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

[TNKBELL]

Hi thanks, and I agree I almost never pay full price for anything and I hope that every day I learn more and more! What is mycouponer? I would love to find out more. You sound like a very money wise person!! My Aunt and Uncle live in Wisconsin(Madison). We will hopefully be going for a visit next summer!
Goodferry... I will look at hotwire. Thanks I forgot about that!
Dismom9761& Stahshee....If I can do it,and the trip report will be the final exam than anyone can!!
Myladyisatramp... Where there's a will there's a way!!
Doubletrouble-vb... The beach would be an ideal location!! I will be researching by hotel options for sure!! Thanks!!!!!!!

 

[Madi100]

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
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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!!

Good for you. I think it sounds like you've done your homework. I personally could never do this, because I was raised in a family where we went on vacations and we had to split a small order of fries, a small pop, and we each got our own hamburger. A couple years ago we went to the fair with some friends, and they wanted to go back to the cars to eat lunch. So, we hiked back to the car, fixed sandwiches, and we sat among the yucky, smelly HOT cars in the parking lot. To me, it would have been worth it to buy food at the fair. But, to each his own.

My only question that has been "haunting me" this entire thread is if you are soooo proud of your budget how can you justify having two hotels for one night? I know that you are paying an incredible price for the DTD hotel. But, you have a room. Why would you spend the money to find another one??? That is just wasting money that you could be deducting from your total cost. If it were me, I would use my days at the DTD hotel as days that I spent at WDW, since you are so close. Then I would use my days at the condo to go to Tampa and make a day trip out of it. Does the DTD hotel offer breakfast? If not, then you can buy breakfast foods at the grocery store and eat lunch in the park like you have explained. Then you can leave the park and have sandwiches for supper that you make. When I look at your budget I see you spending $160 too much and that is on the hotels for Tampa.

I think you also need to learn how to use priceline. I have never stayed in a crappy hotel with priceline. They've always been clean. Not always the most offered, but clean with a bed. I love a bargain and nothing makes me happier then pulling into a hotel with a sign boasting about rooms starting at $79 when I paid $39 for that same room.

 

[TNKBELL]

Madi100.... I justify it because for 4.00 we are getting 2 extra nights at Disney, now I want to go to Tampa during this time because although cheap, it isn't very roomy,compared to the 2bdrm palaces at the condos. I have not tried to imply pride, just that even a budget trip can be done and be fun! Trust me there will be no eating in the car or even bringing lunch into the parks(I'm just too lazy!) If you have been following this thread than you know I will be researching and probably using priceline to save some$$ Anyone out there know when I should try to get rooms how close to the travel dates should you book? I'm just concerned that if for some reason we had to cancel, we wouldn't be out of luck.

 

[tiki23]

I know that everyone has their own idea about what a vacation should be, but I'm having a hard time understanding the posters who seem to dismiss out of hand that the OP's version of a vacation can be a good one. If you gave your kids the choice to spend either one week at WDW, eating at the parks every day with a treat every afternoon orto eat simply in the hotel room and spend TWO weeks at Disney, what do you think their answer would be?

Thankfully, our family is at the point where we are able to plan a WDW trip and have a few extras, even though we're taking over a year to save up for it, but that certainly has not always been the case. We've been to many fairs, summerfests, water parks, etc. where we have brought our own food and had parking lot picnics - it was either that or stay home - and I'm glad that we were able to take the kids and give them those memories.

I hope they'll carry those frugal lessons into adulthood; they already refuse to buy anything from the ice cream man. They say it's silly to spend that much when they can go to the store up the block and get twice as much for the price.

Enjoy your vacation, Tnkbell!

 

[dandee00]

Tnkbell. Just a heads up about rental vehicle's. I found out it was quicker and easier to use AAA/CAA for vehicle problems, especially if you need a tow truck. Also, with Priceline, Hotwire, Expedia, etc. read the fine print about cancelling or changing reservations. Sometimes it is not possible to do this without a penalty.
2 weeks vacation is usually the norm here as well. But we work in the same profession as your husband!!!!
I am so excited about our Disney trip that every free moment I can find is spent on planning for it in some way.

 

[disneyjunkie]

I know that everyone has their own idea about what a vacation should be, but I'm having a hard time understanding the posters who seem to dismiss out of hand that the OP's version of a vacation can be a good one. If you gave your kids the choice to spend either one week at WDW, eating at the parks every day with a treat every afternoon orto eat simply in the hotel room and spend TWO weeks at Disney, what do you think their answer would be?

I just asked my son, he said he'd rather do the one week trip.

 

[Amirah95]

Thankfully, our family is at the point where we are able to plan a WDW trip and have a few extras, even though we're taking over a year to save up for it, but that certainly has not always been the case. We've been to many fairs, summerfests, water parks, etc. where we have brought our own food and had parking lot picnics - it was either that or stay home - and I'm glad that we were able to take the kids and give them those memories.

That is not the same as going to WDW. WDW cannot be compared to local activities in your neighborhoods because it is a totally different experience. Be real now. Hey, if her children are happy with what they will be getting then great.

 

[shelly3girls]

My tag should say Debi3boys&1girl That's a great tip of dividing the money each day, I think I'll borrow that one if you don't mind? My Dh just rolls his eyes when I say " I have yet another way to save $!" But I think he really is happy that we are able to do what we do on such a small living!

I find bank envelopes to work great. I use one per day and label what I have budgeted for for each item. This especially works well to make sure I have the appropriate bills for tipping sky caps, etc.

 

[TinkerbellMama]

I know that everyone has their own idea about what a vacation should be, but I'm having a hard time understanding the posters who seem to dismiss out of hand that the OP's version of a vacation can be a good one. If you gave your kids the choice to spend either one week at WDW, eating at the parks every day with a treat every afternoon orto eat simply in the hotel room and spend TWO weeks at Disney, what do you think their answer would be?

Thankfully, our family is at the point where we are able to plan a WDW trip and have a few extras, even though we're taking over a year to save up for it, but that certainly has not always been the case. We've been to many fairs, summerfests, water parks, etc. where we have brought our own food and had parking lot picnics - it was either that or stay home - and I'm glad that we were able to take the kids and give them those memories.

I hope they'll carry those frugal lessons into adulthood; they already refuse to buy anything from the ice cream man. They say it's silly to spend that much when they can go to the store up the block and get twice as much for the price.

Enjoy your vacation, Tnkbell!

I have to agree with this poster. We usually only eat one meal per day in the parks when we go, not only for budget reasons but because we have very strict diets (for health and medical reasons) and most of what Disney serves doesn't measure up (although there are tasty options available most places in WDW...it's not like we can just order anything off the menu). So we always plan to eat breakfast before arriving at the parks for the day, carry plenty of "safe" snacks for our party, and then have lunch at WS or counter service at MK (just examples), then head home for a late dinner after close (we typically go during value season with earlier closures). We're certainly not on a $26 per day budget like the OP, but we aren't big food spenders, either. The dining plan is just OUTRAGEOUSLY priced, for us, based on what we would typically be able to eat...but for others I'm sure it is a fantastic deal! It all depends on your priorities and budget. For us, eating at Disney is fun but we do limit it for several reasons. Others might choose to go all-out for breakfast, lunch, AND dinner (and snacks!). There is no right way, just different preferences. I am also a SAHM and I know that when my son is older and we have more children, we will probably continue to focus on one nice meal in the parks or resorts per day and make up the difference with sandwiches and snacks we bring from home. I hope the OP can pull it off!

 

[welovedis]

Hats off to the OP if she can pull off feeding a family of 6 on $26/day-phew! Definitely not my way of vacationing but if that is what you like then go for it!

I'm curious as to what you can serve your family for that much per day? Forgive me if I missed something but I remember there being something about using your "home" food budget for your groceries, right? So is the $26 including that money or not?

If so, I'd love to hear what you'd serve your family for that price? I'm not trying to knock your plan or your meals, but I simply couldn't spend that little for that many people. We have a family of 3 (me, DH & 8 yo DS) and my produce alone each week costs almost $75. We eat a ton of fresh veggies and fruit, very little processed food, lots of fish & chicken and I go broke feeding us at home, let alone on vacation. I do shop for bargains & use local farmer's markets now but that amount for food floored me.

GL, sounds like you are really frugal & enjoy it!

 

[momxx5]

I agree that everyone's idea of a vacation is different, just like everyone's lifestyle is different.
Someone would never buy a brand new car, while others would never dream of buying a used car.
Somehow it all works out for everyone.

We are a family of 7. While we do not "eat" our way through WDW, we plan some character meals, a few PS, but sometimes we just grab some fries and jump on another ride. Last summer there were a few days that we barely ate dinner because we were having so much fun and didn't want to stop for a 1-2hr meal. Because a sitdown meal for 7 can easily turn into a 2 hour event.

Tnkbll - I am interested in your regular weekly grocery budget. I think it would be fair to count that into your total - footnoting that it would be spent at home anyways. It does factor into your total food buget for the whole 17 days. Also, Publix is one of the more expensive grocery stores, so if you could stop at SuperWalmart you may be able to stretch your grocery money further.
Have you considered eating at the condo for 3 meals in one day and then splurging with a $52 meal the next day? It would all average out.
Oh, and the Kids meal vouchers at AK are the best deal. Adults can use them also - exact same personal pizza. And considering how much you get - y'all will probably use 4 vouchers for your whole family - with includes a snack later on.


It is funny how some children will make choices. DH & the kids want to go the WDW this summer. I have been hesitant because we have been the past two summers and would like to save up and splurge on a great trip next summer. When I asked the kids if they would rather join the community pool to swim at everyday or go to WDW - WDW won. But when asked if they wanted to visit Grandma(with 6 of us sleeping in one bedroom, 8 sharing one bathroom, small house with no AC) or go to WDW - they all answered that was too tough to pick. Funny because given that choice I'd be first in line for WDW!!!

Best of luck on achieving your goals. With your determintation you will succeed.
Your family is going to have a great vacation no matter what because you will be at WDW!!!

 

[mom23boys]

Tnkbll - I am interested in your regular weekly grocery budget. I think it would be fair to count that into your total - footnoting that it would be spent at home anyways. It does factor into your total food buget for the whole 17 days.

I agree with this. My monthly food budget is about $500 for a family of 5, just food not eating out. So if we go for a weeks vacation I use the $100 for a grocery stop. We stay at BCV so we do eat in for breakfast and snacks at night. I also make PB&J just in case the kids do get hungry in the park, before our lunch or dinner time.

I think you have a great budget, I know we could never do it. I make dinner 5-6 times a week during the year, when I am on vacation that is the last thing on my mind.

Good Luck.

 

[TNKBELL]

My regualr home food budget is @ $75.00 a week including diapers and dog food. I did not include this in my original budget only because I did not think of it. Op poster suggested it and then the light came on! I will post a trip report when I return and include all my expenses including my groceries. Thanks Op for recommending Super Walmart, I will check it out. Does anyone know if Publix does double coupons? I will be taking my coupons too. Since our family is used to being on a budget it really won't affect us too much. My children have learned to appreciate even little surprises. One year was especially tight and for DSS' birthdays (age 6 & 4) they each received a batman action figure (bought for $3.00 on clearance) they were so excited and didn't put them down for weeks! As I have said before, everyday is an adventure, it just so happens that being on a budget is part of that adventure! Don't get me wrong, It would be wonderful not to have to budget or be able to go to Character breakfasts and I would love to take Dd to the Princess Party. I'm not saying I wouldn't like it, we simply can't afford it right now. To be able to do all that I'd like, it would take 10 years at the current budget to be able to save that much! I think it awesome if you can afford to do it!! We can't. This thread isn't to criticize those that can afford these luxuries, it's just to show that maybe even a budget trip can be done. Thanks Dee.... I will be taking our AAA card with us. Isn't it great to have 4 weeks to play???

 

[punkin]

This is totally off topic, but how can you feed a family of six (including diapers and dog) for $75 per week. I am frugal, but I can't get below $100 for a family of 4 (no diapers but a cat).

Now back on topic. I think your budget is a bit tight, but if you can do it at home...you should be able to do it on vacation. There is nothing wrong with packing PB&J and juice boxes if that's what your kids are used to and like. I'm just jealous that you can string 17 days of vacation together. If I had that kind of time, my family would be backpacking in Europe (and packing our own lunch of baguette and brie in france

 

[welovedis]

My regualr home food budget is @ $75.00 a week including diapers and dog food.

Wow, what do you eat? I cannot imagine feeding us on $75/week no matter how hard I tried. I do use coupons and they double at the grocery store, but I never see coupons for chicken/fish/produce. We buy lots of store brands (love Wegmans!) so they aren't useful for that-esp since the name brands with coupons cost more than the store brand.

I am really curious how you do this and what a typical dinner is like in your home. Again, I mean no disrespect or anything, I really would love to know how people spend so much less to feed more people.

 

[Nicolepa]

Wow, what do you eat? I cannot imagine feeding us on $75/week no matter how hard I tried. I do use coupons and they double at the grocery store, but I never see coupons for chicken/fish/produce. We buy lots of store brands (love Wegmans!) so they aren't useful for that-esp since the name brands with coupons cost more than the store brand.

I am really curious how you do this and what a typical dinner is like in your home. Again, I mean no disrespect or anything, I really would love to know how people spend so much less to feed more people.

We have a family of 4 and I spend about $75 a week, including cleaning supplies & diapers. The key to spending this much is to buy when on sale. No they don't have coupons for meat, but they do put it on sale at 50% off or even B1G2 free. I stock up then. When ground beef goes on sale for $.99 I buy 30-40 pounds. Steak I only buy at B1G2 Free etc. I NEVER buy meat at full price anymore.

Some weeks I spend $100 (or more) but most weeks I only have to buy fruit, veggies and milk, maybe $25. We eat steak and potaoes, veggies. Baked chicken, marinated chicken breasts, stir fry, lasagne, manicotti etc. We still eat very well on this budget.

 

[westjones]

But for instance I printed off a coupon for a Buy one get one free pizza from Mcd's and the regular price is 9.99 for a family size, that should be enough for 2 meals, so that would be 5.00 per meal.

Can you share the link for this? Are you planning to stop at that HUGE McDonalds that is suppose to have a big place place? We haven't stopped there, but have thought about visiting. I know they have pizza, does the one at DTD have pizza?
Thanks,
DJ

 

[welovedis]

We have a family of 4 and I spend about $75 a week, including cleaning supplies & diapers. The key to spending this much is to buy when on sale. No they don't have coupons for meat, but they do put it on sale at 50% off or even B1G2 free. I stock up then. When ground beef goes on sale for $.99 I buy 30-40 pounds. Steak I only buy at B1G2 Free etc. I NEVER buy meat at full price anymore.

Ok, that is definitely where the difference is. Our local grocery stores may occasionally have a slight discount on protein items (meat, fish, chicken) but they never sell them as cheaply as 50% off or Buy 1 get 1 (or 2) free. We don't really eat ground beef, I use ground turkey and we don't buy steak either, . I know it probably seems that we are eating a ton of food (not the case since I am loosing weight & really reining in my portion size) or a lot of snacks but we don't. We eat fresh veggies all the time, but even with growing our own (in our backyard garden there will be lettuce, tomatoes, cukes, radishes, beans, watermelon and zucchini) we might save some over the summer by doing this but it will zoom back up in the fall.

I just always feel like I'm the only one who doesn't "get it" when it comes to really frugal grocery shopping. We don't eat like kings, but we are very careful to watch what we eat and don't eat things like processed meat (hot dogs, bologna, etc..) and processed dinners or canned pasta. 2 of my neighbors and 3-4 women from my church who say they save tons on groceries also profess to feeding their kids bologna 3xs a week, canned pasta 1-2xs a week and mac-n-cheese alot, then serve hamburger helper or something like that for dinner. We just don't/can't eat that way. I'm not saying that is what people here are doing, just giving you an idea of what they have said saves them on groceries.

My son loves fruits/veggies, almost (I said almost, lol) prefers them to cookies, etc... and will ask for things when grocery shopping, like asparagus or brussel sprouts. I usually tell him, "Next week, we only buy it if it's on sale" and my bill is still easily $115-125 each week. Help me guys!

OP--sorry to hijack your thread and I'm not trying to be argumentative, perhaps it is just the area I live in, but I wish I could spend that little for the 3 of us each week.

 

[eaturpasta1]

[/QUOTE] my produce alone each week costs almost $75. We eat a ton of fresh veggies and fruit, very little processed food, lots of fish & chicken and I go broke feeding us at home, let alone on vacation. I do shop for bargains & use local farmer's markets now but that amount for food floored me.[/QUOTE]

We are the same...We always have 2 fresh vegetables with our meals and fresh fruit for breakfast...so my family would suffer if they had to eat bologna or mac and cheese..or even boxed pizza (we make our own)! Our fruit budget alone is $26!

 

[Madi100]

Madi100.... I justify it because for 4.00 we are getting 2 extra nights at Disney, now I want to go to Tampa during this time because although cheap, it isn't very roomy,compared to the 2bdrm palaces at the condos. I have not tried to imply pride, just that even a budget trip can be done and be fun! Trust me there will be no eating in the car or even bringing lunch into the parks(I'm just too lazy!) If you have been following this thread than you know I will be researching and probably using priceline to save some$$ Anyone out there know when I should try to get rooms how close to the travel dates should you book? I'm just concerned that if for some reason we had to cancel, we wouldn't be out of luck.

I hope you don't think that I am putting you down or criticizing you for your budget. I think it's great if you can do it. I did read the whole thread and you weren't sure about priceline. We've used it tons. Let us know if it works out for you!!