This is the worst week of my life

[BlueIvy]

I'm not necessarily new to the boards . I browse but don't post .

I'm having the worst week of my life on the heel of what was supposed to be the best week of my life.

Single mom of two , i've been saving and paying off this trip for two years . It's finally just a few days away and im not excited at all. Not even a little bit.

My boyfriend of eight months attacked me on Saturday night. I went through his phone and found out he had been cheating on me the entire time .I am still devastated about that. I took the phone into my bathroom to speak to the woman and when he heard me on the phone he broke the door down and beat me up really badly. I had never been in a domestic violence relationship and never had a man hit me before. He hit me with a closed fist all over my face in front of my children . He punched me so hard the skin came off of my face . When I called 911 he ran and left .

His mother his hiding him out so the police can't find him and im on edge wanting justice ..

For the past 24 months i'd been looking forward to this trip and it's finally here and I'm not excited at all.

I had $1000 saved up for spending money . Now it's dwindled down to $600 because i've been staying in a hotel with my kids until they catch him.

I cant afford to stay in the hotel so I came back home.

I need help budgeting .. I don't think I can stretch the money enough to pull this trip. Honestly I just want to cancel the whole thing because im so depressed . I dont even care about the trip anymore but I dont want to take this trip away from my kids. They definetly need this trip especially after seeing what happened to me.

I dont want anything from any of you guys. Im not telling a sob story to scam anyone. Im not soliciting anything. I just want some help budgeting what I have and help stretching my dollar.

Were doing a 4 night disney cruise 9/8 -9/12 and I have tickets to mnsshp and tickets to universal 2 day park to park .

I plan on using my onboard credit to help towards tips and that leaves $75 left so that brings my money down to $525 if i dont do anything else onboard that costs money.

The post cruise hotel is already paid for but they have a daily resort fee of $25 a night so that drops me down another $75 . That leaves me with $450 to pay for food for 3 nights and 1 day. Were staying at POR one night before the cruise and we'd also need food for that day as well. I planned on making sandwiches the morning of our flight and hot dogs and wrapping the prepared hotdogs/buns in aluminum foil because they'll travel well and that could be a late lunch. I was going to buy the kids kids meals for dinner ....and I'm usually not very hungry so i could have a hot dog /nothing and be just fine .

I have the transportation to the parks already paid for. We're doing the shared mears bus shuttles . They pick you up and drop you back off at the resort.

I have to pay for the taxi to airport and that's $30 . That leaves me with $420 but I plan on taking $20 in singles to use to tip the porters and any miscellaneous things we have to tip for on the cruise that's not included with the mandatory gratuity.

Is $400 enough to feed my family for 3 nights 1 day at the parks ? I wanted to do atleast one sit down but I just cant see that happening with my limited budget. I would like to be able to buy my kids a souvenir and small treats at the park when they want something like a cotton candy or ice cream.

I'm so stressed out. I'm not looking forward to this trip and i'm very depressed . I want my kids to still have a good time but my heart just isn't in it at all. I have not even started packing or preparing or buying anything for this trip and our flight leaves on Saturday. I want to be excited but I just can't . I keep reliving the infidelity and the attack. My leg is black and blue where he kicked me . I have two knots on my forehead as well as the missing skin . I still have aches and pain but im trying to show my kids a brave face.

Please don't rip me a new one for my terrible budget... I really feel terrible . I was supposed to have alot more to spend. 24 months of planning and I have $600 . That is terrible. Nothing for emergencies or unforeseen circumstances. I can't not go on this trip. I'd end up losing almost $5000 ...flights are non refundable, I paid $3300 for the cruise fare. I'd lose that money . The park tickets ... paid for .. I just cant skip the trip.

 

[tinker&belle]

I would at least call the airlines and cruise line. Maybe you could reschedule with limited fees. We got a round of illness before our Universal trip and Universal said illness was a reason we could reschedule without penalty. Maybe call them and see? So sorry for what you've been through. If anything it would be nice to do it after your face has time to heal so the pictures won't always remind you of the incident. It would also give you some time to save. Do you have a credit card? I don't usually advocate debt for vacation but this is one instance to definitely bring it for an emergency!

 

[Ali]

Yes $400 is enough for a mom and 2 kids to eat in the parks for 3 days without doing a table service meal and leaving buffer room for emergencies or drinks. Buy snacks and treats and stuff like that. Bring snack foods and breakfast foods in your suitcase. I have never been on a cruise, so I don't know how it works, but I bet there are single serve items you could hoard in your suitcases.

other than that i wish you well.

 

[Marionnette]

I'm not necessarily new to the boards . I browse but don't post .

I'm having the worst week of my life on the heel of what was supposed to be the best week of my life.

Single mom of two , i've been saving and paying off this trip for two years . It's finally just a few days away and im not excited at all. Not even a little bit.

My boyfriend of eight months attacked me on Saturday night. I went through his phone and found out he had been cheating on me the entire time .I am still devastated about that. I took the phone into my bathroom to speak to the woman and when he heard me on the phone he broke the door down and beat me up really badly. I had never been in a domestic violence relationship and never had a man hit me before. He hit me with a closed fist all over my face in front of my children . He punched me so hard the skin came off of my face . When I called 911 he ran and left .

His mother his hiding him out so the police can't find him and im on edge wanting justice ..

For the past 24 months i'd been looking forward to this trip and it's finally here and I'm not excited at all.

I had $1000 saved up for spending money . Now it's dwindled down to $600 because i've been staying in a hotel with my kids until they catch him.

I cant afford to stay in the hotel so I came back home.

I need help budgeting .. I don't think I can stretch the money enough to pull this trip. Honestly I just want to cancel the whole thing because im so depressed . I dont even care about the trip anymore but I dont want to take this trip away from my kids. They definetly need this trip especially after seeing what happened to me.

I dont want anything from any of you guys. Im not telling a sob story to scam anyone. Im not soliciting anything. I just want some help budgeting what I have and help stretching my dollar.

Were doing a 4 night disney cruise 9/8 -9/12 and I have tickets to mnsshp and tickets to universal 2 day park to park .

I plan on using my onboard credit to help towards tips and that leaves $75 left so that brings my money down to $525 if i dont do anything else onboard that costs money.

The post cruise hotel is already paid for but they have a daily resort fee of $25 a night so that drops me down another $75 . That leaves me with $450 to pay for food for 3 nights and 1 day. Were staying at POR one night before the cruise and we'd also need food for that day as well. I planned on making sandwiches the morning of our flight and hot dogs and wrapping the prepared hotdogs/buns in aluminum foil because they'll travel well and that could be a late lunch. I was going to buy the kids kids meals for dinner ....and I'm usually not very hungry so i could have a hot dog /nothing and be just fine .

I have the transportation to the parks already paid for. We're doing the shared mears bus shuttles . They pick you up and drop you back off at the resort.

I have to pay for the taxi to airport and that's $30 . That leaves me with $420 but I plan on taking $20 in singles to use to tip the porters and any miscellaneous things we have to tip for on the cruise that's not included with the mandatory gratuity.

Is $400 enough to feed my family for 3 nights 1 day at the parks ? I wanted to do atleast one sit down but I just cant see that happening with my limited budget. I would like to be able to buy my kids a souvenir and small treats at the park when they want something like a cotton candy or ice cream.

I'm so stressed out. I'm not looking forward to this trip and i'm very depressed . I want my kids to still have a good time but my heart just isn't in it at all. I have not even started packing or preparing or buying anything for this trip and our flight leaves on Saturday. I want to be excited but I just can't . I keep reliving the infidelity and the attack. My leg is black and blue where he kicked me . I have two knots on my forehead as well as the missing skin . I still have aches and pain but im trying to show my kids a brave face.

Please don't rip me a new one for my terrible budget... I really feel terrible . I was supposed to have alot more to spend. 24 months of planning and I have $600 . That is terrible. Nothing for emergencies or unforeseen circumstances. I can't not go on this trip. I'd end up losing almost $5000 ...flights are non refundable, I paid $3300 for the cruise fare. I'd lose that money . The park tickets ... paid for .. I just cant skip the trip.

I don't think that you will have a problem feeding your family on $400/3 nights. You won't have gourmet meals, but you will have food for everyone. People have been able to get by at Disney on a lot less.

I don't often tell people to JUST GO! when they make similar posts. It goes against my grain to encourage someone to take a trip when they are so low on funds. However, it looks as if you will not be able to recover the money you've already spent on this trip. You and the children need to feel safe and happy. So, JUST GO!

But make a plan that ensures that you and the children are protected when you return. Make sure that the police know that you will be traveling. They can send a patrol car around to check the house. And they can contact you if they need to. The threat is not going to go away just because you left town for a few days.

 

[2TxAgs]

I am so sorry that this has happened to you; that it happens at all to anyone is pitiful. You have my deepest sympathies.

Your trip may be just what you and your children need - to get away, to be pampered on a cruise ship, to be treated kindly. Your food on the cruise will be plentiful, and I absolutely believe your $400 will be fine to feed you for the remaining 3 days. We almost never did table service meals with our kids at WDW - counter is fine, takes less time, can be shared, etc. Think of it this way - 3 $10 meals, 3 times a day is $90, leaving $10 for a couple of ice cream treats. And you probably don't need $10 each for breakfast, and maybe you'll share a lunch or dinner.

I agree that if you have a credit card, take it for emergency use, but otherwise I don't believe you'll need more money. Tell the kids one 'treat' per day, use a resort mug as a souvenier, go to the dollar store and buy cheap autograph book and collect autographs as souveniers. Photos also make good souveniers - if your kids don't have phone cameras, you can buy a one time use camera at wallyworld and let them use that.

Wishing you a good time with your kiddos, and justice for the jerk.

 

[BelleBeautyandtheBeast]

Go! Immerse yourself in Disney *magic* and get away from reality. Everyone needs a break. It's paid for. You can get by on $400 for food, I've spent less than that and I have 3 kids. Do pressed pennies and other inexpensive stuff for souvenirs. Save the sit down meal for the very last day/meal (if you end up having enough cash).

Put on a smile and make some awesome memories with your kids.

 

[ceecee]

That should be plenty to take care of meals for you and the kids. We share quite a bit so don't forget you can do that and save quite a bit.
Tell the police where he is hiding and prosecute the guy! Don't back down on it!!! Best of luck to you and stay safe.

 

[pryncess527]

I don't think that you will have a problem feeding your family on $400/3 nights. You won't have gourmet meals, but you will have food for everyone. People have been able to get by at Disney on a lot less.

I don't often tell people to JUST GO! when they make similar posts. It goes against my grain to encourage someone to take a trip when they are so low on funds. However, it looks as if you will not be able to recover the money you've already spent on this trip. You and the children need to feel safe and happy. So, JUST GO!

But make a plan that ensures that you and the children are protected when you return. Make sure that the police know that you will be traveling. They can send a patrol car around to check the house. And they can contact you if they need to. The threat is not going to go away just because you left town for a few days.

Ditto

 

[wendow]

Agree with others. $400 is plenty of money for that amount of time. I could feed my family of 6 for less than that so you will be fine. And I also agree this could be very good for you to just go and get away from all that has happened. I'm so sorry that something so awful happened to you. (((HUGS)))

 

[Marionnette]

Don't forget that there will be plenty of table service opportunities on the ship. Plus, there will be at least one character breakfast. Take advantage of as many of those as you can! (Plus, "room service" is free!) By the time that you disembark, you're going to be looking forward to simple sandwiches and smaller meals! So, don't worry about making TS reservations for the parks. Enjoy QS meals there. Share them, if you find they are too filling. Take a refillable water bottle so that you're not tempted to spend your precious dollars on Dasani.

 

[bumbershoot]

I don't think that you will have a problem feeding your family on $400/3 nights. You won't have gourmet meals, but you will have food for everyone. People have been able to get by at Disney on a lot less.

I don't often tell people to JUST GO! when they make similar posts. It goes against my grain to encourage someone to take a trip when they are so low on funds. However, it looks as if you will not be able to recover the money you've already spent on this trip. You and the children need to feel safe and happy. So, JUST GO!

But make a plan that ensures that you and the children are protected when you return. Make sure that the police know that you will be traveling. They can send a patrol car around to check the house. And they can contact you if they need to. The threat is not going to go away just because you left town for a few days.

When DS was smaller we budgeted $100 per day for food AND souvenirs. And that's for two adults and one child. We did fine. I'm sure you will be better than fine financially.

Remember that souvenirs can be very small. Kids sometimes want the oddest things; they don't always want the big huge expensive items. And there are plenty of things at WDW that can be purchased later, when you can. in fact you should consider that; if there's something you want to buy but can't now, write down exactly what it is, and the SKU if you can find it. I'm sure you'll buy *something* while there, and the receipt will have the phone number for Disney Merchandise. Later, when you can, call them and give them the info about the item(s) and see if they can find it for you. You can buy it and have them ship it at that time.



Doing the cruise without buying things won't be hard. We bought pictures, a coconut cup, and I got a few drinks, and I think that's all we got that was extra. Oh wait, DH insisted on buying popcorn before the shows. I could have done without all of those extras *easily*.


I'm so sorry this happened to you.

By the time that you disembark, you're going to be looking forward to simple sandwiches and smaller meals!

That is SO true.

 

[momto2inKC]

I agree with the others, you have plenty! Go and make some memories with your kiddos!

 

[hlg22]

I echo what others have said, and am chiming in only to encourage you to call the National Domestic Violence Hotline (1-800-799-SAFE), if you haven't already - they can help you figure out what to do to ensure your and your children's safety while your ex is still on the loose, possible direct you to no-cost temporary emergency housing in your area, and assist you with next steps in moving forward from here.

 

[wilkeliza]

Just and idea for a great souvenir that is cheap pressed coins! I have a collection of them and at 51 cents for pennies and 1.25 for quarters it is a cheap take home that your kids can either keep in a book or there are websites that show you how to turn them into bracelets and jewelry. I collected these coins as a child and now as an adult still collect them and make jewelry out of them. It is even a cheap souvenir when you go other places not just Disney.

 

[Claire&TheBoys]

I agree that you should have plenty of money with $400 for 3 days. You might throw a box of granola bars or pop-tarts in your suitcase to have for breakfast in your room those days. You don't say how old your kids are, but if they're under 10, or if they will eat kids' meals, and you say you don't eat a lot, you could get 3 kids' meals at a counter-service place and probably have plenty. Or 2 adult meals. Each way, you're looking at under $20 per meal. Definitely do-able. And CS doesn't necessarily mean burgers, chicken nuggets and pizza. Consider having a big meal at POR's food court before you head to MNSSHP and you'll have lots of choices, then snack in the park.

I hope you can focus on having a good time with your children and enjoy some time away from this awful situation. Good luck to you!

 

[LJSquishy]

I'm so sorry for what happened. Thank goodness you and your kids are okay (physically...emotionally I'm sure is a different story). You all NEED this trip, and you WILL have a magical time. Guaranteed!

You can easily spend less than $400 for you & the kids on food at Disney/Universal. That shouldn't be a problem at all, and you should still be able to do at least 1 table service meal.

I'm currently food budgeting a trip for my husband and me (2 Adults) which isn't until next year and here are some examples of what our daily food bill will look like...keep in mind, this is 2 Adults no kids. You will be 1 Adult 2 Kids so your cost will be about the same if not less money if they eat kid's meals.

Breakfast: Resort CS - 1 Kid Platter ($5.99), 1 Bounty Platter ($8.79)
Lunch: Flame Tree BBQ - Chicken Salad ($8.99), Chicken & Ribs ($11.99), 1 Soda to share ($2.59)
Dinner: Yak & Yeti - Shaoxing Steak & Shrimp to share ($26.99), Dim Sum Basket App to share ($13.99), 2 Sodas ($3ea), Fried Wontons Dessert to share ($8.99)

Total cost with tax (6.5%)= $100.45
------
Breakfast: 1 Kid Platter ($5.99), 1 Breakfast Sandwich ($5.99)
Lunch (Late): Liberty Tree Tavern - Colony Salad ($14.49), Pot Roast ($18.99), 2 Sodas ($3ea)
Snack: Cream Cheese Pretzel ($4.99)

Total cost with tax = $59.59
------
Breakfast: 2 Yogurt Parfaits ($4.29ea)
Lunch: Be our Guest - Croque Monsieur to share ($11.19), Potato Leek Soup to share ($4.79)
Dinner (Early): Kona Cafe - Teriyaki Strip Steak ($28.99), Pan Roasted Chicken ($16.99), 2 Sodas ($3ea)

Total cost with tax = $76.54
------

So, there are 3 examples of being able to have 1 TS meal each day. Portions are HUGE at Disney World, and even as adults we cannot eat 3 full meals per day. The smartest tips I have are to fill up at breakfast by getting the Kid's Platters which usually have eggs, bacon/sausage, breakfast potatoes, and I think a small Mickey waffle. Breakfast is the cheapest meal of the day although breakfast buffets are pretty expensive. Buffets would not be a smart use of money for your kids most likely since they can't eat that much. Another tip is to take advantage of them eating kid's meals if they like the options. At counter service locations you can get a kid's meal also if it appeals to you. If you want to treat yourselves and get soda, at counter service locations just buy one and share it! Budget for maybe 1-2 snacks per day to share amongst all three of you. The snacks/desserts are all oversized and are definitely big enough to share.

If you'd like more personal help planning menus & restaurants with your budget, let me know and I'd be happy to help plan specifics for your family w/ the appropriate costs of everything. If you want to do it yourself, visit Allears.net and you can look up current menus & prices of all of the restaurants. You can easily eat comfortably on $400, no problem!

 

[dsanner106]

If anyone needs a Disney escape it is you and your children. Not letting people like that take too much away from you is one way of surviving situations like this. 400 is plenty for 3 days I have taken my family of 5 for that on a longer stay. Just a few tips, your resort probably has refrigerators, do breakfast in the room, amazing what that will save. If you REALLY want one sit down, I would suggest lunch at be our guest in the magic kingdom. They do bring the food and serve at your table and the ambience is great. Prices for lunch are much reduced, you can look the menu up online. And do prosecute this jerk.

Drew

 

[Zim]

The time away will do you all good. My aunt went through a similar scenario - separated from her 2nd husband for 6 months with a court order to stay away - he shows up in her house when she was on a first date with a friend. Literally talking at the kitchen table, kids in bed, he shows up, shoots the guy (friend survived) and pistol whips her. I think her kids could have used an escape to Disney after all that.

Some suggestions -

Can you see if you can downgrade to a value resort like AoA or POP for that first night?

Buy "souvenirs" before you leave - JoAnn Fabrics has fantastic Disney trinkets just before the registers, Target and WalMart have lots of Disney tshirts and pjs and check out their clearance aisle. I found some great Cars toys clearance priced there for our stay at AoA in the Cars Suite! Party City also has great Disney stuff - I'm getting my DDs bday banner there.

Split counter service meals with the kids. The meals go a long way, even when we had free dining we'd often split a meal late morning and early evening and it was more than enough.

You can get through the cruise, especially the shorter ones without spending much at all and if you have onboard credit for tips, skip bingo and don't drink, you may not spend anything. Just stay on the boat when docking at Nassau (or wherever you're docking for excursions) - there is just as much to do on the boat and it's much less crowded at those times.

I noticed you're doing 2-days at Universal. So one Disney day and two Universal after the cruise? If you have AAA use it in Universal for discounts on food - they won't ask but if you tell them you get a discount at most places. There is a burger king if I recall correctly and some other restaurants just outside the parks in the lake area where you might get less expensive meals too.

Good luck, be strong for your kids and remember it doesn't take a lot of extra "stuff" to make Universal / Disney magical for kids. Just being there is often enough.

 

[HeatherC]

I am so sorry you are going through this. That being said, this guy has taken enough from you. Do not allow him to take any more...EVER. Don't let him take away the chance to make precious memories with your beautiful children.

The only thing he deserves is to be prosecuted and punished to the full extent of the law.

You, however, DESERVE to enjoy your life with your children and celebrate all the hard work you have done to make this trip happen.

You will never regret taking this time with your kids, but you might regret not doing it.

I say....put on some music, dance with your kids and start packing! You are going to Disney World!

Wishing you all the very best!

 

[ceecee]

Get a restraining order on him immediately.