How much do you spend on your vacation with kids

[Diehl2229]

I wanted to get an idea how much you guys spend on gifts and extra activities like spas, recreation etc. Most of us are on the DDP so leave dining out of it. But since every ride almost always ends in a gift store me and the kids all will be tempted I plan on bringing $2000 for 7 days Is this enough or should I think about bringing more?

 

[BlindTyldak]

I wanted to get an idea how much you guys spend on gifts and extra activities like spas, recreation etc. Most of us are on the DDP so leave dining out of it. But since every ride almost always ends in a gift store me and the kids all will be tempted I plan on bringing $2000 for 7 days Is this enough or should I think about bringing more?

it really all depends, we're bringing about the same for 9 days. If you plan on letting the kids get limited edition lightsabers outside of Star Tours, or huge plush animals that would have to be shipped home, it'll go a lot faster. We've already told our DD that some of our "souvenier" money is going to be spent on things for her to use at school and for around the house (I hate spending money on things that are just going to "sit" or get put in a drawer), tours, maybe fishing, etc. I think you'll have more than enough if you lay down some ground rules as to how much will be spent per day, what's definitely out, etc.

 

[ryley26]

If that does not include food that plenty. My dear wife said five hundred for us. We give each of our kids a limit and tell them they need to budget. So they don't get caught in the traps at the end of the rides. We have never had a problem each kid get 50 to spend anyway they want. My DS brought 20 home to save because nothing caught his eye. DD always spends it all.

 

[lyzziesmom]

Wow, I don't know what you guys are buying but last time I spent $143.00 in 5 days, and STILL came home with junk that is just sitting around untouched.

 

[BlindTyldak]

Wow, I don't know what you guys are buying but last time I spent $143.00 in 5 days, and STILL came home with junk that is just sitting around untouched.

We buy t-shirts, sweatshirts, jackets, and home goods. Since we only get to go every few years, it's hardy stuff that will get USED for years.

 

[Diehl2229]

Thanks alot guys I told my kids they can have $50 a day to do what they want with it. But both of them being Autistic they just see something they want and thats it. They don't understand how hard it is to make money. Plus I'm a big spender also my DW is the one that keeps me in check

 

[shyjade]

I agree with giving kids a set amount and "that's it"! My DD8 gets a set amount of money to spend the way she choses (I hang onto it for her so she doesn't lose it). Amazingly, she never wants much when it's "her" money, and this way she only buys what she truly wants.

 

[Tink In Training]

Hi there, you didn't mention how old you children were.

When we go our girls have money that they have saved and earned through out the year. They are 11, 9, and 7. They get only that money for souvenirs. It's usually at least $150 for each of them. They have to budget their money and when it's gone it's gone.

Honestly most years they have most always come home with some money left. It's amazing how frugal a child will be when it's their own money. Not to mention it teaches them responsibility.

I think you have more than enough money.

We usually stay at the camp ground and for 12 days we have never spent more than $1,500. But that includes the occasional dinner out, etc.

Good luck and have a great time!

 

[Caitsmama]

Holy cow.. 2,000 seems like PLENTY to me!!!! I looked at your tag line, and your children seem like they are old enough to earn spending money on their own too.. Although i am guessing it's too late for that since you leave tomorrow!! You lucky duck!!
Anyway, 2,000 is way enough! We don't spend that and we pay our own food too!! LOL
Although , i would have to admit, i would love to have that kind of extra spending money!! LOL

 

[clonetothebone]

Wow, I don't know what you guys are buying but last time I spent $143.00 in 5 days, and STILL came home with junk that is just sitting around untouched.

If you have $2000 for 7 days you should have more than enough. We were there for 8 days and the kids were given $100 each from their aunt. We didn't give them any additional money but did purchase the passports in Epcot and good quality t-shirts the last day.

As for the $100 each kid had, DD6 spent $20 of hers and wanted to save the rest, and DS8 spent $35. If you let them know it is their money to spend it seems to go farther because it makes them think weather they really want it or not.

DW and I spent an additional $60 on Christmas ornaments(a family tradtion) and I collect shot glasses so i purchased 4 (one from each park) and DW likes magnets on the refrigerator (which drives me obsolutely nuts but oh well). I would say we spent $250-300 dollars for the four of us for the 8 days. We were on the DDP as well so didn't spend much additional on food/snacks.

 

[MarieA]

$2000 for 7 days should be plenty. We usually take about $2500 for 9 days and always come home with money. (We're on the DDP too).

 

[frayedend]

Wow, 2 G for one week. I think that's a lot. Not that you can't spend it easily. We are planning on $1000 for 6 nights with the dining plan free. My wife says that she doesn't need to buy anything since we just went in January and she bought everything.

I said, yeah and an alcoholic doesn't need a drink and a smoker doesn't need a cigarette either.

 

[BlindTyldak]

You guys have to remember that the OP also indicated this would be tour, spa, and other recreation money as well. between souvies and those items, I think they are pretty well on the nose.

 

[Diehl2229]

Great advise but with DD{12} and DS{9} being Autistic they don't understand about having money, saving money or anything like that they just see something they want and if you tell them no. The rest of your trip will be stressful till you get it for them because they don't forget

 

[Tink In Training]

Well then that changes everything. In this case I would use your best judgement.

I would think you'll be okay. Remember if you're having a tough time of it and are running low on cash, depending on hwere you're staying you can always hang out for the day and not go to the parks!

 

[Diehl2229]

Well then that changes everything. In this case I would use your best judgement.

I would think you'll be okay. Remember if you're having a tough time of it and are running low on cash, depending on hwere you're staying you can always hang out for the day and not go to the parks!

Yes thats what we will do. But I don't think we will spend that much But its good to have incase. I know I want something special in the Firehouse gift store on main street

 

[Caitsmama]

Ok.. Makes sense. Can you reason with them as far as if they can pick out something "small" or "big"?? Like i said, i am A HUGE WDW shopper myself.. so, i can live thru you on this! LOL
Have fun.. enjoy your vacation- and please come back and let us know what goodies you got!!! LOL

 

[funcinderella]

I agree with giving kids a set amount and "that's it"! My DD8 gets a set amount of money to spend the way she choses (I hang onto it for her so she doesn't lose it). Amazingly, she never wants much when it's "her" money, and this way she only buys what she truly wants.

We leave next Friday and this is the trick we are trying with my twins, who are 5. I hope they grasp it. They are starting off with $15 each on the first day, then they get $12 each for the next 14 days for a total of $183 over the course of two weeks. I sure hope this works, because my Mom usually buys them something at every store, and I just can't bring home that much junk this time!! $183 may sound like a lot for a 5 yr old, but we'll definitely be saving money this way over our old strategy (or non-strategy, really).

 

[anneofgreengables]

We usually let our kids have only one or two souvenirs for the whole trip. Sometimes, we buy them a couple more things they didn't ask for (practical things like T-shirts they can use, coloring books for the ride home, etc.) But that's about it.

 

[Diehl2229]

I think I can reason with my DD but my son is another story I think he has more of me in him everyday My son all he wants is DVD's which he thinks he will be able to get one at every gift store like winnie the pooh, and places like that. I guess I will try and tell him they are out of them if we pass any other shops