I came across this website while reading about Disney trip planning:
http://www.themouseforless.com/downloads.shtml#kids
I think I’m going to put together a fun book for the kids to do during any downtime we may have plus during the flight to/from Florida. I love the idea of giving them a fun book with mazes, word searches, fun facts, and things like that, and I will get some crayons to bring along with them! Those journal pages they have on this page are fantastic as well, and I would love for them to write their own memories down (if they will actually do it is another story).
Kids Travel Journal
Word Search Puzzles
Trivia Questions
Walt Disney World Character Find List
Printable coloring pages
I also read about the trading pins idea because I know they would have fun with them while we are there. We would not get them a ton of pins, but if they could each pick out a few of their favorites, that would be a great momento. Also, I think it would be fun for them to trade them with the cast members who work at Disney. Just a possible added bonus. Definitely something to think about.
We are also going to bring a ton of pennies and quarters on the trip so the kids can do all the penny presses. We started a collection of them a few years ago for the attractions we had visited. I will have to come up with a way to store them – perhaps a penny press book? (Something else to look into).
We are also going to get the kids an autograph book. Even though they have done Disneyland before and wasn’t interested then, they apparently are really interested now. Especially Ethan! He asked me to make sure we get Hannah an autograph book because he is going to ask the characters to sign her book for her. He is actually more interested in making sure SHE gets the autographs then he is if he gets the autographs. He told me when we get home he is going to get character stickers and put them on the pages so Hannah knows which autograph it is. He is SO dang cute. I love the fact he still believes in the Disney magic.
I also am going to print out some Mickey and Minnie printables for Hannah. Even though she can’t color in the traditional sense because of her fine motor issues, I think it would be a great page to keep practicing on!
If anyone else has any inexpensive yet fun keepsake suggestions, please let me know. I want the kids to have lots of fun tangible momentos from this trip (besides the 10,000 pictures Daddy and I will likely take)!
On a completely separate note, writing this post reminding me of the video I have of Hannah practicing her coloring from a few months ago.
How fun! I love the idea of the kids keeping a journal. My boys loved the pin trading at Disney, and still have their pins. Tell Ethan he has to be the most thoughtful young man ever. You guys should be proud of him (and proud of yourselves for the great job you’ve done). I hope you have a phenominal time and everyone is spoiled rotten!
Carrie, I don’t know how we can possibly make this happen with the miles that seperate us, but Ethan has to marry Paige some day! He is so thoughtful and sweet ;o) and you can tell him I said so!
When we used to go to Disney I bought a whole bunch of pins on Ebay. I think I got around a dozen pins for under $10. It doesn’t really matter which pins you buy because the kids trade them for the ones they like.
I’m so excited for you.
Hi Carrie-something you can do (we did it for our Brownies last year) is have a postcard sent to the kids from Disney characters. There’s a website (I’m sorry-can’t remember which one and I’m out of town!) that has a bulletin board with folks willing to do this. You tell the the kids’ fave characters, and they will send a postcard from Disneyworld saying that they’re excited to see them etc. It was AWESOME!
Maybe not something tangible but you can always have fun looking for the hidden mickeys that are placed throughout all the parks. I used to work at the Animal Kingdom and there are some great ones there! There are lots of websites dedicated to pointing them out. People used to have the newer version of Polaroids so they could snap a quick picture and then use sharpies for the autograph books so you get a photo album plus an autograph book. Super cute. Make sure you check out the Loin King show at the Animal Kingdom if you go there, it is awesome and gives you a chance to sit and enjoy for a bit!