Anyone who has ever tried to plan a Disney vacation on a budget probably knows this scenario: you spent weeks, maybe months looking at every aspect of your trip to see where you can save money. You have compared accommodation options, looked at Disney promotions to see what is the best deal for you, planned your meals with the precision of a general going into battle, scoured the internet looking for the lowest airfare, and maybe even purchased discounted Disney park tickets.
In short, you have exhausted every possible option to help you have an affordable Disney vacation.
And then you arrive at the Magic Kingdom and your little princess erupts into tears because she wants that pixie-dust encrusted Cinderella ball gown that costs “HOW much?”
Whoops. There goes the budget. 🙂
This doesn’t have to happen though, if you plan for this part of your trip just as you do with all the other pieces. Here are 3 quick things to think about in advance that can help you avoid the meltdowns while still providing magical mementos for your little ones.
Junior Should Have His Own Souvenir Budget
I am a big fan of setting a daily spending budget…even for kids. On our first trip, our daughter was seven, and we set aside some money each day that was “hers” to spend as she wished. It was not a great deal, but we found that having her own money to use, meant that when she used it up, she was done for the day. There was no complaining, whining, or begging. Once it was gone, it was gone. She knew the guidelines and knew there was no point in complaining if she went over budget.
Shop for Souvenirs While Still Home…and Bring Them With You
Consider bringing some “souvenirs” with you, or have a box shipped to your hotel. You can use these bargains from home as gifts for your children at Disney World. Many families have found that kids love to get a surprise from Mickey when they wake up every morning, and these little surprises can minimize the need to beg for things in the parks. Some families actually get quite elaborate with the daily “gift” by including some pixie dust and a note from Tinkerbell (or whoever your child loves). The excitement of starting the day off with something new and special can really reduce the daily begging for something else.
Make the Most of Those Autographs
With just a little pre-trip planning, you can turn your kids’ character autographs into a prized souvenir. Character autographs are hugely popular at the Disney theme parks, and there probably is no more affordable souvenir. But make it more exiting and fun by bringing something other than a book, like a tee shirt, or hat and give the character a sharpie to sign with. Your child will have an instant souvenir that will be cherished for years.
The key to planning an affordable Disney vacation is that “P” word: planning. That word is just as important when it comes to keeping your souvenir budget under control as it is with every other part of your trip. When it comes to Disney vacations, planning = Magic.
This guest post is from Nancy from The Affordable Mouse. Planning Disney Vacation Magic…….Stress-Free and Affordably
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