Was this a stupid idea

[webairs]

My kids absolutely love to go into the Disney Store for the sole purpose of playing with those toys that spin around and light up I hope someone knows what I'm talking about. Anyhow, I just went over an purchased 3 of them for our upcoming trip....Our first trip, I might add!
My plan was to give them a certain amount of money for souveniers each day, so i'm sure my oldest will save his money and the other two little ones will spend as soon as they get it. I've heard that these things are alot more expensive at Disney, so I was going to offer them a trade. Their souvenier allowance for that day in exchange for the toy I purchased at home. Do you think that is wrong..cheap..stupid?
I just know they will want one of those when we get there, and I absolutely hate spending more on something if I don't have to.

 

[ObsessedwithWDW]

I think it was a great idea and quite fair too! I have looked EVERYWHERE for the light up spin things like PARADE stuff and now I know where to go why not save the $$ if you can...BUT what happens if they say NO THANKS I'll take the $$ instead of the light up toy

 

[webairs]

I don't think they will, but I have not removed any of the tags or anything, so I guess I could take them back. Better hurry if you want to pick them up, there weren't many left at the store I went to. They are $12.50, and the lady at the store said they sell for about $18.00 at Disney, so go for it.

Have a great trip too!

 

[ObsessedwithWDW]

oops double post

 

[supersuperwendy]

Why not just give them the spinners as a surprise before the fireworks or something. I have 3 kids who love them too..and they have disney dollars for spending money for our upcoming trip. I have been grabbing stuff from the disney store everytime I see something on clearance. I would never make them pay me for any of the things I decided to buy. You asked for our opinions so here goes: yes, that would make you seem cheap.

 

[julsmom]

I like the idea of giving them the spinners before fireworks. I would kind of avoid making deals with them. I would not want to inadvertently teach them something you don't necessarily intend to. Although, I don't know your kids or how old they are. I would not offer money or gifts.

 

[mickeyfan2]

I wouldn't charge them but have Mickey leave them in their room on the first night or have one parent go to the room early and leave them.

 

[ChrisLei]

I agree with the majority here. I would give them the toys as a Surprise from Mickey right before the fireworks. I wouldn't "charge" them for them. My opinion, charging them sounds a little cheap.

My kids are each given a set amount of money to spend on whatever they want (we have a coin jar that we start right when we book a trip and last year they saved $400 spending money). What I do is go to the Disney store and purchase things that are on clearance to give them as gifts from Tinkerbell each night. The items are drastically reduced so I never spend more than $3 on a given item. So for a given week I have already purchased as a surprise for them $16 worth of items each.

 

[Disney4Drew]

I would not make them pay for them, either. You chose to buy them, so just give them to them as gifts.

 

[ilovejack02]

Why not just give them the spinners as a surprise before the fireworks or something. I have 3 kids who love them too..and they have disney dollars for spending money for our upcoming trip. I have been grabbing stuff from the disney store everytime I see something on clearance. I would never make them pay me for any of the things I decided to buy. You asked for our opinions so here goes: yes, that would make you seem cheap.

I totally agree with you, save them for goodies at some point in the trip. I would still give them their money for the day. I think it seems kinda cheap, BUT if money is a real issue then def. do what you have to do.

 

[robertchance]

It does not matter what we think, it only matters what you think

 

[t-beri]

I might (just me personally) considering offering them up at a fair market value rather than disney price. then they get 2 souveniers and thats pretty special. You definitely have the idea w/ souveniers-guidance is key. and if it makes you feel better I am bribing my son w/ disney $$$ to actually REMEMBER to bring his homework home w/ him until the trip (6 more weeks!!!) He's been told what he earns until then will be ALL he has for spending. How low is that???
...t.

 

[DisneyMommyMichelle]

Why ae you charging for them?

I bought a few of those from TDS too and also some glow sticks and such for DD while we are there and DS to chew on . I intend to give them to her when the firewors begin. I think it's a great idea to buy those things ahead of time, just not to charge for them. It's a special treat in addition to what they will spend their money on.

 

[Marty Moose]

I think buying stuff ahead of time is a great idea! I'm planning on buying those same toys at the Disney Store (why pay more at the parks??).

As far as "selling" them to the kids...I'm not sure about that. But it's totally your call! I think it kind of depends on your kids and how old they are.

My kids are 2 & 5 so I can get away with pulling them out of my bag and distracting them from some of the store souvenirs! Older kids might not go for that! Also, as far as giving them the choice of money or toys...most kids (even the little ones) and smart enough (and devious enough) to figure that if they go for the cash, chances are they'll end up with the other toy at some point! I mean, you've already bought it and dragged it down to WDW...if they sense that they can get you to cave, they'll go for the cash first!

 

[jessica52877]

I think buying them ahead of time is great! I do it all the time! Although I search all year and get them on sale. I am way too cheap to even spend $12 on them!

Anyways, I would give them to them and skip the money for the day on souveniers. One a day is enough, whether they pick it or you. I am sure they'll love it! My son does!

 

[supersuperwendy]

One of my favorites things lately is going to the disney store to see what's on sale!!!! About 2 months ago, they had a big clearance sale and I was looking at these cute red Mickey Mouse hats on sale for $1.50. I bought all five!!!! I got ponytail holders and tee shirts for so cheap!!!! We got a sleeping beauty costume on clearance after last halloween and gave it to our daughter for xmas from santa for disney world! I even got cute Tinkerbell sneakers at walmart on sale for $3! I have a big disney store bag I keep it all in!!!! Oh..right now Forman Mills has the cutest disney socks on sale!!!! We should make this a whole new topic!!!!! Pre-trip shopping!!!!!!

 

[hsmamato2]

I'm totally cheap, but it's vacation, just give them to your kids and watch their faces light up.... you know you didn't buy them to save a few $$$ -you bought them b/c you wanted to give your kids something you knew they'd like,and you did it cheaper ahead of time! have fun!

 

[webairs]

Thanks for the input. I think I will give them the toy ahead of time. I had already planned an item for each night, but the fireworks idea is a great one.

 

[huge mickey fan]

I bought those light up spinning things for my son, niece and nephew last summer at Disneyland. This year my sister and I are making sure we have new batteries for the trip to WDW. The kids loved them last year and I think it will have the same effect this year. I would definately go with the surprise in the room idea. Spread the magic where ever and however you can. I say planning ahead is a great idea but don't make them pay for your plans.

Huge Mickey Fan

 

[fakereadhed]

I'm cheap and mean. I give my kids the pre-purchased bargain stuff beforehand, and they certainly don't get anything else...even if they want the real thing.