A $10 Balloon

The standard Mickey balloon at Disney World in early 2012 was $10.  That isn't the light up Tinkerbell one that my daughter chose...that was $15.  We spent $25 on two balloons.  But if you get suckered into buying them like we did, here are some tips about Disney balloons.

1.  Tie them on your stroller.  You don't want to have to buy them again as your child bursts into hysterics because they let go of it.  They come with weights but make sure they are tied tightly as well.  If you tie them on your stroller it will be another good way to find your stroller (although probably not the only stroller with $25 worth of balloons).

2.  They are a fantastic toy to play with at the hotel while you get things situation for the day, or night.  My kids never tire playing with the balloons - especially when they are younger. 

3.  You CAN bring it on the airplane home with you.  Every flight I've been on coming home from Orlando has someone with their balloon(s) in the overhead bins.  I'm still too scared it will pop and they'll think I'm carrying a bomb...or worse yet, terrify for my children and have them scream the rest of the flight.  My daughter is scared of fireworks...from a distance...can you imagine if a balloon popped in the small, enclosed airplane?!  But if you are brave, try it.  It's a nice souvenir that will remind everyone of your vacation.

4.  While I don't bring the balloon home all blown up, I use nail clippers to pop a hole at the very bottom.  I put the balloon in my toiletry bag so I don't lose it and use a little personal helium tank we have for parties to blow them up as a treat for the kids. 

There you go...how to stretch that $10 balloon to make it a little more worthwhile!