tips for doing parks with kids

[my3princes]

We shop at the dollar store before we go for things like glow braclets and necklaces. I have been able to get a tube of 15 glow braclets for $1.00. They are a huge hit for the evening shows or parades and I save myself big bucks over the Disney ones. You can also get the fan water bottles and all kinds of different flashlights. Give it a try and watch your money go much farther.

 

[carone0318]

We bring a bag full of snacks for the kids while in the parks. Stuff like Pringles, fruit snacks, granola bars, dry cereal and stuff. So when they whine that they are hungry, I just reach into the bag and give them something. It holds them over until meal time, without having spending a fortune on the little things they want to eat.

 

[my3princes]

We have always brought drinks into the parks as well. Juice boxes can be frozen ahead as well as water. We also carry 2 brita water filter bottles. We ask for ice water at any couter service area, filter it through the brita into an empty water bottle then add crystal light or similar powdered drink mix. No need to buy drinks in the park. It really helps with our budget and keeping everyone well hydrated.

 

[crisi]

You guys all have cooler dollar stores than the one by my house. I went pre trip and all they had that I found useful was rain ponchos and some coloring books for the trip.

Snacks are good, especially if you can bring something semi nutrious, like raisins and nuts.

Don't forget hats and sunscreen for small faces. Both will set you back bookoo bucks in the parks. So will diapers, children's tylenol, etc. So lug in that sort of stuff.

Don't take the preschool set (you know, the age where they are still too young to have their own budget, but old enough to want) into the stores. Just drive straight past them. Distract them when near souvienier carts as well. You won't need to say no, and you won't need to spend money. (I have a cousin that always shocks me by complaining how much she spends when the kids go with her to Target and want toys. Duh. Two answers, don't bring them near the toys at Target (don't bring them into Target if hubby can watch them) and learn to say no!)

Teach your children early that splitting food is what you do on vacation. Dole whips are huge, just get one and four spoons! Besides, that way you'll save room and money for a Beaver Tail later on.

 

[DisKim]

I also check the Disney store for bargains before I go. I got each of my children a t-shirt for 7 dollars and I got stuffed animals there the other day for 6! I'm planning on giving them a suprise each morning. This is the first time I'm doing this so hopefully it will work. I looked at my receipts from my last trip and almost fell over when I saw the amount I spent by impulsively buying everything they asked for. This time, they are earning Disney dollars to use on the last day. Another big money saver is bringing a big jug of water into the parks. We fill it mostly with ice before we leave.