Ease my paranoia

[gib4]

Greetings! We are traveling to WDW next month with a 2, 6 & 9yo. While I am not in a panic necessarily about their safety, it stays on my mind. Any tips on easing my anxiety? I am thinking a Margarita...

On another note-we will be using the meal plan and don't plan on going overboard on souveniers. Actually, I have been stocking up at clearance sales after xmas and at the Disney store so we don't have to buy a boat load while we are there. How much do people bring in spending money? I know that is a loaded question and varies greatly based on family/financial situations. Maybe a better question would be what may I be overlooking that will cost money? I know tips are not included in meal plans and we'll have to purchase add'l food but what else?

One more question-is there a good way to get the kids started in the pin collecting/trading? I am hoping there is a starter set? Any ideas?

Thanks!

 

[neutie88]

Greetings! We are traveling to WDW next month with a 2, 6 & 9yo. While I am not in a panic necessarily about their safety, it stays on my mind. Any tips on easing my anxiety? I am thinking a Margarita...

The biggest issue is keeping up with them in a crowd. A double stoller for the 2- and 6-yo will take of two things...You always know where they are as you are moving through the park, and you will not have to worry about carrying either of them later in the day. I know you may be thinking that a 6yo does not need a stroller, but you walk MILES at a day at Disney, and it is just too much for a little one most times. My 14yo wished he could have a stoller and sometimes he shared with the 6yo! Make sure that you point out the unique badges that all CMs wear, so your kids know those are the only adults they should go to if they get lost. While you can never be completely relaxed anywhere these days, I have found WDW to be one of the most kid-friendly and safe places to be with small children.

On another note-we will be using the meal plan and don't plan on going overboard on souveniers. Actually, I have been stocking up at clearance sales after xmas and at the Disney store so we don't have to buy a boat load while we are there. How much do people bring in spending money? I know that is a loaded question and varies greatly based on family/financial situations. Maybe a better question would be what may I be overlooking that will cost money? I know tips are not included in meal plans and we'll have to purchase add'l food but what else?

I would say $100 a day will cover any misc expenses, but that is probably more than enough if you can resist the repeated "Mommy, I want...". You can always explain that it is too hard to carry everything around each day, and plan a small shopping excursion at the end of your trip at the Resort gift shop or at Downtown Disney. That way you limit it to just a few things, and you can base the shopping on whatever money you have leftover from the trip.

One more question-is there a good way to get the kids started in the pin collecting/trading? I am hoping there is a starter set? Any ideas?

I bought my then 4yo some pins off of e-bay (about 10) and made it a rule not to spend more than $3.50 a pin, including shipping. Since you are traveling soon, there may not be enough time, but if the seller is in the US or close to your location, you can usually get them in a week. You might be able to get a lanyard as well. There are starter sets, but you pay full price. I also looked for pins that I knew my son would not care for (Princesses) so he was more inclined to trade them.

As for trading, you have to go with them at first, and show them that the CM with the green lanyards trade only with kids, so they are the special ones. Green lanyard CMs are very accomodating about the ettiquette that goes with pin trading. Once the kids get a few trades under their belt, they will be pointing out the green lanyards so they can go trade!

Have fun on your trip - just a little jealous becasue we won't be going back until May!