17 Days, Family O' 6, $3160.00 Budget**TRIP REPORT on pg 26**@Now with Pics!@

[Lisa loves Pooh]

You know what, Paula? I have been thinking the exact same thing!! This other thread started out with the family spending like $16,000 and people have been falling over backwords helping them plan etc etc. No one is berating them for spending a ton of money. I personally think they are completely insane because even if I had that amount of money that is not the way I would choose to spend it. However, that is not helpful or on topic for that thread. SO, I didn't post. It kind of disgusts me actually.

I haven't read that whole thread--but I assume it is the living vicariously thinking...they are spending someone else's money....do this, do that.

This thread--though I would FREAK over a $26/day food budget..I do know that people are much more frugal than I.

I went to Hawaii for my sisters wedding in September. My hubby had me on a per diem budget (can you tell he does business with the govt?)...only he did Washington's per diem (his last assignment) and not Honolulu......so I was at a deficit....but the real budget was indeedy Honolulu---and I ate, got souvies AND did stuff....so while it wasn't my ideal budget---I made it work for my needs as what the OP is doing for her.

Condemning her for it (or being just being negative and discouraging in general) isn't right.

 

[JoiseyMom]

You know what, Paula? I have been thinking the exact same thing!! This other thread started out with the family spending like $16,000 and people have been falling over backwords helping them plan etc etc. No one is berating them for spending a ton of money. I personally think they are completely insane because even if I had that amount of money that is not the way I would choose to spend it. However, that is not helpful or on topic for that thread. SO, I didn't post. It kind of disgusts me actually.

Why should thier spending 10k on a vacation disgust you??? Does Janet2k''s vacations disgust you?? Most of the ppl that post their trip reports are paying BIG BUCKS. Big deal. I have spent almost 5K on going to disney. You spend what you can afford. Does it disgust you that they live in Manhattan, probably the most expensive city to live in inthe USA. You wouldn't belive what a big mac costs in Manhattan. Her husband obviously works very hard to support his family, has a very high paying job, and she is a stay at home parent. They are entitled to spend their money any way they choose. They came here looking for advice to save money. Because yes, even when you have a big budget, it is still a budget and you still want to save money. There is nothing wrong in that. For you to judge them and be disgusted by their spending is disgusting. I enjoyed reading their entire thread and look forward to reading their trip report. If I could afford the 10k I would spend it without a problem. I don't judge them on their 10k budget or the folks on their 3k budget. To each their own. We are not here on this board to judge people. And besides, weren't you taught that if you don't have anything nice to say not to say anything at all.

 

[pixiepower1971]

Ok ...I have read the entire thread but I think may have misread-

Does the food budget include ALL meals/snacks for the day and discretionary spending OR does the food budget only include snacks and 1 meal a day in the parks plus discretionary funds?

 

[mommagoof]

Ok,for those of you who doubt a couponers skills and the quality they get.I spent $68 total since sunday shopping with cpns. This total includes my family of 4's meals so far and for the next 6 days and what I have kept for my own stockpile. I have friends and family coming tommorrow and Sat to go through my extras. I Will make a little over $650 from them. That means my familys food bill for 10 days is $0, also $0 for hba, laundry, paper,plastic ect.And make a $582 profit. Now If I worked a reg minimum wage job($5.25) I would have had to work 110 hours to make that same $582 . I spent a total of 10 hours doing this. 2 hours to cut/sort/ cpns and make lists and 8 hours shopping between Sunday/Monday/Tuesday. I use this money for vacations, dd's karate,cheerleading and extras for the family. I loaned out my digital camera so can not take pictures but I can use the camera from my phone and email pictures to anybody who would like to see.Just pm me

 

[Lisa loves Pooh]

Ok,for those of you who doubt a couponers skills and the quality they get.I spent $68 total since sunday shopping with cpns. This total includes my family of 4's meals so far and for the next 6 days and what I have kept for my own stockpile. I have friends and family coming tommorrow and Sat to go through my extras. I Will make a little over $650 from them. That means my familys food bill for 10 days is $0, also $0 for hba, laundry, paper,plastic ect.And make a $582 profit. Now If I worked a reg minimum wage job($5.25) I would have had to work 110 hours to make that same $582 . I spent a total of 10 hours doing this. 2 hours to cut/sort/ cpns and make lists and 8 hours shopping between Sunday/Monday/Tuesday. I use this money for vacations, dd's karate,cheerleading and extras for the family. I loaned out my digital camera so can not take pictures but I can use the camera from my phone and email pictures to anybody who would like to see.Just pm me

Most impressive.

Impossible for me though.

 

[Madi100]

You know what, Paula? I have been thinking the exact same thing!! This other thread started out with the family spending like $16,000 and people have been falling over backwords helping them plan etc etc. No one is berating them for spending a ton of money. I personally think they are completely insane because even if I had that amount of money that is not the way I would choose to spend it. However, that is not helpful or on topic for that thread. SO, I didn't post. It kind of disgusts me actually.

Where is the $16,000 thread? I'd love to see that.

 

[Lisa loves Pooh]

Where is the $16,000 thread? I'd love to see that.

http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=751701

 

[HayGan]

Where is the $16,000 thread? I'd love to see that.

It is the Sorrentino's thread (Mark and Cadence). The thread is called I was just shown the bill. Their trip cost started out at $16K and has comedown to a little under $10K.

I can't understand whay anyone wouldbe so critical of others plans. People may not like to do a timesharetour like we are doing. The tour while taking several hours away from Disney time is allowing us to use the extra money stay at the Poly for 4 days with the dining plan. Everybody's idea is fun is differentand should not because for criticsm.

Personally, I'm happy to hear that anyone can manage to do a Disney vacation. No matter how much you have to spend, it is all about spending time together in the Happiest Place on Earth

 

[Lisa loves Pooh]

I just read the $16K down to $10K thread....I see nothing wrong with it. It is a week at Disney for a family of 6 for less than $9K....I actually think it is a very respectable value for a trip. About as much for a Disney Cruise for a week.

Haven't read the thread--but these don't seem to be people rolling in the dough or trying to spend it like water (Noone said that....my observation only).


fixed grammatical error..said something positive that came across as negative but was meant as a compliment to the Sorrento's.

 

[Suz D]

I have posted several times, and my intention is not that the OP fails in her budget, that is rude and ignorant if this is what people are alluding to. Tiger

Tiger, on the other hand I thought that it was rude to imply that her kids might have empty stomachs.

I think several people have missed the OP's comment (one which was highlighted by another poster as well) that they don't plan to spend all day in the parks. She indicated that they would spend part of each day in the park and then go back to the condo for some down time. I have been to WDW in September and I have to say there were *no* crowds and we could have gone to the parks for 3-4 hours each day and seen everything we wanted to see. She is traveling with 4 children 8 and under and recognizes the fact that you can't just go "commando style" for the 10 days that they have passes. (The ages of her kids also help keep the food budget low. Because they are traveling by car, they can bring things like diapers with them so that isn't included in the budget).

If we all would take the emphasis off the fact that this is a Disney vacation (Did I really say that??) and focus on the fact that the OP is trying to have a great vacation that happens to include a few hours each day at the parks, it might help put things in perspective.

Lots of people just take a week or two and rent a condo at someplace other than Disney to get away from it all and relax. For me, a relaxing vacation includes eating out, but lots of people love to cook and that isn't something that they consider a huge chore.

The OP probably appreciates all of the suggestions that are productive (parking, using "home food budget" while on vacation to "beef up" -no pun intended- the food budget, cutting back on one of the beach nights etc.). What bothers me are is the negative "you can't possibly make this work" attitude and the personal attacks-no matter what your own personal issues are- on her optimistic, can do style.

When I post to a public forum I know that I am opening myself up to comments and suggestions, but kindness is always appreciated. I'm sure we will all be anxious for the report when tink returns.

 

[bengalbelle]

Tiger, on the other hand I thought that it was rude to imply that her kids might have empty stomachs.

I think several people have missed the OP's comment (one which was highlighted by another poster as well) that they don't plan to spend all day in the parks. She indicated that they would spend part of each day in the park and then go back to the condo for some down time. I have been to WDW in September and I have to say there were *no* crowds and we could have gone to the parks for 3-4 hours each day and seen everything we wanted to see. She is traveling with 4 children 8 and under and recognizes the fact that you can't just go "commando style" for the 10 days that they have passes. (The ages of her kids also help keep the food budget low. Because they are traveling by car, they can bring things like diapers with them so that isn't included in the budget).

If we all would take the emphasis off the fact that this is a Disney vacation (Did I really say that??) and focus on the fact that the OP is trying to have a great vacation that happens to include a few hours each day at the parks, it might help put things in perspective.

Lots of people just take a week or two and rent a condo at someplace other than Disney to get away from it all and relax. For me, a relaxing vacation includes eating out, but lots of people love to cook and that isn't something that they consider a huge chore.

The OP probably appreciates all of the suggestions that are productive (parking, using "home food budget" while on vacation to "beef up" -no pun intended- the food budget, cutting back on one of the beach nights etc.). What bothers me are is the negative "you can't possibly make this work" attitude and the personal attacks-no matter what your own personal issues are- on her optimistic, can do style.

When I post to a public forum I know that I am opening myself up to comments and suggestions, but kindness is always appreciated. I'm sure we will all be anxious for the report when tink returns.

Couldn't agree more!

 

[Tiger926]

Suz D - I already explained why I was concerned about that. I grew up hungry as my mom had a food issue and used budgets and so forth to hide that fact. Didn't matter if we were at home, on vacation or visiting, our food was always restricted as my mom had & still has some serious food issues.

At first read, the fact that Tink seemed determined to make this low budget work concerned me immensely. I didn't mean to imply that she was going to 'starve' her kids on purpose, but the food budget that she has set out in my opinion and based on the food prices of where I live, is very low. I was only commenting on the information that was presented. Despite the fact that my comments or other comments may seem negative to you, is not important. What is important to me is that Tink is realistic with what is available to her in Orlando in order to make that budget. She mentioned that finances were tight, and so I was concerned that food shouldn't be an area where pennies are pinched - do they need to eat at character buffets? No! Do they need to eat 6 Mickey ice cream bars a day? No! But Tink does need to be realistic with using coupons and such. For example, in my city many people work at auto factories - they make upwards of $100,000 per year, but that includes overtime. Every year we have families practically go bankrupt because they include that overtime as part of their regular salary, when they shouldn't be doing so as overtime is not consistent. Why do I use this analogy? Because I see many people on these boards plan Disney trips using information that may not be applicable to them such as: people setting a budget using last year's hotel codes (they aren't guaranteed, so you can't rely on them), or intending on using lots of grocery or restaurant coupons that may not be applicable either.

I'm all about planning, but I think part of being reasonable is keeping an emergency amount set aside for this - which Tink says that she has an extra credit card set aside, so they should be ok for food. I can't wait to read her trip report as I am still perplexed as to how she is going to feed everyone on such a small amount. I wish them a fabulous trip!

One other thing - I'm confused why people think that Tink is only going to spend a few hours a day in each park. She's already said that she must stick within this financial budget out of necessity, when then would she only spend a few hours a day in the parks? Not a good use of finances in my opinion at all, in order for her to maximize her budget, she is going to have to spend as much time as her family can handle in the parks - why would anyone spend that much on tickets and only spend a few hours per day utilizing them?

Lastly, I'm not sure why people are being so ignorant to the Sorrentino family. Maybe it's jealousy, but the fact remains, that the DIS board has been set up to help others. Sure opinions get in the way, but when people judge others by saying that they "disgust" them, that is going too far!

Just my humble opinion, Tiger

 

[BethR]

We would hate to have to close this thread - or ANY thread!

We ask that people think of how their words may come across to others before they post.

And although a person may post to a public forum, it does not mean that others are free to demean them or their ideas.

Budgets are very personal things and one thing that we have learned over the years on this Board, what is important to people for their vacations varies VASTLY from family to family.

Whether someone is planning a trip that may cost $20,000 or $2000 gives NO one the right to criticise the budget. This board is about SAVING - NOT about judging - one way or another.

Please let's keep this in mind when posting.

 

[stahshee]

HEY TINK I AM TAKING MY FAMILY OF 6 FOR 9 DAYS AND SPENDING 100 PER DAY. MY GIRLS WILL BE SPLITTING MEALS 12 AND 2 YR OLD AND 8 YR OLD AND 4 YR OLD. ( MY KIDS NEVER EAT A MEAL TO THEM SELF AND MANY TIMES I BUY THEM A MEAL AND THEY WASTE IT) I AM BRINGING COOL AID TO MAKE IN TO MY HOTEL ROOM AND FILLING UP WATER BOTTLES FOR MY GIRLS TO DRINK. WE ARE EATING BREAKFAST IN THE ROOM AND HAVING SADWHICH FOR DINNER. I AM BRINGING SNACKS EX APPLE SAUCE RICE CRISP TREATS, GO GERTS AND STRING CHEESE. WE WILL EAT ONE DINNER OUT AND THE EXTRA MONEY WE HAVE LEFT OVER WE WILL USE FOR A TAXI. WE ARE GOING TO UNIVERSAL AND ONE DAY DISNEY. I WILL PURCHASE DISNEY DOLLARS FOR SUVIES . THE MONEY I SPEND ON SUVIES WILL BE FROM WHAT WE SELL AT OUR 10 WEEKEND GARAGE SALE. I HAVE PRE PAID FOR EVERYTHING. iF I MAKE MORE THAN 200 THEN I WILL USE THAT MONEY FOR SPENDING AT UNIVERSAL. MY KIDS DO NOT NEED MORE JUNK! 3 YEARS AGO I BOUGHT 3 WALT DISNEY DOLLS FOR EACH ONE OF MY GIRLS AND THEY LOOK PATHTIC NOW. SO IM NOT GOING TO BUY MORE JUNK. THE BEST SUVI I EVER BOUGHT WAS THE MOUSE EARS THAT HAVE MY GIRLS NAME SOWED ON IT. THINK IM WITH YOU. MY GIRLS ARE JUST SO EXCITED TO BE IN A HOTEL AND RIDE RIDES. IM LIKE YOU WE LEAVE THE PARK BY 1 TO SWIM AND RELAX.

 

[disneymom3]

Why should thier spending 10k on a vacation disgust you??? Does Janet2k''s vacations disgust you?? Most of the ppl that post their trip reports are paying BIG BUCKS. Big deal. I have spent almost 5K on going to disney. You spend what you can afford. Does it disgust you that they live in Manhattan, probably the most expensive city to live in inthe USA. You wouldn't belive what a big mac costs in Manhattan. Her husband obviously works very hard to support his family, has a very high paying job, and she is a stay at home parent. They are entitled to spend their money any way they choose. They came here looking for advice to save money. Because yes, even when you have a big budget, it is still a budget and you still want to save money. There is nothing wrong in that. For you to judge them and be disgusted by their spending is disgusting. I enjoyed reading their entire thread and look forward to reading their trip report. If I could afford the 10k I would spend it without a problem. I don't judge them on their 10k budget or the folks on their 3k budget. To each their own. We are not here on this board to judge people. And besides, weren't you taught that if you don't have anything nice to say not to say anything at all.

Josie--thanks for catching the wording of this for me. I did not come out how I meant it. I have edited the original post to reflect that it is the attitude of other posters that bothers me. This one trying to stick to a strict budget is being attacked instead of the helpfulness you see on the other thread.

 

[tlbwriter]

I highly doubt that WDW is going to bother you if you bring snacks for your children (and meals for your toddlers) into the parks...we found that the celery, carrots and sliced apples held up pretty good . We did bring peanut butter and jelly one day for the 2 little ones that were under 2 years but they didn't hold up as well.

I wonder if the PB&J would hold up better if the bread were frozen, or if you used a more "sturdy" type of bread.

ON ONE THREAD ONE FAMILYS DISNEY BUDGET IS $10,000
AND ON THE OTHER THREAD ONTHER FAMILYS BUDGET IS $3,000.
WHY IS ALOT OF PEOPLE FREAKING ABOUT THE $3,000 BUDGET BUT NOT THE $10,000 BUDGET. I JUST CANT SEE SPENDING THE PRICE FOR CAR TO GO TO DISNEY.

I saw a LOT of people freaking out about the $16K budget, which is where the $10K trip started out.

 

[Suz D]

Suz D - I already explained why I was concerned about that. I grew up hungry as my mom had a food issue and used budgets and so forth to hide that fact. Didn't matter if we were at home, on vacation or visiting, our food was always restricted as my mom had & still has some serious food issues.

I saw your original post explaining that and I'm sympathetic to your situation especially coming from a family with 4 family members with eating disorders. But...you are projecting your own childhood issues on the OP's situation and that can cause hurt feelings.

Suz

 

[Gillian]

I really need help from you budgeters! How do u do it? I just went to the grocery store. Only bought items I need for the week...used coupons...and still paid $149! A family of 4 (DD9, DD4)....Just the milk alone was $15 (4gallons)! And my produce was $20. How do you do it? I am shopping at wal Mart! Now, granted I dont use ground beef very often...but I do only buy sale items...or items I have a coupon for...Where am I going wrong?

Tinkerbell....u go girl...I wanna know all the details....I thought I was doing good going for 8 days at AKL with tickets and dining and flights for only $3000. I wanna see you suceed!

Good job on the WDW trip!

For the groceries, you want to look at all the flyers for the stores in your area. Find out which ones have the best coupon polices (how many of the same kind? Do they double? Up to what amount?). Check and see if your walmart will price match to other stores. You'd be surprised at how many people do this! Go to customer service and ask about their policy & how to go about getting the price match.

What I do is COMBINE coupons with sales for the best deals. Using coupons on full price national brand items is probably more expensive than buying store brand so shop carefully when you need something right away.

Stock up when things are on sale + coupons. See if you can get friends/family to give you their extra coupons or buy a few extra papers. It's often worth the cost! Stockpiling gives you more control because you pay what you want to pay, not what you need to when you need something now.

Right now, and probably again for July 4th, you'll see stuff on sale for bbq - condiments, hot dogs (freeze well), beef, soda. Sales run in cycles, which is another reason to stock up when things are cheap.

If you really want to learn there are boards out there.

 

[tar heel]

I plan my meals for the week/grocery shopping the same way Gillian does. Sometimes I go to Walmart, but I usually can do better at my regular two grocery stores IF I really plan around the specials. Start with milk. I have three big boys and use a gallon a day when my oldest is home, which is for the next 10 weeks. Figure out where the best price is that does not require you to drive out of the way. I'm also in North Carolina and there are several places near me that are cheaper than Walmart:

BJs -- $2.38 (I don't make a special trip for just milk but buy it if I pass by or go for something else)
Walgreen's $2.99 some weeks and $2.79 other weeks.
Three different convenience stores - $2.99
CVS -- $3.19, more than the above but still better than Walmart or grocery store

I am VERY LUCKY with grocery shopping b/c I have a Food Lion, Harris Teeter, CVS, Walgreen's and Kmart on my way to and from work.

 

[MrsPete]

I quess you must have missed the part of my post where I said I like to be legal and would never dream of trying to "scam" Disney! I have never stayed off site before so I simply asked if transportation is included with a MYW tix. I have no intention of having our car towed. Please don't assume we are all scam artists, only budget artists!

I did see that part. I didn't respond with a, "How dare you think of this immoral thing!" type note --- instead, because I was under the impression that you're a detail-minded person, I explained exactly what it would take to make this happen. My point was to help you understand why it isn't feasible.