Lacey I am so excited for your family’s very first trip to Walt Disney World! My sons are currently 7-years old and 10-years old, and we have created some very special memories on our vacations. I cannot wait for you to start collecting your own magical moments.
It is very difficult for me to give you a set budget for your special vacation souvenirs. There are almost an endless amount of items available for you to purchase at several different Walt Disney World shops throughout the Theme Parks and the Downtown Disney Area (soon to be Disney Springs). Just off the top of my head I can think of numerous items available including chopsticks, purses, trading pins, bowls, mugs, t-shirts, Pandora jewelry, Turkey Leg magnets, glass slippers, luggage, books, makeup, cuckoo clocks, tiaras, pressed pennies, stuffed animals, light sabers, candy, Lego sets, and of course - Mickey Ears. As you can see there are whosits and whatsits galore! This is a very small fraction of what is available to you. At the same time, even if you choose not to shop very much or if you have a small budget and want to spend little on souvenirs – there is so much for your and your family to see and do you won’t be disappointed.
Here is how my family does souvenirs. My boys ask for Disney Gift Cards for their birthdays and Christmas. My husband and I may also get them a card. When they are visiting Walt Disney World they know exactly how much they have to spend. They know that when they run out of money on their cards – that is it. It helps control the amount of money they are spending while also teaching them the value of a dollar and how to budget their funds. They love having their own ‘cards’ to pay for their treasures. This has worked out wonderfully for us for 6 years now and we plan on continuing this for future visits.
Have a magical vacation, Lacey!
-Rachel