Souvenier Budgets..... (last one for now!)

[jrjones1990]

SOUVENIER BUDGET (I think I spelled souveneir wrong)
My kids get an allowance each week so that we don't have the "I wants" or the "can I haves" each time we go to the store - if they have money, they can buy it, if they don't they can't. It's worked pretty well and gives them a feeling of control and independence. I want to continue that on our trips. I was thinking of giving them each a $50 budget. We will be at Disney for 5 days, but in Orlando for 9 (going to Gatorland one day, the beach one day, and chillin' the other two). I *think* that is plenty, and it's affordable for us, but I have NO idea what souveniers cost. Any opinions or "BTDT" advice for the $$ situation?

**this should be the last one for now!**** I am so excited about out trip but almost can't wait for the first one to be over so I can plan a little easier next time!!!! LOL

 

[brymolmom]

I would think with kids those ages it would be fine. We might try this with ds (will be 7) and dd5 on our next trip in Sept. IN the past, we have usually brought one new thing down with us (purchased somewhere else for less), let them choose one 'reasonable' thing in the Disney Marketplace store at DTD, and occassionally let them buy 1 - 2 pins or other small things in the parks. Total usually ends up about $40 - $50 per kid. But they've never had 'the cash' in hand to see how/where it goes.

This year I'm going to get them doing chores all summer to earn a couple dollars a week, then when we go have them bring their own money - plus mom and dad will likely throw in another $10 - $20 for them. Then I'll have them put it in an envelope that I will carry and we will count and put the $$ amount they have on the envelope (to keep them from wanting to count out every dollar on the floor of the store) - so they can see what they can afford.

Good lessons.

 

[jrjones1990]

Yes, I think giving THEM a budget/cash keeps ME more accountable too. Last year we went up to the NE (Boston, Vermont) and I bought them something as I felt the urge/need/want and when it was all done I regretted some of the more impulsive purchases and spent way more than I should have because I didn't really "plan". I know Disney will be even harder because it's much more exciting! So maybe going in with a set amount for them to control will help.

The only thing I worry about is my DD often has analysis paralysis (I have *no* idea where that comes from LOL) and will panic when she thinks she won't have a chance to go back somewhere and buy something if she decides to wait and see what she finds elsewhere (we'll only do a park a day and weren't planning on doing the parkhopper - although that may change). But I think she has to get used to deciding if she *really* wants something or not and then just making the decision and being ok with it.

 

[LPNmom]

We did this with our kids on our last trip, they saved their birthday money. Worked well, my oldest is a saver, and has a hard time making up her mind. And the youngest is a spender, you give her money and she will spend it in 5 seconds flat!! But when the money was gone, that was it!! We only came home with tradewr pins, and a couple of shirts.

 

[WantToGoNow]

My kids are saving now for our trip in November. They are under the impression that what they save is all they have to spend - I've not told them this however and I plan to give each some as well. This will be ds7's 4th trip and dd5's 3rd trip and personally I don't think $50 is enough. A t-shirt or stuffed animal at WDW is over $20 each and an autograph book and pen would be about $10, the light up toys in the evening can run $15-$20. Many, many rides at WDW exits into gift shops. If your kids have never been, there's going to be stuff they want. I don't induldge my kids much at home but on vacation I like being able to say "yes" more than "no". I do encourage them to buy things they will use at home - no Goofy hats, etc.

 

[StephMK]

That's exactly what we are letting our kids take with them. I think that is plenty because I don't want them coming home with a bunch of things. They already have auto books/pen, light up spinners from last time and honestly, they know this is a budget trip & are just happy to go.

Surprisingly, we didn't have a big issue w/them wanting tons of stuff last time so I think they'll be fine. They are used to working in a budget because they have gotten GCs and know they have to plan for what they want.

 

[5stljayhawks]

On our last trip there was a significant $$ spent at downtown disney, I have heard there are other MM/disney outlets somewhere south of the park. The other place was at walmart. Sure it was not like getting off POC and buying a sword, but the fleece jacket is still worn by my DD5 and it cost like 10- 15 bucks. Sure I picked up the later, but you get my drift. Also buying ebay before you go can save a little $$$ and add to the fun