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AA Mom And Kids Mickey Ice Cream Bar; DinoLand U.S.A.; animal kingdom
  • On May 30, 2009
    Jennifer from MO Asked Note: This answer was provided prior to the change to planDisney and may still contain references to Disney Parks Moms Panel.

    Experiences, policies, pricing and other offerings are subject to change and may have changed since the date of this answer.

    I see you have 3 small ones, too! I have 3 DS who love "stuff." Tips on how not to break the bank for souvies? Trying pin trades, collect pennies, also have Pirate Cruise and makoever planned. Still worried about them wanting "everything

    Hi Jennifer,

    Oh how we parents cringe at hearing "I want..." or "I need..." or "I have to have..." over and over on vacation.  If we cave in, we're not only poor when we come home from vacation, we then have to find a place to put all of the "stuff" that's accumulated.  It's really tough, especially since every big attraction dumps you out into a gift shop - clever. 

    How do we avoid this?  Well, I'm not an expert, by any means, but I do have a couple of strategies.

    First of all, it sounds like you're on the right track.  Collecting pressed pennies is a relatively inexpensive souvenir, and they don't take up a lot of space - gotta love that.  Pin trading is also fun; however, you'll still be lured into buying several pins at every shop, so beware!

    In our family we give each child a specific amount of money.  If I'm on my game as a mom, then this money is in the form of Disney Dollars that I've purchased at my local Disney Store.  They earn spending money instead of allowance for several months leading up to the trip.  If I'm not on my game (which is most of the time) we give them each a lump sum BEFORE we leave for vacation.

    I tell them that the money is theirs to spend on whatever they wish; however, once it's gone, it's gone!  For us, that amount is usually between $20-$40.  I find that my children are way more cautious with their own money than they ever are with mine.  Sometimes my two older boys will even combine their resources to get something they can share. 

    Hope this helps.  Have a magical vacation and good luck!


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Meet the Panelist: Diane, Georgia

After spending 25 years in RI, my husband and I relocated to GA with our youngest, who is now in high school. I took my first trip to Walt Disney World when I was 11 and I have traveled many times since then with all different party sizes. From creating our first itinerary as a honeymooner to later creating magical experiences for our multigenerational family gatherings, every aspect of planning a vacation has been pure joy to me.  Learn More About Diane

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