What splurges are worth it?

[Jing]

I'm going to throw this out there as a souvenir budget issue. My parents were able to comfortably afford a lot of vacations for us growing up, but were excellent savers. If we wanted a souvenir, we had to buy it ourselves from saved money (holidays and birthdays - no allowance). So nearly 3-decades later, I still have my stuffed mini-Minnie mouse from MK (1985) my Dumbo plush from Contemporary (1987), and my MGM (yes MGM, 1990) director board. I also bought a play animator's cell from MGM that trip, but that got lost in a move.

As for other splurges, I did not find character meals better for food quality or character meets better than just meeting characters in the park. For us, Memory Maker is worth the splurge IF you want a lot of photos and take the time to get them. I love watching a parade and splitting a counter service or snack. Park hoppers are worth it to us out of habit, but could cut them without tears.

 

[minnie1012]

For a splurge I would say a character meal. Even though it's not the best food my kids still talk about Chef Mickey's. We did it on our arrival day which they really loved as well. We have never done BBB but we did do the budget friendly Harmony Barber Shop. My daughters had their hair put up in pony tails and had sparkles added. They absolutely loved it! We are also big souvenir people! So we always buy something special to bring home. One day I want to splurge and stay at a hotel on the monorail line!

 

[bababear_50]

Jan and Family
I would say "not necessarily splurges' but fun inexpensive things we did with a bit of imagination.

1. Getting my granddaughters hair done at Harmony Barber shop...just washed it the morning
and then had them cut, style and -pixie dust it.

2. Buying a package of post cards in Epcot and then having a Castmember stamp and sign them at each Country.

3. Hot Air Balloon Ride in Disney Springs--got a discount through groupon and if you go before 10 am you get a discount.

4.The White Rabbit stopped by our resort check in desk and left a plush white rabbit with a personalized letter requesting my Granddaughters presence at Afternoon Tea at the Grand Floridian with Alice and The Mad Hatter. The castmembers at the desk handled this perfectly.

5. Puffy T-shirt paint kit, just packed it in my suitcase,,,we painted t-shirts by the quiet pool. Pre-wash t-shirts at home before painting at resort.

6. Bubbles--mini ones that fit in a purse,,,,,,great for those quiet moments.

7. Wishes dessert party--when it was half the cost it is now.

8. Family Goofy Scavenger Hunt in Disney Springs--2 teams or individual.
take photos (phone) of the Goofiest Souvenir you can find.
Winner(s) wins $25,00.

9. Pick A Pearl--the ceremony in Japan at Disney's Epcot is so worth the experience.

10. Ordering a UNbirthday cake for everyone in our group to celebrate!



Have a great time making memories
Hugs Mel

 

[NeverlandClub23]

We typically do cheap long weekends to Orlando/Disney 1-2 times a year and then a more expensive 2 week trip to Disney every 2-3 years. In fact, we're going for Thanksgiving and staying at a Best Western ($55 a night) within walking distance of SeaWorld and taking public transportation from the airport ($2). On the flip side, we're going in January for 2 weeks staying at Old Key West and Animal Kingdom Lodge (renting points). We have just as much fun (and great memories) during the cheaper trips as we do the pricier ones. Our priority is always 1) meals (mostly table service) and 2) tours. I find ways to save as much as possible (5% off gift cards at Target, Disney Vacation Account bonus gift cards, Disney Visa Rewards card, etc.) to make our two priorities happen. We try to do one or two new tours/experiences every trip as those are some of our most unforgettable memories. We don't buy any souvenirs and because we generally eat 2 table service meals a day, we don't snack much. Our biggest splurge is going to Discovery Cove, but with a Busch parks annual pass we get admission for $99 per person and that includes all of our meals for the day. And while we truly enjoy all of these extras, I think just spending quality time with my husband no matter what we are doing or where we are staying at Disney World is priceless.

 

[danygirl]

my kids really just enjoyed it all. one trip the splurge was a double stroller rental so the then 8 year old could ride (she whined a lot less then), another year the splurge was a two park ticket and cab to Universal too see HP, over spring break last year it was a trip to Wild Florida for an airboat ride.