[dancing4disney]

I could definitely spend that much with the discount as I would feel like I was getting a good deal. I generally don't spend the money but that is basically more than 20% off everything you buy...I love when things are on sale!
You will use it as the kids always want little things such as those light up things at parades and fireworks, buy sweatshirts instead of packing them, an extra t-shirt is always nice as well. Let the kids pick out a doll or stuffed animal to ride with them on the plane home. We still have the Disney Doll and Mickey from our first trip. Just make sure you pack an extra duffle bag to bring everything home.

[WishUponAStar]

Assuming you are going for 7 nights I believe you can spend $400 EASILY. It may sound like a lot to spend on 'souvenirs' but when you think about it everything adds up FAST. We are only 2 adults, with NO children, and we bring $400 'spending money' for a 7-night trip. Many of the merch. stores sell other things like ponchos/umbrellas, snacks, sundries, etc. Besides all your standard souvenirs you may have to bring things home for family members, etc. I don't know how old your children are but I TOTALLY think $400 for a 7 night trip is EASY to spend. You may be surprised how fast it goes. I'd get that deal, it's a good one.

[Dopey]

Funny, I have never felt the need for Disney merchandise. At least I would never want more than maybe a cute t-shirt or a tea kettle. But this is an offer that no one can refuse because of the "no expiration date" feature. Over time I would spend that much while shopping online.
I would go for that deal. Waiting now for my email

[Dopey]

What's puzzling to me though is the thinking behind sending that offer to people who have proven to spend much on Disney merchandise anyway. If they spend anyway, why not send it to people who have been there numerous times and didn't spend that much in order to get them to spend

[lovemysons]

Originally Posted by Dopey

What's puzzling to me though is the thinking behind sending that offer to people who have proven to spend much on Disney merchandise anyway. If they spend anyway, why not send it to people who have been there numerous times and didn't spend that much in order to get them to spend

Yes exactly.

And,um,no need for Disney merchandise? Hmmm, steering wheel cover, license plate.....


I would buy tons of the home products. I love the dish towels, the gadgets, etc.

[ddoll]

I don't usually spend that much on souvenirs. I'd be interested to see the terms of the deal. As in, can you spend it only at the parks, which stores, what merchandise, etc?
But the no expiration thing makes it totally do-able.

[BBEE]

Originally Posted by mickeysgirlz

I googled and found this:

Jim Hill : Disney World now offering discounted Merchandise Credits to select Guests

Only sent to a select few that have "proven" themselves to be DTD shoppers! I have NEVER spent $500 in one day at DTD . . . Grandma maybe . . . but not me! (I wish)

Okay, now that doesn't make any sense, we have NEVER spent that kind of money on souvenirs while on vacation in the world. We definitely didn't get this email for that reason.

[chottsy]

we spend not more than $200...but i am not crazy about the clothing designs. we usually buy a few coffee mugs, a couple of stuffed toys for DD and some xmas ornaments.

last year we had 2 days left to go and i was like..."i have $100 left for gifts...help me find something!" lol

i guess it's all a matter of personal taste! :o)

[Dana]

$500 is easy for me to spend.. If you are getting $105 free with this card, totally go for it. Even if you don't spend it all this time, it won't go to waste.

"proven" DTD shoppers. I have no proof of what I spend...I pay cash..lol

[tea]

I would get it - especially if this is your first trip. The first time you are there you want everything!

Depending on how many in your party and their ages it varies but think of a shirt for each (probably more like 2 each) , ears, hats, photo album and frames, a couple of pins each, mugs, ornament with the year on it, license plate, snowglobe (I love the AK one that it is just the Tree of Life) etc etc. It adds up, fast!

[jimbo]

what are the chances of you going back to WDW?
with no expire date and your first trip then this is a great deal, as it has been said already on your first trip you want everything

at around $25 for a t-shirt it's like getting 4 free T's, if I was offered this I would ask to buy 2 deals one for me and one for the boss (wife) we always bring lots home for the grand kids and photo frames not to mention the usual suspects.

[timsha]

Just found this posting, but Sharon could and usually does spend 500 easily on a trip. When you start buying T-shirts and pins, it adds up quickly. It also depends on what type of souvenirs you want also, and what if anything you collect. That sounds like a sweet deal paying 395 for 500 worth of merchandise.

[dadofthree]

We took $1500 cash. That covered meals and gas to and from Disney World, which was about $500.00 for us (thats the drive from our home - we rode the bus while there). It left $1000 to BLOW. First day, one of our kids got a stomach bug so we used about $150 of that for medicine and we went to discount store and bought a stroller big enough to ride both our kids (6 & 4) so we didn't have to rent one every day. $800 left for souveniers and we were VERY tight till the end, but we could have easily blown $5000 if we had the money (but $800 bought enough for us to know we had been).

My advice...take cash and don't take a credit card into the parks or you will end paying for your trip long after you have taken it.

If you or any in your party are going to collect and trade pins, which can be alot of fun...buy those before you go off Ebay.

[Dopey]

Originally Posted by timsha

Just found this posting, but Sharon could and usually does spend 500 easily on a trip. When you start buying T-shirts and pins, it adds up quickly. It also depends on what type of souvenirs you want also, and what if anything you collect. That sounds like a sweet deal paying 395 for 500 worth of merchandise.

I have to ammend my earlier post on spending. I added up what the boys just had to have and must say that money does spend easily at WDW.
The boys blew all of what I had on my Disney rewards card which was over $ 400 and then some.

[Dana]

Originally Posted by debrahv

I'm just curious what people have spent on their first trip for souvenirs. Mostly the reason I'm asking is because I got a pin code for a $500 merchandise credit for $395. Has anyone ever gotten one of these? I'm just wondering how restrictive they are. Would you get it?

That is a great deal. I have seen other posts about this merchandise card. It's at least accepted at World of Disney at DTD and they have everything the park stores have, so you can't lose on that deal. DO IT! As for how much I spend a day...well, I am a shopper when at WDW, so I normally take about $150 a day for me and DD to "play" with. She is seriously into the pin trading, so this $150 is spent..lol