Next week the kids (all teens) and I are headed to Disneyland. It's a bit of a bittersweet trip, but I'm starting to get really excited about it. I would love to do something special for my kids, that's not going to cost much money. It's my daughter's 19th Birthday, and may be the last vacation we take for awhile. Does anyone have any budget minded suggestions to help make it even more magical?
How do I create a little more magic without spending a LOT more money?
Oh wow... id love to help but I have no idea about Disneyland. I would say... probably the most obvious... get a picture of the both of you or all your kids at a magical spot? I just don't know much about Disneyland... wish I did...
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It doesn't have to be a Disneyland specific tip, all ideas are welcome!
Well I don't know if it's cheaper than Disney but just around the corner from the park is a Bubba Gumps restruant. It's a really fun experience. Also if you order coffee or cocoa from the plaza pavilion you can get free refills throughout the day. Just keep your receipt!
Take pictures all over and make a scrap book. If your daughter is going away it'll make a great gift. Save room in the book, leave space for pictures from future trips.
Dee 
Member of the 6 castle club and working to pay for my next Disney vacations: 1/5-10/18, September 2018 for my 50th and 2018 the year of Disney cruising.
Kristen, I love the scrapbook idea! Maybe you can get little ones, and make them for each of the kids. Also, I wonder if they have those coinpressing things at DL? I love those. You could take some coins especially for that, then mount them for a keepsake for each of the kids.
They do have the Penny Presses at Disneyland. I'll have to remind my daughter (Katie) to bring her collection book.
Yesterday I used airline miles to order flowers to be delivered to the hotel on Tori's birthday. It's just a small bouquet, but I'm hoping that she'll love it. I also called DVC Member services to be sure that they have it noted that it's her birthday.
We've got a "before park opens" power walk tour scheduled at California Adventure, so that will be fun.
I think that I may have enough "extra" money to do one table service meal. I wanted to go on Mother's Day to the buffet, but we have to be on the bus to the airport at 8am and I don't think we'd make it. I'm trying to figure out where we should eat for one special meal.
I would love to add in a couple more surprises, I'm just not sure what!
Well, I can throw out a few idea. Disneyland is my "home" Park.
What are you thinking in terms of dollars? I know you said not cost "much money," but that means something different to everyone.
Give me a few details.
- You, 19 year old daughter, who else....?
- First time to Disneyland for all? Some?
- Do you mind sharing why it's "bittersweet"?
- Are you staying on property or off?
- How many Park days?
Let me know so trip details and I can try to offer some special things you can throw in. 
- Dreams
Well, I can throw out a few idea. Disneyland is my "home" Park.
What are you thinking in terms of dollars? I know you said not cost "much money," but that means something different to everyone.
Give me a few details.
- Me, 19 year old daughter, 17 year old son, 12 year old daughter
- First time that the kids remember, I was last there in 2009, no one has done DCA yet.
- My DH lost his job last month so he and our room mate are no longer joining us. We also had to cancel our plans for any table service meals.
- 4 Nights at Grand Californian, 1 Night at Disneyland Hotel
- 3 Park Days, we have Hoppers and are planning on being there Wed, Fri & Sat of next week.
- Dollar wise, I don't even know. Probably $50-$100 tops.
We're sort of playing this one by ear since we had to cancel a lot of our original plans that included "special" meals like the Fantasmic dessert, a WoC dinner, Blue Bayou and a Birthday Dinner at House of Blues. At this point I'm so lucky that we're making this trip at all.
Restruant.com you can get a great coupon that woul make house of blues affordable!!
Oh cool! Thanks Ryry, I'll head over and check that out!
Kristen~
I have some ideas for you that I have done on trips with Youth Groups in the past:
1. Keep a "log" - I did this on a cross-country road trip with a group of friends and it was really fun! Basically, have a small notebook and pen with you at all times and when something magical/humorous/memorable happens someone in your group writes it down. We wrote down funny quotes people said, embarrassing moments (that you want documented), etc. and it was really cool. We have this book with everyone's handwriting and all of our experiences in one place. I think the age of your kids would be perfect for this activity (you might need someone to help get it started, though).
2. Amazing Race - This will take some knowledge of the parks and some advance work, but it could be kind of fun. And there are a few different ways you could make it work. Like the show, you can have Challenges that the group has to complete (in groups or individually). These challenges can be as simple or as elaborate as you want. When I did this with a group last Fall, they had large challenges to complete for big points, such as games, relays, etc. Then there were small challenges for fewer points such as photo scavenger hunts, a list of items to collect, etc. I think you could easily do this at Disneyland with a few modifications. You could plan an elaborate day of challenges, but I think you could also do something simpler. Maybe say "the first person to find a hidden Mickey wins" as you are touring. And for the "prize" they could chose what you are doing next, etc.
3. Mind Games in lines - This is always fun with teenagers, and I am sure you can find a lot of games like this online. One fun one that gets really funny is to eliminate a word for an hour or two, such as "ride" or "Disney" or something. Then if you get caught you have to do something mildly embarrassing or be silent for 5 minutes.
These aren't necessarily Disneyland tips, but I hope they give you some ideas! Have fun!
Wow, Zettarooski - those are terrific ideas. I really appreciate you sharing them and may pick up a few for my family as well! And welcome, if I haven't already said that to you 
We're glad to have you here!