Budget for Disney

[Bridget375]

I know this could be a really touchy subject but I have to ask. Celebrating DS 6th birthday in January for 8 days, staying at the POP. We will be on the dining plan. I'm just trying figure out how much to budget for each day. Again, i know $$ is a sensitive subject for a lot of people but if anyone is willing to give some suggestions that would be awesome. Any responses will be greatly appreciated!!!

 

[A&Bmama]

It is really highly variable depending on the family. I am going to assume that you are wanting to keep expenses down.

First, with the QSDP (assuming you got free dining and didn't upgrade) your expenses for food should be minimal to nil. We did the QSDP once and really found it to be quite a lot of food. Since you get a mug with the QSDP it is easy enough to use it and a couple of snack credits for breakfast and then save your "full" meals for lunch and dinner. I find the portions to be quite large so some meals can even be split. This might be helpful if your are there for most of your arrival and departure day and need to cover them, or if you want to ration some credits so that you can have the occasional full breakfast.

I am also assuming that you will be using the Disney transportation systems so that will also keeps costs down since it is free.

The biggest out of pocket expense will be for souvenirs. You mention you have DS turning six, do you have other children as well? What I would do is explain to DS that he can have one or two souvenirs but that he must choose wisely. I would have him carry a small note book and a pencil so that you can write down each thing that he sees that he wants and then tell him that close to the end of the trip the two of you will go through the list and choose what you will ultimately buy. Of course, if his birthday falls at the start of the trip I would let him get some sort of special treat or souvenir that day as well.

 

[jlm]

The first year we went-it was a 5 night trip...we went a bit crazy. Also did BBB pkg ($$$$), 2 pirates cruise (61.00), and were not smart about our snacks...live and learn! We spent around 700.00 on 'extras.' The second year we went we were a bit smarter about the whole thing....6 nights spent around 500.00. This time we are going for 9 days....I am just planning on 100.00/day for extras. I pinch and scrape all year long....I like to spludge a bit on vacation.
Jen

 

[Agri]

To budget for expenses, even though its just my mom and me, we each get a gift card with a set amount of money and once its spent, its spent. I'd decide ahead of time what you want to buy your son specifically for his birthday and then give him a budget for the rest of the things he might want.

 

[Bridget375]

Thank you everyone for your comments, i know it is very hard thing to determine because everyone is different but I really appreciate it!

Thanks again!

 

[ancestry]

It is really a large variable from family to family. In our case we rarely buy souvenirs. If our hotel is paid for, we have our tickets, and are on the dining plan (therefore food is paid for) we really don't spend any additional money other than tips. However, we usually do some of the extras such as tours or Pirate's cruises, etc. But those extras have to be booked ahead of time so I don't count them in our spending money.

 

[Jazcat]

we went in 06 and spent over 500 in souviners the next time money was very tight so we set a limit of 15 dollars a day for me and my husband. We were on the dinning plan so it was for souviners or drink though we had water with us and brought our own snacks. We came home with money on that trip becasue we saved thinking we would buy more at the end, and didn't

 

[princess06]

I was wondering the same thing. Room,tickets,dining plan all paid for--plus vmcp. I should only need $$ for tips and souvenirs. It will just be myself and 7 yr old.

 

[rubato]

We don't do souveniers. My son is getting Disney gift cards for Christmas this year, that will be his spending money. I'm figuring he'll have about $150. I like an adult beverage every once in awhile. I usually spend about $30 a day on tips while on the DDP. So, for my family of 3, we'll probably spend about $250 on tips and drinks for our 6 night stay. We never need to buy food out of pocket and don't drink bottled water (just bring our own or get the free ice water). However, I love the look of those Dooney and Bourke purses!

 

[btcrane]

We don't really do souvenirs either...definitely no more than $100 over a week's time. And that is over-estimating...the only souvenirs bought are ones that are practical...my daughter buys me a pen from DW once a year to use at work, just a tradition of ours, and every now and then I will buy a hooded sweatshirt because I live in them in the winter. Reminds me of happy (warmer!) times. The bulk of our money is spent on food so if you're on the dining plan that won't be a problem. And then tips of course. You should do well!!! Have fun!!!!!

 

[Tink813]

your best bet is to never have a budget... guidelines maybe but its hard to stick to a budget once the magic starts flowing!