I have done the outlet stores too, and they are not a bad idea if you have car. they often have some great stuff at low prices....BUUUUTTT...While many things at WDW are rather expensive, I DO think it's possible to steer the kids into the inexpensive things. There are still a number of things that can be found inthe under $10 range, and some even under $2.
Okay, so maybe you don't love your kids to live on candy/sweets...but at WDW, a few little sweets may be just the thing. I hate that huge sugar tube thing EWW!! but a few pastel m&M's, a Mickey shaped chocolate, a rice crispie treat shaped like Mickey Ears, gummy Goofy's, cupcakes with Mickey on top, ...the possibilities go on and on. Sometiems it's the idea of having something unique that matters. Each of the above is onlya few $ if you limit quantities, and maybe 'save them for later.' World showcase has assorted candies from around the world - a $3 bag of Japanese candy can be a fun thing to bring back for the 9yr old's friends.
Another inexpensive thing that the kids will love are the pressed pennies. They cost $.51 each. (Two quarters and apenny). For a few dollars more, you can get a special pressed penny keeper for the collection. To keep raw pennies on your person, consider an empty mini M&M's tube. They are the perfect size for the quarters, and you can stack it with just quarters and SHINY pennies. Get the M&M's tube before you go.
Lots of QS dining locations (and some TS ones) have free Disney coloring pages for the kids to color. They are mostly supposed to be for while you are waiting for your food. It wouldn't be right to grab a ton of them and abuse the opportunity, but you can certainly grab one or two to color in your room.
One more thing that's a really neat thing fora first trip - a set of Mickey ears. I don't know the exact current price, and I think they now charge for adding names, but overall they aren't much money. Maybe like $15? You can get them inthe shop on Main Street in MK. Also DTD, but MK main ST is better. the shop is behind the Confectionary.
I like the idea of getting one thing they can carry early inthe trip - that's why ears are a great thing. It will put them inthe WDW mood, and the experience of gettig them personalized is fun. I haven't been to the ears shop ina few years, but I don't think it's changed much. The folks who do the sewing are REALLY good. They do the sewing right in front of you, esp. if you go early inthe day. The backs of their heads in personalized ears makes a really cute photo!
One more souvie that's neat for mom and dad and the kids is to have a sillouette done of the kids. Also on Main Street. I think the pics are around $10, and the frame another $10. I suggest the frame, but you don't have to get it there. This is still very reasonably priced, IMO. It is something you and the kids will probably enjoy. The folks who do it are VERY talented!
Beyond that, I DO suggest bringing 'pixie dust' hair glitter spray for the girls. Buy from a Halloween shop this month. (Make sure to step outside before you spray). You can also get Disney tattoos at any party supply vendor.($5 for a package over $7 each at WDW - if your kids are intto the tattoos.) Better than getting a Princess costume at WDW is to buy one online now for Halloween and do double duty with it. (Or skip it...)
I am mixed abouthte next suggestion, but you can get glow sticks for teh evening parades before you go to WDW. On the other hand...six bucks may seem like a LOT for a light up toy...but there IS magic in buying them at WDW. Sure it's alittle splurge, but if you buy a light once - you'll have it the entire trip. BUt this is an itme you may find at a
DIsney store or outlet.
Oh - and here's one more idea. You may well end up buying a few plushes at WDW. You should also bring a few Disney ones from home! (Why not?) If you leave them out in the open in your room, often the mousekeeping staff will often do something cute with them when they clean the room. Perhaps just setting them up ona pillow, but the kids LOVE this! This is another reason to have a few toys early in the trip. Plus, if you have a few things in the room it may well make it easier and faster to get ready in the morning. Put the kids othe bed with their toys while you get all the gear set for the day.
Do prep the kids that the trip is more about going than getting. Remember they are up against the best marketing department inthe world. They will periodically want stuff, so as I said, if you can steer them to somethign inexpensive it may be best. "No, you can't have the $100 plush Mickey, but you CAN get a Mickey toothbrush." I understand where you are coming from exactly, but as there is SO much merchandise at WDW - it is best to prep them a bit that won't be getting everything -and then let them get a few things - rahter than the other way around. Start the nogotiation off with low expectations!
Oh - and...it isn't just the kids....Disney has LOTS of stuff for adults. The whole family will probably get a kick out of seeing dad in a Mickey shirt! (And it will probably help him enjoy the trip more) Mom may well have to resist the urge to get that $50 Mickey watch! (or $25 t-shirt, or Minnie ears, or Mickey shaped dishes, or ...) I say this because you'llprobably want to mentally prep yourself as well.
Oh,I could go on and on....one thing that's kind of neat at WDW - if they havea Mr. Potatohead- for $20 you can get a box of unique Disney Potatohead parts at DTD. Honestly, I usually see teh adults going ga-ga over collecting parts almost as much as teh kids! But if you've got one already, it's a fun, interactive toy that will bring back lots of memories. Some people say the parts fit best on a Potatohead that came from WDW. I don't know about that, but I DO know you can cram quite a few parts in that box if you pack carefully! (the Potato is hollow - so you can fill him full of parts, too!) All told, it ends up being a pretty good deal if it's somethign your skids willplay with because you can make so many different characters with just the one toy.
I'm not sure I'm helping a ton with NOT buyng stuff - but all of the above are relatively inexpensive and give a fair amount of bang for the buck.
) You can get all kinds of outfits and accessories and even some of the ponies. My DH is an expert at getting an amazing amount of stuff in those boxes. The Potato head and Little Ponies are 2 of the best deals, IMO.
