Souvenirs can absolutely make or break your budget. The “I want, can I get, I need” from your children can be enough to pull out your hair! Here are 5 mistakes that Guests make with souvenirs.
1. Not establishing a budget – Each Guest needs their own budget for souvenirs and then the entire family needs a budget. The family budget covers things like home decor, ornaments or board games. Establish a set in stone budget ahead of time and let the kids know their limit.
2. Buying too early in the trip – Go ahead and decide now that you won’t purchase any souvenirs for the first few days of your trip. Use this time to browse and take pictures of items (and their prices!) that you are interested in. Later in your trip you can go back and get the items you wanted. Many are also available at Disney Springs.
3. Carrying your packages – Disney offers a great service for Guests and their packages. If you are are a Disney Resort Guest and you are not checking out for at least 48 hours after your purchase, you can send your packages straight to your Disney Resort’s gift shop. If you want your packages the same day or you are an off-site Guest, you can have you package sent to the front of the park for pick up in the evening. This beats having to lug everything around!
4. Shopping too early in the day – Don’t shop early in the day and waste this valuable park time. Save your shopping for the hotter part of the afternoon or just before you leave. Most of the stores along the entrance to the parks are open up to 2 hours after the park closes. This is a great time to shop as you allow the bus stop crowds to dwindle down.
5. Not preparing your kids – Let your children know ahead of time when they will be allowed to purchase items. You could even go as far as taking away $1 for every time they whine about wanting to buy something. Before you enter a store, let them know if this is the time they will be able to purchase something or what exactly you expect from them. It will definitely help your nerves!
Learn more about souvenirs in the Walt Disney World parks plus Destinations in Florida can help you choose your souvenir purchases on your next Walt Disney World vacation.