How much $ do you give kids to spend in Disney?

[MomOfDisneyBoys]

We don't usually give our kids (DS9 and DS5) an allowance, but wanted them to have their own spending money for our trip in Aug.
DH had brilliant idea for them to start recycling. We go through a lot of soda and water bottles, and the kids must bag them and feed them into the machine at the recycling center. (aunt and grandma started saving cans too) They take the money directly to the Dis Store and exchange for DisDollars. Along with the $10 each that the easter bunny left, they each have about $75 saved, and will likely get a few more dollars before we leave in three weeks.

We have told them that whatever their total is, that is their budget for the week. We made a plan to take notes of what they think they want for the first few days, then review the list to decide what they really want, then buy them the last couple of days.

 

[TinkerbellMama]

My son is on the "I'm the only grandbaby" plan and therefore gets whatever he wants at WDW (or at any other time)! My mom has already purchased the special edition Pal Mickey for him and I know he'll get anything he really wants while we're there, from one of us. He will be one week shy of 2 when our vacation ends. That said, when he is older, he will get a set (modest) amount as part of our vacation budget and then be offered the option of doing extra "chores" to earn more. He will also probably get birthday/Easter/Christmas money in Disney Dollars from The Grandmas. I really don't think he will ever NOT get something he wants at WDW, unless it's just really outrageously priced or cheaply made. My husband and I both believe very strongly in teaching him the value of money, and he already has a savings account and lots of EE savings bonds (he is also a Disney stockholder...yes, in his own name!)...but we just don't feel vacation is a time to be super strict with spending. If we ever couldn't afford it, or didn't have relatives wanting to buy him things (within reason), he would get less and we would explain why. We don't want to deprive him, but he certainly won't be spoiled. He will know the value of what he has and be taught what gratitude is every step of the way! If we ever get the feeling he is NOT learning that lesson, the gravy train will come to a screeching halt until he figures it out.

 

[DisneyMama2H&O]

Our DS5 and DS2 are earning dollars for their spending money. Everytime they do something above and beyond what is expected they receive a dollar towards their funds. This includes chores and being extra kind and helpful. My 5 year old loves this. We've also given them Disney Dollars for special occassions. Of course our 2 year old hasn't earned quite as much as our 5 year old but he's holding his own.

We've decided that once we are there they can use their earnings to choose 1 expensive item ($30-$40) and then we'll divide up what's left equally for each day.

 

[ragamuffinkim]

My kids will both have about $500 each for their upcoming trip. If someone asks them what the want for their birthday or christmas they have been trained to say Disney Dollars. My little guy is turning 3 in a few weeks and Grandma took him to the toy store to see what he liked and wanted for his birthday. He told her over and over Disney money, Disney money. They are well trained. When we get down there they can go nuts and spend spend spend. The plus is that it is mostly gift money and we never have to tell them no to anything they ask for.

 

[Mom to a Princess]

Oh I am so gald I found this thread! DD(5) and I are going in August and when a friend asked how much spending money would dd have a ($100 - if she earns it) she thought it was too much! I feel so much better now! LOL!

DD has to earn her disney dollars by doing chores and helping out around the house without having to be asked If she continues as she has been she will have earned the full amount. Last year she came home with money so we will see about this year.

Like other posters I cover all food and will get her one thing at the end of the trip!

 

[Catira]

We will be there this August, in 17 days and we always clean out the kids closets right before school shopping. This year instead of giving it away, we decided to have a garage sale. Well, in one morning we had sold $350.00 This coming weekend we well have a second garage sale, and hope to make at least $200.00. My two children will divide the money between them. I consider this "free money" since it was clothing that we usually give away. My daughter will be 12 August 2 and I'm sure she will get birthday money from friends and family. My son is 7 yrs. and wants a Pirates of the Carribean Party, so I'm sure he will be buying pirates stuff . Can't wait for the Disney Magic

 

[daisyduck123]

My daughter will be 12 August 2 and I'm sure she will get birthday money from friends and family.

Hey!!! My DD11 will be 12 on Aug. 2 also!!!
(and my DS is 8)

 

[marconat]

My children are 6 an 10... and they get 100.00$ each to spend, money that they got for Birthday and Xmas... they also had that amount last time and my daughter spend around 50.00 (books and little jewelry) my son spent around 75.00$, he wanted the clue game (haunted mansion) that was the most expesive at 40.00 and the rest on books and pictures from rides... They are not very big spender... and usually ask for one big thing and that's it... actually in Disneyland (August trip) they spent 100.00 between them and we did Disneyland 3 days...Universal Studios, San Diego zoo and Sea World... they were happy with photos and my daughter got a big Shamu for 24.99 good deal ha! ha! I don't think I could find a big plush toy for that price at Disney ha!

 

[LSUmom4kids]

Since this will be our first trip and each kid (10, 7, 5 - oops, he just turned 6!) received about $175 for their birthday presents (most of that is in Disney Dollars), what would you recommend for the "best spending method"? We will be spending 8 nights at the Swan.

Naturally, they will want to buy everything they see - the first time they see it! DD7 is the type that likes to buy stuff for everyone! I know I need to sit them down and have the "big talk about spending money at WDW", but I don't know what to say!!!!!! (I like to spend money too!)

Do you tell them to wait until the last day to buy the "big" thing they want? What about the souveniers in the different parks? We have 7 day park hoppers, so we will be going to the parks several times throughout our trip. Since I will be carrying the "daypack", I don't want to be lugging stuff around all day long - or until we go back to our room.

They will each have their "waist packs" to carry their Culligan water bottles and their misc. stuff. (Unfortunately, the autograph books are too big to fit into their "waist packs", so I'll be carrying them with the Sharpies in a gallon ziplock bag.)

I will be carrying everyone's park passes and everyone's MONEY. HOW DO I MAKE THIS WORK SMOOTHLY AND STRESS-FREE???

We pull out of our driveway in exactly ONE WEEK FROM TODAY!!!!!!