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

[TNKBELL]

No I haven't purchased my tix yet. It is possible to transfer it to someone else it involves a 50.00 fee. I am perplexed to say the least. Darn that Disney for coming up with such an enticing offer!!! Suz... I forgot to thank you for all your hard work coming up with that budget... I'm so impressed!! I hope you can go too!!

 

[sln88]

Well, I guess I'm just weird then. I enjoy eating in the parks it's part of the reason we love WDW so much, and don't really like cooking. I just can't imagine eating sandwiches when I'm walking by the World Showcase. Different strokes, I guess.

different strokes is right, cause I can't imagine sitting in a restaurant when we could be seeing shows and other attractions. I have eaten a few times at WDW, and really was not impressed enough to stop what I was doing to eat.
no, you are not weird, neither am I, neither is Tink. That is the point and why I don't understand why people have been somewhat down on her plans.

 

[TNKBELL]

Ok, here is our very budget trip for Sept/Oct 2005. The crew includes, me, Dh, Ds8, Ds6, Dd4, Ds1. We will be in Orlando and Tampa for a total of 17 days. Please keep in mind this budget was prepared by a SAHM on a very fixed income!

Budget rental van 20 days=$540.00(through hotdeals email)
Roundtrip gas =$400.00
Hotel on the way 2nts = $160.00
10 Day Exp MYW NOHop Tickets =$910.00
1 week at Summer Bay 2Bdrm =$264.00 (getravelop.com)
1 Week at Orbit One 2Bdrm =$264.00 (getravelop.com)
4 days at HI@DTD Mistake Rate =$4.00
2 nts in Tampa =$160.00
Spending & Food =$458.00
-----------
TOTAL $3160.00

I know if you add up the days they equal more than 17 but we are missing one day at Summer Bay because the week starts on Sunday we don't arrive until Monday. While at HI the 2nd two days we will go to Tampa and leave most of our stuff at HI. We are bringing food to utilize the kitchens in our condos, such as, Pb&J, cereal, Mac&Cheese, Pancake Mix ect..... I have also printed out several coupons to use from Mousesavers.com and will purchase an entertainment book prior to our departure and hopefully not pay more than $5.00 for that(being so close to expiration) So our food and spending budget will be very small @ $26.00 per day! We don't need a lot of souvies, my kids favorites have always been sea shells anyway! Of course the budget doesn't include incidentals such as tolls, some taxes and unexpected expenses. I will report back after our trip to report the actual grand tally! A budget trip to WDW is better than no trip! Any advice or suggestions for improvement are much anticipated and appreciated!!

Ok here is yet another budget hopefully this will work for us. Please let me know if I left anything out.

Rental Van --------540.00
Gas --------400.00
Hotels to and from in Nashville----00.00 Currently CHoice Privaledges is offering 2 nights free after first purchase with thier cc.
10 day MYW no/hop exp. tix--------910.00 Through link from Mousesaver newsletter.
1week at Summer Bay--------264.00 (getravelop.com)
1 week at Orbit One ---------264.00
4 days at HI DTD Error Rate-----4.00
1 night in Tampa (Priceline) ---50.00
Parking Fees for 6 days ------48.00
Garden Grill Ice Cream Social--40.00
Left for Food & Spending----640.00-----SEE NOTES BELOW




In addition to the above budget I will also be using my normal weekly food budget, which I did not include in the budget above because I don't have to put that away for the trip, it will just come from Dh's Pay during that time.
I also found 5 gift certificates for $10.00 each that can be used for food or lodging at any ICHOTEL leftover from last year's trip thru Atlanta which was a disaster . I figured I could use that for food for Dh & I during our 4 night stay at HI and the DKS eat free. One last thing, I applied for the Disney Visa Dh & I will put gas and food and pay it off at the end of the month so we should be able to earn a little spending $, that will go to the Dks for thier own spending$.( I will have some cc's to cancel when we retun!)So my total spending food budget for 17 days including these jumps to $51.29 per day. I think this will still keep us on track and be much easier to do than the original budget. Of course I have not budgeted for tolls,taxes and incidentals, I assume that might stretch the budget to @ 3400.00 but since I can't figure them exactly I didn't include those. They will be included in my post trip report. Thank you for all your help and please continue to give me advice as you can tell I definately need and use all your comments and suggestions!!

 

[bengalbelle]

Ok here is yet another budget hopefully this will work for us. Please let me know if I left anything out.

Rental Van --------540.00
Gas --------400.00
Hotels to and from in Nashville----00.00 Currently CHoice Privaledges is offering 2 nights free after first purchase with thier cc.
10 day MYW non exp. tix--------910.00 Through link from Mousesaver newsletter.
1week at Summer Bay--------264.00 (getravelop.com)
1 week at Orbit One ---------264.00
4 days at HI DTD Error Rate-----4.00
1 night in Tampa (Priceline) ---50.00
Parking Fees for 6 days ------48.00
Garden Grill Ice Cream Social--40.00
Left for Food & Spending----640.00-----SEE NOTES BELOW




In addition to the above budget I will also be using my normal weekly food budget, which I did not include in the budget above because I don't have to put that away for the trip, it will just come from Dh's Pay during that time.
I also found 5 gift certificates for $10.00 each that can be used for food or lodging at any ICHOTEL leftover from last year's trip thru Atlanta which was a disaster . I figured I could use that for food for Dh & I during our 4 night stay at HI and the DKS eat free. One last thing, I applied for the Disney Visa Dh & I will put gas and food and pay it off at the end of the month so we should be able to earn a little spending $, that will go to the Dks for thier own spending$.( I will have some cc's to cancel when we retun!)So my total spending food budget for 17 days including these jumps to $51.29 per day. I think this will still keep us on track and be much easier to do than the original budget. Of course I have not budgeted for tolls,taxes and incidentals, I assume that might stretch the budget to @ 3400.00 but since I can't figure them exactly I didn't include those. They will be included in my post trip report. Thank you for all your help and please continue to give me advice as you can tell I definately need and use all your comments and suggestions!!

I'm the last person you'd want to take budget advice from, so I won't comment on that, but you need to double check about the Ice Cream Social. Last I heard they weren't offering it anymore, which is a shame .
Good luck!

 

[bengalbelle]

Also, you might want to go and edit your original post to show "Update on page 21" so people won't continue to comment on that budget.

If you don't know how, just go back to your original post, click the edit button at the bottom, change your title to what you want to say, (e.g. update), then click on save changes at the bottom.

 

[TNKBELL]

Also, you might want to go and edit your original post to show "Update on page 21" so people won't continue to comment on that budget.

If you don't know how, just go back to your original post, click the edit button at the bottom, change your title to what you want to say, (e.g. update), then click on save changes at the bottom.

Thanks for the suggestion..It has been done! If the ice cream social isn't available maybe Dd and I can try to get ps with Cindy for lunch. She has been sad since last year we couldn't get close enough to Cindy for Dd to hug her and has been talking about that ever since.

 

[threeboysmom]

Maybe I missed it TNKBELL in these 21 pages of posts........but why are you paying for the non-expiration on all your tickets? Are you planning on using only some of the days and saving the rest for a future trip? Just looking for ways to trim your budget further......

 

[TNKBELL]

Maybe I missed it TNKBELL in these 21 pages of posts........but why are you paying for the non-expiration on all your tickets? Are you planning on using only some of the days and saving the rest for a future trip? Just looking for ways to trim your budget further......

That is a typo!! See you are helping me already!! Thanks so much for pointing that out!

 

[imsayin]

So my total spending food budget for 17 days including these jumps to $51.29 per day

At least some people on the boards will now be able to sleep at night knowing your family won't be starving .

 

[TNKBELL]

At least some people on the boards will now be able to sleep at night knowing your family won't be starving .

 

[PrincessofQuiteAlot]

My neighbor has 11 children and is homeschooling them - she grinds her own wheat for their bread. She sews all of their outfits and they all match when they go out - they have yearly family pictures taken and they go on vacation at least twice a year in their extra large van.

I feel so bad for this woman because our neighbors say horrible snide comments about her constantly. They are the most happy, generous, caring kids I have ever met. She also has taught me major budgeting techniques (yes, it does become a quest after awhile!!)

So, I wish you and your family many blessings on your trip - I know you all will be fine!!

 

[Lisa loves Pooh]

Thanks for the suggestion..It has been done! If the ice cream social isn't available maybe Dd and I can try to get ps with Cindy for lunch. She has been sad since last year we couldn't get close enough to Cindy for Dd to hug her and has been talking about that ever since.

Plan for a large budget for that---or you can just go in for "dessert"...meals in the castle are pricey.

We went--and unknowingly my hubby didn't eat and his brother who's pickey as anything didn't eat and I was embarrassed . But had I known ahead of time it wouldn't have been so bad. I think our waiter was miffed about it to b/c he had that aura about him that he was peeved for not having a full ordering table .

Also--the princesses are in the tent at Mickey's toontown--they do a different variety....but I do believe we have caught Cindy there as well as a few of her mice .

 

[TNKBELL]

My neighbor has 11 children and is homeschooling them - she grinds her own wheat for their bread. She sews all of their outfits and they all match when they go out - they have yearly family pictures taken and they go on vacation at least twice a year in their extra large van.

I feel so bad for this woman because our neighbors say horrible snide comments about her constantly. They are the most happy, generous, caring kids I have ever met. She also has taught me major budgeting techniques (yes, it does become a quest after awhile!!)

So, I wish you and your family many blessings on your trip - I know you all will be fine!!

Your neighbor sounds like a real finance guru! I am fortunate in that I have many friends who don't homeschool and some who do. Luckily we have awesome neighbors! Our house is the hang out house on the culdesac! Some of my neighbors have even decided to start homeschooling! I think we look like an average family, unfortunately I don't sew. Patterns make my head spin. My friends have been giving me a hard time because I am making iron on disney shirts for us to wear that match at the parks, I told them it's O.K to be goofy at disney! We don't have an extra large van, just a mini size one! That all being said values and character are the most important attributes to have and I pray my children will be described as your neighbors!!

 

[pixiepower1971]

I just checked a few days ago and the ice cream social is not scheduled to return at this time.

What about the pirate cruise at the GF instead? It would be a little more $$ but you and hubby would get a couple of hours to yourself for a late lunch or walk on the beach?

There are also some kids activities at AKL that are free...they might enjoy those as well on a break from the parks...wonderful place to go a look around..my girls loved it. They enjoy meeting people from other cutures and we found the CMs there to be wonderful with the kids.


We love having the time at WDW to really EXPLORE and enjoy. My 9 and 7 years old daughters love hunting for hidden mickeys...CMs are GREAT at helping the kids find them...most give hints and let the kids figure them out . They know the hunt is better then the actual find sometimes.

Have great trip!

 

[westjones]

Your neighbor sounds like a real finance guru! I am fortunate in that I have many friends who don't homeschool and some who do. Luckily we have awesome neighbors! Our house is the hang out house on the culdesac! Some of my neighbors have even decided to start homeschooling! I think we look like an average family, unfortunately I don't sew. Patterns make my head spin. My friends have been giving me a hard time because I am making iron on disney shirts for us to wear that match at the parks, I told them it's O.K to be goofy at disney! We don't have an extra large van, just a mini size one! That all being said values and character are the most important attributes to have and I pray my children will be described as your neighbors!!

I don't sew either, and I really don't enjoy cooking. We homeschooled up until this year for 5th grade. My DDs wanted to go to school. So far, they like it, and we are going to give Middle School a try, but if things don't go the way we like, we will go back to homeschooling again. We LOVED the freedom to go where we wanted when we wanted. When DH had a business trip, we came along. This is the first year we have had to stay behind while he went off, but my girls had the chance to try some new things at school (basketball team, Math Ball team, track, folk dance club, etc.).

Enjoy you trip with your family. You kids will love it! Have a fun year of school. I have to admit, there is a part of me that really misses homeschooling. You will have some very special memories of your time together. This time is priceless!

DJ

 

[Nicolepa]

Thanks for the suggestion..It has been done! If the ice cream social isn't available maybe Dd and I can try to get ps with Cindy for lunch. She has been sad since last year we couldn't get close enough to Cindy for Dd to hug her and has been talking about that ever since.

Cindy comes down to the lobby in the Castle as well. I've gotten some great pictures with her in the lobby. We've only ever gone for lunch or dinner and we usually see her, or the Fairy Godmother. Last time we saw Mary Poppins and the penguins, which my dd loved.

 

[westjones]

There is a Cinderella Dinner at the GF if you can't get into the Castle. We did this on an 'off park' day. It was a bit expensive though. Maybe it could be a 'girl' thing and the male members of the family could do something else while you are there (like go over to Fort Wilderness and explore for awhile).

DJ

 

[grlpwrd]

TNKBELL, I'm curious .... what is your menu for your trip? I know you gave some examples of what you'll eat and your plans of using coupons, but I'm genuinely curious what you'll be buying and cooking. Double/triple coupons don't exist there so I am also wondering how it will factor out.

How about your typical eating plan at home? Can you share a typical day's menu with us? I, too, wonder about food issues if food is restricted, but in your case it doesn't sound like that is the case.... I think you're good at using coupons to your best advantage and living frugally. We all might learn something.

Also, I'm taking a tangent...I think it's great that your kids love simple, inexpensive luxuries, but what about when they are older? I know you're homeschoolers and that insulates you from commercialism, but I wonder about the future repercussions. I am a big fan of Amy Dacyzyn (The Tightwad Gazette) and now that her kids are older frugality and her income level has changed for them, but like I stated earlier - I'm curious. In one of her yearly family updates she admitted her kids are now not nearly as frugal as before.

Thanks for a great thread!

 

[TNKBELL]

grplwrd.. I don't have a menu planned for our trip yet. I am using Tour Guide Mike to figure out what days to do the parks and other tips and fit them into our itinerary. My menu probably won't be planned until much closer to our departure. I have a few coupons and am waiting for the entertainment book to drop in price before I buy it. Or maybe purchase a minimally used one on ebay. As far as a typical menu for us.. Breakfast usually is cereal,milk and juice or waffles or pancakes with peanut butter. Sometimes an omelet or cheese eggs. Lunch is varied but maybe turkey and cheese in a pita or on whole wheat bread or Pb&J or sometimes leftovers from last night's dinner. About 1 a week sometimes less, we have mac & Cheese. side dishes to lunch vary also according to sales..grapes,apple slices, tortilla chips, ect.. Dinner can be anything from B-Que crock pot chicken to spaghetti.. When I'm feeling like spending more time (which isn't often!) I'll make homemade Bierocks. Sometimes Dh & I might have stirfry which most of the Dks don't like and they will have something else. My two oldest are not big fruit & veggie eaters so I try to combine them into the meals. For snacks I try to keep stock of lite popcorn, nuts, fruits, carrot sticks, we love smoothies! I bake homemade cookies @ 1 a month. We like to eat frozen yogurt, go-gurt or regular yogurt. We certainly are not perfect and don't always eat every meal at home. Wendy's is a family favorite and we are VIP Pizza hut members.I am not a great chef and if it takes longer than 30 min. to prepare I'm generally not interested. Just because my Dks are homeschooled they most definately are not sheltered from commercialism because most of our friends and family don't hs. We also have over 20 children in our culdesac and we watch tv so they see the commercials. They just know that they can't have everything, I guess they have been told so many times it's just ingrained in them. We also allow them to talk about it and then tell them that if they really want it, put it on thier Christmas list. They receive money for christmas,birthdays,tooth fairy ect.. So if they really want something they can buy it for themselves(after tithing 10% and 10% into savings.) We do a lot of garage sale shopping and they sometimes come home with a toy or two and a ton of books...can't have too many of those! We are not super strict, and I am always learning to save more.. I do feel that for thier own personal security children need real clear boundaries. Telling a child no makes them feel secure. We try to point out the beauty of the world and relish on the little things, ducks that wander through our yard or name the toads that frequent our pond. To watch the clouds roll by and try to guess what they look like. I think that anyone of any budget can be a good steward of thier resources. I am always trying to do a better job, I am the spender at our house. Dh is much better at self-control. I love to budget though, and that has helped me. I'm sure there will be plenty of challenges that come our way, as with any family. We really are not that different. The reason for posting this thread was for encouragement and sage advice... which I have received 10 fold!! Thank you I'm sure many of you are much better at thier budgets and more creative. Thank you for all the wisdom that has been showered on this thread!!

 

[foxfire]

I've been keeping up with this thread but haven't posted until now. I just wanted to comment that my perception is that TNKBELL is a loving, caring mom and wife who has her two feet firmly planted on the ground. She's a realist and knows what she needs to do in her particular situation. She is teaching her children moral and ethical values while showing them that happiness is not dependent solely on a lot of material or expensive things. I think she is a very family oriented person who makes sure the needs of her family are met. She sounds like a good organizer who can search out great money saving ideas and make them work. That's the thing to remember...while some posters seem doubtful she can pull this trip off as planned, I believe she can do it because careful monetary spending is something that she is doing constantly. It's not something she's just beginning to try and she's very conscientious of what she needs and must do financially for this trip.

I have every expectation that this family is going to have a wonderful trip and return home with memories that are very special. TNKBELL, I wish you and your family the most magical vacation and I believe it will be just that!