How much extra money to take????? - The DIS Discussion Forums

KAMKIM · 07-10-2009, 08:58 AM

I have a question, we are going to POP Aug 6th 2009 - Aug 13th we are on the dining plan, and all tickets/hotel/airfare are paid for now - how much extra money should I take? We are not fancy pants kind of people so I dont expect to be spending hundreds on souvenirs, but here is what I figured

DD will be turning 5 the day we arrive so she is due to get a gift card for her birthday, I am including this in her souvenir money so its even between the two girls...they each get $100 for spending money so total $140 out of pocket

Probably $100 for gratuities (I prob spelled that wrong forgive me) is this enough? We have 7 TS meals which I was told will have the 18% added because we are a party of 6 total so i figured average $15 per meal for grat?

Dinner at TREX I checked their menu and figure this will be about $80 including tax and tip...so total $320

Now I plan on bringing water bottles and koolaid packets to drink during the day so that is covered....I'm considering buying the souvenir cups at the hotel as well so that is another $52 or so for 4 cups? TOTAL 375. I planned on bringing 700 so that leaves 325 for unexpected expenses. Will that be enough?

I'm not a big souvenir person and would be happy to get a magnet, hoodie, and keychain.

KAMKIM · 07-10-2009, 09:00 AM

I know you can see in my signature but probably should have given more information, it will be me, DH, DD 8 and DD 4 (well technically she'll be 5 when we go)

If the girls each have $100 is that enough for ears autograph book hoodie and maybe a little toy or two? Should I give them more/less?

Tink-aholic · 07-10-2009, 09:04 AM

Will you and/or DH be drinking any alcohol on your trip? Drinks are good in Disney, but expensive. Also, we go frequently and always seem to take a lot of cabs, which adds up. Just thinking about possibilities.

Enjoy your trip!

KAMKIM · 07-10-2009, 09:08 AM

No we dont drink alcohol and will be staying on property only and using the buses - so do you think the $300 extra will be okay? i'm not really sure what I'm expecting to happen but my fear is - I take too much and spend it all, I take too little and end up broke the first day.

cheap traveler · 07-10-2009, 09:10 AM

Looks to me like you have done your homework. That is how I figure my cash budget also. Just don't forget that the dining plan covers two meals per day. I usually bring money for a few breakfasts, and also bring easy things to eat in the room. This way I am covered either way.

I think the souvenir money for the girls is more than enough. My kids each got $40 last year (they were only 4&2) and will get around that this year. They are already conditioned at home that we don't buy all kinds of "extras," so it's no big deal for us.

Just remember to leave most of your money in the room someplace safe, like the safe

Don't want to carry it around every day.

Have a great trip!! We will be there starting the 19th

KAMKIM · 07-10-2009, 09:21 AM

Ah thanks for the input - since this is our first trip I figured I'd give them extra to buy things they will use on future trips - ears, hoodies (well as long as they fit in them anyways) and autograph books so hopefully when we go back I can cut their expenses in half and spend more on myself

I do like to be very specific when planning my budget especially with a trip in August I have to be careful because back to school shopping will be the week we get back

I refuse to use credit cards on something like this.

java · 07-10-2009, 09:23 AM

How is it a party of 6 if it's you dh and your 2 daughters?

Just wanted to add that most table service meals for our party of 6 were pricey and the tip was closer to $25(And we didn't drink at dinner)

Oh and your 8 year old might enjoy Tren-D for shopping(My dd loved that store- cute tee shirts and pj's)

powellrj · 07-10-2009, 09:31 AM

I think you are a little under on your prices for your tips and meals. I am assuming you have 4 adults and 2 kids. I think I would take at least $500 just to be safe.

Tink-aholic · 07-10-2009, 09:33 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by KAMKIM

No we dont drink alcohol and will be staying on property only and using the buses - so do you think the $300 extra will be okay? i'm not really sure what I'm expecting to happen but my fear is - I take too much and spend it all, I take too little and end up broke the first day.

We always stay on property too and still manage to take a lot of cabs. Usually after a late ADR or late EMH, everyone would be too tired to wait the extra time for a bus when we could be back in our rooms in 15 minutes with a cab. I just mentioned it because you have little ones who might be tired and there are ALWAYS a line of cabs outside of most exits just waiting for someone to make the choice.

Hope you have a wonderful time!

PattnFmly · 07-10-2009, 09:34 AM

Just checked my spreadsheet to see what other expenses you might want to consider ...
1) Are you doing a meal like Chef Mickey's or Donalds? If so, you may want to budget in the photo pkg. We always get it whether we like the photos or not .. we're suckers that way!
2) Same idea but specifically the photo-ops at, like Splash Mtn, etc. Your girls are little and I'm not sure what rides you are planning on, but sometimes we buy these. Like my, very first, and very last, Expedition Everest ride! (No, I don't plan on ever doing that one again! Good thing I have the photo to prove I did it once!

)
3) Mousekeeping tips? I actually put that as a line item in my overall budget.
Can't think of anything else specifically right now. Just wanted to point these out as the photos especially can be a drain on the "extra" cash when you weren't planning on spending it on photos! I'm just a sucker for those...I always want to buy them!

Have a great time on your trip! Relax and enjoy and have fun!

KAMKIM · 07-10-2009, 09:35 AM

Oops left out that detail - my mother and nephew are coming but she will be covering their own tips, we made all the dining reservations together (which is why they are going to charge us the 18% grat but we are all on a dining plan so they will figure our gratuities seperately.)

KAMKIM · 07-10-2009, 09:36 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by PattnFmly

Just checked my spreadsheet to see what other expenses you might want to consider ...
1) Are you doing a meal like Chef Mickey's or Donalds? If so, you may want to budget in the photo pkg. We always get it whether we like the photos or not .. we're suckers that way!
2) Same idea but specifically the photo-ops at, like Splash Mtn, etc. Your girls are little and I'm not sure what rides you are planning on, but sometimes we buy these. Like my, very first, and very last, Expedition Everest ride! (No, I don't plan on ever doing that one again! Good thing I have the photo to prove I did it once!

)
3) Mousekeeping tips? I actually put that as a line item in my overall budget.
Can't think of anything else specifically right now. Just wanted to point these out as the photos especially can be a drain on the "extra" cash when you weren't planning on spending it on photos! I'm just a sucker for those...I always want to buy them!

Have a great time on your trip! Relax and enjoy and have fun!

Oh thank you I didn't even think about the photo op's we are having breakfast at Chef Mickeys so I will keep that in mind, I also forgot about mousekeeping tips - what is the going rate? couple bucks a day? My girls are chickens when it comes to rides though so I'm not worried abou those LOL

VAN · 07-10-2009, 09:46 AM

I think you have done a good job with your estimate. Glad to see that you are giving your children a set amount for souveniers ... probably more than I would have given them, but that's okay. As long as they know "when it's gone, it's gone."

Enjoy your trip!

KAMKIM · 07-10-2009, 09:49 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by VAN

I think you have done a good job with your estimate. Glad to see that you are giving your children a set amount for souveniers ... probably more than I would have given them, but that's okay. As long as they know "when it's gone, it's gone."

Enjoy your trip!

I find it hard to tell my girls no sometimes but I've used the excuse that they will weigh our luggage to get back on the plane and if its over weight they make you leave it behind

serene56 · 07-10-2009, 10:09 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by KAMKIM

I find it hard to tell my girls no sometimes but I've used the excuse that they will weigh our luggage to get back on the plane and if its over weight they make you leave it behind

I hope to use the excuse she wont be able to get on any more rides while carrying that--

My concern is the dining tip- is that 15.00 tip total for the whole meal?
I come up with a bigger amount for 6 of us

07-10-2009, 08:58 AM	#1
KAMKIM DIS Veteran Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Western New York Posts: 1,056	How much extra money to take????? I have a question, we are going to POP Aug 6th 2009 - Aug 13th we are on the dining plan, and all tickets/hotel/airfare are paid for now - how much extra money should I take? We are not fancy pants kind of people so I dont expect to be spending hundreds on souvenirs, but here is what I figured DD will be turning 5 the day we arrive so she is due to get a gift card for her birthday, I am including this in her souvenir money so its even between the two girls...they each get $100 for spending money so total $140 out of pocket Probably $100 for gratuities (I prob spelled that wrong forgive me) is this enough? We have 7 TS meals which I was told will have the 18% added because we are a party of 6 total so i figured average $15 per meal for grat? Dinner at TREX I checked their menu and figure this will be about $80 including tax and tip...so total $320 Now I plan on bringing water bottles and koolaid packets to drink during the day so that is covered....I'm considering buying the souvenir cups at the hotel as well so that is another $52 or so for 4 cups? TOTAL 375. I planned on bringing 700 so that leaves 325 for unexpected expenses. Will that be enough? I'm not a big souvenir person and would be happy to get a magnet, hoodie, and keychain.

07-10-2009, 09:04 AM	#3
Tink-aholic Mouseketeer Join Date: May 2007 Location: New Hampshire Posts: 495	Will you and/or DH be drinking any alcohol on your trip? Drinks are good in Disney, but expensive. Also, we go frequently and always seem to take a lot of cabs, which adds up. Just thinking about possibilities. Enjoy your trip! __________________

07-10-2009, 09:10 AM	#5
cheap traveler Mouseketeer Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: A tiny town not even on the map, between Albany and NYC Posts: 391	Looks to me like you have done your homework. That is how I figure my cash budget also. Just don't forget that the dining plan covers two meals per day. I usually bring money for a few breakfasts, and also bring easy things to eat in the room. This way I am covered either way. I think the souvenir money for the girls is more than enough. My kids each got $40 last year (they were only 4&2) and will get around that this year. They are already conditioned at home that we don't buy all kinds of "extras," so it's no big deal for us. Just remember to leave most of your money in the room someplace safe, like the safe Don't want to carry it around every day. Have a great trip!! We will be there starting the 19th __________________ Me26 DD5 DD3

07-10-2009, 09:31 AM	#8
powellrj I am wide awake and on the dis boards My db and I usually fight over the turkey bones It was so bad, it was funny Note to self, never make anyone suffer with thirst Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: Central Indiana Posts: 11,976	I think you are a little under on your prices for your tips and meals. I am assuming you have 4 adults and 2 kids. I think I would take at least $500 just to be safe. __________________

07-10-2009, 09:34 AM	#10
PattnFmly DIS Veteran Join Date: Jul 2001 Location: North of Boston, MA Posts: 1,259	Just checked my spreadsheet to see what other expenses you might want to consider ... 1) Are you doing a meal like Chef Mickey's or Donalds? If so, you may want to budget in the photo pkg. We always get it whether we like the photos or not .. we're suckers that way! 2) Same idea but specifically the photo-ops at, like Splash Mtn, etc. Your girls are little and I'm not sure what rides you are planning on, but sometimes we buy these. Like my, very first, and very last, Expedition Everest ride! (No, I don't plan on ever doing that one again! Good thing I have the photo to prove I did it once! ) 3) Mousekeeping tips? I actually put that as a line item in my overall budget. Can't think of anything else specifically right now. Just wanted to point these out as the photos especially can be a drain on the "extra" cash when you weren't planning on spending it on photos! I'm just a sucker for those...I always want to buy them! Have a great time on your trip! Relax and enjoy and have fun! __________________ With Family & Friends: 1976, 1980, 1983, 1985, 1986, 1988, 1990, 1993, 1995, 1996, 1997, 2007 With wonderful, loving DH & DS's: 1999, 2002, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2008, 2009

07-10-2009, 09:00 AM	#2
KAMKIM DIS Veteran Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Western New York Posts: 1,056	I know you can see in my signature but probably should have given more information, it will be me, DH, DD 8 and DD 4 (well technically she'll be 5 when we go) If the girls each have $100 is that enough for ears autograph book hoodie and maybe a little toy or two? Should I give them more/less?

Sponsored Links
DIS ad Register to remove Join Date: 1997 Location: Orlando, FL Posts: 1,000,000+	<div align="center">This information cannot be displayed because your browser does not support inline frames.<a href="http://www.wdwinfo.com">Click Here</a> </div>

07-10-2009, 09:08 AM	#4
KAMKIM DIS Veteran Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Western New York Posts: 1,056	No we dont drink alcohol and will be staying on property only and using the buses - so do you think the $300 extra will be okay? i'm not really sure what I'm expecting to happen but my fear is - I take too much and spend it all, I take too little and end up broke the first day.

07-10-2009, 09:21 AM	#6
KAMKIM DIS Veteran Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Western New York Posts: 1,056	Ah thanks for the input - since this is our first trip I figured I'd give them extra to buy things they will use on future trips - ears, hoodies (well as long as they fit in them anyways) and autograph books so hopefully when we go back I can cut their expenses in half and spend more on myself I do like to be very specific when planning my budget especially with a trip in August I have to be careful because back to school shopping will be the week we get back I refuse to use credit cards on something like this.

07-10-2009, 09:23 AM	#7
java I am embracing the Turkey Butt We have the mentally insane lab and the incredibly flatulent Bulldog I'm the mean wife Join Date: Jan 2005 Posts: 14,428	How is it a party of 6 if it's you dh and your 2 daughters? Just wanted to add that most table service meals for our party of 6 were pricey and the tip was closer to $25(And we didn't drink at dinner) Oh and your 8 year old might enjoy Tren-D for shopping(My dd loved that store- cute tee shirts and pj's)

07-10-2009, 09:35 AM	#11
KAMKIM DIS Veteran Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Western New York Posts: 1,056	Oops left out that detail - my mother and nephew are coming but she will be covering their own tips, we made all the dining reservations together (which is why they are going to charge us the 18% grat but we are all on a dining plan so they will figure our gratuities seperately.)

07-10-2009, 09:46 AM	#13
VAN DIS Veteran Join Date: Feb 2004 Posts: 1,619	I think you have done a good job with your estimate. Glad to see that you are giving your children a set amount for souveniers ... probably more than I would have given them, but that's okay. As long as they know "when it's gone, it's gone." Enjoy your trip!

Thread Tools
Show Printable Version Email this Page
Display Modes	Rate This Thread
Linear Mode Switch to Hybrid Mode Switch to Threaded Mode	Rate This Thread:

Similar Threads
thread	Thread Starter	Forum	Replies	Last Post
Panda rambelings, Money and Health	windwalker	W.I.S.H	1	07-12-2009 05:36 AM
How much do the extras cost on a cruise?	wideeyes	Disney Cruise Line Forum	11	07-11-2009 05:59 AM
Do you talk about money with friends?	Cruise	Budget Board	58	07-10-2009 08:45 PM
Panda Rambelings, Money and Health	windwalker	Events/Competition	1	07-10-2009 05:02 PM
Does it co$t extra to substitute fries for onion rings @ Sci-Fi?? and..	SaraHyland	Disney Restaurants	4	07-10-2009 04:52 PM