What "special" things to buy...

[scrapbookmom5174]

For our first trip to WDW ever (I've wanted to go my entire life), what special things could I do for my kiddos. (I really think I am a lot more excited than all of my family combined.) So far this is what I have thought of (I have spent hours and hours pouring over all the of the boards for ideas:
1. Tie-Dye shirts for all us (haven't made, but will this summer)
2. Guide to the Magic for Kids for each kiddo.
3. Autograph book (haven't made this, but will this summer)
4. Buy stuffed Mickey, Minnie, and Donald for each kid ahead of time from Disney store (2 for $20).
5. Lanyards for each kiddo and have started purchasing ebay lots of tradeable pins.
6. Everyday I will have chocolate nuggets wrapped in special characters made of paper from a talented DISigner for them everyday.
7. Glow in the dark stuff for the night time events.
What other "special" things could I do for these guys? I want to make this a fantastic trip for them because I don't know when we will be able to make it back.
Oh yeah, we will be staying off-site at Windsor Hills in a 3br Townhome.

Thanks!!

 

[livibug]

All of those are great ideas. I did recently find at our Walgreens the light up spinners for the kids for $2.99. They had princesses, Cars, Mickey etc... They are the small ones but they have a string on them to go around the kids necks so they can hang and I don't have to carry them around. Plus for the price...you cannot beat it compared to what you would spend in the park.

 

[Perditamarie]

If you are checking out the Creative DISign boards for inspiration, also check out the Epcot passports that you can make.

Also, pressing pennies is fun...costs $0.51 and there are machines all over the park w/great characters and themes.

A disposable camera/underwater camera could also be fun.

Have a great trip!

 

[jrjones1990]

This is a great thread - I'm going through the same thing right now - first trip, but leaving in 21 days!

I just bought a lot of pins to get them started, and will look for lanyards at the Dis Store before we go.

I also outfitted DD in a minnie or princess themed outfit for each day - I did each outfit off ebay b/c I am *NOT* a seamstress and most of them were very reasonably priced. DS (5) did not want any shirts (so he says) but I think I may buy him a few from Walmart anyway, because knowing him he will want something as soon as we're actually THERE.

We made ADR for the Storybook luncheon and DD is doing the BBB before.

I read on these boards that someone made custom invitations for their kids to one of the ADR places and put it under their kids pillows the night before so they actually got an "invitation" to the event from their fave character - I love that idea!

Still working on autograph books. I know DD will want one.

Also, love the idea of getting the light up spinners BEFORE we go. Perfect.

 

[GreenAcres]

Here's another idea. In addition to the autograph books, you can take along a plain t-shirt and have the characters autograph that as well. We used bright yellow and tucked the closed autograph book inside the shirt, making the area we wanted signed smooth and it made a firm area for the character to sign on. We took a bunch of brightly colored sharpie markers along and when we were finished with our vacation, our son had a bright array of famous autographs on a shirt he could wear to school.

The characters will NOT sign a shirt that is actually on someone, so you've got to carry the shirt around with you. We just folded it up and put it in the small backpack I was carrying. I also kept the markers all together in a baggie (in case a top was loose).

 

[Perditamarie]

Oh, I forgot about the invitations....I've done that before, printed on parchment like paper and rolled up like a scroll, or if you are doing the pirate adventure, the invitation could be in a bottle, or a teacup for the tea-party, or a tiara for BBB or a princess meal.....here is the link for the Creative DISign board here:

http://www.disboards.com/forumdisplay.php?f=105

 

[scrapbookmom5174]

Oh, I forgot about the invitations....I've done that before, printed on parchment like paper and rolled up like a scroll, or if you are doing the pirate adventure, the invitation could be in a bottle, or a teacup for the tea-party, or a tiara for BBB or a princess meal.....here is the link for the Creative DISign board here:

http://www.disboards.com/forumdisplay.php?f=105

This is an excellent idea. DDs are going to do BBB on our last day at MK, and this will be a great thing for them. Now for DS on that day....

 

[spare+a_pair]

I the shirt idea! I think my DS's would be thrilled to have a shirt that only thier favorite charecture has signed!

I'm off to look for a disney iron on now!

 

[DISNEYNV]

What about a Fariy God Mailer postcard!
I love this idea so check out the thread for this if you would like a postcard sent to your kids before you go to Diseny from their favorite character! It's such a cute idea and we just got ours from a very generous Diser. I am doing this as well for another family over our trip in May. IT is a nice touch and a great way to get the family excited before the big day

 

[MouseMadness]

Kids really like those water mister fans. We bought one at Disney several years ago (and it lasted 4 trips) but it was expensive! Yesterday I found really nice ones at Wal-Mart for $8.00 each (bigger) and smaller, personal size for $3.00 each. The kids were out having a blast with them all day today. The smaller ones have a clip so you can attach it to a backpack or something, but the larger ones are easier (at least for my kids, 5 and 2) to work/squeeze.

 

[FancyO'Nancy]

Kids really like those water mister fans. We bought one at Disney several years ago (and it lasted 4 trips) but it was expensive! Yesterday I found really nice ones at Wal-Mart for $8.00 each (bigger) and smaller, personal size for $3.00 each. The kids were out having a blast with them all day today. The smaller ones have a clip so you can attach it to a backpack or something, but the larger ones are easier (at least for my kids, 5 and 2) to work/squeeze.

Where were these located at your Wal-Mart? I'm going later and want to keep an eye out for them. Thanks!!

 

[2littleprincesses]

Kids really like those water mister fans. We bought one at Disney several years ago (and it lasted 4 trips) but it was expensive! Yesterday I found really nice ones at Wal-Mart for $8.00 each (bigger) and smaller, personal size for $3.00 each. The kids were out having a blast with them all day today. The smaller ones have a clip so you can attach it to a backpack or something, but the larger ones are easier (at least for my kids, 5 and 2) to work/squeeze.

Me too--want to know where these are in Walmart! Thanks!

 

[NaplesRI]

How old are your kids?

One thing I did for our trip last month was get a bunch of Disney magic towels (facecloths) from Dollar Tree- they don't always have them, but often they do.
In addition to the Disney ones, I got some animal ones for the day we went to Animal Kingdom. I also found one of those "put in water and watch it grow" monkeys for AK day.

At Walmart, I bought temp Disney tattoos, and Mickey paper goods in the party section. I also got some Mickey Mouse facecloths that were really nice and marked down at Walmart to $3 for 6.

I wanted to make our offsite stay somewhat Disney-ish so using some of the DISsigns, printed and cut out the Mickey heads with everyone's name on them and taped them on the individual bedroom doors. Cute look.

We had our 6 yr old grandson with us,on his first Disney trip, so Tinkerbell visited everyday while we were out or sleeping, with some sort of surprise for him.

I also bought things from Disney online and in the store, when there were really good sales. Ended up getting blankets for the adults with a character on them- didn't bother with the personalization as it pushed the price up. They loved them (got one for us too!)

My suggestion is that if you have some time before you go, just keep your eyes open whenever you are out shopping. Make a few trips to the Dollar Tree store- great coloring books, crayons, books, pens, pencils etc. Also Michaels will have Dis stuff.

One of DGS favorite things ended up being a CARS blank spiral note pad and set of colored pencils. He brought it to dinner and drew in it while we waited. $1 each in the Target dollar bins.

I could go on and on... I had so much fun planning and buying for the trip- and it made it really special for him, so we were so happy!

Oh- and check the markdown area in the Disney store- we got a great Buzz Lightyear drinking cup there. We also got tshirts for $3.99

 

[jtopp]

Kids really like those water mister fans. We bought one at Disney several years ago (and it lasted 4 trips) but it was expensive! Yesterday I found really nice ones at Wal-Mart for $8.00 each (bigger) and smaller, personal size for $3.00 each. The kids were out having a blast with them all day today. The smaller ones have a clip so you can attach it to a backpack or something, but the larger ones are easier (at least for my kids, 5 and 2) to work/squeeze.

In august, these fans are a necessity in the florida sun. Have a great trip

 

[jrjones1990]

How old are your kids?

At Walmart, I bought temp Disney tattoos....

We had our 6 yr old grandson with us,on his first Disney trip, so Tinkerbell visited everyday while we were out or sleeping, with some sort of surprise for him.

GREAT ideas!

We went to the Disney Store yesterday and they had kids shirts 3 for $12. We scooped up a few for our Disney outfits.

 

[tchrrx]

I bought some spray on hair color (purple, I think) and hair glitter. I don't plan on going to BBB, but we can still have fun hair-dos!

 

[scrapbookmom5174]

How old are your kids?

One thing I did for our trip last month was get a bunch of Disney magic towels (facecloths) from Dollar Tree- they don't always have them, but often they do.
In addition to the Disney ones, I got some animal ones for the day we went to Animal Kingdom. I also found one of those "put in water and watch it grow" monkeys for AK day.

At Walmart, I bought temp Disney tattoos, and Mickey paper goods in the party section. I also got some Mickey Mouse facecloths that were really nice and marked down at Walmart to $3 for 6.

I wanted to make our offsite stay somewhat Disney-ish so using some of the DISsigns, printed and cut out the Mickey heads with everyone's name on them and taped them on the individual bedroom doors. Cute look.

We had our 6 yr old grandson with us,on his first Disney trip, so Tinkerbell visited everyday while we were out or sleeping, with some sort of surprise for him.

I also bought things from Disney online and in the store, when there were really good sales. Ended up getting blankets for the adults with a character on them- didn't bother with the personalization as it pushed the price up. They loved them (got one for us too!)

My suggestion is that if you have some time before you go, just keep your eyes open whenever you are out shopping. Make a few trips to the Dollar Tree store- great coloring books, crayons, books, pens, pencils etc. Also Michaels will have Dis stuff.

One of DGS favorite things ended up being a CARS blank spiral note pad and set of colored pencils. He brought it to dinner and drew in it while we waited. $1 each in the Target dollar bins.

I could go on and on... I had so much fun planning and buying for the trip- and it made it really special for him, so we were so happy!

Oh- and check the markdown area in the Disney store- we got a great Buzz Lightyear drinking cup there. We also got tshirts for $3.99

These are great ideas!! DS and DD are 10 (yes they are twins) and DD is 7. I talked DH into getting shirts off of The Disney Store online yesterday along with 4 stuffed animals (I know, I have only 3 kids, but they were buy one get one free ) and 18 shirts for only $139 shipped. I was going to make some shirts, but for $4 - $6 a shirt, I couldn't pass it up.

Keep the good ideas rolling!!!

 

[MouseMadness]

Me too--want to know where these are in Walmart! Thanks!

Sorry I haven't gotten back to you sooner...kids keep ya busy!

I found them close to the hardware/paint section

I actually flagged a worker down to ask...I had already skimmed all over the pool/swimming supplies and the camping gear. She sent me right to them...so don't hesitate to ask if you still can't find them

 

[BigSnacks]

I just got my pick a pearl necklace cages that I ordered off ebay. (around $3 each) They are gold (colored) and in the shape of Cinderella's pumpkin carriage. DD 8 and I can't wait to pick a pearl. I hope this will be something special she will keep to show her own daughter some day.

 

[MissNurse]

Kids really like those water mister fans. We bought one at Disney several years ago (and it lasted 4 trips) but it was expensive! Yesterday I found really nice ones at Wal-Mart for $8.00 each (bigger) and smaller, personal size for $3.00 each. The kids were out having a blast with them all day today. The smaller ones have a clip so you can attach it to a backpack or something, but the larger ones are easier (at least for my kids, 5 and 2) to work/squeeze.

This is an excellent tip! It would also be a great idea to pack extra batteries for these. My son loved his too much when we went last summer, and batteries (like everything else) are major overpriced.