Is this reasonable? First timer Disneyland trip.

[smallsteps]

Hi All,

I'm trying to really budget our trip while there and limit the spending. One big questionable thing is the souvenirs. I'm sure this has been asked before (no search function ), but what kind of souvenirs can I expect my children (girls, ages 2 and 4) to want at Disney? I'm trying to really really cut back the souvenir spending while there to $50 each for the whole trip (if that). The idea is/was to be very prepared with stuff we found at a good price beforehand and just take it with us in our van (most of which was bought using Friends and Family sale at Disney store, Amazon, Wal-Mart, dollar store and dollar sections in Target). My dh and I are not souvenir types so we are really just looking at limiting our daughters. Here is what I have prepared, pre-purchased and planned:

• Welcome baskets (Minnie stuffed dolls, new swimming suits I was going to buy anyway, cheap toothbrushes, small sample sized "Disney" shampoo, cheap princess pajamas and Disney books)
• Parade/Night "Gear:" various glow sticks/necklaces, an led wand (only one dollar at Target), and a light-up princess spinner
• Dress-Up Gear: One commercial dress-up dress for each girl, one handmade dress-up dress for each girl, coordinating necklaces/bracelets (I do not have crowns or wands but figured they are not entirely necessary based on my girls' personalities)
• Park Supplies: Rain coats (doubling as a coat and a poncho if it gets cold or rains..although we might bring something a little thicker just in case), lanyards and cheap trading pins (they are legitimate for trading), Mickey ears and autograph books.
  We already have water cups that I plan on filling up in the park (and flavoring them with Crystal Light packs). We also have good walking shoes that are broken in. We as a family have brightly-colored coordinating outfits for each day at the park.
• Rewards for Good Behavior (to be given at the end of park days): a couple of princess dolls (one each), a princess castle (I got it for a steal at $20 and it's now on Ebay for $80!), some mini-dolls/characters
• We will have grocery store snacks available (both for the hotel and at the park) that will include more healthy items (whole wheat PB&J, Greek yogurt with granola, sliced fruit, homemade lunchables, high fiber granola bars, trail mix) and not so healthy items to curb snack spending (homemade cookies, fruit snacks.

To save additional money, we will be eating breakfast in the hotel (I'm thinking homemade whole wheat waffles with turkey sausage and fruit for one day and bagels/cream cheese + lox for the hubby on another day). Our third day will be a character breakfast. The plan is to do one sit-down Disney restaurant per day (that we are budgeting the extra money for....we want to try the food) and either one snack or counter service per day. Other meals will be eaten outside of Disney.

What do you all think? Other suggestions? What hidden fees are we looking at here? Is $50 for each child reasonable for souvenirs?

 

[serene56]

in 2010
we'took our 5 year old gran daughter. not'one time did she say buy me something- but we never nt into the stores'either.

at night when the sellers'were'out and about with their cqrts'full'of expenive'light up toys-i reached into my bag and gave her one thatni got from home for about 1.99

in the morning she recieved a hand made'invitation to where ever we were eating..

chef mickeys where mickey was excited'to finally get'to see her.

or the princess'breakfast stating dnt forget to smile when you finally see belle

 

[DisneyDiva8401]

I think $50 is reasonable. You don't have to have a souvenir everyday from every park and it looks like you've already got a lot of stuff. Maybe a t-shirt or stuffed animal, which was my favorite thing to get as a child. I still remember that magical feeling falling asleep with my favorite character in my arms after a long day at the parks.

 

[trewin]

Sounds like you already have a lot of great things planned! I think the experience of going to Disney is enough itself, I never buy a lot and I don't remember getting a lot when I was little either...I only bought my son 2 things last trip -- a pirate Mickey play set and a buzz light year that he wanted.

 

[cel_disney]

I think you really have PLENTY!! I can't imagine a 2 or 4 year old really needing souvenirs if you already are bringing so many daily treats!


We go yearly or more...my now 6 year old has only gotten a handful of souvenirs over the years...when he was 4 he got his first autograph book - it would be cheaper to get one of those at home of you think they might be into that! At age 5 was the first time he noticed pins, so we let him pick one as a souvenir...it wasn't until he was 6 that he really understood the idea of trading and still prefers to just pick out a pin at every trip instead of trading them...

My kids are also more than excited about the random Stickers that CMs hand out and occasionally pick something from the candy store....they bring home some packaged cookies (think animal crackers but Mickey shaped) to share with their daycare friends when we come back....

Have a great trip!!! The budget will be fine - just be prepared to say 'no' and more importantly to distract them from even looking!!!

 

[carebee21]

At that age, the only souvenirs my son wanted were the balloons and light-up toys. So IMO, $50 is more than sufficient, especially with everything else you are bringing. Have a great trip!

 

[Pinup Mommy]

It sounds like you are all covered.

My 3 year old daughter and I go frequently and she really has never asked for any souvenirs at all. It is me who has no self control.

As a PP mentioned the balloons is one of things only things DD always wants.

 

[smallsteps]

Whew, thanks everyone! Maybe we can get away with much less than $50! And yes, I'm pretty positive that they'll want a balloon. How much are the balloons? Do they sell Mickey balloons outside of Disney for less? I'm trying to figure out how many Disney gift cards to buy (Target discount).

 

[ashleyasiegel]

I want to say that the balloons are like $15 and they only take cash

 

[cel_disney]

I want to say that the balloons are like $15 and they only take cash

I don't think they sell them anywhere else...personally - I wouldn't buy anything else before you go, I think you have enough and will be pleasantly surprised at how easy it will be to distract your girls from wanting more!