WDW souvenirs
I have read several blogs over the past few months and I have noticed that several people believe that W.D.W. is too expensive and that you cannot afford anything in the parks. Well, I agree that it is quite expensive but there are several souvenirs that you can get that does not envolve spending every penny in your bank account. First of all, please do not buy your children cheap dollar store toys. If you plan on giving them the toys beforehand or on the way there that is perfectly fine, dollar store shop away! However, I do not believe that you should trick your sweet kids into believing that the Mickey doll you are handing them is actually coming from WDW. I would have been devistated if my mother had done that to me when I was younger. What many people do not realize is that Disney will replace merchandise that breaks (as long is it was bought in the parks of course). If money is a problem then just purchse them a keychain or a few other small things, they don't have to get a 12" Goofy plush for $112. Jut direct their attention to other super cute (cheaper) items. :)
So now that I have said that, there are several free or super cheap items you can find in the parks.
1. (Everyone knows) Pressed Pennies - Make penny books before you go and let them decorate their own books on the way there. (great car activity) If you do not feel like making one, just purchase one - no worries. Allow each child to have a certain amount of quarters and pennies to spend in each park. After your trip you can make bracelets or necklaces out of them!
2. Brochures - Collect different brochures in each park. You can get them in different languages and for different festivities. You can use these to make paper mache bracelets. This is another great way to save money and make some new accessories! I made myself one from the Flower & Garden Festival brochure from Epcot.
3. Autographs & Autograph books - There are so many ways to make your own autograph book. The kids will love making pages for their favorite characters. Be sure you pick up a jumbo pen from Wal-Mart or the closest dollar store. I bought a cute Mickey Mouse jumbo pen for $1 at Wal-Mart
4. Postcards - Make your own postcard book for everyone. Let them pick out a postcard from each park and resort you visit. This is something they can look through on the way home. (If they are old enough) On the back of each card let them write their favorite attraction, character or meal from each park. This is something the family can do together.
5. Pens - When I was younger (and even today) I loved having a massive collection of pens. If your children love drawing then maybe you can get them a pen from each park and resort. That way, they will have their own special collection to draw with. (and if it runs out of ink.. go to the nearest store that sells the pen and they will replace it).
