Pre-purchasing souveniers at home..

[gary4jenn]

I am also always looking for Disney themed items to bring.

I save McDonald's toys. I usually get a kids meal for myself and the keep they toy hidden.

Walmart has LOTS of Disney stuff if you stand shopping there. (always looks like a tornado has gone through the store).

The Dollar store sometimes carries Disney stickers.

Michaels has Disney stamps and stickers, etc and also coloring type stuff.

We have a BIG LOTS! store and they carry Disney.

One other thing I do is download some Disney clipart and create a "letter" from Mickey Mouse or a Princess and have it sent to my kids at home the week before our trip. The letter just says that they can't wait to see them and to sign their autograph book and give them a hug. Just keeps the magic alive!

 

[gary4jenn]

Because I am a SAHM, money is tight so I shipped a 10lb box of stuff down to our resort the week before with some food, a body pillow for me and special treasures fo the kids. (Only $10 to ship)

I gave them one each night after returning to the hotel so that they didn't dread leaving the parks, they would have something fun to play with in the room and I didn't feel bad for saying "No" at the parks for the many tempting souveniers.

 

[dlstc]

I have started collecting some items for my DDs (4 and 2). I was planning on having a gift basket ready for them when we arrived but now I'm thinking of doling out the items on a daily basis, as I have collected several and it would just be overload to give them all at once.

I was considering the "tackiness" of bringing souvenirs to WDW but then I considered this: they are kids. They don't know the difference. It is still a souvenir to them because they receive them on their trip in WDW. Whether we shell out cash at home or in WDW, they don't know the difference. It has the same sentimental value.

Also, I will be alone with the two kids in a side by side double stroller. We will not be able to get inside the stores, even if I wanted to. And my children would be overwhelmed by all the merchandise. I think they will be thrilled to have something waiting for them back at the room. It will even be an incentive to leave the parks!

That's my two cents.

Diana

 

[pjlla]

Originally posted by dlstc
I have started collecting some items for my DDs (4 and 2). I was planning on having a gift basket ready for them when we arrived but now I'm thinking of doling out the items on a daily basis, as I have collected several and it would just be overload to give them all at once.

I was considering the "tackiness" of bringing souvenirs to WDW but then I considered this: they are kids. They don't know the difference. It is still a souvenir to them because they receive them on their trip in WDW. Whether we shell out cash at home or in WDW, they don't know the difference. It has the same sentimental value.

Also, I will be alone with the two kids in a side by side double stroller. We will not be able to get inside the stores, even if I wanted to. And my children would be overwhelmed by all the merchandise. I think they will be thrilled to have something waiting for them back at the room. It will even be an incentive to leave the parks!

That's my two cents.

Diana

Here, here!! I agree completely! And now that my DD is older, I encourage her to pick out a souvenir that will last, other than just a "toy". She started collecting snowglobes a few years ago, bought a nice one on our first trip (the castle ) and an eye-popping, double glass globe with lights and music and Tink on top during our last visit. Something she will have forever (assuming it doesn't ever break!) Much better souvie idea for the older ones than a toy they will outgrow I think...............P

 

[cujochurch]

Originally posted by skiwee1
I do this to take on the trip to occupy DD but I would never substitute them for souveniers! That is as bad as visiting Mexico or some place and buying the souveniers at the local Walmart. A souvenier is meant to be bought during a trip at the time of the visit to remember the place. I think it is the ultimate in cheap and tacky to pass off the stuff you get at home as Disney souveniers.

Just to clarify the OP I am not subsituting for real WDW souveniers. They are each giong to get $50 disney dollars to purchase whatever they want. We just want them to have a special treat everyday. Like I said we are planning on leaving them in the room as surprises from a different character everyday. And to me it just makes sense to purchase glow things at home from the dollar tree instead of paying $5 for the EXACT same thing in the parks.

 

[carone0318]

I don't buy any souveniers before we leave, but I buy little personal fans with sprayer from WalMart to bring with us for about $2.50 each. I don't want to pay $15/16 for them down there. The last ones we had lasted for 2 yrs before ds got a hold of them last year. Guess I have to go buy new ones.

 

[Eyore4Ever149]

I dont have kids. But I am young enough that I still have a imprint on my memory of what it was like to be a kid.

My parents were the worst (best?) at not letting us get lots of stuff on trips. I went to Disney World when I was about 2. My biggest memory? Chewing on the ears of my brothers little rubber model Dumbo and getting scolded. It was one of my brother's only items he brought home (we were driving, I must have been bored, I dont know- Derek if you're reading, Im really, really sorry)

Okay, I digress. My point is that I DO remember my parents making me choose. For example. When we went to Bermuda I really wanted stuffed animal (I forget what it was) and I really wanted these blue moraccos. They were in the resort gift shop. They would buy neither until I had chosen 1, not both-it took me most of the week discussing the pros and cons of each toy with my Mom, who helped me pick. The morracos said "Bermuda" on them, and I know there is still one at my parents house (one broke) Having to make a choice made the one item more special and memorable and I idolized that toy.

I have been seeing a disturbing trend in the enormous quantities of toys, etc kids have today. How will they ever understand the value of a dollar, or appreciate a gift when given?

I think its wonderful that folks want to save money and bring little extras along. But I do believe kids should be happy enjoying the gift of the trip. Unlimited hours with Mom and Dad who are not at work, but both with the kids, time with siblings, meeting characters, all the specialness that WDW brings on its own. If they have a tantrum leaving the park, or because they want something in a store, then perhaps manners is the best "gift" they could be given. I hope I dont sound mean, I dont want to. But I really hate going on a trip, or when I am out shopping and seeing a child flailing on the floor because they cant have an item. Who reinforced this to start with? A trip to WDW is so incredibly awesome and lucky for that child!! (I never got to go at an age where I would remember because my Father was not a fan)

I think it is awesome to hear there are "cheap" parents out there, their kids will enjoy the few items they have and the whole family benefits, as well as other folks visiting the park and admiring how cute and well behaved your kids are!!!

Whew! That was long winded!

 

[Eyore4Ever149]

One more thing, if you sigh up with email for the Disney store they send you emails letting you know when big sales for different items start. I get them all the time.

side note, I gave my husband Disney $$s because I knew if I didn't he would never treat himself to something.

 

[Eyore4Ever149]

Just got an email

Disney beach towels that normally sell for $19.50 are on sale for $14.99- guess thats still high. I love the ones at the world- expensive- but soooo cool.

http://disney.store.go.com/DSSectionPage.process?Merchant_Id=2&Section_Id=13651

 

[bobcat]

Sorry we offended anyone's budget sensibilities. If it's cheap and tacky to make my money stretch further so that my kids have the vacation memories rather than a bunch of souvineers that cost as much as my hotel room then cheap and tacky I'll be. Budget board = ways to save money, not ways to belittle how others choose to spend their money.

 

[xanman]

I forgot that I made a slew of these one time. Buy an inexpensive tie dye t-shirt kit at the toy store, walmart wherever, I think I paid 10 bucks for one. Buy a pack of boys all cotten undershirts. Trace the outline of a mickey head on the shirt in pencil, I used a plate and 2 glasses of the right size. Baste through both layers with a needle and thread. Pull up tight pulling center out, don't let it stay down inside shirt. Bunch up rest of shirt with rubber bands into long tube. Squirt Dye around the tread with a darker color do inside of head in lighter color, do alternating colors on rest of shirt. Follow instructions for dying on kit. I have made these in sizes 3x down to 2T. Turn out pretty cool if I do say so myself. You can practise your "technique" on a paper towel with diluted food coloring.

 

[ceecee]

Thinking back on our vacations, I don't think we got many if any! We traveled extensively too. I do remember being in England during the Silver Jubilee and bringing stuff home with that imprinted on it for my friends (I was a Senior that year) I still have my mug! Brought some heather back from Scotland and found out later we weren't allowed. I just asked DD what she got at WDW and she said "I don't know, but it was fun" I asked what was fun......."the whole thing" Okay, we've been 4 times and she is 8. We have left tons on stuff from Mickey, Jasmine, Cinderella, etc. Oh, she just remember the Mickey balloon she found floating away in the resort parking lot. (she was excited because we told her she couldn't get one because we were flying out the next day) She wanted one because her cousin got one. We deflated it and she hung it on her wall for a while.

 

[CheapMom]

Originally posted by Eyore4Ever149

I have been seeing a disturbing trend in the enormous quantities of toys, etc kids have today. How will they ever understand the value of a dollar, or appreciate a gift when given?
...But I do believe kids should be happy enjoying the gift of the trip. Unlimited hours with Mom and Dad ... time with siblings,

Well put-
When I was a kid we went to WDW 1 time. I was 8. My parents worked hard and saved and it was the vacation of a lifetime for us. We all remember it so fondly. I was allowed 1 souvenier. It was over 20 years ago but I remember being in the gift shop at the Contemporary and carefully deliberating. I chose a stuffed Pooh Bear and I still have it.
My kids know not to ask for things at the gift shops. I set their expectations before we get on the plane. And they are great about it.

 

[CheapMom]

UGGH! I just did the math and it was actually 25 years ago. I'm old :<

 

[marcyinPA]

Eeyore4ever,
I just wanted to say that I totally agree with you...BUT....

I have a 4 y/o who is just that...4!! He is in a stage right now where no matter where we go, he wants something. I have tried everything. I have taught both of my kids manners. They are extremely well behaved in public, at restaurants, other people's homes, etc. But lately, every time we enter a store, for any reason (groceries, toilet paper, it really doesn't matter!!) he wants to buy something and pitches a fit about it. I always prep my children (I also have an 8 y/o) about my intentions ahead of time (i.e. We are not buying ANYTHING today....or you make pick out ONE thing, etc.) It doesn't matter to him. He is very strong willed and his goal is to break me down. I have NEVER given in. Two weeks ago he threw himself down on the floor at an outlet center and melted down because I wouldn't buy him a toy (I had just taken him out for lunch). I picked him up, got our things together and left. The day was finished from that point. I walked out of that outlet with my head held high, and didn't give a hoot about what others were thinking of me or my son at that point.

I just wanted to point out that many of us parents share the same values as you do when it comes to giving/getting things for our children. But they are children, and no matter how much you teach them and no matter how firm and strict you are, they don't always "get it" the first time. Some of them (my 4 y/o ) take a long time to "get it".

With that said, we are already talking about our "buying habits" for Disney World in May. Both of our kids will get $10 a day of their own money (they have saved this money from birthdays, Christmas, etc.) They can spend it however they wish, but when it's gone, it's gone. I keep approaching the subject with my 4 y/o because hopefully by May, it will be engrained in his head and he will "get it" at that point. But I still anticipate a little bit of testing on his part....the important thing is that my dh and I stand firm and not back down!

I just had to put my 2 cents in there!
Marcy

 

[CheapMom]

Oh yes- every parent has seen the tantrum in the store - as long as you ignore the tantrum the kid will learn. So I know it may not be a pleasant thing for the other shoppers to have to witness but that's parenthood, for ya!
If there is a 2, 3, 4, even 5 year old giving the "I want an oompa loompa NOW" routine I know that is just a life lesson they are still learning. When I see an 8 year old do it, I assume tantrums have worked for them in getting what they want. (Lesson learned- throw a tantrum get a toy)
I know there are exceptions but I am talking about 98% of kids out there.

 

[keswick1uk]

I've printed out disney colouring in pages for the characters we are meeting at the breakfasts. On our long haul flight I have some colours for the children to use and they can then give the pictures to the characters on the day to break the ice.

 

[Eyore4Ever149]

MarcyinPA and CheapMom-

I just want to say I didn't go away, I read your replies and I totally appreciate your circumstances. Meaning, I understand. Im not sure I agree with ignoring a child if you are in public, but thats getting too off topic to go into. But I do understand that there are children out there who just want everything. (toilet paper would be a funny one to witness)

My husband and I should be so smart as to give ourselves a 10$ allowance for each day in the park!!

I promise to come and post other sale items or discounts on Disney items as I get them in email!

I think when I first started reading this chain I thought that buying all these disney items before getting to the world, as a substitute for buying items at the gift shops, it just doesn't have a good feel to me, personally. But I do think having items that make a trip special, or help keep them entertained (like coloring books while waiting for dinner ressies to be called, or on a plane- excellent idea) I think I will do that for my husband!!

Good grief I am frightened about what will happen when I have my kids (if my husband has his wish it will be in another year) Ill be just like my parents- over the top strict. LOL. I do always remember my parents saying that they would sit down and talk to us about our behavior on the trip before we left and we were miracle kids on the trip- it was the trip home when we turned into evil children. Go figure.

 

[Xendancer]

Great deal on Ebay right now, from DealsatDisney, the outlet seller for Disney. If you buy something, you win a prize, most likely the magazines they offer (which is what I got). I got a Tigger robe for my 3 year old for $12 with shipping and handling. They have light chaser toys for $3, princess wands, etc.

Go to Ebay, click on search, click on sellers, and enter the name "dealsatdisney".

 

[dlstc]

Great minds think alike!

I just posted a message about Disney Deals on another group's message board.

LOL

Diana