Am I taking enough money to disney?

[HBaney84]

I wasn't sure if this was supposed to go in the general board, or the budget board -- but decided to put it here, because some of the budget boards posts are outside of Disney based. So, feel free to move if in the wrong spot.

In my party is my immediate family (myself, DH, DD (4 turning 5 while there), DS (3)) then, my step sons and one of the girlfriends (18,21,19 (maybe she's 20..), and my parents.

We are paying for the package (resort, dining plan, tickets, memory maker) The package will be payed off, but Am I planning enough cash for everything else?

Food Tips - $300. (That is automatic 18% gratuity, we're eating at Crystal Palace, Garden Grill, Rain Forest Cafe and 50's Prime Time) I would like to cover for each meal and there is NO WAY I could get my parents or step kids to even guess what they are eating at this point.

Room Tips - $150 (I know there is yes/no to tipping, but we plan to...) We will cover our room (Me, DH, DD, DS) and my step kids room. My parents will cover their own room.

Souvenirs - $400 This is for the 4 of us. Parents and Step Kids are on their own for souvenirs. Really, my husband will want a shot glass, I will want a picture frame, and then who knows what the little ones will want. I'm not a huge souvenir person, more of a picture person and will want to get ever single picture taken possible.

Extra Food/Groceries - $500 I plan to get juice boxes, snacks, diapers, and some other smaller snack items delivered, but also know we may just want stuff that is not covered by the dining plan. I hope to cover the 18 year old, and the 4 of us. Step son and his girlfriend were "told" they'll need to cover food outside of the dining plan at the parks, but... not sure how that will work. (I plan on ordering some in room food/drinks for them) My parents will cover themselves.

What am I missing, what looks terribly off? I would love to take extra money, than not enough. I have BBB planned, which I'm not including above, that is a separate line on my budget and I have an idea for that cost, since I can see the prices.

 

[rwdavis2]

It's tough for anyone else to etimate what you will spend. Assuming you've been there before you know how expensive it is. The delivered food costs look OK.

An editorial note: I'd never take that much cash on a trip.

 

[HBaney84]

It's tough for anyone else to etimate what you will spend. Assuming you've been there before you know how expensive it is. The delivered food costs look OK.

An editorial note: I'd never take that much cash on a trip.

Oh, It won't be in cash... gift cards and check card.. not cash cash.

 

[alliecat523]

You said you're on the dining plan so I don't understand the need for food coverage. Or did I read that wrong?

You can probably cut the souvenirs in half.

Food and groceries can be cut in half too. The dining plan will more than cover your food intake.

Room tipping is up to you. I don't do it but many do. It's generally not expected but very much appreciated.

 

[rwdavis2]

Oh, It won't be in cash... gift cards and check card.. not cash cash.

Sorry then. Since you said cash I wondered. I think the numbers look fine.

 

[rwdavis2]

You said you're on the dining plan so I don't understand the need for food coverage. Or did I read that wrong?

You can probably cut the souvenirs in half.

Food and groceries can be cut in half too. The dining plan will more than cover your food intake.

Room tipping is up to you. I don't do it but many do. It's generally not expected but very much appreciated.

Good points. To us, even the regular DP was a lot of food. Although we ate breakfast in the room with food we bought locally.

 

[danielocha30]

Oh, It won't be in cash... gift cards and check card.. not cash cash.

remember to make copies in case you loose them, it can get replaced if you have all the info, I think you have plenty and probably bring back home money. Have a great Trip!!!

 

[HBaney84]

You said you're on the dining plan so I don't understand the need for food coverage. Or did I read that wrong?

You can probably cut the souvenirs in half.

Food and groceries can be cut in half too. The dining plan will more than cover your food intake.

Room tipping is up to you. I don't do it but many do. It's generally not expected but very much appreciated.

Thank you! I was thinking drinks in the resort, and I have no idea how much my step sons currently eat..., so like appetizers at the restaurants and things like that. But thank you! All of this is helpful!

 

[HBaney84]

Good points. To us, even the regular DP was a lot of food. Although we ate breakfast in the room with food we bought locally.

yes, that is what I was thinking maybe a quick breakfast in the room to get us going... then maybe a snack once we get to the park. (I need to eat when I wake up, I can't wait until after a bus ride...) But, I may cut down the extra food budget. Thank you!

 

[mom2rtk]

I just asked Mickey.

He said bring more.

 

[DVC_Dad_Canada]

I wasn't sure if this was supposed to go in the general board, or the budget board -- but decided to put it here, because some of the budget boards posts are outside of Disney based. So, feel free to move if in the wrong spot.

In my party is my immediate family (myself, DH, DD (4 turning 5 while there), DS (3)) then, my step sons and one of the girlfriends (18,21,19 (maybe she's 20..), and my parents.

We are paying for the package (resort, dining plan, tickets, memory maker) The package will be payed off, but Am I planning enough cash for everything else?

It would help to know where you are staying and for how long. I'm assuming since you have 4 table service meals picked you are staying for four nights.

Food Tips - $300.

Lets do ballpark math. 7 adults, 2 children. Buffets run you around $50/adult, $25 for kids. So $400/buffet, or $80 tip. rain Forest probably $40/adult, $20/kid. So $300 for Rainforest, or $60 tip. 50s prime time $35/adult, $20/kid. Around $275 or $55 tip.

So your tip total approx for those 4 table service meals is around $275. More if you buy off dining plan items like appetizers or alcohol.

Room Tips - $150

I do $10 per night per room. We're DVC, so in a studio is one room, a one bedroom is two rooms and a 2 bedroom is 3 rooms. With that group Im assuming one room for immediate family, one room for parents and one for "others". 3 rooms x 4 nights x $10 = $120

Souvenirs - $400

The "tooth pick holder" for your husband and picture frame aren't the deciding factor, it's what the kids want. The cost to you is directly proportional to how good you are at saying "no you don't need that".

Extra Food/Groceries - $500

We order groceries, especially all our breakfasts from garden grocer. Diapers can be delivered from Amazon prime, if you have a prime account. Extra stuff for table service meals depends on your eating habits. A few appetizers, collectible cups for kids, and alcoholic drinks add up quickly.

 

[KittyKitty]

Only take enough cash for tips, Restaurants, room, DME or other, airport . They have Chase cash machines in the resorts (parks?), so if I run low, I use them.

You can also pay for anything( maybe not food carts) at WDW with your handy dandy Magic Band. If everyone is on the same My Disney Experience, be careful they understand the dining plan, especially if they plan to eat/buy without you. They may use up more than their share of credits.

Have a great time.

 

[bumbershoot]

I do $10 per night per room. We're DVC, so in a studio is one room, a one bedroom is two rooms and a 2 bedroom is 3 rooms. With that group Im assuming one room for immediate family, one room for parents and one for "others". 3 rooms x 4 nights x $10 = $120

Whereas I do about $1 per person each day we let housekeeping in.

When staying dvc we get housekeeping on the 4th day for "trash and towel", which isn't an actual cleaning. It's a different tip than at the end of the stay when they'll actually have to clean it.

Either way I come NOwhere near that amount for tipping housekeeping.

 

[DVC_Dad_Canada]

Sorry, with DVC it IS every day they do work, my mistake.

 

[robinb]

I wasn't sure if this was supposed to go in the general board, or the budget board -- but decided to put it here, because some of the budget boards posts are outside of Disney based. So, feel free to move if in the wrong spot.

In my party is my immediate family (myself, DH, DD (4 turning 5 while there), DS (3)) then, my step sons and one of the girlfriends (18,21,19 (maybe she's 20..), and my parents.

We are paying for the package (resort, dining plan, tickets, memory maker) The package will be payed off, but Am I planning enough cash for everything else?

So, 6 adults and 2 children.

Food Tips - $300

. (That is automatic 18% gratuity, we're eating at Crystal Palace, Garden Grill, Rain Forest Cafe and 50's Prime Time) I would like to cover for each meal and there is NO WAY I could get my parents or step kids to even guess what they are eating at this point.

That's too much unless you are also planning to use that for alcohol.

Crystal Palace dinner: $48 per adult, $29 per child or $346 with tax, $325 without, $59 tip
Garden Grill dinner: same as above, $59 tip
Rain Forest, most expensive entree is $31 plus a $3 drink plus an $8 dessert, you're looking at $42 pre-tax max. Max kids meal is $9 plus $3 dessert. So, you'll spend no more than $276 pre-tax, $50 tip (max)
50's Prime Time, most expensive entree is $25 plus $3 drink plus $7 dessert, you're looking at $35 pre-tax max. Max kids meal is $11. So, you'll spend no more than $232 pre-tax, $42 tip.

I come up with $210 in tips.

Room Tips

- $150 (I know there is yes/no to tipping, but we plan to...) We will cover our room (Me, DH, DD, DS) and my step kids room. My parents will cover their own room.

Holy cow! Is that for only 4 days? That's a LOT. We tip $1 per person per day and sometimes will up it to $5 per room if we get some extra "pixie dust". I want to encourage you not to tip like a drunken sailor hoping for towel animals and the like. You will just be disappointed. If it were me, I wouldn't tip any more than $80 for both rooms and that would be $5 daily per room in cash.

Souvenirs - $400

This is for the 4 of us. Parents and Step Kids are on their own for souvenirs. Really, my husband will want a shot glass, I will want a picture frame, and then who knows what the little ones will want. I'm not a huge souvenir person, more of a picture person and will want to get ever single picture taken possible.

I want to say that this is just about right. You could easily spend $100+ on a princess dress for your DD's BBB visit. I would go ahead and budget for it.

Extra Food/Groceries - $500

I plan to get juice boxes, snacks, diapers, and some other smaller snack items delivered, but also know we may just want stuff that is not covered by the dining plan. I hope to cover the 18 year old, and the 4 of us. Step son and his girlfriend were "told" they'll need to cover food outside of the dining plan at the parks, but... not sure how that will work. (I plan on ordering some in room food/drinks for them) My parents will cover themselves.

$125 per day on extra food while you're on the DDP? That's really insane. You could cut that in half and still come home with money.

What am I missing, what looks terribly off?

I would love to take extra money, than not enough. I have BBB planned, which I'm not including above, that is a separate line on my budget and I have an idea for that cost, since I can see the prices.

Just the princess dress, but that's covered under souvenirs.

 

[HBaney84]

Actually 6 nights, but we're doing Hoop De Do, one day and their tip is included, -- and one dinner not using a table service meal. But, I think I can change my tip amount and extra food amount! I'll probably leave the souvenir money... just incase.

Thank you all!!!

 

[scrapquitler]

I wasn't sure if this was supposed to go in the general board, or the budget board -- but decided to put it here, because some of the budget boards posts are outside of Disney based. So, feel free to move if in the wrong spot.

In my party is my immediate family (myself, DH, DD (4 turning 5 while there), DS (3)) then, my step sons and one of the girlfriends (18,21,19 (maybe she's 20..), and my parents.

We are paying for the package (resort, dining plan, tickets, memory maker) The package will be payed off, but Am I planning enough cash for everything else?

Food Tips - $300. (That is automatic 18% gratuity, we're eating at Crystal Palace, Garden Grill, Rain Forest Cafe and 50's Prime Time) I would like to cover for each meal and there is NO WAY I could get my parents or step kids to even guess what they are eating at this point.

Room Tips - $150 (I know there is yes/no to tipping, but we plan to...) We will cover our room (Me, DH, DD, DS) and my step kids room. My parents will cover their own room.

Souvenirs - $400 This is for the 4 of us. Parents and Step Kids are on their own for souvenirs. Really, my husband will want a shot glass, I will want a picture frame, and then who knows what the little ones will want. I'm not a huge souvenir person, more of a picture person and will want to get ever single picture taken possible.

Extra Food/Groceries - $500 I plan to get juice boxes, snacks, diapers, and some other smaller snack items delivered, but also know we may just want stuff that is not covered by the dining plan. I hope to cover the 18 year old, and the 4 of us. Step son and his girlfriend were "told" they'll need to cover food outside of the dining plan at the parks, but... not sure how that will work. (I plan on ordering some in room food/drinks for them) My parents will cover themselves.

What am I missing, what looks terribly off? I would love to take extra money, than not enough. I have BBB planned, which I'm not including above, that is a separate line on my budget and I have an idea for that cost, since I can see the prices.

What you are budgeting sounds like more than enough if you spend like we do. That said, I'd suggest bringing a credit card to use 'just in case', and because I don't like carrying a lot of cash when we travel. We bring about $150 in cash and just pay for everything with the card and then as soon as the bill comes, I pay the credit card bill. Much safer than worrying about losing the cash.

Let me edit some of what I said: We don't do the dining plan, but we spend (2 adults, 1 teenage boy) approx $150/day on food. I'm sure you have more than enough budgeted for that. You'll most likely be bringing a lot of that 'extra food' money home.

We don't spend that much on souvenirs either, but it's not our first trip, and our son never wants anything more than maybe a tshirt or a water bottle. Usually I'll buy a tote bag or a coffee mug and Christmas Ornament.

As to the room tips, you won't need anywhere near that much. Even if you are tipping $5/day per room, for two rooms, that's only $50. Bell services we tip $1/bag when they handle our bags/

 

[KKB]

Looks like more than enough to me!
We don't buy souvenirs typically.
Everything is paid for on this trip already except gas & food--Mom is paying for food as I paid for air, condo, van & park tickets.
11 days total, 6 people. Planning on breakfast in condo, lunch at counter service (we are big on kids meals or sharing meals), then dinner either off site or back at condo--maybe another CS if we stay at park late. Possibly a snack in there for some. Too hot for me, I'll just grab LOTS of that free ice water. We are going to be there for Flower & Garden Festival so plan on a pricier day plus alcohol.
$1-2K is my guess here...

 

[dmea10]

I am a good tipper but I was surprised to see people tipping 80$ on a 400.00 buffet bill. I feel like at a buffet I would not tip that much because I am serving myself.

 

[robinb]

I am a good tipper but I was surprised to see people tipping 80$ on a 400.00 buffet bill. I feel like at a buffet I would not tip that much because I am serving myself.

First of all, the OP has a family group of 8 and all groups of 6 or more are automatically charged 18% no matter what type of restaurant it is. Secondly, you might serve yourself your food at a buffet but your drinks are still served and refilled by your waitress. They also keep an eye on your table and clear wave after wave of dirty dishes. I've always thought it was harder to be a server at a buffet than one at a normal restaurant with the regular meal pacing.