Budgetting Do's and Don't at the World

[DisneyNic]

As far as cleaning mugs go...

Buy a bag of cheap sponges at the dollar store.
Cut into halves or quarters
Pour 1 tsp dish soap on each
Let dry completely
Put dried sponges into a ziplock bag

As you need to wash dishes in your hotel room, bring out a soap dried sponge. Clean up dishes and throw away. You will always have a clean sponge and don't have to use the wash cloths.

This was the tip I was going to post. I read it on a cruise board before my cruise last year and thought it was great advice. It works really well and it does not cost a lot of money or space.

I also had one more from reading a previous post about public toilets. I have found travel packs of disposable toilet seat covers at Walmart. I bought several of them for my cruise (you never know what bathrooms in other countries will be like.) They are cheap, don't take up much space, and prevents me from ever having to worry about myself or one of my kids needing to use the potty in a less than desirable restroom.

 

[WalkingintheFog]

Aliceacc....thank you! I live in the best place in the world. If only my side door opened onto Disneyworld, I'd have it made! (don't suppose Aunt M's last name started with J did it?)
Disneybridetobe.... Dental floss & plumbing repairs! lol! Did you send her a bill?

I'm a recent WDW addict, and loving this thread, as I need to figure where I can cut back to so I can splurge other places. It's also helping me actually reflect on my actions. Also, I'm trying to be environmentally friendly where I can, reducing/reusing/recycling.
Sometime the budget is as much about baggage limits, time constraints, and maximum trip enjoyment as it is about the actual $$.

Here are a few more, mostly about the food:

DO consider your family's eating habits when deciding if DDP is worth it to you
I've decided for this upcoming trip it won't be:
---I plan to eat breakfasts in room (milk/cereal/porridge/juice/fruit/bread&cheese). 1st part of stay is at POP, and I've joined a fridge swap. I feel they are fine because of the length of time they've been around: Disney is aware & has not discouraged them
I will be bringing a kettle with auto-shut off as well. This brings a money saving factor, and a time saving factor and enjoyment as well--And consideration for the fellow disney guests as well... I'm not civil until after that morning cuppa tea! I'll also be having a light snack in room at night as I unwind and plan for the next day.
---I've looked at menus on Allears of places I'd like to dine at, and have concluded there are some places where the appetizers and small plates are what I'd like. I can't eat 2 desserts a day (well I could, but not at meal time). And if I only plan on a few table service meals, I can snack on the special things I see (I want to try the mini corn dogs MK, frozen bananas AK, something decadent at Ghiradellis DTD, and afternoon Tea at Grand Floridian, grazing through the F&W)
---Do realize that sometimes the lunchtime meals are lower priced than the suppertime meals, even tho the food may still be the same.... I'll be booking for Biergarten at the latest lunch hour. This also means to me that my HUGE meal will be fully digested by bedtime, which in turn means a better night's sleep
---I will bring a couple pieces of fruit, granola bars, water bottle into the parks with me for morning snack. This will tide me over til late lunch, and then leave room in my fannypack (yes, fannypack), and will ensure I get at least some vitamins that day. Also, if hunger pangs hit, I won't need to get in a line that might be long or sell food that's really more sugar/grease/$$ than need be. It will get me thru til I get to the food I really want, which might be on the other side of the park.
---Towards the end of your trip, consider how many park days/water park days you have left and consider upgrading to the longest MYW pass you can and getting no expiration on that. Because you know you'll be back. And you know ticket prices aren't going to be dropping.

DON'T
--- eat at a buffet unless 50% of the people in your party are truly hungry and will get your money's worth, or unless it's a character event and you're going for the characters not the food.
--- be a no show at ADRs--if you decide against them, let the restaurant know. It might be me who's hoping to get a last minute table!
--- ride the wild motion-sickness enhancing rides after your big meals (money losing action!)
---bring chocolate into the park, unless you like chocolate fondue in your purse (or unless it's cold out!). (or you have a banana for dipping!!) ..yeah, personal experience on this one. Fannypack washed out well.

 

[disneybridetobe]

Disneybridetobe.... Dental floss & plumbing repairs! lol! Did you send her a bill?

Teehee, nope ::takes a bow:: I'm pretty resourceful sometimes

I'm a recent WDW addict, and loving this thread, as I need to figure where I can cut back to so I can splurge other places. It's also helping me actually reflect on my actions. Also, I'm trying to be environmentally friendly where I can, reducing/reusing/recycling.
Sometime the budget is as much about baggage limits, time constraints, and maximum trip enjoyment as it is about the actual $$.

Here are a few more, mostly about the food:

DO consider your family's eating habits when deciding if DDP is worth it to you
I've decided for this upcoming trip it won't be:
---I plan to eat breakfasts in room (milk/cereal/porridge/juice/fruit/bread&cheese). 1st part of stay is at POP, and I've joined a fridge swap. I feel they are fine because of the length of time they've been around: Disney is aware & has not discouraged them
I will be bringing a kettle with auto-shut off as well. This brings a money saving factor, and a time saving factor and enjoyment as well--And consideration for the fellow disney guests as well... I'm not civil until after that morning cuppa tea! I'll also be having a light snack in room at night as I unwind and plan for the next day.
---I've looked at menus on Allears of places I'd like to dine at, and have concluded there are some places where the appetizers and small plates are what I'd like. I can't eat 2 desserts a day (well I could, but not at meal time). And if I only plan on a few table service meals, I can snack on the special things I see (I want to try the mini corn dogs MK, frozen bananas AK, something decadent at Ghiradellis DTD, and afternoon Tea at Grand Floridian, grazing through the F&W)
---Do realize that sometimes the lunchtime meals are lower priced than the suppertime meals, even tho the food may still be the same.... I'll be booking for Biergarten at the latest lunch hour. This also means to me that my HUGE meal will be fully digested by bedtime, which in turn means a better night's sleep
---I will bring a couple pieces of fruit, granola bars, water bottle into the parks with me for morning snack. This will tide me over til late lunch, and then leave room in my fannypack (yes, fannypack), and will ensure I get at least some vitamins that day. Also, if hunger pangs hit, I won't need to get in a line that might be long or sell food that's really more sugar/grease/$$ than need be. It will get me thru til I get to the food I really want, which might be on the other side of the park.
---Towards the end of your trip, consider how many park days/water park days you have left and consider upgrading to the longest MYW pass you can and getting no expiration on that. Because you know you'll be back. And you know ticket prices aren't going to be dropping.

DON'T
--- eat at a buffet unless 50% of the people in your party are truly hungry and will get your money's worth, or unless it's a character event and you're going for the characters not the food.
--- be a no show at ADRs--if you decide against them, let the restaurant know. It might be me who's hoping to get a last minute table!
--- ride the wild motion-sickness enhancing rides after your big meals (money losing action!)
---bring chocolate into the park, unless you like chocolate fondue in your purse (or unless it's cold out!). (or you have a banana for dipping!!) ..yeah, personal experience on this one. Fannypack washed out well.

Those are some good tips! Especially the fruit and granola bars, and the puke-inducing ride avoidance after meals!

 

[MEG&MINNIE]

Don't forget to bring a baggie full of quarters,dryer sheets and tablet soap detergent. I always do a wash half way thru my stay. I try not to overpack ...but it's hard not to !

 

[rrobin3051]

My one big DO is if you are driving your car into the parks take a picture of the row and number that you are parked in on your digital or cell camera. That way you wont be lost when returning!

 

[natcat117]

DON'T - Feel like you need to buy a reusable mug for every member of the family. The past two times we went, my parents, sister, and I shared one mug. It was also much easier than having to worry about four.

DON'T - Record EVERY part of your trip. I made the mistake of recording Fantasmic with my digital camera while it was raining. It took away from the show, and many people already have high quality versions.

DO - Check for any possible discounts. My mom was worried that we'd have to pay $10/day for a fridge because she needed to refrigerate her eye drops (she has glaucoma). I found out it's free if the fridge is for medical reasons. (Thanks DIS boards!)

DO - Consider taking a CamelBak to the parks. I was told it was a lot of trouble to carry one around, but it really wasn't, and it sure came in handy while waiting in line for a ride.

DO - Shop around Target and Walmart before you leave. I found misters for even cheaper ($2.50) than other people had posted.

DO - Consider buying the Mickey ponchos. We couldn't find the ones from our last trip so we bought some disposable ones at the dollar store. Having to dry them out in the hotel room was much more trouble than they were worth.

 

[Amy162]

Long time lurker here too.

I only have 1 do right now. DO take the bus to the Hess station across the street from Downtown Disney and a small rolling piece of luggage and buy you beer and soda there. If you are a regular beer drinker this saves a fotrune!

Great tip! Quick question though - Do you take the bus to DTD and walk over to the Hess station? How far is it?

Thanks!

 

[reservations4five]

just subbing! Thanks for the great hints~

 

[rottiemom]

Don't forget to bring a baggie full of quarters,dryer sheets and tablet soap detergent. I always do a wash half way thru my stay. I try not to overpack ...but it's hard not to !

This is EXCELLENT advice, even as a just-in-case. I have a sample packet of laundry detergent earmarked for our next trip because I underestimated the mess potential of our 4YO little guy. He is a grime magnet & even though our trip was short & I packed a few extra outfits for him spills and Mickey bars happen...and happen...and happen .

DO - Consider taking a CamelBak to the parks. I was told it was a lot of trouble to carry one around, but it really wasn't, and it sure came in handy while waiting in line for a ride.

Camelbacks are pretty effortless to wear and I always wear one when I'm riding long distance, but I don't think that I'd want to bother with one in the parks (JMO). I brought a cold bottle of water in my purse & would refill it with ice & tap water from CS as the day went on & it worked out perfectly. Toss the empty bottle at the end of the day, start with a new one the next morning. But the key is to stay hydrated...and that means water...no matter how you do it!

Great tip! Quick question though - Do you take the bus to DTD and walk over to the Hess station? How far is it?

Take the DTD bus to the Pleasure Island stop, The Hess station is literally across the street, you'll see it from the bus.

One thing that we came up with since we stayed at POP (home of the coke slushies)- they sell Captain Morgan's spiced rum in the gift shop. Add rum to coke slushie & you have a lovely, frozen drink to enjoy at significantly less than poolside prices. If you DO chose to buy the refillable mug, the slushies are one of the things that they can be refilled with .

 

[Todd&Copper]

. . .
DO consider your family's eating habits when deciding if DDP is worth it to you
I've decided for this upcoming trip it won't be:
---I plan to eat breakfasts in room (milk/cereal/porridge/juice/fruit/bread&cheese). 1st part of stay is at POP, and I've joined a fridge swap. I feel they are fine because of the length of time they've been around: Disney is aware & has not discouraged them
I will be bringing a kettle with auto-shut off as well. This brings a money saving factor, and a time saving factor and enjoyment as well--And consideration for the fellow disney guests as well... I'm not civil until after that morning cuppa tea! I'll also be having a light snack in room at night as I unwind and plan for the next day.
---I've looked at menus on Allears of places I'd like to dine at, and have concluded there are some places where the appetizers and small plates are what I'd like. I can't eat 2 desserts a day (well I could, but not at meal time). And if I only plan on a few table service meals, I can snack on the special things I see (I want to try the mini corn dogs MK, frozen bananas AK, something decadent at Ghiradellis DTD, and afternoon Tea at Grand Floridian, grazing through the F&W)
---Do realize that sometimes the lunchtime meals are lower priced than the suppertime meals, even tho the food may still be the same.... I'll be booking for Biergarten at the latest lunch hour. This also means to me that my HUGE meal will be fully digested by bedtime, which in turn means a better night's sleep
---I will bring a couple pieces of fruit, granola bars, water bottle into the parks with me for morning snack. This will tide me over til late lunch, and then leave room in my fannypack (yes, fannypack), and will ensure I get at least some vitamins that day. Also, if hunger pangs hit, I won't need to get in a line that might be long or sell food that's really more sugar/grease/$$ than need be. It will get me thru til I get to the food I really want, which might be on the other side of the park.
...

I agree 100% with this. The dining plan is a good deal IF you will eat most of the meals & snacks on it. If you would rather eat smaller meals, or fewer desserts, or no appetizers, it is probably not right for you. [I personally don't eat TS every day at WDW and don't eat appetizers with my meals very often, and I dont need a sack of chips or fries AND a cake with my sandwich at lunch, so I don't buy the meal plan]

 

[Megkel]

DO stay club level if you can afford it. They serve breakfast, lunch, dinner, snacks and drinks almost all day. Adding up the cost of food plus not having to drag water down to the parks really does start to add up.

DO the dining plan. While our daughter is only 3 years old we would never get away with spending less than $8 per day for her to eat. That is equal to a snack and drink you know you would buy anyway. Also it's nice to not have to worry about an eating budget on top of everything else and you can order whatever you want.

DO have a realistic idea on what is going to happen while in Disney. Your kids will cry, it will be warm-hot, they will want something is every shop possible, and they will more than likely want to spend all day in the pool.

DO plan for your trip before you go. I hate hearing people complain about Disney knowing they could have made it better by knowing what was going one when instead of running around the park missing everything.



DON'T complain about other people's paretning styles. There are going to be thousands of families there with kids and not all of them are going to be happy. Commenting how you would handle the child if he/she was yours is not going to help and it's rude. Unless the child is in danger keep your stares and comments to yourself.

DON'T curse or talk about topics that are not PG. It's a family place please get a room if you need one and limit the cursing.

DON'T push kids (or anyone) out of your way to get somewhere. We all are there to have a good time.



If there is anything everyone should remember it's manners. You are an adult please act like one. Do not do something wrong just beacuse you saw someone else do it. Do not yell at a cast member because you cannot have your way. Do use "excuse me" when trying to get through a crowd and "please" and "thank you". Everyone would enjoy themselves more if attitudes were kept in check and everyone acted like an adult.

 

[Maggimus]

Great thread... my only suggestion is...

(and this isn't just at Disney)

DON'T use the in-room coffee maker or drink from the mugs! (this is one time that my recycling-self will say, go plastic!)

Ive watched way too many shows about unclean coffee mugs, unclean coffee makers... and I'll just say that I was once a Disney Bride and can tell a few funny stories about the coffee mugs. I'll leave it at that!

Otherwise, great thread!

 

[Disneymom2266]

Do bring hand sanitizer. Those railings have been touched by too many!
Do bring bottled water for the parks. Saves lots of $$$ if your thirsty.
Do have your children wait their turn inline for characters. This is a universal thing..language barrier or not.
Do have patience.. you`ll need it for breakers of rule#3.

Dont: Bring ten people with you if you are in an ECV and expect everyone to get on every ride with you. Pet peeve!

Don`t: Scream and yell at your kids in WDW. Where`s the magic in that?

Don`t: forget to have a wonderful time!

 

[FergieTCat]

Not a budget tip, but ...

Make sure the first photo on your digital camera is of a card with your name, home address, cell phone number (etc.) and/or hotel information. That way, if the camera gets lost and someone finds it, they know how to find you.

 

[hrh_disney_queen]

I have only one for now-BYOB. Like someone said, if you are flying in, go to the Hess station and buy your beer/wine. We drive, so I bring a case of Mike's Hard Lemonade, and DH will bring Vodka and we always have OJ. The drinks at WDW are fun, but wow-$10-15 for a novelty drink? I would rather not drink at all.

 

[Disneymom2266]

Not a budget tip, but ...

Make sure the first photo on your digital camera is of a card with your name, home address, cell phone number (etc.) and/or hotel information. That way, if the camera gets lost and someone finds it, they know how to find you.

That is probably the best idea so far. I have seen people post on these boards that they lost their memory card...never to see those pics again. I will always have my name address phone number as my first photo. You win for best idea!!

 

[FergieTCat]

That is probably the best idea so far. I have seen people post on these boards that they lost their memory card...never to see those pics again. I will always have my name address phone number as my first photo. You win for best idea!!

I don't take credit for it, but it was the best idea I've ever seen (probably in a magazine.)

I thought taking the picture of the signs by your parking space was another great idea.

 

[dizzi]

Have not read all of this yet.....
Hope i am not duplicating...........

ONE thought, that i used to do when my kiddos were VERY SMALL

DO......

Purchase a Balloon on the FIRST day of your trip.....The little ones will want them the whole time and this way they can enjoy them in their resort the whole time you are there.

 

[mla1977]

I'm coming back here tonight to finish reading this!

 

[carola2]

As far as cleaning mugs go...

Buy a bag of cheap sponges at the dollar store.
Cut into halves or quarters
Pour 1 tsp dish soap on each
Let dry completely
Put dried sponges into a ziplock bag

As you need to wash dishes in your hotel room, bring out a soap dried sponge. Clean up dishes and throw away. You will always have a clean sponge and don't have to use the wash cloths.

This is a GREAT idea...

Thanks