Does everyone have a GIFT sent for Arrival Day????

[!HereWeCome!]

OK - I just learned something new.... hadn't even thought about sending a gift! Sheesh! We'll be bringing DS (6), what do you think we should send? Not really wanting to spend a ton, but something might be a nice idea!

 

[Hannathy]

Nope never did! Going to Disney has been more than enough of a gift for any of the children I have taken in the last 20 years. Geeze can't kids be allowed to be thankful for what they are getting without having to make everything into something "more special" or some big production.

 

[mericletwins]

No. Never gave it a though, but now that I am thinking........still no! Disney itself is a gift and they'll get some kind of souveneir or two or three while they are there. Why would you need an arrival gift?

 

[powellrj]

Nope never did! Going to Disney has been more than enough of a gift for any of the children I have taken in the last 20 years. Geeze can't kids be allowed to be thankful for what they are getting without having to make everything into something "more special" or some big production.

gotta agree. You are going to Disney, that should be enough of a treat with out having special gifts waiting too.

I think the whole special gift thing has gotten out of hand. You now need a special gift to celebrate a special gift??????

 

[jenrein]

We are going down on the 12th. I thought they have Easter- which they are getting some stuff to bring there with them- I thought the basket was going to be overkill (on my budget, that is!) I think the idea is cute and maybe if you have 1 kid, even better. I have 3 and the cost would just be out of hand.

 

[susykt4]

We've never done an arrival gift, but we do Tinker Bell gifts. If the kids (ages 6 & 4) are good during the day, Tink comes at night (like the tooth fairy) and leaves a small trinket I buy at the dollar store or for cheap at WalMart. The kids LOVE this, believe Tink really comes and it really does improve their behavior, fighting, etc.

Some things I've used as Tink gifts- Disney light up pens, erasers, markers, crayons and coloring books from the dollar store. Disney bandages, temporary tattoos, stickers and small toys from WalMart. I've gotten all kinds of little toys such as cell phones, penny racer cars and those (uh) towels that you put in water on super clearance for a buck or less at the Disney Store at the mall. I also usually do one night with something "extra special" they've been eyeing at the resort gift shop. Our Feb trip to Pop Century DS4 got a Mickey baseball and DD6 a Rubik's Cube.

It's a bit of a pain to pack the stuff and remember to put it out after the kids are asleep, but totally worth it. It cuts WAY down on their asking for souvenirs and especially cuts the amount we spend on souvies.

 

[meandtheguys2]

We've never had one sent to us. My kids are spoiled enough, and we have more than enough stuff!

I sent one to my niece and her fiance, though. It had a refillable mug, and snacks, etc. They had both just graduated, and were living on a strict budget.

 

[Starr W.]

Why do they get a special gift, when you are spending alot of money on taking them on vacation?

 

[mjrich73]

I am having gift baskets sent to my two kids. However, the stuff in them are things I would have been buying them at Disney anyway . Mickey Ears with their names on them, Epcot passports, Autograph books, Jumbo pen, pressed penny book and a lanyard for their pins. It was just a way for them to have something extra special when they arrived(and saved me from having to take them shopping at the beginning of the trip)!!

 

[twinspluscade]

Nope, no arrival gifts here either. The vacation to Disney itself is their gift .

Kelly

 

[mjh8955]

No "gifts" but I did make up envelopes with Disney character stickers on them with letters to my little nephew each day, and I had a very small item for him each morning as a surprise (stickers, etc. something very small and inexpensive to help occupy his time waiting in lines). The best was when I had the Airtran people at the gate deliver his first envelope to him while we were waiting to board. I had written the note to him personally from Mickey, telling him "I can't wait to see you at the Magic Kingdom!" "have fun on your first airplane ride" etc. They called his name on the public address system and asked him to come to the counter. His dad took him up, they said this is for you and handed him the envelope, his dad read it to him then he looked at all of us and said "Mickey knows I'm coming to see him!!". Boy the look on his face was priceless. Just took a little creativity, clip art and stickers.

 

[mnasmom3]

Heck no! They'll nickle and dime me enough when the see items in the stores while we're at the parks. I'm not about to spend more money on stuff they didn't even ask for!

 

[pospisil]

No "gifts" but I did make up envelopes with Disney character stickers on them with letters to my little nephew each day, and I had a very small item for him each morning as a surprise (stickers, etc. something very small and inexpensive to help occupy his time waiting in lines). The best was when I had the Airtran people at the gate deliver his first envelope to him while we were waiting to board. I had written the note to him personally from Mickey, telling him "I can't wait to see you at the Magic Kingdom!" "have fun on your first airplane ride" etc. They called his name on the public address system and asked him to come to the counter. His dad took him up, they said this is for you and handed him the envelope, his dad read it to him then he looked at all of us and said "Mickey knows I'm coming to see him!!". Boy the look on his face was priceless. Just took a little creativity, clip art and stickers.

Now that is a great idea! I'm going to steal that one from you for our trip in September. Thank you!

 

[bkreitzel]

we bought disney things on clearance and at the dollar store before we went. every morning there was a present for each child left by tinkerbell while they were sleeping. they were told that she would bring something each night as long as they were good listeners during the day. the first morning we had princess gowns for the character dining. other days it was small things like a light spinner or tee shirt or stickers. we saved a lot of money this way as they did not beg for souveniers as they had gotten a present in the morning. we tried to time it w/ what we would do that day. dress - dining. light up necklace or spinners - pm parade. disney sunglasses, etc. we just used the same gift bag over and over too.

 

[*KeepMovingForward*]

The most we do for our kids is give them our Disney Rewards cards. Both my husband and I have the Disney Visa, so we make sure they each have the same amount of rewards on their cards and that is their special souvenir money for the trip. But as far as getting them gifts for arrival, no way. I agree with the others, the gift is being there in the first place.

 

[deedeetoo]

I think sending a gift to the hotel is just ridiculous but then again I think a lot of things people talk about on these boards is way over the top.

This is a vacation. Yes, its a vacation to a very fun place, but it is still just a vacation. Do you want your kids to expect presents everytime you go on vacation? There is enough magic and fun for kids at WDW without special presents.

 

[leighe]

I think sending a gift to the hotel is just ridiculous but then again I think a lot of things people talk about on these boards is way over the top.

This is a vacation. Yes, its a vacation to a very fun place, but it is still just a vacation. Do you want your kids to expect presents everytime you go on vacation? There is enough magic and fun for kids at WDW without special presents.

I agree. I feel like taking DD to Disney World for a week is her special gift.

 

[Starr W.]

I think sending a gift to the hotel is just ridiculous but then again I think a lot of things people talk about on these boards is way over the top.

Agree with you on both points.

 

[mrsltg]

The only time I ever had a "welcome gift" was on the DCL. I didn't want to bring a pale and shovel so I had one delivered stuffed with a beach towel and a beach barbie. Best $50 I've ever spent! When we were done with our last day on the beach we passed the pale and shovel on to another family and dd still uses the beach towel and barbie. Other than that, no, I wouldn't do a welcome gift!

 

[dianemb]

I've never thought of going to disney as a gift. When we go it is our vacation. Having a gift waiting in our room has become a tradition with our family. It's just a fun surprise. The way everyone has talked on this thread I guess their kids should be happy their taken to Disney. Our son knows how much it costs and what is involved planning the trip, he appreciates it. WE do trips other then Disney and He has never expected a gift at any of them.