Money for the kiddos

[howdyfrtx]

How much money does your kids bring or you allow them to spend while at WDW?

 

[daisyduck123]

We never have a set amount.
To be honest, when we go to WDW, it's pretty much a "buy what you like" experience. But my kids are older (DS10, DD13) & don't go crazy about it. If they were younger, we might have to set a limit because little kids can go nuts.

My kids see me souvenir shop like crazy, so I figure that if I can buy whatever I want, then they should get things too. Neither has ever asked for souvenirs that are not "within reason" though.

In all though...we probably spend about $500.00 - $600.00 in the gift shops.

 

[5fordisney]

The first time we went, the kids were young and we gave each one about $20-25. The second time, we gave them $40 each and they had another $20 from a grandparent or something. This time when we go, they've each been saving money they receive as gifts, etc. As it's been over a 1 1/2 years of saving, they are each almost up to $100. I'm thinking this may be too much but I will be holding the money for them and hopefully they won't spend it all. The last time we went, we paid for a cup and ornament for each of them so that their money could go for more "splurge" type of purchases. I also pre-buy T-shirts at the disney store before we go, and we don't get mickey ears, plush, etc, so money saved there. We also don't pin trade and I get autograph books at home. I think how much money you want your kids to have depends partly on whether things like autograph books, mickey ears, T-shirts, pins, ornaments, things like that are a part of that spending. Have a great trip!

 

[denman007]

$10 per day, stackable. DD8

Teaches them a good lesson because not a lot you can buy for $10.

 

[momof3girls6712]

We start about 2 and a half months before our trip paying them for their chores in "Disney Dollars" (printed out pictures of disney dollars). Whatever they earn is what they have to spend. Before we leave for the trip I write their totals on index cards with their names. Each evening we deduct pruchases and update the index cards. The kids must pay for anything that they want that we do not suggested and ofcourse we pay for snacks and specials like the barber shop. Last trip they each spent some money in the arcade and then on souvieners and gifts for friends and such.

 

[chcmama]

My girls have been saving there money and they will be able to buy what they would like within reason. DH and I will still have veto power if it is something we don't think it is worth them spending their money on. Like a PP said I made an account sheet for them and we will deduct every night what they have spent so they can see what it left.

 

[trivial]

We're planning on teaching our kids about money and savings early on, and they'll have a modest weekly allowance. Using their savings and any Disney Dollars they receive as gifts, they'll have to stay within their limit. I know it's a vacation and a special experience, but I'd recommend setting a spending limit rather than letting them buy everything they want, especially if you're trying to teach them about money and responsible spending.

 

[Minnie_me]

My girls had about 5 months to raise their own spending money for WDW. They had bake sales, car washes and a garage sale. They earned about $120 each, and we put the money of Disney gift cards.

It was the best thing we ever did. The first night there, they were both smitten by 3-foot tall stuffed Minnie Mouse dolls. They asked, "Can we buy them?!?!" I said, "Sure! But remember, then half of your money will be gone."

They each walked out with a beanie-baby sized Minnie Mouse instead. And they were as happy as could be!

It taught them to make smart purchases, and they even bought gifts for their friends with their own money.

 

[Tnkrbelle565]

My DD has been getting a $1 allowance (cheap, I know...but she's 4!!!). Her GGM also likes to sneak her $5 bills all the time. She immediately puts them in her Belle bank for Disney. Birthday and Xmas gifts have to go in the ACTUAL bank for saving. But the $1/$5 become Disney money...I counted it the other day. That kid is going to have more spending $$$ than us!!!