Disney can be crazy expensive when it comes to souvenirs. At the end of EVERY ride you exit into a themed shop. Your kids are excited from the great experience they just had and they want a ton of items of that character. The cheapest way to handle this is the coin smasher machine!
Be sure to bring tons of shiny pennies and quarters to the park(s) with you. The kids can hunt down the machine, put in the coins (51 cents for a penny smash), and work the crank to print out their stamped souvenir! To store all your new treasures, be sure to purchase a booklet made to hold them. You can find them in most stores in the parks and at Downtown Disney.
Happy Stamping!
Wednesday, November 14, 2012
Thursday, September 27, 2012
With Family...Photo Pass
Who doesn't want great memories to be documented with great photos?
Even if you're not a great photographer, you can go home with some great pics.
When you enter any of the parks, stop and have a group photo taken by one of the pros. They will give you a card that you keep with you the entire trip (you don't have to get a new one every day or every park). Be sure to give your card to any photog you come across, especially at character meet & greets, and let them snap away!
Don't worry about going to view the photos before you leave Disney, you can go online and look at all of them in the comfort of your home. What's so great about the PhotoPass program is that you can order prints or download the photos to your computer at home. They also have bound books and other gifts to purchase to remember your magical time at Disney.
*extra tip: If you attend "Not So Scary Halloween Party" or "Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party" there is a discount (mine was 40%) for PhotoPass products on the pass you receive at these parties, so be sure to get one at the party. You can use this pass to put your pictures on for the rest of your trip. MAJOR SCORE!
Even if you're not a great photographer, you can go home with some great pics.
When you enter any of the parks, stop and have a group photo taken by one of the pros. They will give you a card that you keep with you the entire trip (you don't have to get a new one every day or every park). Be sure to give your card to any photog you come across, especially at character meet & greets, and let them snap away!
Don't worry about going to view the photos before you leave Disney, you can go online and look at all of them in the comfort of your home. What's so great about the PhotoPass program is that you can order prints or download the photos to your computer at home. They also have bound books and other gifts to purchase to remember your magical time at Disney.
*extra tip: If you attend "Not So Scary Halloween Party" or "Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party" there is a discount (mine was 40%) for PhotoPass products on the pass you receive at these parties, so be sure to get one at the party. You can use this pass to put your pictures on for the rest of your trip. MAJOR SCORE!
Wednesday, September 19, 2012
With Kids of All Ages...Pirate Training
In honor of "Talk Like a Pirate Day," I thought I would post a tip about pirates at Disney.
Who doesn't love Jack Sparrow or Jake and the Never Land Pirates?
The best place to find pirates, or become one yourself, is in the Magic Kingdom. Head to Adventure Land for The Pirates League makeover. Here, you will spend 30-60 minutes transforming into a pirate or mermaid. There are four packages to choose from: Jake and the Never Land Pirates, The First Mate, Empress, or Mermaid (packages range from $29.95-$39.95).
Your lil' matey receives a new pirate name, a makeover, training from veteran pirates, a pirate portrait, and participation in the Adventure Land Pirate Parade. This is a memorable activity for boys and girls ages 3 and up.
When you have your new pirate, don't forget to take them on the Pirates of the Caribbean ride. Captain Hook likes to hang around this area for a meet & greet.
(You must make reservations in advance for The Pirates League. They are open 9-3:30 every day. Call 407.WDW.CREW for reservations.)
Who doesn't love Jack Sparrow or Jake and the Never Land Pirates?
The best place to find pirates, or become one yourself, is in the Magic Kingdom. Head to Adventure Land for The Pirates League makeover. Here, you will spend 30-60 minutes transforming into a pirate or mermaid. There are four packages to choose from: Jake and the Never Land Pirates, The First Mate, Empress, or Mermaid (packages range from $29.95-$39.95).
Your lil' matey receives a new pirate name, a makeover, training from veteran pirates, a pirate portrait, and participation in the Adventure Land Pirate Parade. This is a memorable activity for boys and girls ages 3 and up.
When you have your new pirate, don't forget to take them on the Pirates of the Caribbean ride. Captain Hook likes to hang around this area for a meet & greet.
(You must make reservations in advance for The Pirates League. They are open 9-3:30 every day. Call 407.WDW.CREW for reservations.)
Monday, September 17, 2012
With Older Kids and Teens...Free Animation Lesson
If you are traveling with anyone over 8, then you MUST visit Disney Hollywood Studios. The Magic of Disney Animation is where you want to head for the most unique, free souvenir you can find. Skip the show part and go right into the big interactive room. There are character meet and greets here, but there is a little room off to the side that you have to sit and wait in line for. It is the animation studio where you will learn to draw a Disney character in a few minutes. A real animator leads the lesson and it is a different character every time. You get to keep your drawing and sometimes, the animator signs his/hers and gives it away.
If you are planing to do this, it might be a good idea to bring a small mailing tube with you. The last time we went, the store in the building does not carry them, but they will give you a rubber band.
This is a favorite of my daughter's and we have to go several times in a row when we are here!
If you are planing to do this, it might be a good idea to bring a small mailing tube with you. The last time we went, the store in the building does not carry them, but they will give you a rubber band.
This is a favorite of my daughter's and we have to go several times in a row when we are here!
Saturday, September 15, 2012
With Kids... Pack Snacks
With 4 children, someone is always hungry at any given time. To cut down on cost and time spent at a food establishment, I pack snacks.
Disney allows you to bring in a few items. Granola bars, fruit snacks, small bags of crackers, fruit, veggies, and Uncrustables (PB&J frozen sandwiches) are some of the things I pack in my backpack every morning. They are great for keeping little ones happy and busy in long lines.
I also ALWAYS bring water bottles. Water is free and available. If your kids don't, or won't, just drink water, pack the individual Kool-aid or Crystal Lite drink packets. This will save you some money and your kids will not be consuming so much soda.
Disney allows you to bring in a few items. Granola bars, fruit snacks, small bags of crackers, fruit, veggies, and Uncrustables (PB&J frozen sandwiches) are some of the things I pack in my backpack every morning. They are great for keeping little ones happy and busy in long lines.
I also ALWAYS bring water bottles. Water is free and available. If your kids don't, or won't, just drink water, pack the individual Kool-aid or Crystal Lite drink packets. This will save you some money and your kids will not be consuming so much soda.
Friday, September 14, 2012
With Kids...Pin Trading
My son started pin trading the last time we went to Disney. Tons of fun, very expensive.
To cut down on some of the cost, I suggest purchasing a lanyard and a few pins before you go. Pack it and give it to your child on your first morning on the way to the park. Pins and lanyards, in the park, can run you $10-$20 a piece and starter sets with pins and a lanyard can run around $40-$50. Amazon has a good selection of both. If you are staying off property, it's also a good idea to check Walgreens or CVS in Orlando for discounted pins.
What is so great about pin trading? EVERY cast member has them and are willing to trade with everyone. My son loved asking them to trade and talking to them about the pins. Several of the gift shops and kiosks have a board of pins they will bring out at certain times to trade.
The lanyard of pins becomes a great souvenir and memories are made talking to cast members from all over the world. Also, great photo ops!
To cut down on some of the cost, I suggest purchasing a lanyard and a few pins before you go. Pack it and give it to your child on your first morning on the way to the park. Pins and lanyards, in the park, can run you $10-$20 a piece and starter sets with pins and a lanyard can run around $40-$50. Amazon has a good selection of both. If you are staying off property, it's also a good idea to check Walgreens or CVS in Orlando for discounted pins.
What is so great about pin trading? EVERY cast member has them and are willing to trade with everyone. My son loved asking them to trade and talking to them about the pins. Several of the gift shops and kiosks have a board of pins they will bring out at certain times to trade.
The lanyard of pins becomes a great souvenir and memories are made talking to cast members from all over the world. Also, great photo ops!
Disney Love
My family and I love everything Disney!
I have been to Disney World six times in my life and my daughter traveled to Disneyland, for the first time, this past summer. When we know we are headed to the "happiest place on earth" I spend hours and hours planning our trip. I also spend tons of time reading blogs and websites to get as much "insider info" as I can.
I've decided to start this blog to share all of my info and hopefully help others have as magical an experience as we've had.
I have been to Disney World six times in my life and my daughter traveled to Disneyland, for the first time, this past summer. When we know we are headed to the "happiest place on earth" I spend hours and hours planning our trip. I also spend tons of time reading blogs and websites to get as much "insider info" as I can.
I've decided to start this blog to share all of my info and hopefully help others have as magical an experience as we've had.
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