she was younger, there wasn't an exact amount and I would keep track of what was spent in my head, it's much easier now. For us, vacation is a time to splurge and not worry about money...we do all that before we leave lol. We have a budget, stick to it and call it a day.

Not sure if you know this already, if they get any of the light up blinkie things or a balloon (DD loved them when she was their age) and they break, pop, or stop working, you can exchange them while you're there.

Have a great trip and enjoy!!!

 

[SL6827]

I now budget around $150 a person for us.

 

[mistysue]

Based solely on your comment of "do you think $1,000?"
You are probably similar to my family, We have a tendency to spoil our kids to no end and are way more generous with it than we probably should be. It's a known fault, but whatever. I think we easily used to spend $300 to $400 per person on crap from trips.

We noticed that they became significantly happier when we gave them a set amount at the beginning of the trip. That amount that we want with was $100. It includes anything they want to buy whether it's some overpriced snack, a plush, ears, a shirt- whatever. When they get to the end we'll cover the last couple dollars if their card runs out and they need just a touch more, But in our last three or four trips two of my three kids have had trouble spending all of it. Coincidentally one of those was the worst offender before we set a limit.

You can set the amount at whatever you want but clearly there are families that get away with $30 and other families who are just going to spend crazy money, spending more doesn't necessarily mean the kids will be happier.

 

[a1tinkfans]

Honestly… other than the definite/light sabers etc… I’d grab the Tshirts, glow in the dark stuff for night time, small Disney stuff at a Walmart or dollar store ahead ov timeas it’s So silly expensive onsite. I used to make up surprise packages for each morning based online the park we were going too. Or a specific
“ target” ride… like at pirates of Carib. we all wore eye patches etc. lots of fun times pix and memories.
Sounds like you like to indulge the kids so id get the little stuff u can ahead n spend on the special items u already know u want. I think ur on target with the budget. Have a great visit!