Avoiding the Gimmies while Vacationing with Kids:
It’s not only Angie & Julie’s post on Disneyland Tips & Tricks that has me thinking about vacations…it’s that we’re taking off to Disneyland, really soon! We’ve been counting down the days, like crazy, around here. We had an amazing time at Disneyland, a couple years ago. But, the one downside that stands out to me was the kiddos whining for “popcorn, candy, pop, toys, churros, t-shirts” and all of the other super-enticing items Disneyland is trying to sell you on. So, we decided to nip that in the bud this time around and make a plan!
As of 2 months ago, I told the kids they were no longer allowed to spend their allowance money until we went to Disneyland (they earn a dollar every week day, if they do all their chores and school work.) It’s been torture for them to actually have to SAVE their money. What a mean mom, right? Well, they’re thanking me for it now. Last week, I gave them each their own fanny-pack, stuffed with their own sunglasses, a poncho (it poured on us at Disneyland, last time) and all of their allowance money, in one dollar bills. (Usually, while earning their allowance, they never actually GET the money, I just write it on a notepad…it’s easier that way. So, they were super excited to actually get their money, this time.)
I found the cutest little fanny packs for only 6 bucks each!! They’re nice quality, come in several colors, and are the perfect size for kids. It fit my two year old perfectly and my 9 year old.
Each of the kids knows HOW much money they have in their pack and it will be up to them how they spend it. When it’s gone, it’s gone. The “gimmies” can kiss-off.
Another item I’ll be working on to stuff in their little packs, is an emergency card with mom and dad’s names, cell phone numbers, etc. Knock on wood that they will never need them.
We can’t wait for our trip! (UPDATE: Our post-Disneyland tips: More Disneyland Tips)
For the best prices on your Disneyland vacation, visit my favorite travel agency, Get Away Today!
Need more ideas for traveling with kids??
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That One Girl says
March 24, 2011 at 10:39 amWhat a fantastic idea!! We’re in the middle of paying off our debt so we can take a family vacation to Disney. We’re all very excited, and by this time next year, we should be able to plan our vacation!!
I have used a plan similar to this as well. Our kids get allowance, and of course, they have to give some, save some, and then they have their spending money. They will bring home flyers for different things (ie Book fairs) and I will tell them that they can use their own money, but I will buy them 1 book on family night. I’m sure glad they use their own money! Sometimes they come home with things like chocolate smelling calculators!! LOL
Nicole says
March 24, 2011 at 2:06 pmHi Mariel! I recently wrote a post about how to survive a LONG car ride with the kids. We just got back from Pensacola, FL, that had us in the car for about 15 hours each way. The trip was PERFECTION! Thought you might be able to use it sometime.
http://nicole-taulmantimes.blogspot.com/2011/03/tips-for-sanity-on-looooonnnnggg-car.html
Nicole
Mariel says
March 24, 2011 at 3:00 pm@thatonegirl – Chocolate smelling calculators?? That’s awesome. I hope you can make it to Disneyland, I’m in love with that place 😉
@nicole – great post! send me an intro of yourself and a picture to go with it. thanks, sista!
Lydia says
March 24, 2011 at 5:07 pmThat is a great idea. Will definitely keep that in mind!
Britt says
March 26, 2011 at 12:36 amSeriously, great idea! Especially with the emergency cards… that is a fear of mine, to lose a kid in a crowd.