HELP!!! Clothes and Money question for teen

[My2BabiesLexis&Dill]

I'm posting this for my mom. Hopefully I don't get everyone confused. But my sister-age 12 years old- will be going to Disney World-staying offsite-at the end of April with her older brother and his family. She's just wondering what should she take on the trip...clothes wise? Tank top and shorts or pants and t-shirts? Is it going to be hot? Also if she takes a fanny pack inside, what should she carry besides her money and camera?
Then the BIG question she is having problems with is how much to give her. She has to buy her food and her own souviners. She has already bought the ticket. My brother and family does NOT plan on eatin inside the parks. How much money do you think she will need? They will be at the parks for 4 days. ANY HELP WOULD BE GREATLY APPRECIATED. Also can children use travelers checks? Would that be good for her in case she does lose some money? PLEASE GIVE ME ANY SUGGESTIONS!!! TIA!!!!

 

[Lesli54]

My DD's were about the same age as you sister when we were last in WDW and they brought $80-100 to go towards souvenirs. We were in the parks about 4-5 days and it seemed to be more than enough for them. Our whole trip was 2 weeks (not all at Disney) and I think they brought a little money back home. It will depend on how well your sister handles money. Mine DD's work hard to earn theirs (chores, odd jobs, etc.) so they are not as likely to spend it so quickly and really think about their purchases. Now, I have a friend whose DD will go through any amount of money that is given to her. So my friend will always give her a little less than what she thinks she needs.

I wouldn't do traveler's checks because a lot of places don't recognize them anymore. It's happened to my DD's and sometimes the business wants an ID before you use the check. How many 12 y/o's carry an ID? Sounds silly, but save yourself the trouble. Also, if she loses them they will not be replaced until after she gets home since the trip is so short and replacing takes time.

You could look at getting a prepaid Visa card that she could use (like a Simon card, probably can find it online). It's a gift card that can be used anywhere for anything. The only thing here is, she will need to keep her receipts to keep track of how much is on the card. However, I do believe that you can add more $ to the card through a credit card transfer. I don't know what happens if she loses it.

You could also let your brother hold on to the extra money until she needs it if you are afraid it will get lost.

As far as clothing, I have never been in April, but make sure she has some good tennis shoes or other shoes that are comfy.

Food $ just depends on where your brother is planning to eat. Figure about the same as you would per person normally. Hope this helps.

 

[My2BabiesLexis&Dill]

Thanks for your reply. I never really thought about a Visa Debit card. Can anyone else help with the weater? How hot was it when you went down? My brother and family isn't much of a planner. For dinner they are going to eat fastfood or pizza most of the time.

 

[Lesli54]

You might want to do a search on the average monthly temperatures for FL. That might help you with planning of clothing. We went in June so it was quite warm. I suspect that in April the days are nice, but the evenings probably are cool.

Anyway, this will help bump you up and maybe someone else will respond to the weather question.

 

[Becky2005]

IYou could look at getting a prepaid Visa card that she could use (like a Simon card, probably can find it online). It's a gift card that can be used anywhere for anything. The only thing here is, she will need to keep her receipts to keep track of how much is on the card. However, I do believe that you can add more $ to the card through a credit card transfer. I don't know what happens if she loses it.

I was just thinking the same thing, with the Pre-paid Visas out now, that seemed like a great solution. I just wasn't sure if they would let a 12-year old use them but since it's pre-paid I don't see why not.

Can't you even ADD money to them? So if your mom kept the account numbers and for some odd reason your sister ran short, couldn't your mom add funds to it?

I've not used them but it seems all the gift cards I get now from companies, tell you can add to it if you want type thing.

 

[My2BabiesLexis&Dill]

Thanks for the replies. Where do I find the average weather for Flordia? And mom has decided to go with a prepaid visa card. Thanks to all that responded so far!!!

 

[newtowdw1]

Avg high 83
Avg low 60
Avg rain 2.42"
Avg days w/ rain 6
Avg UV index 8
Record high 95
Record low 38