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

[MrsPete]

I agree with some of the others that for ME personally it wouldn't be a fun vacation if I had to worry a lot about the budget

With the exception of people who work on commission, EVERYONE is on a "fixed income" -- some of us are just fixed at a higher level than others. I think everyone should "worry about" the vacation budget -- none of us should overspend, especially if it's going to be charged on a credit card and paid off at 20% interest. I couldn't enjoy a nice steak dinner if I knew I couldn't pay the credit card at the end of the month.

However, I think the budget worrying should be done AHEAD OF TIME. Plan a realistic budget, then stick to it. That's exactly what the original poster is trying to do -- she's just working on exactly what's realistic.

For me, this rock-bottom food budget wouldn't be realistic.

I looked at the original post again, and I have another idea. Why not cut out the Tampa excursion? If your goal is to see the ocean briefly during the Florida trip, you could do a quick day trip to Cocoa Beach -- a 45 minute drive. In the same trip you can visit Jetty Marine Park (I think it's free, but don't take my word for it) and see manatees and maybe dolphins. Jetty Park is located at Port Canaveral, and if you plan it right you can also watch the cruise ships come and go. You wouldn't need a separate hotel, and it would be considerably less stessful than packing up again with four kids. That hotel cost could boost the food budget. Your only cost would be gas and parking.

 

[kayeandjim00]

With the exception of people who work on commission, EVERYONE is on a "fixed income" -- some of us are just fixed at a higher level than others. I think everyone should "worry about" the vacation budget -- none of us should overspend, especially if it's going to be charged on a credit card and paid off at 20% interest. I couldn't enjoy a nice steak dinner if I knew I couldn't pay the credit card at the end of the month.

However, I think the budget worrying should be done AHEAD OF TIME. Plan a realistic budget, then stick to it. That's exactly what the original poster is trying to do -- she's just working on exactly what's realistic.

I should have worded that a little better - I meant worrying about a budget that tight. We also have a budget when we go to Disney but it's much more than $26.00 a day for food and there are only 2 of us. I'm very type A so there are pages of planning and figuring out how much money I'll need to do everything I want and then I add even more to that total so that I can feel completely comfortable that I have enough. I do all the planning and saving beforehand so when I'm there I can relax and not think about every dollar. But again, that's my preference on vacation and I totally understand where the OP is coming from. For some, I think if they couldn't do it this way they might not be able to manage a trip at WDW at all.

 

[wide awake]

I really admire the OP. This sounds like a family that wants to have a good time, that doesn't consider food a major part of the vacation. There are people that way...since her normal food budget is going for groceries, and they'll eat out once per day on the $26, they are splurging. As for the tips to plan for souvenirs, batteries, etc...I know that I've gone on trips and known I couldn't buy one thing...but had a great time anyway. What is fun is the anticipation, and the vacation itself. Sure, it is nice now, I plan the restaurants, and that is a large part of my vacation enjoyment...but DH and DS would be happy with mac n cheese, hot dogs, and fried rice for weeks on end...to be truthful, they'd probably like me cooking the cheap stuff more than going to a restaurant. I love it that the OP and her family have a varied vacation of 17 days...they'll remember the 17 days, and all who are advising to wait until they have the money to have a bigger budget...the kids will never be this age again, who knows if the vacation time will be available, and none of us can count on being here next year or next week.

 

[disneyworld!]

well, just so you know, I just did disney solo...and hardly eat anything. I had spent up to 25 bucks on a meal....I have been to dinsey alot but this time for some reason meals seem much more pricey. I went thru a few hundred on bugers and eggs.

 

[Debbie]

I think that you said it all, wide awake, when you wrote:

OP and her family have a varied vacation of 17 days...they'll remember the 17 days, and all who are advising to wait until they have the money to have a bigger budget...the kids will never be this age again, who knows if the vacation time will be available, and none of us can count on being here next year or next week.

Everyone seems to forget that OP has stated that she is:

• using her assigned grocery money for the food at the condos (and I'm betting she'll have some left over!)
• budgeting counter service for lunch and snacks
• sharing meals because her kids are small (We always shared drinks, popcorn, and Mickey bars when the kids were little.)
• driving, so will likely have some of "diaper bag snacks" on hand for the kids- you, know, fruit snacks, apples, pepperoni sticks....
• used to budgeting, so knows her family well
• going to check out the "Things to do for free" at Disney threads: go to Belle's storytime theatre at MK, play in the splashpads at Epcot, enjoy the parades and character signings at MGM, look at the detailing and trails at AK

Table service meals isn't a priority for our familiy, either, and if OP (bet she's read the menus and commited them to memory!) feels that she can do it for less than $30 a day, I'm rooting for her! Might as well enjoy it while they're little, 'cause when you have teenagers. . . the food budget goes sky high, and they turn up their noses at what you make.

 

[my3kids]

I'm a penny picher myself but if my DH ever thought I'd order a cheesburger with an extra bun I swear he would walk out the restaurant and never return.

I still think you'd be fine with Priceline for a single hotel room. If you look at www.biddingfortravel.com and go to the state you are interested in, you can probably find a list of the hotels that have come up in a certain area. As a general rule the king bedded rooms are the ones they don't want to give to PL. You can call ahead and request a room with 2 double beds....probably places like HI Express, Hapton Inns, and such come up. I've never had a problem or read of a problem of a family coming in with kids being denied the room.

I guess it is an individual thing. I'd much rather find the thrill of the hunt on PL hotels than disecting a burger in a restaurant for the family.

 

[my3kids]

Forgot to add that I also love the reciprocal agreements among museums and science centers. My local science museum is fairly small, but on vacations, via that membership, we've visited some of the nicest and largest museums in the country where a family's admission would be way more than we paid for our local yearly pass. I love those consortiums!

 

[TNKBELL]

Thanks for all the tips and opinions! We will not be living on Mac&cheese everyday, that is just an example of things to bring, I don't find it necessary to list each item. I have been to WDW and gone to several PS places with Dh. This will be our last pilgramidge to WDW for several years and if we don't go this year, we don't go! Travel plans for the next several years to visit family and friends in other states have already been committed to. I figure we will just eat basically like we do at home, with one exception, we can eat out at least once a day and of course a few in the mix and I have been wanting to try a Dole whip!! I will be taking my coupons to use at the store. We did our big shop at Publix near WDW last year and it was very comprable to our local Dillons store here, so I think we'll be allright. Last year was also a budget trip to the world and to be honest, I didn't enjoy it any less than the non-budget trip Dh & I took 9 years ago. Food really isn't a huge attraction to me, although some of the theming is awesome!! I think maybe a Ps to the Sci-Fi drive in might be in the works just to have an ice cream or something. We are driving from Kansas. I haven't ruled out using Priceline just need to do some research on bidding. I haven't used it that often. I realize eliminating a sidetrip to Tampa would increase the food budget, but we really want to go to the gulf. Last year we went to Cocoa Beach and the kids had a great time! We just want to see the other side this year! I am picky about safety and cleanliness and area, so that does concern me a little about using Priceline. I know you get to pick general area but I am worried we'll end up in a not so good area. I appreciate all the input so far!! I realize we are all different and for some I totally understand it is not a vacation not to be able to splurge at Ps places!! It's just not a priority with us and my kids actually do get sick of eating out! They have made the comment, can't we just eat at home, please? It's all about family time and adventure!! I always tell my Dks, everyday is an adventure if you know where to look, you never know what will happen on the way to brush your teeth!! Yeah, right Mom!

 

[luv2nascar]

their family their choice of vacation
we are going in June only 2nd trip for our family. 1st was in Nov 2000. Why because we saved like crazy for this vacation it is paid for in full without credit cards. We spent the $560 for dining plan so we can eat at lots of great restaurants. To each his own. We enjoy character meals and me (mom) enjoys not having to cook for a week. It is my vacation too. I want the maid to clean the room, change the sheets, and restaurants to cook the food but now everyone does.

 

[TNKBELL]

Debbie, Yes I have committed the menus to memory!!! Thanks for the thumbs up!!!!

 

[my3kids]

I always tell my Dks, everyday is an adventure if you know where to look, you never know what will happen on the way to brush your teeth!!

I LOVE that!!

 

[HayGan]

I am picky about safety and cleanliness and area, so that does concern me a little about using Priceline. I know you get to pick general area but I am worried we'll end up in a not so good area.

Do your reasearch about priceline hotels at

www.betterbidding.com
www.biddingfortravel.com (no debate -ok guys)

Each will give you lists of hotels that others have won using priceline. You can even see what others are getting rooms for in the area around the time of your trip to give you an idea of where bids are. You can do the research about the hotels listed on tripadvisor.com . I'm not sure of your route but some place in Tennessee might be a good stopping point (Nashville maybe?) I really think this would be a great way to rearrange some of the funds in your budget! Maybe even give you more $$$ in your pocket when you get home

Don't let the naysayers here discourage you. Everyone has their own idea of what a vacation should be like. We each have different financial situations that affect our plans but it doesn't mean that one family's vacation on a budget isn'ta special and magical as another family's vacation with a significantly larger amount of $$$ to spend. I'm sure you can do it. It sounds like you have a good budgeting head on your shoulders! Best of luck to you and your family and enjoy your own wonderful Disney/Florida vacation

 

[Tigger1]

I have not read all your replys so some of this might have already been mentioned.

I assume with the 10 day park hoppers that you plan to not be in the parks from early morning to late night, leaving rest time. If you find ten days to much and you have the extra $$$, buy the never expire tickets and use them for the next trip.

Food.

We shop at Sams club. They make large pizzas for $7.98 This could likely feed 2 adults and 3 young children (asuming the 1 year old does not pizza yet).

Walmart is also close to sams.

There is also a western sizzlin that had cheap breakfast.

In the parks, Animal kingdom has a meal deal, about $12 adults and $6 children You get a meal, drink and choice of ice cream or anothre soda latter in park. It must be used same day and be sure to eat at least 1 1/2 hrs before park closes as restuarants close early. We eat at the flame tree BBQ. You could actually share some of the meals. For my daughter we would first stop at Pizzaria and get a pizza meal for her. You could buy three kids Pizzas, and one adult. This way each child has a ice cream/soda coupon for latter and you and DH could share and help the kids eat all that pizza (pan size pizza). This is still more than $26 per day but I assume you will save when you are at the condo not at parks.

Some sams clubs also serve rotessari chicken (sp?). Another nice meal. How about Fried chicken from Walmart.

If you could afford it , Epcot has an ice cream social. It used to cost $6.95 per person. Nice ice cream sundae and Charactors come to the table to see the kids. You can take lots of pictures. We count this as a meal as it fills us up also.

Last of all, you mentioned that you were not checking into one condo until Monday. Be sure ou call and let them know that. A friend of mine had a package deal once and her plane was late. She did not arrive until about midnight. Her room was already given away.

Have lots of fun

Tigger

 

[jsmla]

When our kids were young we didn't eat out much at WDW. I know that my family would get tired of two weeks of convenience foods like mac-n-cheese so I'd usually bring frozen home-cooked meals. We have been to WDW many times and usually stayed at Ft. Wilderness. In the weeks before we left I would make double batches of meals like lasagna, red beans and rice, casseroles, etc. We'd eat one and I'd freeze the other. The frozen meals went to Disney with us. There, its just a matter of popping them into the oven or microwave and we have a cheap and easy to prepare but still healthy dinner. When we haven't brought our camper I used the microwave in the food courts to heat stuff up. When we are at the campground we usually barbeque at least one night.

When DD was younger she often wanted to buy fast food in the parks. We usually planned a couple of meals as a family at some of the more interesting CS places. If she wanted to buy extra food she had to use her spending money ($5/day + whatever money of her own that she brought from home). It only took a couple of kids meals to convince her that the CS food just wasn't worth spending her money on. We carried snacks and drinks into the parks and ate most of our meals back at the camper.


Jennifer

 

[FayeW]

I am waging an internal war about eating onsite for our next trip. There are so many restaurants I would like to try, but I am just too cheap to do it! Last time we ate at Cosmic Rays a couple of times, and Beaches and Cream once (had Q & C vouchers) but this time I would like to have lunch at the Castle, as well as in Morocco or Mexico (have never been to Epcot). At MGM I would like to do the Fantasmic dinner package at Hollywood & Vine, and maybe lunch at Sci Fi Dine In. We can afford to eat at some of the buffets and themed restaurants, but it's tough for me to justify the expense of $80 for 4 people to eat breakfast. I hope I can loosen up between now and Nov!

 

[geetey]

You go, TNKBell!!

I love the plan that you have! And I *know* your kids are going to have a great time - and so are you! My kids received $20 total in Disney Dollars for their birthdays and we have been to WDW twice and on the Magic once - they still have their DD! I couldn't beg them to spend their dollars. They just aren't interested in souveniers. No time! Gotta ride the rides, see the shows, check out the characters, sit back and relax, swim, watch some tv/movies. Memories are what it is all about. Silly funny moments. That's what warms the heart. Not a spinning lightup thingie that stops working.

Creative eating is just that and your budget will work out just fine. It is a good tip to remember to include your typical grocery spending for those days (whether the food is prepurchase or bought there). Heck - I would eat peanut butter and jelly sandwich EVERY DAY for a month if I were in WDW! It isn't about the food for us - it is being on vacation! No phone ringing, no chores at home, no work, no school - just family time.

Tampa has some great sites to see. You have a credit card for emergencies (we had a flat when we were driving to Tampa last time). Spread out your time - your kids will love it.

I am excited about your trip!

And hear, hear to everything Debbie said!

 

[palmtreegirl]

Actually as crazy as it sounds budgeting is fun for me!! The harder the challenge the better the reward! Budgeting is how I de-stress! I love a good bargain hunt! Necessity is the mother of the budget, right??? One of the best onsite bargains we found last year were the family meals at Saratoga Springs, enough food for 2 or 3 meals and just $25.00! We had turkey, mashed potatoes and gravy, the world's best fresh green beans, and corn bread. You seriously wouldn't believe the portions they give!! Or maybe you would, afterall this is the Dis'

Wow, that's a good deal, we'll have to check that out one time. Have fun planning and have a great trip!

 

[palmtreegirl]

I forgot to add that my DH use to go on super budget trips when he was a kid. They'd cram 4 kids and 2 adults in a car and drive down from NJ. Then when they were there they'd get one large soda and everyone would share it, they'd eat in their room, bring sandwiches in a cooler and eat out at the car at the parks. BUT they had a blast! They all look back on the trip and love talking and laughing about it, they just appreciate all the trouble and planning their parents did to get them there in the first place.

Just thought I'd share........hope you have a fantastic trip!

 

[TNKBELL]

You go, TNKBell!!

I love the plan that you have! And I *know* your kids are going to have a great time - and so are you! My kids received $20 total in Disney Dollars for their birthdays and we have been to WDW twice and on the Magic once - they still have their DD! I couldn't beg them to spend their dollars. They just aren't interested in souveniers. No time! Gotta ride the rides, see the shows, check out the characters, sit back and relax, swim, watch some tv/movies. Memories are what it is all about. Silly funny moments. That's what warms the heart. Not a spinning lightup thingie that stops working.

Creative eating is just that and your budget will work out just fine. It is a good tip to remember to include your typical grocery spending for those days (whether the food is prepurchase or bought there). Heck - I would eat peanut butter and jelly sandwich EVERY DAY for a month if I were in WDW! It isn't about the food for us - it is being on vacation! No phone ringing, no chores at home, no work, no school - just family time.

Tampa has some great sites to see. You have a credit card for emergencies (we had a flat when we were driving to Tampa last time). Spread out your time - your kids will love it.

I am excited about your trip!

And hear, hear to everything Debbie said!

Thank you and yes I have a credit card set aside just for emergencies,with a rental car hopefully all costs will be taken care of by the rental company, but it's irresponsible to travel without some way to pay for unexpected expenses. Disney is not a vacation it is a dream! Eating is always the last thing on my mind when I'm there(maybe I should move there, I might lose the rest of that darned baby weight!)

 

[geetey]

Disney is not a vacation it is a dream! Eating is always the last thing on my mind when I'm there(maybe I should move there, I might lose the rest of that darned baby weight!)

OMG! You probably HAVE something there!! I am either too hot, too tired or too excited to eat when we are in WDW! I typically drop 4-5 pounds over the week. I wonder if my insurance would cover such a diet plan.


Everyone's vacation is different, but I think the DOING speaks louder than the Having. JMO. And I think you are doing it just right!

My kids remember the silly times on the bus as we are going to the park, or the first time they could ride Space Mtn, or the giraffe that practically stuck his head into our vehicle on the Safari - not the giant Mickey sucker that looked so cute but tasted so awful.

I really envy you the time you will have! 17 glorious days in the state of FL! Enjoy and plan on writing up a trip report when you return!