Walt Disney World is such a magical place. In fact, “Walt has even found a way to make money magically disappear.” I saw that comment somewhere and found myself chuckling but it truly feels that way when you end up in Disney’s world. When returning home from a trip to this magical land with the family, and the bank account has been hit hard, you certainly feel as if you’ve been on a magic ride for sure and not just a monorail!
Last week visiting Disney, I recall standing in a gift shop feeling compelled to buy almost everything within my reach. Truly, I was looking at Mickey Mouse measuring cups (I don’t need that- I already have 3 sets!), Mickey Mouse shaped pencils (who uses pencils these days?), even bedroom slippers (As if I need those!). I can’t explain the feeling but you can get wrapped up with Mickey in no time and in such an inviting place too. Upon my arrival home, I was so thankful I was able to get out without spending a dime. Phew! But it wasn’t easy!
This had my brain-a-goin’! If I felt the urge to purchase all these Disney nicknacks. I can imagine how the little ones feel. And, I felt myself almost sad walking out of the Disney stores with my son, Ramey, as his eye followed his favorite items, reaching as if it might fly into his arms. It made my heart hurt. I would give him every single thing his heart desired that day if I had the money! I know you are like me and want to give your baby everything. This brought me back to my childhood.
As a kid I remember my mother always had a bag of goodies on our vacations. (We were not privy to look into her stash by the way.) Randomly (now looking back, maybe not random at all!) thoughout the trip she would pull something out of that bag and give one to everyone in our group. It was always the coolest toy like glow necklaces and bracelets, light-up wands, cotton candy, popcorn and the like. She always had enough to share with our friends and we were delighted at whatever came out of her magical tote. We didn’t get to hit the gift shops much but we never went without and we walked around the theme park with lighted trinkets of our own. Sometimes we even had the stuff other kids wanted. We definitely felt like the cool kids at times.
Now that I have a child and see the brilliance of marketers hovering over the children at every turn, Mom’s approach all makes perfect sense. She didn’t even have the internet for her savings plan so my program to enrich my own family has expanded and I have found this very handy expansion a way for our savings plan too! Yes, we are going to spend the money somewhere but why not be able to do ten things instead of five because of pinching those pennies when possible! I hope you find these tips helpful. Planning ahead is the key and thinking futuristic will bring great success on your next vacation. As a parent, it is pretty cool when you have it all together, especially when your children are wanting this or that and you can provide it in your own style! Bam! Success! #momoftheyearaward
Here are a few tricks my mom always used for cutting costs.
5 Ways to Save On The Souvenirs At Disney
- Pin Trading – Disney goers now have a new trend of pin trading. I must admit, this is a ton of fun but $6.50 and up for a pin to trade with a cast member is out-of-this-world. Try buying in bulk here. FYI: Tradable pins are Disney pins that are enamel with a metal base and has a Disney copyright engraved on the back.
- Personalized Mouse ears – These are a must-have while traveling to Disney and great for pictures along the way. And of course, you must have Mickey Mouse ears! So, purchase your ears ahead of time here. For those who splurge, take them to be monagrammed. Basic ears will run you about $8 in the Disney park plus the fee to have them monogrammed. You can buy online for a fraction of that cost!
- Autograph Book – This is one of the best souvenirs to be had when you’re a kid. Let you child fill this book with all their favorite character signatures. Order online here
- Personalized Disney T-shirts – You may not think you want a Disney shirt until you arrive and believe me, you will want one, so be sure to shop around before your trip to Disney.Local area department stores in the theme area are great ways to save on t-shirt purchases. Local pharmacies and retail stores in the area stock Mickey memorabilia at great savings. You can even design your own shirt at PicMonkey and find a local t-shirt printing company in your area or use use CustomInk.
- Night Glow – Who doesn’t like all the twirl, light-up, glow sticks, sunglasses and more? The streets of the Disney park will be filled with them when the when night falls. Be sure to grab a couple to ensure your child finds one he or she absolutely loves. Check hereout sales where others are selling this years toys they bought at Disney(full price!) or pickup new stuff here
The trick to all of these items is to strategically have them appear when desired. To give your kids everything at once, maybe at the beginning of the trip would be fun too but then the gift-giving is over and when they crave what they see, you would have nothing to fill the desire. Instead, have a goodies bag like my mom always did. Oh and don’t forget your spouse. He will want t-shirts and such as well so, meet that need too! Maybe next time they will surprise you with something thoughtful too.
Hey, I know planning is not always an option. If you are reading this from out of town, have no fear. Just call the Target, Walmart in your Orlando or theme park hotel area and ask if they have a Disney section. You will be sure to find a few quick inexpensive fixes you can stuff in your goodie bag. If you are in the market to save money make sure to checkout, 5 Things To Do in Downtown Disney for FREE
Have fun at Disney!
Katie Girl
