Pre-purchasing souveniers at home..

[Xendancer]

LOL Diana! What did you buy?

I ended up going through two auctions, so I could get two of the magazines, and didn't combine shipping. This way I can feel the Disney magic all year long

 

[dlstc]

Haven't bought anything yet. I've already bought a bunch of stuff from Walmart, Target, DS, etc. But I'm always on the lookout for bargains!

We only have $300 budgeted for spending money. We have a separate food and tipping budget.

Do you think this will be enough? I know we will be buying an autograph book and I'd like to get the kids silhouettes done. Any other thoughts or ideas?

Thanks.

Diana

 

[Xendancer]

That sounds like a great budget to me! I spent far less than that, mostly because I would see stuff and think, "I can get it for less on Ebay".

As far as the food budget goes, we spent about $30 a meal average in the park, which I didn't think was that bad. T-shirts average about $20, lots of little things for less than $5 for the kids. I don't know much about the pin trading, but the starter kits were $25, which I think would be cool if my son was a little older.

 

[daisylove]

If you are going in May let me strongly suggest to you a handheld fan, even a mister for each of you. I live in Fla and yes still go to MK in the summer and it is hot. Disney store has litle handheld fans either with princesses, mickey or buzz right now for 5.00. I have just bought some for our trip at the end of march. They will be used constantly. Just remember to bring extra batteries as they are very expensive in the park. Also for my soon to be 5 year old I also pre-buy goodies but I bring a small disney store bag to put them in before I surprise her with it during the day in the park. She thinks I just bought it at the park and is happy not to ask for more things in the park. Saves lots of $. Just an idea. Have a great time!

 

[Julia M]

we don't have that big of a budget for the "take-home" items. It's really not about the cost, although it drives me crazy to pay more for something I could buy at Target! For me, it's about the fact that I am trying to send a message to my kids.........a vacation is about the family time we have, not a shopping spree.

Having said that, on our previous trip to WDW, I bought dd a princess nightgown and brush/comb set and a Jasmine costume, oldest ds an Indiana Jones hat and stuffed snake, and youngest ds some Toy Story Toys. But I do try to buy stuff that is either really unique, or has more of a functional purpose. We also have had only one trip to WDW (but yeah, we do get to go again)

However, when we go to Disneyland (at least once a year, usually more often) we frequently buy nothing. Dh will sometimes take the boys on multiple rides of Star Tours, and dd and I will shop, but it's only window shopping.

I did, however, buy some of the glow bracelets on Ebay...we'll bring some to Disney, use as favors at birthday parties, bring to an annual 4th of July party....and probably more!

Bottom line, though......it's definitely a family decision......whether to spend or not....how much to spend......what is "junk" and what is a treasured souvenir. It's kind of like the whole food choices thing........some people eat b'fast in the room, carry their own snacks and lunch, and eat at McDonalds for dinner......others feel they're on vacation and can't imagine doing so. I think it's just great to hear about all the different things people do...it continues to have me think about what I want to do.

Julia