Critique my dining budget, am I on point?

[SL6827]

Thoughts on my dining budget? Planning on arriving really late, around 11 p.m., on March 2nd for one night at AoA, then staying four nights at POR. So my dining budget for breakfast on March 3rd till dinner on March 6th is right at $600 for 2.5 adults. (two adults, 12-year-old) We will be doing counter service meals. So for 12 meals, and a few snacks in the parks, do you think this is doable? We do not bring anything in the park to eat, but might just bring some bottled water. I have another $140 in the budget for meals on the road there and back.

So do you think I have enough money budgeted for the four "full" days at Disney?

 

[lulu2121]

It will depend on how you order at meals and how many snacks and drinks you buy. If the three of you each order an adult entree and drink at all 12 meals, you won't have much left for snacks. If you only drink the free water, you won't spend as much. I would look at prices and think about how your family eats and is willing to share. Are 3 meals a day necessary? For example, my family tends to only have breakfast late, like 10:30, or an early lunch, like 11:00. We just don't do both. Or add another $200 to the budget for wiggle room. It's always great to come home with cash in your pocket if it isn't needed. Since it sounds like you're driving, definitely take water or other drinks for the room.

 

[piccolopat]

Take a look at the on line menus to get an idea of what your family might order. I think your budget can work but you might consider asking for a cup of free water with meals as the cost of soft drinks can add up quickly. We'll sometimes order the largest soft drink and share it as that is often more cost effective than buying two smaller beverages. Also, don't discount some of the sit down restaurants. For example, you can get a sandwich with fries at the Plaza Restaurant in MK for $15, around the same as some meals in the quick serve restaurants. Having an air conditioned, relaxing meal can really help on a hot Florida day. I would also consider bringing some snacks like nuts or pretzel nuggets into the park to stretch your budget.

 

[danielocha30]

it can be done, don't forget you can order from the kids menu, at most CS they are around $5 and they do come with a drink, some are very good size and it will leave room for that snack

 

[a*lil*bit*goofy]

it can be done, don't forget you can order from the kids menu, at most CS they are around $5 and they do come with a drink, some are very good size and it will leave room for that snack

And lots of choice! You can also plan for a large meal and share! I have done that with my daughter.

 

[SL6827]

I have a good idea of the prices, just wanted some opinions. So I think I'm good. What caught me off guard this year was the prices of the snacks and drinks in the parks. I am at the point now of putting one or two bottled waters in each bag.

 

[DisneyFansInNYC]

I agree about the water - I don't mind spending extra on food snacks but paying $3-$4 for a bottle of water bothers me. We all bring a bottle of water with us - or you can go up to any CS and ask for a cup of water - for free.

Also I agree about a sit down meal at the Plaza -the prices are good - or even BOG for lunch - it is a lovely restaurant and air conditioned.

What I found for breakfast when a hotel doesn't come with breakfast is having food in the room. It is easier and cheaper. We have yogurt in the refrigerator, cheese sticks, crackers, granola, milk, muffins, etc. It makes it easy. It could also save you money for more snacks (our favorites). Enjoy!

 

[adisneyaunt]

We totally overspent (on food money) what I thought it would cost us last visit ...by several hundred dollars.
The costs imho have significantly increased.. dinners and even lunches were the biggest hit. I used to "think" 120-150/day for us was enough...(3) now it's more like 200-250. I'm not complaining per say, if I wasn't willing to spend it I wouldn't... and I'm not willing to feed us qs burgers every day, so it is what it is.
It's the wonderment of just how larger Families actually do it.... without gagging lol

 

[wdwthanksgiving]

just wanted to add a vote for having breakfast in the room - very easy to do with having a fridge...we even bring our own coffee maker since we drive to WDW and set it to come on along with our wake up alarm...this all saves money and time. i agree with the idea of ordering from the kids menu - usually enough food for me --check out contempo as a great QS with lots of choices as well as sunshine seasons in epcot and geyser point at WL...trails end is a good buffet and very reasonable! with a little planning, you should be able to stay within your budget!

 

[sharonabe]

I have a good idea of the prices, just wanted some opinions. So I think I'm good. What caught me off guard this year was the prices of the snacks and drinks in the parks. I am at the point now of putting one or two bottled waters in each bag.

Instead of bringing bottles of water, why not put reusable empty water bottles in your bag and then just fill them as needed in the parks? EVERY QS restaurant will give you free cups of water and you don't have to wait in line to request them. Many will even have them on the counter waiting for people to grab. We use a Brita filter sport bottle to help with any taste issues.

Your $600 budget gives you $50 per meal, but no snacks. I can't imagine you'll spend $50 for breakfast, so what's left from that meal will provide some money for snacks. As others have said, though, having some breakfast stuff in your room is much easier and cost effective, not to mention saving valuable early morning touring time in the parks. We grab cereal bars, instant oatmeal, beef jerky, or even PB&J sandwiches while we're getting dressed. If your family is okay with doing something like that, then your $600 budget will definitely feed you the other meals and plenty of snacks in the parks.

 

[SL6827]

I would love to have breakfast in the room, my husband, no. I like to have something to eat right when I get up. And we will probably take some of that Disney money and do a couple breakfasts at the Waffle House or Ihop. Breakfast food is the most important meal of his day. I think I am going to add an extra $40 to the budget.

 

[DrunkJam]

At Disney we do breakfast and dinner. Snacks as well if necessary, but, lunch as well would be too much, so, your money should go further than you think I reckon.