What NOT to go overboard on...

[JeMarie6]

I see all kinds of posts about things to buy before you go or what not to forget to save money, but I'm already spending way to much money buying stuff (fans, toys, trinkets, glow bracelets, etc) before we've even gone. I'd love to be able to pins and thinking about pressed pennies, but that all adds up pretty darn fast! Probably going to opt out of dinner at CRT, not sure about Bippity Boppity Boo and/or the new pirate thing for boys. This is the kids first trip (DD5, DS6), but we'll be lucky to make it back for a 2nd trip in 4 or 5 years. What are some things that we CAN live without since we on a budget and not at disney every year? We're 7 nights Late Sept at the Pop on FD.

 

[DVCBELLE]

I would skip the pins. My kids don't do much with them at home. We go to Disney each year so they trade them and love them when we are there but at home they sit in a drawer. So if you aren't going often - I would skip them.

When we do pressed pennies - I buy the round M&M cases and fill them with quarters and pennies. Two quarters - a penny - Two quarters - a penny - etc. Then give them to each of them and then they can use that to make the pressed pennies they want. Then they know when the quarters are gone then they are done. That also stops having to hunt for them. But again the pennies fall into the catefory of things they don't care too much about when they get home.

I would also skip BBB - my daughter didn't love it- you can take her to the barber shop and have her hair done and sprayed and that is just as fun for a fraction of the cost.

My son did LOVE the pirate cruise. He has done two of them and is begging to go on another one. I would reccomend that for both of them over BBB.

 

[Aliceacc]

Last year was our first trip in 20 years and the first for our kids.

We were on the DDP and though it was worth every penny. Sure, we could have eaten cheaper. But I really enjoyed that hour or so of quiet, non-rushed family time.

That said, we didn't do any two-credit meals. We met Cinderella at 1900 Park Fare, and there were plenty of other chances to meet the other characters.

We didn't do the "Tink" gifts. My kids are pretty good about not wanting every single thing they see. So they each got the one or two souveniers they really wanted.

We didn't do BBB. Instead, I brought along princess costumes, and did the girl's hair in an "up" do for their dinner at 1900 Park Fare. They didn't realize that BBB exists and didn't miss it.

I got the pins at www.mouspinsonline.com for a good price, and bought lanyards at the dollar store. My kids loved having the pins, but didn't want to trade them. Fortunately, I spent less than $50 on the whole venture. (My sister's kids, on the other hand, got a huge kick out of trading.)

I did invest in dollar store ponchos, and they were a huge savings when TS Faye overshadowed our trip.

 

[bopper]

...

We didn't do BBB. Instead, I brought along princess costumes, and did the girl's hair in an "up" do for their dinner at 1900 Park Fare. They didn't realize that BBB exists and didn't miss it.
....

This is the key...they don't know things exist and won't miss them. Remember, going to WDW is a big thing in and of itself. If you are trying to stay on a budget, those extras can go with them being none the wiser.

Bringing glowsticks is worth it because they are cheap and will keep them amused.

 

[Colinsmom]

DS is 6.5yo and has been there 4 times. He doesn't care about pins and pin trading (well, or isn't aware of it yet), is okay with character autographs (but there are very cheap ways to do that), is fine with cheap glowsticks or 2.99 twirlers from Walgreens, and most of the little trinkets I've bought for past trips don't really interest him. He does get a limited souvenir budget and when it's gone, it's gone. Staying out of the stores helps as much as possible. He does love pressed pennies, but we don't do every one that we see - we pick at most one from each machine that we do stop at.

He also loves wearing a costume at the parks, but we picked up a Peter Pan costume cheap after Halloween for that.

The thing is, there is SO MUCH cool stuff at Disney that is included in your admission that you don't need to go overboard on everything. Your trip will be plenty magical without nightly Tinkerbell gifts AND pins AND pennies AND hairdos AND fancy dresses AND AND AND...

 

[brymolmom]

We do budget trips frequently - we spend less and go more often. We typically spend between $2000 and $2600 for a trip for our family of 4. Here's how:

1) We stay at Value resorts with a good promo - like Free Dining (it is amazing to me how much staying at a value can save - it is HUGE)
OR
2) We stay offsite and use non-expiring tickets we bought a few years ago (works out to be about $26 per day per person for the parks with these) to go to the parks 3 - 4 days.
3) No BBB for our DD...If she wants to be 'fancy' for a meal - I'll do it at the room (her nails, her hair, the dress) - but we don't really even do that often - especially in the summer heat - she ends up in a spray water jet (or on Splash or Kali) so soon after that all the work is messed up anyway.
4) If we don't have Free Dining - we bring a bunch of food and bring at least one meal, plus lots of drinks and snacks - to the park with us.
5) We don't rent a stroller - since the price increases, it saves a ton.
6) As far as 'spending' money for the kids - I buy them 1 - 2 things before we go at Big Lots. Usually some sort of Disney toy and matching t-shirts. I give them the first toy on the plane ride down. And give them the t-shirt on the morning of the first day at the parks. This way - they already have two 'new' things and don't need any/many down there. We usually let them buy 1 - 2 pins (we don't get into the trading either but I have found that the pins themselves are great souvies because you can get one for $8 or so) at the parks, then we go to DTD and let them choose one thing each (reasonable - in the $20 - $30 range) for their one 'big' thing for the trip.
7) With Free Dining - we buy VERY little OOP. With good planning you don't have to. We bring a box of cereal and some mini-bagels in the suitcase with us. Use snack credits to buy a couple extra things and use those for breakfast. Then we share some CS credits to make them stretch a little farther.
8) We get base tickets. No need for hopping for us.
9) We use Magical Express when staying onsite and do not rent a car. We like WDW transportation.


I think that hits the major areas where we save $$.

 

[christa112]

IMO a total must is an autograph book for each child. The kids love getting autographs and they are pretty cheap. You could look for some online or purchase them at the airport or make your own at home if you are looking to save some $.

We love the pin trading, but your kids maybe on the young side to enjoy, so that would save you some $.

I do not let my kids anything they can get anywhere else. So no action figures, webkinz, or silly things like that. They have a certain amount to spend and once it is gone, it is gone.

Though, I have not done BBB, I think it is way over priced and would not spend the money. Also, think of it this way you are going to need an appnt and that is going to take time out of your vacation.

Also our last trip we shipped water to our resort which also saved us a ton of money!!!!

I hope this helps.

 

[christa112]

Great Points

We do budget trips frequently - we spend less and go more often. We typically spend between $2000 and $2600 for a trip for our family of 4. Here's how:

1) We stay at Value resorts with a good promo - like Free DiningOR
2) We stay offsite and use non-expiring tickets we bought a few years ago (works out to be about $26 per day per person for the parks with these) to go to the parks 3 - 4 days.
3) No BBB for our DD...If she wants to be 'fancy' for a meal - I'll do it at the room (her nails, her hair, the dress) - but we don't really even do that often - especially in the summer heat - she ends up in a spray water jet (or on Splash or Kali) so soon after that all the work is messed up anyway.
4) If we don't have Free Dining - we bring a bunch of food and bring at least one meal, plus lots of drinks and snacks - to the park with us.
5) We don't rent a stroller - since the price increases, it saves a ton.
6) As far as 'spending' money for the kids - I buy them 1 - 2 things before we go at Big Lots. Usually some sort of Disney toy and matching t-shirts. I give them the first toy on the plane ride down. And give them the t-shirt on the morning of the first day at the parks. This way - they already have two 'new' things and don't need any/many down there. We usually let them buy 1 - 2 pins (we don't get into the trading either but I have found that the pins themselves are great souvies because you can get one for $8 or so) at the parks, then we go to DTD and let them choose one thing each (reasonable - in the $20 - $30 range) for their one 'big' thing for the trip.
7) With Free Dining - we buy VERY little OOP. With good planning you don't have to. We bring a box of cereal and some mini-bagels in the suitcase with us. Use snack credits to buy a couple extra things and use those for breakfast. Then we share some CS credits to make them stretch a little farther.
8) We get base tickets. No need for hopping for us.
9) We use Magical Express when staying onsite and do not rent a car. We like WDW transportation.


I think that hits the major areas where we save $$.

 

[mrsbornkuntry]

We don't do Tink gifts, I like to let the kids pick out one or two special souvies themselves. And I try to encourage them to get things they'll play with or wear at home, too, instead of things like the goofy hat that sits untouched in their dress up clothes .

I buy t-shirts before they go, they need summer clothes anyway and this year I found them cheap at Walmart and The Disney Store.

Definitely buy ponchos ahead of time, they're so much cheaper.

If you think you'll need a stroller think about borrowing or buying one before you go, it might be cheaper than renting one.

I don't buy glowsticks ahead of time, I did it once and I ended up bringing them back home with us. I kept forgetting to bring them to the parks with us, then when I did only one or two of them even worked.

Bring your own water, freeze it the night before and let it thaw while you're touring the parks so you'll have cold water to drink all day.

We tried pin trading, but the kids weren't into it and the pins kept falling off their lanyards so they ended up in the backpack.

I'm probably in the minority here, but my kids didn't care for the character meals, they preferred being in the parks and meeting them if/when they wanted to. They felt it took up too much time so we don't do them anymore.

So I guess alot of these tips depend on your family's likes and dislikes. We let the kids try some of the things once and found what worked for us by trial and error.

 

[Sgt Mickey]

My daughter loved BBB we did the basic package and brought her own dress both times.
We bring food/drinks so we are not buying in the parks to often.
I let them pick out one thing to buy.
I don't buy gifts to bring back to people we don't live near family any way and it is just more stuff they don't use or keep.
We do like the character meals but we don't over do it and don't have to do one each trip. Or just pick one. We ate twice in the parks the last time we went and that could of been our eating out day instead of somewhere else.
I buy one or two popcorns and share it instead of each have there own.
I also brought microwavable popcorn to refill it so we didn't have to buy more on other nights.

 

[Avonlady1001]

That said, we didn't do any two-credit meals. We met Cinderella at 1900 Park Fare, and there were plenty of other chances to meet the other characters.

We didn't do the "Tink" gifts. My kids are pretty good about not wanting every single thing they see. So they each got the one or two souveniers they really wanted.

We didn't do BBB. Instead, I brought along princess costumes, and did the girl's hair in an "up" do for their dinner at 1900 Park Fare. They didn't realize that BBB exists and didn't miss it.

After reading all the dining reviews on CRT, I've decided to skip it and go to the Norway Princess one instead...pretty much the same, better food (so they say) and only one dining credit! You still get the photo package!! We're also doing 1900 Park Fare for dinner for Cinderella & her family.

I DO do "tink" gifts (except our are from Mickey)...I buy a small trinket for Mickey to leave - but ONLY if they've been "good" all day. It's nice to wake up in the morning to a little gift. And I mean little things...stickers, a bracelet, $1 puzzle (it's harder to find things like this for a 1y/o boy...but I can't leave stuff for DD and not him)...and in the shops, I say "let's see what Mickey might leave. Think about that, and maybe we'll come back & get it"...they almost always forget about whatever it was they HAD to have at that moment. LOL I will buy one or two things for them in the parks or DTD - if it's something I think they will enjoy long term. I wasn't raised getting everything I wanted, and I don't want them to be. (even if I could afford it. LOL)

I agree w/ the PP's about BBB...they don't know about it yet? They won't miss it. My DD is 4 this year...I'll be taking her & DS1 to the barber shop. And, I bought a Cinderella dress on clearance... They do similar stuff to the girl's hair as BBB for a fraction of the price. We haven't done this before so it'll be fun!

Remember, if this is their first trip down, they'll be SO enthralled with everything....they won't need all the extras this time! No matter what you choose for them to do, they're gonna have an amazing time! And, if you're on a budget, they don't NEED to do any of those things. They're going to have a memorable amazing trip no matter what! Just because they're at Disney & because you're with them!

 

[3mickeymom]

A little gift from Tink saved money since they were purchased at home for a bargain price. The light up spinners I was able to buy for three dollars at the Disney Store Clearance and they are ridiculously priced at Disney. We sprinkled some green glitter near the gifts and my nieces were totally amazed. We did not do a gift everyday that we were there either. We are a budget family too. Disney is a treat all by itself!!

 

[talulabelle]

Reading these boards will make you nuts before a first trip, or a trip when you know you won't be getting back in a long time. There are so many great ideas, and then you start thinking they are all musts...but they are not. Disney is already so special - maybe just pick one of the "special" ideas and then call it a vacation.

Before our first trip, I LIVED on the boards, trying to suck in every bit of useful information. I went and bought the glow necklaces at the Dollar store. but it just cost me more money, because when the little ones started wanting the magical light up spinny things, their glow necklaces just didn't cut it. They were painfully aware that their "special thing" was from home. Also, our youngest bit through his glow necklace and I turned around during Illuminations and he was GLOWING all over. His whole face, hands, inside his mouth. I freaked.

If they don't know about it, they will definately not miss it. Don't worry about any of the things your kids won't notice, meals they don't know about, pins, etc. They WILL notice light up spinny things however.

I will say, the dollar store throw away camping ponchos were a HUGE money saver for us, since we were there during rainy season and the Mickey ones in the parks cost (what were they $5 Or $10 a piece) to much for a family of six.

ME and Disney transportation is great, no need for rental car. Eat cold pop tarts in your room for breakfast and use your points for the rest of the day.

OUtside of that, nothing is really necessary. Pick what you like. You don't need to do it all.

IMO - Pins are more for adults and collectors. Kids don't seem so care much adn even if they do when they are in Disney, they don't when they are home. I don't like anything that is clutter later anyway. I don't even see the point. There are 10 bizillion of them, and you will never have them all, Disney will make sure of it. SO I don't get the attraction.

 

[DVCBELLE]

I do not let my kids anything they can get anywhere else. So no action figures, webkinz, or silly things like that. They have a certain amount to spend and once it is gone, it is gone.


I hope this helps.

I have the same rule and my kids hated it at first. But now they realize that it would be silly to buy a webkinz at Disney when they can get it at home. I don't know why but it actually annoys me that Disney sells them.

 

[MKCP5]

Don't get sucked in to all the "stuff" of a great vacation. All the stuff everyone buys amazes me. So much of it ends up in the trash or the bottom of the toybox a m onth after you get home. Spend any extra $$ you have on experiences together, (a pirate cruise or haircut on Main St) creating memories and family togetherness. The stuff is nothing compared to that! Remember! It is ultimately all about being together Have a blast

 

[serene56]

This is the key...they don't know things exist and won't miss them. Remember, going to WDW is a big thing in and of itself. If you are trying to stay on a budget, those extras can go with them being none the wiser.

Bringing glowsticks is worth it because they are cheap and will keep them amused.

ditto-- what they dont know wont hurt- When we went the very first time my older two kids were 4 & 6. Old enough to be explained to that Disney itself is a treat-- there wasnt any extra for and extras. Not one time did they ask for something-- I didnt go into the stores to tempt them either.
They got desserts with every meal-- which was their treat. We all had a great time-

 

[bonybroad]

I have the same rule and my kids hated it at first. But now they realize that it would be silly to buy a webkinz at Disney when they can get it at home. I don't know why but it actually annoys me that Disney sells them.

I agree. If they had Mickey webkinz or characters you can't get in a store, I would consider it. But why buy a hippo when they go on sale at home?!

 

[crisi]

On a first trip, there is so much to do that you really don't need more. And you don't need trinkets, either (although some trinkets pre purchased can help with the "I wants" - we think the word "no" works better most of the time.)

Remember the following things: Your kids won't know about things you don't bother to tell them about - princess meals, BBB and pirate makeup - they don't even need to know. Secondly, anything you spend time (and money) doing on your trip is time you won't spend in the parks doing attractions - are your kids going to Disney to have their hair done, or to go one rides (most kids are there for the rides!). Third, there is so much to do that its unlikely you'll do everything that is included in the ticket you purchased in a week vacation - ESPECIALLY if you have the Table Service Dining Plan - which will eat up two hours per day of your vacation.

What we have done and some notes:

We've done the pirate cruise on multiple occasions. The kids liked it a lot when they were younger. Its expensive and eats up a morning. For us, its always been an 'affordable expense' - but I wouldn't dream of doing it if I took a budget trip.

We've done the breakfast in Norway, but just me and my daughter (my son and husband went off and did other things that morning). It was delightful, my daughter glowed through it - and it saved us a lot of time meeting pricesses in the tent in Toontown. We've done other character meals as well - the food isn't good, but its a good way to get character interaction in.

We've done BBB - once again, just me and my daughter. My daughter loved it, it was a huge production - and not really worth it for me. Not that they didn't do a great job, but this was really expensive. It would be the FIRST thing I wouldn't do on a budget trip.

We've done Cirque - very expensive for a family - and incredible. We'd do it again (and have), but we don't do it if money is the least bit tight.

We've done signature dining - that is the last thing I'd cut from a trip.

 

[stacy2197]

I know everyone suggest the glow sticks and we usualy bring them also but they have light up necklaces at the parks for about $5 and they can be turned on and off and you can use them every night. I have two kids and think I almost spent $10 on glow sticks and was disapointed that I could have gust spent the money on reusable ones.
I don't buy any toys ahead of time. Buying all those cheap toys ahead of time ads up and you have to haul them there and back. I think letting them pick out one or two smaller toys while there is probably cheaper in the long run. Last time we went my daughter picked out a princess sash for around $6 and some minnie ears with a veil for around $12. She is planning on bringing them back next trip.
Ponchos are a definate money saver.

 

[barski45]

We are always on a budget when ever we get to Disney World. We have alot of strategies for saving money on food, you have the dining plan so you don't need these. We give the kids a budget for souvenirs and tell them not to spend their money the first day, we always park hop and tell them to remember the things they really like and we can go back and get them at the end of the trip. We also tell them we have to have some days where we don't spend much money if there are going to be days when we pay for alot of stuff, they are really good at this.
One free thing that your kids will get a kick out of, if you ask for a wake up call Mickey calls you in the morning. Schedule a wake-up call after you are all up in the morning, when the phone rings, have on eof the children answer it, the reaction is priceless. Have a great time.