Disney on a Budget

[Raidra]

We're planning our first trip to Disney, ever. It's kind of a spur of the moment thing, but for various reasons, it's probably our only chance to go over the next few years.

I have two sons, who are 5 and 3 (close to 4 at the time of the trip), and a baby girl.

This trip is a stretch for us, financially, so I'm looking for tips on how to save money while at the park. Specifically, does anyone have some good tips on how to save money on food and on souveniers? My boys are pretty shy, so we're not doing a character meal, and we'll probably eat on the go more than anything. We will be there for the first Star Wars Weekend, and my boys are HUGE Star Wars fans, so I'm worried about how much they'll want to spend in the gift shops.

Thanks!
Rachel

 

[Perditamarie]

Welcome to the DIS!!

I like to pack some non-perishable items like granola bars, pop tarts, cereal, snacks, etc in our luggage so we can eat breakfast in our room before we get going...that saves time and money!

You can also get free ice water from the counter service places in the parks.

I like to carry a small cooler bag w/familiar snacks and drinks too...that way they are on hand and we don't have to wait in line for them.

Set a souvenir budget ahead of time!

I am sure someone will come along with some great tips!

 

[koolaidmoms]

One of our favorite things to do with our kids is buy the "souvenirs" ahead of time. I shop the Disney outlet for $2.99-$5.00 t-shirts, stuffed animals, jammies, clearance sales at local super stores, Michaels etc... to find Disney themed stuff. Up until last year the kids thought the maids were leaving them gifts each day!

After we would leave one of us would hang behind a bit to lay the items out on the table or bed to be discovered when we got home. We have never had a child ask for anything (other than a balloon) because they are always knew their was a surprise waiting for them at the room.

I would also hit up Michaels or Oriental Trading for glow in the dark necklaces or whirling toys.

We do snacks in our bags to fill up some before meals (granola bars and fruit leathers always a hit with my kids) and always carrry our own water bottles- the water has a "taste" to it. If you think you or your children may not like it bring some little packets of lemonade or fruit flavored drink mix to flavor it.

Have fun!

 

[tzolkin]

We'll be there the same time as you.

We went the same time last year with a family of 5 (one under 3). This was our cost breakdown form our trip.
- All stayed in one room at Pop Century 8 nights with 9 day park hopper tickets... $2000
- Souvineers... $150 (This was more than we needed to spend, but my DH really liked the pins and bought extras for the kids that he gave them for Christmas.)
- Food... $400 This was where we saved the most money. We spent about $150 on groceries (breakfast items, fruit, snacks, soda, juice, milk, etc) and then under $250 for food in the parks/resort. We ate a bit in the room in the morning and filled our backpacks with snacks to take into the parks. We also used hydration backpacks and just drank ice water when we were in the parks (you can get free cups throughout the parks). We came back to the room for an afternoon nap every day and ate a bit more then and got more snacks for the parks that evening. We usually only bought about one counter service meal per day, but we bought a few things here and there and shared. (For example, the kids would get some chicken tenders and then a few hours later DH and I would get a sandwich and salad to share.) This worked well for our family because our kids were really not interested in eating and we were too hot to eat large meals, so we just snacked and shared meals whenever we were hungry. We also bought a large pizza from the restaurant at the hotel a few nights after we came back from the parks for about $15.

 

[brandylouwho]

Disney on a budget, is something I always think I am trying to do, but never stick with it But here are a few things we have done in the past:

Give the kids a gift card with their souvenier budget on it (or Disney Dolalrs or whatever), when it is gone it is gone. This worked well with our just turned 5 yr old this year. She thought about what she really wanted instead of thinking mom & dad would buy everything she asked for.

Refillable water/drink bottle (for the kids and the adults). I pushed drinking water, but we did get juice, soda milk on occassion too. You can get tap water with ice from the CS locations for free. Since we had the stroller for the baby anyway, it was nice to shove the bottles underneath when not in use.

Share meals even at CS places. I don't do this just to be cheap, I do it because I hate wasting food (Flame Tree BBQ comes to mind. The chicken, beans, etc meal feeds me and my 2 girls). We often share snacks too. We'll buy 2 ice cream bars and each adult will share with a kid. They are really too big & unhealthy for a little kid to eat an enitre one anyway, but you gotta have one once in awhile, right?

eat breakfast in the room--cereal, granola, breakfast bars, that sort of thing.

Avoid gift shops. Even if a ride exits through one, just be in a hurry (hype everyone up for the next ride or whatever) and march right on out. That is tough for me as I love to browse, but it is almost a necessity in order to avoid the chorus of "I wants" from the kids. My best souveniers are always our photos anyway. It is easy enough to keep the kids busy/change their minds about buying things as there is always something neat to see or do.

 

[vettechick99]

What's your budget?

You could stay offsite for practically nothing. The newly-remodeled Galleria Palms gets great reviews, it's close, and only $69 plus comes with a free breakfast. I sound like I work there, but I promise I don't.

http://www.galleriapalmsorlando.com/

Tickets are the most expensive part but you can get them cheaper away from WDW. If you get mousesavers' link to Undercover Tourist, you'll save even more.

Definitely bring in snacks - that's where we usually bust our budget. If you have a stroller, just pack a collapsable cooler and store in underneath. Heck, make some sandwiches and throw those in there. You will get tired of counter service meals at WDW anyway. And I drink those Crystal Lite water bottle packets all the time. I prefer it over any soft drink and my DD enjoys them too.

Set a budget for souvenirs and tell the kids ahead of time. Or run over to the character outlets and go shopping there. There is some cute, cheap stuff there.

If you think you'll want to pin swap, buy some off ebay (research first - not all are tradeable) and use those to trade. Pins are soooo pricey in the parks.

A budget vacation to Disney is better than not one at all! Have a good time.

 

[DisneyLover75]

I would try the Disney Quick Service dining plan. That way all your meals are paid for ahead of time and you don't have to budget in spending money while you're there.
You won't have to worry about tips either, unless you decide to go to a sit down restaurant.

Take the magical express, use disney transportation.

It'll be great!

 

[IndianaJ]

I don't know when the Star Wars weekend is, but if it is in March I need to find someone to take my photopass share spot. This is a swap where you get as many pictures taken as you want from the Disney photographers, and it costs only $20. There is already someone heading up the group that I'm dropping out of, and I would love to find someone else for her. PM me if you are interested, and if not have a great trip!!!

 

[tzolkin]

I don't know when the Star Wars weekend is, but if it is in March I need to find someone to take my photopass share spot. This is a swap where you get as many pictures taken as you want from the Disney photographers, and it costs only $20. There is already someone heading up the group that I'm dropping out of, and I would love to find someone else for her. PM me if you are interested, and if not have a great trip!!!

No, the first Star Wars weekend in May (Memorial Day weekend).
I'm sure you'll find someone to fill the photopass share spot.

 

[DISNEYNV]

If you are on a budget I would stick to Counter Service meals that the kids can share. How about the CS Disney Dining plan? You would already have the bulk of your meals payed for and even with the counter service meals you still get a ton of food! Sharing would not be a problem I don't think .. Well for the two kids anyway. Plus you would only be paying for three of you. I think (and someone quote me if I am wrong) under three can eat off of a plate free. And no tip needed!

We also bring or make a grocery stop and buy cereal, milk ( if you are staying where there is a fridge) and other small snack and breakfast type items. With small kids who do not eat a lot for breakfast this is a great option that does save a few bucks!

We also figure in ahead of time what we will spend on tips and suvineer money. You can get Disney Dollars or Disney gift cards for the kids spending money.

Also.. Come up with a family itinerary. Where you want to eat, what parks for what day and make a schedule and try to stick with it. This will save money and TIME in the long run! There was a huge difference in our trip planning and budget after we started doing this after our first somewhat chaotic trip to Disney.

Another thing we do as well is buy disney shirts and
Pajamas for the kids before we go to wear while there.

There are wats to cut costs but remember you Are on vacation so the kids will natrually do their " I want that's" and scream for the ice cream and the TONS of other goodies all over the parks Have fun and a great trip!

 

[DISNEYNV]

Oh... One more tip set a day towards the end of the trip to have the kids actually purchase their souvineers. This way they do not spend all their money right away and then see five other things they wanted at a different park. If you will not be going back to a specific park early on then allow them of course but this always works for us and also cuts down on all the little trinket purchases in between

 

[tmccullough]

When my kiddos were small, we were able to get a kids meal and share it between 3 kids! Most of the kids meals at the quick service restaurants are pretty big. One particular trip, we had a 1 year old, a 4 year old and an 8 year old and we were throwing food away until we finally figured it out that the 3 of them could actually share one kids meal. I never drink a whole lot with a meal so they shared my drink. I was concerned about the 1 year old and all the fast food junk for a week so we packed the single-serve applesauces, raisins,etc. that I had bought months in advance. The best advice about souvenirs is to let the kids browse as the week goes and then buy a couple favorite things at Downtown Disney. Oh, and the store at Downtown Disney that sells everything for less than $10 is fun too. My kids like to buy the grab bags... I actually got a nice leather Mickey keychain out of one of the grab bags!

 

[KSG'sDisneyMem]

You did not mention where you might be staying but if you stay at a value, and you have a baby, you can get a "free" refrigerator to store the babies milk and such. Otherwise, I think it is up to $12 a night now. If you are a military family you would automatically qualify for the 40% off code that is available right now. The prices at the food courts and the counter services are okay and if you are careful you can stretch those out pretty well by sharing/splitting some of your meals. If you have a fridge, and you are driving, you can bring a lot of your own food. Snacks and breakfast items, bread, PB and jelly. If you are flying down and using Disney Transportaion that may be a bit harder. Do you have any additional details? Have you booked a room somewhere? You mention that you will be there around Memorial Day weekend but did not mention if you are staying on property or not. Bringing snacks into the park is a big savings. Be sure to drink plenty of water, which you can get free at the counter service locations in the parks. If it fits your budget, purchase a couple of refillable drink mugs to use at your resort, if you are staying on property of course. You can refill them as often as you like for the duration of your stay and cost is, I think, $12.49 per mug. If you are flying down you are certainly more limited to what you can bring but try to pack an extra suitcase, if you are flying Southwest that is, with loads of snacks. Bring some refillable water bottles that you can fill as needed at the parks. Good luck and have a magical trip. Oh, also, make sure you bring a stroller(s) for the baby and 3 year old. They are very expensive to rent at the parks. You can check them right at the gate when you board if you are flying and they will have them for you when you get off the plane in Orlando. You do not need to check them in as checked luggage.

 

[fussymonkey]

You didn't mention where you are planning to stay. We are staying off site this year in a condo at Windsor Hills. We'll have a full kitchen and save money by eating breakfast and most dinners at the condo. It was also cheaper than a hotel- $525 for a week including tax and fees, etc. Perhaps staying in a condo or vacation home would work for your family? It was a big decision for us, the savings vs convienance of stay on site. Then we decided we will really value having some privacy from the kiddos when they need to sleep, we'll be able to unwind together a bit.

 

[Raidra]

Wow, thanks for all the tips! It definitely makes it easier if they allow you to bring food into the parks. I didn't know that the fridge will be free for the baby's milk, that's great, too.

We haven't booked anything yet (waiting for our tax refund to be deposited), but we'll most likely be staying at one of the value resorts. The cost of renting a minivan (since we have three carseats) pretty much makes up for any difference between on-property and off, plus the convenience with three kids is a big deal.

My mother-in-law lives in FL and will probably be spending some time with us, so we can presumably borrow her car to get groceries.

Does anyone know, can you use the AAA discount and the buy 4 get 3 free deal together?

 

[verlee]

We just got back from our trip with ds3 and ds6. We also tried to save money while we were there. We stayed at Pop. Which was great for our kids age. We had the inlaws bring our plug in cooler. And we bought a weeks worth of groceries. Every day we ate breakfast in our room. We brought a packed lunch (in a collapsable cooler). We did buy one special snack in the parks a day.( I can get a sandwich anywhere but not a mickey ice cream bar!!) We brought in water. Our kids are used to drinking mostly water so they did not mind. For dinner, we usually ate counter service. But, we split an entree and I brought the extras (chips, carrots, raisins, suckers for dessert)We did have two special dinners out (rainforest cafe at AK, and Boma).

We bought refillable mugs so we had juice/ lemonaide for the kids and soda/coffee for the adults. This worked great filling up at Pop before leaving for the parks, fill up when get back for naps and sometimes in the evening after the parks. We could have split two mugs but ds6 and I had a cold and we tried to stop the spreading of germs.(it did not work )

Besides the savings, the best part of packing your own lunch, is the flexibility it gives you. We could stop when and where we wanted. No lines, no wait. And we ate healthier. Lots of restaurants were closed while we were there so lots of open tables. I will always pack a lunch for that reason. I love the control it gave me!

other savings...
We also brought our own glow sticks, disney tatoos, stickers ect. The boys did not know the difference. The in-laws very sweetly bought them a toy of their choice, and dh splurged on a spinning glow toy at Epcot one night. I made them t-shirts from the disigns thread on this site. We really tried to avoid the gift shops. I found the kids did not start asking for things until in-laws bought them a toy. So wait until later in your trip to do the souvies.

I am so excited for you! You are going to have a great time. Awhile ago I saw a thread about best meals for sharing. Maybe that would help. I do know that the kids meals are good size and my boys were able to share one with additions from me. Good luck!!!!

Oh bring lots of zip locks. They work great for ice, leftovers, keeping things organized, keeping things dry. ect..

 

[verlee]

I forgot to mention Disney does not allow two discounts at once. So you would need to choose between the 4/3 and AAA. (The 4/3 is a better deal.)

You might want to check out mousesavers.com. They have tons of advice and info on how to save money at wdw.

Oh I just thought of another thing...... You can have groceries and water delivered to your resort (for a small fee). I have not used it so not sure how it works. But I know many on here have and love it.

I know I saw on here also a toaster/ coffee maker swap at Pop Century. You might want to look into that too. That would increase your meal choices.

Ok I think I am done now. I may be back later if I think of more.

 

[scoobndolliesmom]

We bring gift bags to cut down on souvenirs and bring breakfast food as well. The best advice when booking your trip ask if there is a pin code associated with your name .. I had one for free dining and did not even know it ! That was a huge savings!

 

[tinkerlisa]

For starters, I dont buy any clothes from there unless i absolutely have to! Try going to the Disney Store before your trip for clothes, its waaayyy cheaper.

Get glow sticks and light up toys from the dollar store. if I had known this on my last trip, i wouldn't have dropped almost ten dollars on a stupid light up toy although i have to say we still have it after 2 years and it works great.

i have heard people that have the dining plan share meals. the portions at disney are HUGE and it would be enough for your older kids to split. plus it saves your points. I am sure it would work even if you didn't have the dining plan.
have lots of fun! I sometimes think planning is the best part and you will find tons of tips here.

 

[iluveeyore]

If you don't live near a Disney Store, order online from disneyshopping.com (esp. the outlet section) and have it sent to your resort - love the idea of having surprises for the kids waiting when they get back to the room. We did this for our friends' little boys when they went with us two years ago for a couple of days, and they didn't even want to look in the gift shops, just wanted to get back to the room to see what Tinkerbell had left them. The $10 and under store at DTD (beside Pooh Corner) has a clearance wall where items are 4/$10 - great for the kids or to put away for Christmas gifts.
A wonderful budget helper for us is to look through all of the dining choices on allears.net - has all the menus from all the parks and resorts with prices. It's so much easier to know what your options and prices are before you're there - you'd be amazed at how much time families can waste just trying to decide where to eat wandering from place to place just to check prices and menus. I always take a small journal with me and have everything written out so we can map out a plan on the bus or in the room before we head out.
Happy planning! And have a wonderful time!