CA Vacation next week & Budget

[heatherleigh]

We had to delay our DL trip (were supposed to go a couple weeks ago, but moved it back), but will be on our way next weekend. I haven't made any priority seating arrangements, nor have I purchased our WOC picnic baskets yet. I haven't been on the boards as much lately, and haven't followed any recent WOC updates. Does anyone have any idea what week day would be the least crowded for WOC? I'm leaning towards Weds (it just seems like it would be a slow day).

We are starting off our trip in SD with SW & LL for a total of 3 nights at the West Inn & Suites in Carlsbad. From there, we drive to Anaheim for an additional 6 nights at the PPH.

I have everything paid for, but incidentals. I'm currently selling a few last minute things on eBay just for extra $. We will be okay money-wise, but I would really like to go all out, so the more $ the better. I'm budgeting $200 per day on food- so that will "eat up" a bunch of money, alone.

This is what I have not paid for yet:
Food- $1,800
LegoLand Tix- $300
West Inn hotel- $500
ENTERPRise Rental- $400
Fuel- $100
SeaWorld Tix- $200
Total: $3,300

I over-estimated or rounded up on everything but the food, which should take care of extras. I am also thinking we will budget about $1250 for souvenirs. My boys already have cash they are taking in addition to that, which they have been saving up. If anyone knows of any other money saving tips or scheduling tips for shows, please let me know.

We have a Sun & Mon for LL and SW. Which day should we do which? I'm thinking LL would be good on Mon, because it wouldn't be as crowded, but I really don't know.

Also, if anyone has any tips on flying w/ 4 kids, please let me know. My husband is coming in on a different airline 3 hours after we arrive in SD, so I'll be flying with the rest of the gang.

 

[Cagirl767]

Unless you have your heart set on staying at Paradise Pier, staying at a hotel that offers free breakfast and free dinner may save you a lot in food budget and maybe daily hotel cost also. Homewood Suites and Marriott Residence Inn offer free breakfast every day and then RI offers a free light dinner (although it worked fine for us and I didnt' consider it light) Tuesdays-Thursdays. They also have kitchenettes so you could also make meals in your room.

Just a suggestion.

Have a great time!

 

[DahliaRW]

I agree. You could save a ton just by staying off property (across the street) as well. And free breakfast is a huge perk.

 

[SplashMo]

Each kid earns money for the trip. We only purchase things on the last day and we only spend about 40.00 / person.

 

[Mommy2PrincessAbby]

I think your budget looks fine, except the souvies... really $1250?? What are you planning on buying? We spend less than $100 ($50 pp)... and that is if I get a Christmas ornament, and dd gets a whatever and we both get some sort of clothing item. We also plan on $50 a day pp for food... if we don't spend that much then great!

 

[HydroGuy]

I think all WOC weekday evenings will be equally crowded.

 

[darph nader]

Where are you flying in from ?

 

[heatherleigh]

I'm flying in from dia. My husband is coming in from co springs. I think it's a 3 hour flight

 

[HydroGuy]

I'm flying in from dia. My husband is coming in from co springs. I think it's a 3 hour flight

It is closer to two. Just flew DIA to SNA last Saturday.

 

[heatherleigh]

YAY! I looked it up, and it is much shorter than I expected. I'm flying with my 2-yr old who is a miserable little character. She has a bad temper and likes to scream at the top of her lungs. She will probably be okay, as long as I bring her things to occupy her on the plane.

I went ahead and purchased another ticket for my 6-year old to fly with my husband, so I'm down an extra kid. This will be helpful, as he likes to fight with my 4-year old. I just hope I cAN use up our credit with Southwest between now and Jan. so it doesn't go to waste.

I'm going to purchase our picnics for Weds and make a few priority seating arrangements this weekend, and we will be good to go!

Mommy2, I'm trying to think on the higher end of everything just to be on the safe side. We haven't been to DL in years, and I want to get t-shirts from all the parks (SW, LL, and DL). We usually let the kids get one expensive toy too (one, total). Last time we went, we bought the disney castle playset for $75. My son remembers seeing the Disneyland express on our last trip, and he still wants it. I told him no the last time because it was for ages 6 and up, and it was too pricey. I'm going to get myself a couple tee shirts as well, and my 6-year old wants to buy a Lego playset from LL.

 

[amamax2]

I think all WOC weekday evenings will be equally crowded.

Yup, exactly right HydroGuy! We just got back last night from a two week vacation, with a day at DL (a Mon) at the very beginning and two days at the end (Wed, Thurs); WOC fast passes were gone each day by about 11:15 - 11:30 - I made sure to ask the CMs there, just for information, and they said that was the norm for every day for the last few weeks.....