disney on a budget !! Tips please

[buzz for boys]

As the pound is in freefall im sure im not the only person that is worrying bout how far there money will actually go !!
We are in a villa so the obv cut back is going to be on dining out but dont really want to spend the holiday slaving in a kitchen.
Take aways are a no go because of various allergies so whats your bast tips on saving money whilst still having the holidy of a lifetime???

 

[liesauk]

I am watching this with interest too!! newbie here, and I am going oct-nov this year, and would love money saving tips for a family of 6!

when are you going?

Liesa
x

 

[tubtruck]

Buy all your park tickets, car hire etc now, you will then have locked almost all your necessary spending in at todays prices.

For anyone staying on Disney property get the Disney Ding plan its paid upfront , if the pound drops further still nothing to worry about with food spending.

 

[Pegasus928]

There are loads of 'all you can eat' type places to eat in the Disney/Universal area, so I would utilise those and have a good fill up. A lot of them also let you have a second plate without charge if you have particularly young children with you. Then all you will need back at the villa is maybe some sandwich making stuff, and snacks.
Hopefully your villa will also have free international phones calls, internet, games room and games consoles so that if you do decide to have a day round the pool there is plenty to occupy everyone without any extra costs.
When at the parks I think that the money spent on food only starts to add up if you make a few stops throughout the day for fries, then maybe a burger later and a couple of ice creams/drinks etc. If you factor in a proper meal midday - or later depending on what time you get there - it will probably turn out to be cheaper in the long run.
And the only other obvious one is to take your own water, frozen so it is cool for a while, and top it up at the water fountains.

 

[milomummy]

I think you can get by 'on the cheap' foodwise without compromising quality. We had an 'all you can eat' breakfast most mornings and found that this set us up for the day. For lunch we just grabbed something light, and for our evening meal we ate in places like Cici's (dead cheap and lovely) and Denny's etc.
I do admit that I was wishing that we had a villa so I COULD cook something! The novelty of eating out 3 times a day wore off very quickly!

Also, with your kids, give them a set amount of money each day and tell them that's all they have to spend...that includes ice creams too. So, if they want something that's $20 and they only have $10 they have to wait til the next day, and if they want an ice cream but haven't got enough, they go without! It helps to keep your budget under control and teaches them to understand money too.

 

[juliebro]

Try mousesavers.com - lots of good tips on there.

 

[buzz for boys]

I am watching this with interest too!! newbie here, and I am going oct-nov this year, and would love money saving tips for a family of 6!

when are you going?

Liesa
x

we go on 28th feb - cant wait !!!

I do admit that I was wishing that we had a villa so I COULD cook something! The novelty of eating out 3 times a day wore off very quickly!

Also, with your kids, give them a set amount of money each day and tell them that's all they have to spend...that includes ice creams too. So, if they want something that's $20 and they only have $10 they have to wait til the next day, and if they want an ice cream but haven't got enough, they go without! It helps to keep your budget under control and teaches them to understand money too.

Love the idea of giving the older 3 a set amount of money but will keep tabs on my dd whos only 2 I can see it wil work for my boys though - thanks!!

Know what you mean about the joy of being able to cook the thought of fast food for a fortnight is not that appealing sometimes you just want a nice roast dinner !!

 

[liesauk]

we go on 28th feb - cant wait !!!



Love the idea of giving the older 3 a set amount of money but will keep tabs on my dd whos only 2 I can see it wil work for my boys though - thanks!!

Know what you mean about the joy of being able to cook the thought of fast food for a fortnight is not that appealing sometimes you just want a nice roast dinner !!

I am glad we are in a villa too. I know that as great as it is to eat out, my girls will want some veg at some point lol..

so jealous that you are going in Feb!! I have sooo long to wait.

liesa
xx

 

[Mrs Doubtfire]

Eat breakfast in villa and take a light snack such as fruit or crisps with you to keep hunger at bay until lunchtime.

 

[martinrmn]

We are a family of 3, mam, dad and John aged 8. We have gone 3 times in the last 5 years. We always watch the budget and stay on I Drive. This year we plan on staying on I Drive for 9 nights and the Poly for 5. In the past we have always eaten at the buffet breakfasts and filled up ++. The last 2 visits we buy snacks and rolls in Walmart and make sandwiches etc for lunch, we also take fruit from the breakfasts and leave a good tip. The evening meal is much the same providing we are still awake. As to where to eat it all depends on what you like. Staying on I Drive we are spoilt for choice. This year we will also try the dining plan so that we are not hit by food bills once we are there. Don't forget the water, but it from Walmart not the hotels. We buy the large carriers and leave it in the fridge and then top up in the parks. We don't buy coffee or tea in the parks but do have the occasional ice cream. Again we budget on how much to spend per day and do our best to stick to it. Generally we manage. Finally, use a Nationwide credit card as they do not charge for each exchange and also give you the best rate. Enjoy the holiday.

 

[buzz for boys]

I am glad we are in a villa too. I know that as great as it is to eat out, my girls will want some veg at some point lol..

so jealous that you are going in Feb!! I have sooo long to wait.

liesa
xx

We booked in october and it seems to have come round really quickly - im so excited its quite pathetic !! my 2yr old dd is catching the excitement bug and tells everyone we meet shes off to meet cinderbrella !!
How old are ur girls??