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

[m&m's mom]

I've read this thread 2 times completely. Something about it keeps drawing me back. I can fully appreciate living on a strict budget. I can remember plenty of times when my son was younger and I had to roll pennies to buy milk that week. However, when I had to live on such a strict budget week to week and be the coupon queen (because I needed every penny we could get) we didn't take vacations. Much less 2+week vacations. I would think you could have an incredibly wonderful budgeted vacation for 1 week.

Growing up we went on 2 vacations, my parents just couldn't afford them. However, I remember them being special. We were still on a budget-- but it was better than what it was like at home. We got to eat out (that in itself was special), and get small souvineer's and do a handful of things. If you too grew up under meager circumstances, why don't you want to do better now? You'd save on lodging, tickets, and food by cutting this trip in half even. I'm not judging (but you did post this on a public forum and have to know it would get attention), so I'm wondering why the overkill on the length of stay if it means penny pinching to the extreme?

OK, someone finally said what I have been dieing to say. I agree, make it special by allowing a splurge and some treats etc. that are unique to Disney.
The length of time would not be the priority as would being able to make it something that really stands out in their mind as different than their everyday frugal life (not that there is anything wrong w/your choice).

 

[TNKBELL]

I've read this thread 2 times completely. Something about it keeps drawing me back. I can fully appreciate living on a strict budget. I can remember plenty of times when my son was younger and I had to roll pennies to buy milk that week. However, when I had to live on such a strict budget week to week and be the coupon queen (because I needed every penny we could get) we didn't take vacations. Much less 2+week vacations. I would think you could have an incredibly wonderful budgeted vacation for 1 week.

Growing up we went on 2 vacations, my parents just couldn't afford them. However, I remember them being special. We were still on a budget-- but it was better than what it was like at home. We got to eat out (that in itself was special), and get small souvineer's and do a handful of things. If you too grew up under meager circumstances, why don't you want to do better now? You'd save on lodging, tickets, and food by cutting this trip in half even. I'm not judging (but you did post this on a public forum and have to know it would get attention), so I'm wondering why the overkill on the length of stay if it means penny pinching to the extreme?

I understand where you are coming from. At home there are so many responsibilities and commitments, so for us the luxury of this trip is not character breakfasts and tons of souvies, it's family time away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. Don't get me wrong I love to be busy and involved in all the things we do, we just want a breather. This is the longest vacation any of us have had in all our lives,so it should be a real nice bonding trip. To us this won't be a meager vacation or a sacrifice in the least. I do plan to eat out, maybe not everyday but several times anyway which will indeed be a treat! I think you will also be surprised that we will actually come back with several souvies and you can just bet full of happy family memories! Because that is the best part of any journey or event isn't it? Because after we're gone that's what will be left...memories

 

[puddleduck]

I am always looking at misspellings on other people's post and shaking my head. Then I say families instead of family's.

I meant to say that I am saving for my family's first trip to WDW this Dec. I really can't afford to take more than one family at a time.

Sharon

 

[TNKBELL]

OK, someone finally said what I have been dieing to say. I agree, make it special by allowing a splurge and some treats etc. that are unique to Disney.
The length of time would not be the priority as would being able to make it something that really stands out in their mind as different than their everyday frugal life (not that there is anything wrong w/your choice).

Going to Disney isn't a splurge??? Then what is??? The only splurge we won't be indulging in is character breakfasts or ps places. The 2 middle DKS are a little freaked out by the characters anyway so eating with them would really be a memory( a scary one). We still get to see Mickey, the princesses, ride the rides, see the shows and watch the most awesome fireworks displays! I don't understand what you mean?? Splurge on what? My DS8's favorite souvie last year was a 4.00 stitch cling-doll. He still loves that thing! I know it's hard to believe but my Dks appreciate small details and theming. We will definately be having a hidden Mickey hunt. And treats of course!! We will be having Mickey Bars and by eating at the condo we can afford to get plenty of treats. So don't worry, my DKs will be plenty thrilled because going to Disney isn't our "everyday frugal life." I wish!

 

[TNKBELL]

I am always looking at misspellings on other people's post and shaking my head. Then I say families instead of family's.

I meant to say that I am saving for my family's first trip to WDW this Dec. I really can't afford to take more than one family at a time.

Sharon

I'm sure you could write a really bad novel with all my misspellings!!!Thanks for the thumbs up! According to several smart disers mycoupons.com is a great way to save, we'll have to both check it out!

 

[doubletrouble_vb]

Wow I'm amazed the degree that people are picking on both your budget and lifestyle. Growing up most of our vacations were going to see my parent's respective families in the south. We had other special trips, visiting another family's compound in Canada, going to Niagara Falls, visiting other parts of the family living in remote locations like Harrisburg, PA or sometimes we kids would be invited along on other people's trips. I remember one year when I was the last kid in the house my Mom and I went on journeys out east on Long Island during the summer taking in architecture, museums, towns and shops. We kids never thought about begging for anything. My parents gave us a small amount of spending money...our wants were limited to what we each knew we could pay for. Some of our souveniers were quite creative...one year I got a honeycomb from a roadside stand somewhere in central New York. We all knew my parents were teachers and weren't paid a lot but we were happy with what we got to do. As long as a person's mind is open to enjoying what is available to them they will have fun.

Today I do vacations whatever way I can get them. Maybe I'll eat in the condo or inexpensive but healthy locations or maybe I'll do it by eating in great places and buying clothing or objects I can't get at home. This year I plan to buy a Pal Mickey 2.0...I've already started buying Build-A-Bear clothes for him.

PS. I don't know about the midwest but I've found that diary products in the south are more expensive...relative to the Northeast... Georgia is pretty bad but Florida was ridiculous...I'm not sure what they do with all those diary cows you see on the way into Disney...maybe make Land O Lakes milk products to ship up north. Otherwise its not so bad if you shop as far away from the touristy areas as possible. Citrus fruit wasn't so great in the stores either...my ex-stepmother always gets hers from roadstands or her yard.

 

[puddleduck]

I just wanted to add that I do believe you when you say your kids appreciate the small things. I know this because mine do too. Example, my oldest always wants a lunchable when we go to the grocery store and I always say no. One day, he was coming w/ me and my class on a picnic and the night before I told him that on the way to school we would stop at wal-mart and buy a lunchable for the picnic. You would have thought I promised him a pony. His face lit up -over a lunchable! That being said, my kids are not deprived. We just don't like to throw away money on things like that. At the picnic he was so proud of his lunchable, he offered to share with two little boys who were on the trip with us. You have never seen a 4 yo appreciate cheese and crackers so much. We were also proud that he offered to share it, he had been waiting a long time to get that. but because we don't spoil our kids with things, they appreciate things so much more. I am most looking forward to the look on my kid's faces when we enter the park. also, we only have two souvies planned for each kid, mickey ears and a t-shirt, and that will come out of the birthday money they get from grandparents. we don't need anymore useless plastic toys around our house. Plus, don't cringe, but in order to not waste food, my kids will share meals. I'll be sure to post their before and after weights to assure everyone that we didn't starve them.

Also, let me know how the condo's are when you get back-dh and I qualify for it and would really like to know what you think of them.

Sharon

 

[Suz D]

Tnkbell, this is my first post on your thread, but I've been following it from the beginning. I'd like to say that I admire your determination and the way you've been able to stay positive. What I understand from your posts is that your family doesn't care all that much to eat out, you're not park commandos so leaving the park to eat and swim at your hotel is not a sacrifice for you, from the look of your children in your signature picture they are not malnourished or wasting away , one thing that is very important to you is the trip to the beach, therefore you are willing to spend a little extra to do that, your kids aren't much into material things, therefore you don't need lots of money for souvenirs, you've been to WDW before, so you do understand the cost of things there, and most importantly, you do have extra money and/or a back-up credit card in case you do need to increase your food budget or have an emergency.

I have no doubt that your family will have a wonderful 17 days of vacation and will come home well fed and full of memories. Hope ya'll have a great time and I look forward to reading a trip report when you get home

Very well said!

 

[flminivanmama]

How about any other discount food stores in the Orlando area?

there's a new supermarket here in FL (and 2 other markets I think) called "seper saver" It is owned by albertson - I am almost positive there is one in orlando
i'm looking on albertsons website now

 

[Suz D]

Tink and others. We found that the Super Walmart near WDW (my DH thinks that it's Irlo Bronson Hwy) has GREAT souvenirs. We got a wonderful Minnie autograph album for $1.99. They have t-shirts, magnets, postcards, crayons, markers, pencils etc.

That being said 'though, it's a bit far to drive (seems like a lot of traffic) and the store seems very congested. Does anyone have any experience with the souvenirs at the Super Target? Do they have a nice Disney section? Prices reasonable??

Suz

 

[TNKBELL]

Sharon, your Dks sound a lot like mine!! For instance I signed up Ds8 & Ds6 for the free lego kids club, and they get a magazine with a Bionicle comic every month. The neighbors must think we hit the lottery every month with all the commotion and excitement. It seems that when we have tried to spoil them with something they just don't appreciate it. We are always learning that love is the best gift and time with our DKS is more precious than gold! Sometimes it helps to have reminders! I appreciate all the ideas and can't wait to post when we return. I'm just praying that the hurricanes stay away this year!! I know the folks in Florida are praying too!

 

[Suz D]

Speaking of pencils...if your kids want to bring back something for their friends I have 2 fun ideas. We buy the packages of pencils or pens at Walmart and split them up giving one to each friend. They make a fun gift. (Last year I bought them at dollar tree and then just gave them to the kids when we got back).

At many of the resort food courts they have the Mickey Straws which run about 49 cents each. Another very special souvenir at a pretty reasonable price.

Here's the souvenir I got for myself last year...I bought the Mickey Cookie cutter for $5.00 and we now can make our own Mickey Mouse Rice Krispy treat. Pack the treat mixture in a buttered cookie cutter. Pop it out and let it harden a bit. Then dip each ear in melted chocolate. You can also stick a popsicle stick in the bottom for a "sucker" type thing. They sell these at the food courts etc (the rice krispy treats) but I won't pay what they are asking!!

 

[TNKBELL]

Speaking of pencils...if your kids want to bring back something for their friends I have 2 fun ideas. We buy the packages of pencils or pens at Walmart and split them up giving one to each friend. They make a fun gift. (Last year I bought them at dollar tree and then just gave them to the kids when we got back).

At many of the resort food courts they have the Mickey Straws which run about 49 cents each. Another very special souvenir at a pretty reasonable price.

Here's the souvenir I got for myself last year...I bought the Mickey Cookie cutter for $5.00 and we now can make our own Mickey Mouse Rice Krispy treat. Pack the treat mixture in a buttered cookie cutter. Pop it out and let it harden a bit. Then dip each ear in melted chocolate. You can also stick a popsicle stick in the bottom for a "sucker" type thing. They sell these at the food courts etc (the rice krispy treats) but I won't pay what they are asking!!

Great Ideas!!!!! I have one of those cookie cutters too! I will definately be making Micky Crispys!!! I'll be on the lookout for those Mickey straws, are they available at all resort food courts? I didn't see them last year.Thanks for your AWESOME ideas!!!

 

[AllyBri]

I am always looking at misspellings on other people's post and shaking my head. Then I say families instead of family's.

Don't even bother looking, just enjoy life and don't be sad.

 

[dandee00]

Cindy's mom: DH and I are driving from Canada and I don't want to repack dirty clothes or spend time doing a laundry as soon as I get to Orlando. I'm not saving any money by not doing a laundry that first week. But I am saving myself some time to do fun stuff. So, I am keeping a few outfits, that I could care less about, to toss away the first week of our adventure. I am planning to buy new things when we get there. I am trying to save some money by not buying a bunch of clothes this summer or fall. This money I'll use when I get to Orlando to do some clothes shopping. I spend most of my life in a uniform so I am looking forward to shopping and wearing new casual clothes. And I have 4 wonderful weeks of vacation to sneak in some shopping.
I'm curious has anyone done any shopping at the Super Walmart, not too far from Disney, late at night? I understand it's open 24 hours and I was hoping to shop there when it's not so congested. I'm going in January.

Mrs. Pete: I agree with you it's me that's cute. And as long as my DH thinks I look good, that's all I need.

 

[Tiger926]

Not trying to beat this topic to death, but I feel as if some of you have missed the point of any of our posts that have questioned the food budget for various reasons:

1. Is it reasonable to assume that the OP is going to pay the same prices for groceries in Orlando as at home? Nope - like we've all said, dairy products and juice are very expensive in Orlando. Not sure about OP's grocery stores, but here in Ontario, we can't use double coupons at places on the same items, so that may not work either. But, she does have an extra credit card, so that's good.

2. OP is going to have to spend precious park minutes driving around to various stores looking for deals - make sure that you include this in your schedules. Example - last year the baby wanted toast, no toast at Wilderness Lodge at 8:30 at night, so we drove to several stores. Guess what? Only bread left was $3.00 U.S. a loaf. That hurts the budget, but since so many people are on tight budgets such as the OP, the cheaper stuff sells first. Only choice is: buy the bread, or drive around to buy cheaper bread which uses gas money, and then cheaper bread becomes more expensive than this bread - plus this is a big waste of time. Again, need to plan for this kind of stuff because it's probably going to happen.

3. Some of you have mentioned that those of us who have questioned the OP must waste our money on groceries and don't care about saving money, and that's not true at all! For us with my DH, myself (who doesn't eat much at all) and a 2 year old growing toddler, this would not be possible, and we don't drink pop, smoke or drink - just regular foods such as bread, juice, diapers and apples. It is true that when you are at the parks all day, your appetite is decreased due to the heat, but your kids will then want to snack, and this very well may cost more than actual meals. I still don't know how she is going to feed 6 people on $36.00 per day - this is still a mystery to me!

4. Again, OP really has to keep her schedule as strict as her budget in order to make sure that she includes transportation time for going back and forth between the condo and the parks in order to eat their meals, as well as including all of her shopping trips. We have no problems going back to our resort as we only stay on Disney property, but when you are off property, yikes! Orlando traffic is outrageous! So you would hate to spend a couple of hours per day in transit since you paid for park tickets, please keep this in mind as well. Glad someone pointed out that she missed the parking fees as well.

5. People keep making the point that what can be done at home, can be done on vacation in terms of meals, and that is not entirely true. At home, many of us have freezers that we have full with meat that was on sale, or homemade chili and sauce, is OP going to be able to do this on vacation? I'm not sure as it would take hours to prepare enough food for 6 people to eat - wasted park time once again (although I guess she could do it while kids are at the pool).

I guess for me, when I first read this post, I struck me as totally unreasonable given the fact that I know how expensive food in Orlando is, I know how bad the traffic in Orlando is and I know how hectic vacations can be (I still have personal issues with so many people sharing food, but obviously the OP knows what her kids like to eat). Plus I'm still not sure how she is going to fit 6 people in a van, plus bring all kinds of stuff from home - what size van do you have?

It doesn't matter how hard the OP or any of us plan to death, stuff happens. Kids get sick, kids get hungry & thirsty (hopefully OP has a big water budget as it's still hot & humid in Orlando in September) and traffic jams cause some people to lose out on special activities. Hopfully the OP, and any of the rest of you who are planning similar trips keep all of this stuff in mind. Having strict budgets and schedules is one thing, and is necessary for many families, but it's also important to remember that we can only control some things, as there are lots of things that we can't control (hospital visits, sick kids, stores running out of bread/milk), and this is where our plans and schedules have to be adjusted and this inevitably will eat into anyone's budget, no matter how much planning has gone into it.

Tiger

 

[aka-mad4themouse]

WOW! A person takes a few says away from the DIS and it takes 1½ days to catch up on just one thread!

A couple of suggestions for the OP. Check out AllEarsNet.com - Grocery Stores for the locations of various grocery chains in the Orlando area. There are even directions and a little info on each on the page. If the grocer has a website, there's a link to it from this page. Deb even did a price comparison of some of the stores for things like milk and diapers. It's at the bottom of the page.

Also, if you decide to shop at Winn-Dixie or Albertson's, get their frequent shopper card. You can apply for them online and have them mailed to your home. In the Philly area, we have ACME Markets, which is owned by Albertson's. I can use my Albertson's card there as well as in FL! I found that out yesterday when I went grocery shopping without my frequent shopper cards (I'd removed them from my wallet when we went away for the weekend). I had my Albertson's card attached to my keyring and it worked at the ACME I was shopping at!

I think that you've done a great job with your budget. Like others, the food budget scares me a little but you know your family better than we do and you know what it costs to feed them. I'm sure you'll do fine. If it means preparing 2 or 3 meals per day at the condo for your clan, who cares? You're in Disney! I'm all for doing whatever it takes to make a trip happen. And if dining out is not a high priority for your family, then you should be able to make it work.

To get a better idea of what gasoline will cost you, check out AAA Fuel Cost Calculator . It will estimate your usage based on the vehicle and distance that you're driving as well as the cost of fuel along your route.

With 4 children in the car, I'm sure that you will want to have a planned overnight stop along the way down and back. If you have AAA, have them do a TripTik for your drive. You can also use their website to locate hotels along your route. I always go to TripAdvisor.com to read hotel reviews before I book any hotel. I've found that just because AAA gives a place 3 diamonds, it doesn't mean that I'd want to stay there!

While Hotwire and Priceline are good for getting an idea on hotel rates, most hotels chains will guarantee that you will get the lowest published rate on the web thru their own site. And if you find a lower rate elsewhere, they'll match it, sometimes even undercutting the competitor by 5-10%. The only way to get the hotel cheaper at Priceline or Hotwire is to let them "pick" the hotel for you. I'm not willing to take my chances, especially with the kids along for the trip.

I'm glad to see that you've considered switching up your schedule so that you're not spending 2 nights in Tampa. It seems a waste to pay for two hotels rooms at one time (even if you did get one for such a cheap price!). You should be able to get 2 beach days in with just an overnight stay.

It looks like you're well on your way to a great vacation - budget or otherwise. Have a blast!

 

[Debbie]

Tiger, I don't really agree with some of your perceptions. You keep referring to "strict schedules". I think, if I've read this whole thread properly, that OP is NOT on any strict schedule. Her kids like and enjoy the simple things in life. I'm pretty sure that if the kids are getting hungry, OP has a plan to stave the hunger until they are back at the condo.

Secondly, depending on just where the condo is, the trip could take less time than some of the buses. I remember all the omens about HIFS when I was offsite. Nope 5 minutes to MGM, 15 to AK. The trip from the parking lot-which my kids thought of as their first ride, not a delay in getting to the park- was probably the stickler.

Food. It sounds like OP has done her research, and, THAT is the difference between a real budget minded person, and one who goes with the flow. Hats off to her. Yep, it could cost her more, but at least she has an idea of just how MUCH more before she goes. And I don't remember reading that she was going to go from store to store to get the best bargain. Coupons? I don't even pretend to understand that, since I don't use them much-I find generic brands cheaper.

Good question about the size of van. One thing that I like about going in the summer, is that I only have to take summer clothes for us. Do you have a car top carrier, too, OP? In our family, everyone gets 1 bag + 1 backpack for inside the van. It can be done! Gotta go to work! Can hardly wait to catch up tonight!

 

[welovedis]

OP-you must have assumed that you'd get some people who'd agree and others who'd disagree with your plans when you posted this.

I agree with Tiger, I still don't know how you'll feed your family for the amount given, but more power to you if you succeed!

Everyone's opinion of what the enjoy on vacation is so obviously different and apparent in this thread. Some people, like the OP, enjoy the thrill of hunting down the bargains and don't feel it eats into their vacation enjoyment at all. For me, personally, I couldn't waste the time (or money) to stay offsite, pay to park, etc... it is just a matter of personal preference.

For those who think they are picked on for "starving" their children, I don't think anyone said that, I was merely relating my personal experience, which sounds a lot like what is mentioned here. Only you know your family and their needs, some here are just telling their stories and letting you know how they felt, that is all. Please don't assume that we care to know your child's weight or anything like that.

My own DS is not spoiled at all, enjoys many little things that the majority of children fail to see in their everyday lives. Just yesterday he was thrilled at the sight of some vegetables poking their way thru the dirt, vegetables he planted and will cultivate, feed and water them daily and then enjoy them later on his dinner plate!

He recently ate his first lunchable, at age 8, and didn't even like it. I laughed with DH about that one, he was so adamant that he wanted to try one, then said afterwards that it was a waste of money. He did eat it as he knew that he shouldn't waste his food, so he even us splurgers are doing something right with our kids.

There are many ways to go down life's path, I choose not to make his the difficult road I traveled, while still teaching him how to be a loving human being who understands debt, budgets and monetary responsibility. He enjoys things in life that my DH & I never did, but he also appreciates them and thanks God each day in his prayers for the life he enjoys.

Enjoy your trip planning OP & hope it turns out the way you expect.

 

[cruisnfamily]

I have a question. Everybody is harping on the $26(now$36) a day figure. Is this the average daily food price based on that $458 divided by 17? Or is this the amount of spending money per day for food? What I mean is if you have $458 lets say you go shopping and spend $150($75 per week X 2) for groceries for the condo. That means you have $308 left over. Will this money be used to eat in the parks and have snacks? You're not actually planning to buy meals in the parks for $26 per day for all of you right? That was just the average? Some days no meals at the parks and some days 1 or 2 meals totaling more than $26, right?

The reason I'm asking is I've just finished our budget for our trip and I don't see how you could even buy Mickey Bars and water for your crowd for $26 so I think that must be an average not a daily spending limit.