Spending money

[dianaphi]

Just wondering how much spending money is enough to bring for a family of 4 (DH, myself, DS (10) & DD (7). We'll be staying at the CBR from July 19-26 and have MYW Dining so food is not an issue. I'm talking more about the incidentals and of course the souvenirs the kids will want. What are some tips for curbing the kids' "gimmies" and "wants" while in the World? Any suggestions greatly appreciated!

 

[blanq]

I can't really tell you how much spending money is enough. I think that is such a personal thing. For example, our family travels quite a bit and we just have stopped buying souvenirs almost altogether. None of us are "collectors" of anything, and I just get tired of stuff. I actually am working on downsizing what I own. So, once in awhile we buy a sweatshirt, Christmas tree ornament a pair of Mickey socks, etc., but that's about it. I doubt we spend $100 on souvenirs, as an entire family, when we go to WDW.

As far as curbing the "gimmies" in kids, one suggestion I have is to give your kids their own spending money, to carry in their own fanny packs, at the beginning of your trip. We have always taken the position that we will buy all food and snacks, so the money is for anything else, but I know some parents will have their kids use some of their allotted money for snacks. Once you establish your ground rules, tell them that this is what they are allotted to spend for the entire trip. They can spend it where and when they want, but when it is gone, it is gone. Also, encourage your kids to watch for what they want to buy, but to consider buying their items toward the end of your vacation. We have always done this with our DS, and he will hang on to his money, and keep a list of things he wants. But, if he just couldn't stand it and wanted something "now", we always let him get it (it is his money after all). We then always make the time to let him go back to get the items he has settled on. You will see a lot of the same items throughout all of WDW, and the Disney Store at DTD has almost all of it in one location. Our DS, believe it or not, has come back from some of our WDW trips with all of his money unspent. If he does that, we allow him to keep it.

 

[ckoncurat]

My kids are little (8 and under). I give them a set amount and encourage them to wait till the last day of our trip to spend it. Our budget was $25 a kid. We also bought lightchasers, new disney PJS, some pins, and Pal Mickey from ebay or disney store clearance before we left, so I had some disney suprises to hand out.In general, we avoid stores until the last day. One of my daughters did set her heart on something, and chose to buy it early in out trip, but we stuck to the budget anyway. Remember- being at DISNEY WORLD is the gift you are giving your kids.

 

[shakespeare]

I have a set amount set aside for my 13 year old. ( He has been earning money for the last couple of months ). I have already bought some items that I think my 2 year old will want: glow sticks, Mr. Potato Head, Pal Micky, etc. at a cheaper price. I will take those things and surprise him when we get there. Hopefully that will cut back on him wanting to buy anything more. I am taking some money for him, but not a whole lot.

 

[CajunDixie]

I'm talking more about the incidentals and of course the souvenirs the kids will want.

We'd need more details about your trip to give you accurate ideas. For example your transportation makes a difference in tipping.
Incidentals:
Tipping for town car driver, bell hop, maid, and restaurant waitperson.
If you'll have a rental car-gas.
If you're driving or have a rental or a car service that allows a grocery stop it's a good idea to pick up snacks, gum and drinks (lots of water) at a grocery (not Goodings).
Snacks in the park: Water $2.00-$2.50, Hot Dog $3.29, Fries $1.89, Coke $1.99 & $2.29, Bagel $2.29, Yogurt $2.49, Ice Cream Cone $2.79, Turkey Leg $5.19, Dole Whip $2.79, and Mickey Bar $2.39 in restaurants. For more ideas hit the menus on here.
Budget in a little (ok quite a bit) for things you might forget at home like extra film, batteries, Tylenol, mole skin, sunscreen or rain ponchos. These items can be costly to pick up in the parks.
If you like to take photos don't forget the cost of developing your film.
Ride Photos $15-$20
Flying? Long term parking for your home airport
Souvenirs:
IMHO I'd let the kids earn their own spending money (but you're trip is coming up pretty quick) but in your case give them a set dollar amount to spend however they want with clear instructions that when it's gone it's gone! DH and I buy 1 snack a day and buy them a shirt/hat the rest is up to them. How much you give them is up to you. Our last trip each DS was given $100 in addition to any money they may have saved from Bdays, Christmas and report cards.
If they collect something specific maybe post that on here and someone can give you an idea of the cost at WDW. For example pins, hats, cups, snow globes, trains, Legos, Christmas ornaments......the list is endless. Cheapest collection to start is the smashed pennies. Cost is the penny itself and 2 quarters to use the machines. There's a website that you can print a list of machines in WDW (actually all over the USA too) and WDW sells a penny book now too. There are also a few quarter machines too.
In Epcot the kids passport can be a great learning tool. Cost is around $10 I think. At each country the kids can meet and talk to a native of that country, encourage the kids to ask questions, then the CM will write a message in the passport in their country's language and a translation. Some people suggest the kids ask each CM to write a specific phrase that might apply to something at home or school.
And don't forget yourself and your DH. Do you collect anything? Last trip DH bought a license plate at MK and decided on the last day he wanted them from each park! We did 3 parks in one day to get him the other 3. Plus he bought a Test Track and WDW too. They now all hang together in the garage.
What about gifts? Do you have anyone that is maybe watching your house or pet that you might want to pick up a gift for them? Or someone that has a Bday coming up? How about a little Christmas shopping in July? Disney ornaments are really cute and some really expensive.

Holy cow this is long. ETA At your kids ages you might just sit down with them now and be totally frank with them about how much "junk" errrr stuff there is to buy in WDW and set the budget now. Ask them if they already have ideas and need price ideas from us.

 

[dianaphi]

for the great tips! I'll be sure to keep them in mind. Also, I completely forgot about Mousekeeping and car service tipping! Thanks for the reminder.

 

[Grumpy's Wife]

I always buy my kids a new Disney sweatshirt for the trip (we usually go in February). While at the parks I will buy the one item they have to have. It doesn't matter the cost, just the one thing they can't live without. After that they use their own spending money. My children get an allowance each week. When we tell them we are going back to WDW they set aside $1.00 each week in a special envelope they decorate with Disney stickers. Plus the grandparents always give them a little something extra when we leave. This has really worked out well for us. However, it does not include the pressed penny machines. I spring for that. I bring a couple of rolls of quarters and pennies with us. I think I love finding those machines as much as the kids.

 

[LuluLovesDisney]

The best way to avoid spending a lot of money is to spend very little time in the stores and to make the attractions center stage, keeping the kids focused and excited on the shows, rides, etc. and not something from each park, from each "land", from each store!