Expect the Unexpected!

[MiraDawl]

Hey everyone!!

Every summer I get bitten by the Disney bug and debate planning a trip. Now, with free dining, I don't think I can avoid a nice long weekender this fall!!Anyway, I was hoping some of you could help plan a budget for things I would never think of!
The sort of things I'm thinking about are hotel phone costs, like connection fees, etc. Basically, will I pay to place any ressies? Should I just bring a cell with me? (Not that I want to contact ot be contacted by anyone while on Vacay)
Also, has anyone used the dining plan and found its too much food? My last Disney trip was in May 98, and I found it so hot and humid (I'm from New England) that eating was the last thing on my mind.
Besides, the TS meal covers a LOT of food. Typically we get an appetizer to share, drinks, and a entree each. In fact, last night we ate out and BF commented on how we never get dessert because we're too full. Could we use one TS meal to cover app, entree, and dessert and just order an additional entree (and pay that seperate cost?) I'd rather not jam myself with food just because I paid for it! Plus, I need to stay limber for all that Disney fun! I can't sit bloated by the pools all day!


Any tips would be appreciated, as always!!
Thanks!
Mira

 

[disneymom3]

You could use just one of your TS credits at a time and you could then use some of the credits to double up for the more pricey restaurants. Or eat at the double charge restaurants some days and then skip a counter service meal that day and have two counter service meals other days instead.

 

[EthansMom]

I take a prepaid calling card from Costco to avoid paying the outrageous fees to use the hotel phone. We take our cell phones in case we separate and want to meet back up together. Always budget something for the stuff you forgot and need to pick up at the hotel convenience store. Also, if you need to do laundry, you'll want to budget your quarters ($2 to wash and $2 to dry) and take your own dryer sheets and detergent.

Generally, I just budget a category called "Spending" which includes souvenirs and incidentals, but not food or snacks, which I budget under "Food". I do a little padding on my budgets and always come back with some extra $ which I then save towards the next vacation.

 

[MiraDawl]

Thanks everyone!

Ethansmom: What approx. do you set aside per day at Disney for spending? And what does this amount include (food, souvies, etc.)

Granted, food won't be much of an issue, but I like some Epcot snackies that aren't included, and while I can say NOW that I won't want much in the souvie dept. I'm sure they're will be a few small things I couldn't live without!

Thanks!
Mira