If you could splurge on just ONE thing . . .

[mjmcca]

It's just me and my eight-year old son. We've been to WDW twice, DL once, and Tokyo DL once, so we're not as experienced as some here but not all that new either.

We're not that into food. But he *does* like character meals, and we've done a few of those.

We're the see everything/do everything type. One expensive thing would be fun -- but by "expensive" I just mean about $50/person.

I think an 8 year old would love to do Disney Quest.

 

[Colorado Belle]

On a budget with an 8 year old and food isn't a priority:
In that case, I'd definitely see Fantasmic, but wait in line and eat a kids meal while waiting (saving time AND money). The reserved with dinner seats arent' all that great,and especially for the last show, the wait time isn't all that bad. Adults might appreciate a splurge on food, but for kids it is usually not worth it.

Cirque de Soleil: We are so lucky in that Cirque comes to Denver every year. The Disney Cirque is AWESOME (tho not probably as awesome as Cirque's 'O' in Vegas.
If you haven't been AND you have a day where you wouldn't be using a park ticket...then that would be a 'once in a lifetime' splurge that I think you would both enjoy.

At age 8, he is too young for most of the tours, although I once got a special dispensation for my daughter to do a kids tour (had to be 12) where they took them out into the swamp areas and there was an entymologist leading it and she decided our d HAD to become an entymologist because of her interest in the spiders (BTW, she did major in Biology in college)

I don't think spending money on trinkets and such is a good value for the budget conscious. When you break it all down, the best value for money is your theme park ticket....taking advantage of late night hours (MK) or letting him ride his favorites twice etc...would probably be the best FUN for him. One thing that is one of my fav memories is that I always took photos of my d with the characters from when she was 6 months old....When the autograph books first came out I bought one and had the characters sign on the pages where I had glued her photo with the particular character ....or with new characters, I had them sign and then took a pic and glued it in later. THis remains my best memory 'possession' from all the years at WDW.

IN sum, tho I personally LOVE great food experiences (like V and A) and the lagoon view at the Poly (where I got engaged, honeymooned and anniversaried)....these are things to do later, when you aren't on a budget.

Maybe give your son a couple choices and let him decide: like Cirque or and extra day in the parks for example. Or a water park.

Good luck! And have fun !
Colorado Belle

 

[nicki dahling]

I think I would take one of the tours.

Cyndi

 

[pirateofthecarolinas]

I would spend it on a romantic dinner. If there was any money left over I would buy a momento to remember the trip.

Lori

 

[sm4987]

splurging for me would be money for soveiners. I love to spend money on extra things

 

[Kitty-chan]

Thanks, these are all very helpful replies.

Since it's coming up soon I don't really have a good option of staying an extra day -- the change fees alone would be $200, let alone the change in airfares (we're leaving 12/19).

For me, some of the fun is being spontaneous, and so far we've had tremendous luck (good PSs at last minute, short lines for favorite rides late at night). So I think I'll mull over all these excellent suggestions and take action when the spirit moves me.

I'm so excited, leaving 2 weeks from tomorrow!

 

[Sarahsal]

HappyLawyer posted "i would get lipo"

Too funny!

 

[cdntourguide]

I am planning on getting a Mickey Mouse Leather jacket. I have looked at them for years, but never found one that fits me. When I was there in Nov I saw on the the World of Disney store and then I saw the same jacket in other stores in the parks. My sister tried to convince me to buy it, but I did not have the cash with me: now I have the cash and will buy that jacket in Feb. Price $395 less 10% AP discount.
:jumping4: :jumping4:

 

[sugermouse]

More Turkey Legs!!!!!!!

 

[mickeysaver]

I would buy the Stitch as Elvis Sericel at the Art of Disney store. Maggie

 

[Tiggerlover91]

If you were at WDW on a tight budget, but could afford to splurge on just one fairly extravagant thing, what would it be? Hoop de Doo Revue? Fantasmic dinner package? Cirque de Soleil? Or just having a bit of extra cash for those odds and ends of souveniers and such?

Spa treatments at the GF for DH and I.

 

[okapi]

I promised to get back on-line, ditto with their thoughts and yes, I agree about Disney quest (it might not be your best idea of a great time), but he should have a BLAST!!!
Good luck with your choice - YOU CAN'T GO WRONG - YOU'LL BE AT DISNEY!!!

 

[Rachael Q]

More than your $50.00 per person but

Last trip we splurged on Cirque du Soleil.

This trip we are splurging on Segway Tour followed by lunch at Le Cellier (splitting a Vacation Kingdom Lunch voucher).

Next trip (2008) we are saving for two nights at Polynesian, and a private dining dessert party (we will be celebrating our 10th wedding anniversary).

 

[mkpat]

Probably on the extra shopping and eating at one of the finer resturants...

 

[2ofUs]

We are a couple in our 50's who plan for at least one splurge for each trip we take as, for us, adding in extras enhances the special memories:
Cirque (2nd time this trip)
Absolutely unbelievable, highly recommended!
Segway (1st time this trip - 20% Disney VISA discount)
I'll let you know how it goes!
AKL concierge & Sunrise Safari (now Sunset Safari)
Loved the lodge, concierge was so-so, Sunrise Safari provided great information and pictures, breakfast in Tuskers after was WONDERFUL!
Backstage Magic (20% Disney Club -alas it is no more- discount)
I enjoyed the sights and information, gave me a whole different perspective into WDW. DH was not as interested but touring is not his thing. Highlight was being 'toured' down Main Street just ahead of the parade. Everyone was lined up along the route and staring at us and we had a wonderful viewing spot waiting for us at the end of our tour!
Illuminations boat cruise
One of my most memorable moments. We got a reservation for a 12 person boat and shared the expense with 10 people I met on another posting board. We coordinated a 'meet' on the Boardwalk about 30 minutes before the ride and had a great time getting to know each other. The ride was fun and the boat parked right under the International Gateway bridge for an incredible view of Illuminations!
HDDR (2nd time this trip)
Always a fun time and good food, corny but cute!
Carriage Ride through FW (1st time this trip - $30 for 30 min)
Get to cuddle under a blanket with DH on a carriage ride through FW grounds. We love carriage rides and have taken them in several other cities.
CRT (2nd time this trip - using a breakfast coupon from our FITS passes)
Gotta love the Castle!
Every restaurant in Epcot (use VKL for late lunch & split the meal)
My favorite part of WDW is enjoying the variety of cultures and visiting with the CM's from those countries! We especially enjoy Norway (DH is 3rd generation American/Norweigen) France, Germany and always have to make a beer stop for DH at the Rose & Crown Pub.
Some of the better restaurants (Jiko, Cal Grill, Flying Fish, etc.)
Haven't 'sprung' for a V&A yet -- someday -- but since WDW hosts some of the finest restaurants in the country, we can't pass up at least one new one each visit. This trip will be 2 - Artist's Point and BlueZoo.
Rehitching Ceremony
Surprised DH with this in 2003 but think they are no longer doing them? Goofy was our 'witness' and signed our rehitching license. It was a nice keepsake and a fun time.

Every vacation holds it's own memories. Try to schedule something 'above the norm' to add a special touch, but sometimes the best memories are the little things.

Take LOTS of pictures because at age 8 those are what can serve as the strongest reminders. My DD went to WDW only once. She was 6 and thought it was 'okay' but seemed bored most of the time. We never got back to WDW as a family as her father and I divorced 2 years later.

Now she is 22, married, and expecting her first child in July 2005. Yesterday she asked if I would plan a family trip with them and our grandchild to WDW when she/he is old enough (we are hoping for a girl)! She said they had been looking through some family albums and found a bunch of pictures (over 200) we took on her trip which brought on a sudden flood of memories for her! So, you just never know what a real splurge is -- could be just a ton of pictures?

 

[tinkerbee]

I would splurge on any one of the tours. We did the "Keys to the Kingdom" tour a few years ago and had a blast.

Myself I would splurge this time on a cel of some sort. I'm still kicking myself by not getting a sericel of the sprite from Fantasia a few years ago.

 

[tarheelmjfan]

I think an 8 yo. would rather splurge on those useless trinkets, that are so important to them. And speaking as a Mother myself, I enjoy seeing the excitement on their face when they get those things. IMHO, nothing is worse on vacation, than having to constantly say "no" we can't afford it. Have a great trip!

 

[Distriv]

Lunch with an Imagineer at the Brown Derby. Its about $70 but I think is would definitly be worth the price.

 

[dan-tot]

I would got to the christmas party

Dan-tot

 

[Alice28]

I would splurge either on a romantic dinner for 2 or just have an extra $100 for some special souvenirs.