Am I Overspending? Advice, please?

[VAN]

I see that you have already purchased everything. Had you not, I would have suggested dropping LaNouba. I've heard wonderful things about the show but for a first visit, I think you are going to have your hands full just taking in the parks. You will also be there during the summer (HOT) which can be very crowded.

At this point, I would just make sure you plan to stop at a grocery store to stock up on drinks, snacks, breakfast items in order to keep the food budget down. Allocate a set amount of money for souveniers for both you and each of the kids ... and then stick to it.

Otherwise, I think you will be fine.

Disney can be expensive ... or not. We did Disney on the cheap for many, many years with our family and did not feel deprived. Yes, I would have done things a little different than what you did; however, you've done it so just forget about it and enjoy yourself!

 

[lisajl]

I think it looks good. You should go see La Nouba at least once.
It is well worth the ticket price.

Have a fantastic time at WDW!!! Can I come with you?

 

[tink2dw]

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[2TxAgs]

If you are concerned about expenses, the one thing I would point out is not to let your excitement about all the things you learn on these boards color your perspective. By that I mean - your daughter is only 8, and the other two are babies. Being at WDW will be such a unique and special opportunity. The kids have no clue about meals with princesses, hair salons, etc. Just BEING THERE will be special - do not add on expensive extras in order to 'make the trip special'. It already is!!!!!

There was a thread on here last week about how much is ENOUGH and several folks stated that all the 'extras' they purchased did not really add much to their trips. It's almost like saying: I've won a million dollars, but it would have been more special to have won a million and a hundred dollars. Don't lose site of the fact that just being there is a wonderful opportunity in itself. Especially for a first time visitor, there is so much to see and do that is included in the cost of your park tickets, you won't need anything else.

Have a great time!

 

[amylynne01]

You can't avoid going into the stores. Many rides exit through gift shops. However, you can talk to your kids ahead of time about souveniers and what you will/won't spend. We decided years ago that we're a "no souveniers" family. Really, it all ends up in next year's yard sale anyway, and when you allow time for shopping the vacation turns into a buying expedition rather than fun family time. It's a choice we made when our kids were toddlers -- they're teens now -- and we've never had any problem with it. Definitely the little things!

Luckily for us, when we go in January, the girls will be just turned 3 and 19 months, and we can pick them up and keep walking.

 

[LovesTimone]

I'm just curious did you price out staying on property and doing a package with tickets and dining? I know that they have free transportation to the hotels round trip( magical express) or, my Friend and family always take a limo w/ one stop to pick up the extras for around 50.00 to 75.00 dollars depending on time of year.
I would not go with Water park add on for your first trip. Most pools have slides for the kids. Are you planning on spending a great deal of time at the water parks?
This year our 5 night trip for 3 adults Moderate resorts with PH tix and DXDDP is 2300.00 Which I think is good. Because I have spend alot more before at the mouse house.
Dollar store stuff is good. Glow necklaces are fun. when DD was little we would share with someone next to us while waiting for the parade. Take a break during the day for everyone to relax and nap. No-one wants a meltdown and in July with the heat that can happen very easily.
No matter what Have a Magical Vacation

 

[traveljunkie2]

There have been so many great tips already. Your budget looks fine, it's just kinda scary to see it in black and white! I think that anywhere you can save money on the little things can really add up. We brought in an empty water bottle and a bunch of individual kool-aid packs (about $2 for 12 packs) and just kept refilling the water bottle and making more kool-aid throughout the day. We also had a snack bag with pretzels, cheezits, granola bars, etc. Either budget for Mickey ice cream bars (about $3 each) for everyone each day, or buy a big box of ice cream treats to have at the condo. Definitely take an afternoon break and save a ton of money by eating lunch or dinner or ice cream at the condo. Also, souveneirs are way cheaper at WalMart. You can also pick up things like twisty lollipops and taffy to bring into the parks as treats. Target and Michaels have lots of cool Disney stuff in the dollar bins.

I gave each child a budget of $15/day to spend on snacks/souveneirs. Whatever they didn't spend each day carried over to the next. They each bought 3 toys and a few ice cream bars and came home with over $85 each that they have put into our vacation fund for the next trip!

 

[leebee]

If you are concerned about expenses, the one thing I would point out is not to let your excitement about all the things you learn on these boards color your perspective. By that I mean - your daughter is only 8, and the other two are babies. Being at WDW will be such a unique and special opportunity. The kids have no clue about meals with princesses, hair salons, etc. Just BEING THERE will be special - do not add on expensive extras in order to 'make the trip special'. It already is!!!!!

There was a thread on here last week about how much is ENOUGH and several folks stated that all the 'extras' they purchased did not really add much to their trips. It's almost like saying: I've won a million dollars, but it would have been more special to have won a million and a hundred dollars. Don't lose site of the fact that just being there is a wonderful opportunity in itself. Especially for a first time visitor, there is so much to see and do that is included in the cost of your park tickets, you won't need anything else.

Have a great time!

I know I've already chimed in here, but I really have to agree with this! On your first trip, just being there is going to be totally, overwhelmingly magical! You really, really don't need BBB and CRT for a first-time trip. Get some styling gel and glitter/confetti and do DD's hair in "princess style" EVERY DAY! We have also brought face paint for our AK day, which saves a bunch of money, too. Spend your dollars on sit-downs at Akershus (for the princess experience) or 1900 PF (but that's just Cindy, et al.) and Crystal Palace (for the Pooh guys)- and maybe Chef Mickeys for the traditional characters (although I don't love their food). The whole family will enjoy this! On your Epcot day, go over to the International Gateway and take the free Friendship water shuttle for a boat ride over to DHS and back; it's lots of fun and a great way to relax and give the feet a much-deserved rest. I know you cannot return your LaNouba tix (and I've seen it- it IS amazing- but we waited til DD was 13 to really enjoy this) but maybe you should rethink the water park tickets (you will have a great pool at your condo) and BBB/CRT if you really want to reduce the budget. Don't feed off all the excitement here on the boards... if you do nothing but go to Disney theme parks (not even park hop), you will have a most wonderful, amazing, magical time!!