Tips about Budget, Magic Kingdom and Souvenirs

ALL PARKS - We all LOVE LOVE LOVE seeing the kids in costume (Belle, Cinderella, etc.). We try to make a big deal about it when we see them dressed up and, truthfully, it is fun seeing them think they have fooled the adults into believing they really *are* the characters they are portraying. If your child is a sticker collector, bring a special book for all the awesome stickers they can get at each of the parks and hotels. Most places have their own special stickers that they give the kids. In the Magic Kingdom there are at least 6 different ones the kids can get (and there are probably many more. The kids all love getting stickers, but by the end of the night most stickers have gotten wet or wrinkled up. Ask the Cast Member for an extra one for the child's book. Chances are they will be *more* than happy to give an extra one, just for the sticker book or for your scrapbook! - Tip from a Magical Magic Kingdom Cast Member

ALL PARKS - For those who have little ones who don't like the "line ride" at the beginning of most attractions or for those who hate waiting in queues themselves, spotting Hidden Mickey's is a wonderful diversion. We made small index card booklets listing all "confirmed" Hidden Mickey's in each park, organized by lands and attractions. They fit easily in a pocket or daypack and can be decorated with character stickers. We took the one for the park(s) we were in each day and looked for HM's in line or checked to see where we could find them once on the ride. An added benefit was getting to meet the numerous other guests who asked what we were reading and pointing at. This decreased the frustration of line-waiting even more. I think we made many other HM fans and also took the opportunity to mention ALL EARS® to them. Hopefully we helped (in a small way) your goal of making the 25,000 subscriber mark! - Gavin Adams

EDITOR'S NOTE:: To learn more about Hidden Mickey's, go to: http://allears.net/btp/hiddenm.htm

Consider having dessert for dinner! If you're on a budget, but your tummy's growling about 4:30 or 5 p.m... if you don't have time or money for a sit-down dinner... if you don't want to get loaded down with meat and potatoes... have dessert for supper! Find one of those awesome coffee and sweet shops located in every park, let each child order their own personal favorite, and go for a pick-me-up latte or mocha for the grown-ups! Everyone is full and recharged, and you've spent about $20 (maybe a little more if kids drink milk with their sweets, but if it's hot, water is much better!). Plus your kids will never forget the evening Mom and Dad let them have ice cream for supper at Disney World! - Natalie Lipman

We secured one of those D-ring keychain clips to the stroller handle with a Velcro strap. It was a handy place to hang all of our souvenir shopping bags that we would accumulate! - Jackie Beering

I was a lucky kid -- visited Disney three times before graduating high school... One of my favorite souvenirs from Disney is my sterling silver Doc charm. My sisters and I got silver charm bracelets while in elementary school, and whenever there was an "event" or trip we'd get a silver charm to commemorate it. I've since married and have three daughters of my own. The girls each have a silver charm bracelet and plan on adding another character charm for each of our visits to Disney. Who knows? Maybe someday we'll be adding charms to their daughters' bracelets! - Suzanne Vallillo

When we were planning our trip to Disney World, we made our reservations at one of the hotels that was on Disney property. Our family is on a budget so it was hard for us to try to save all at once. I called the hotel and asked if I could send so much money each month. The money we sent went towards the hotel bill, like a prepayment. So each month I sent money towards our stay. I made the reservation a year in advance therefore we had all year to send the money. Well, we went to Disney World at New Year's and guess what? Our room was already paid for! I thought I would pass the idea to you since it seems like Disney World gets more expensive every year. - Linda Martin of Mt. Sterling, KY

Just call 1-407-363-6200 -- WDW Merchandise Guest Services! You can order just about anything they sell at WDW! Holly