Expected costs to be incurred / Budgeting Guide?

[MommaMouseketeer]

I'm trying to budget out costs. I haven't found a guide that gives guidance on a normal amount that will be spent for each cost category; I just found some blank calculator type guides that list categories and allow you to put a dollar amount you'll budget for each.

I searched, but anything with budget in it has too many false hits and I didn't find what I was looking for. I'm sure it is out there. Anyone know where to find some example budgets?

 

[Disney Dreams]

Hmmm... I'm not really sure what you are looking for here. Are you worried about unexpected costs or are you trying to learn certain expenses?

Basically, you have hotel, airfare/gas/whatever for of travel you are using, rental car (if applicable), tickets, food, parking (if applicable), souvenirs, photopass if you choose to do it, snacks, incidentals, tips.

Maybe a little more details on what you are looking for could help us help you.

- Dreams

 

[Vowelmommy]

This is a difficult question, because each family does Disney so differently. Some will bring a picnic each day, while some will have expensive character meals and sit down dinners. Some will allow the children a souvenir per day of the trip, some as many souvenirs as desired, some only one for the the whole trip, some families will do no souvenirs at all. The only things that are set for sure are admission costs, and those can be easily researched. If you want to get a better idea of food costs, check out the menus on all ears, they have prices listed for each food venue in the park.

 

[PinkBudgie]

Here is the link to the menu pages on all ears. http://allears.net/dlr/din/menu/menus.htm#dl

This helps to see where you might want to eat and how much it will cost. We usually spend $100 a day for 4 on food. But we get a free breakfast at Candy Cane Inn. Then we often split a meal or just have a snack for one of our meals. We only do one or two table service meals. Sometimes we'll have an ice cream cone for lunch or a pretzel for dinner. We don't like to feel stuffed at DLR. We also ask for cups of water at meals instead of soda.

 

[bakerudall]

I think Disney Dreams made a pretty good list to form your chart from. Most of the expenses are set in stone once you've booked, so you just have have to decide on variables, like gas/rental car/taxi/shuttle/parking fees, other tourist attractions, meals, tips (don't forget your maids), extra treats, and how much you want to spend on souvenirs. For a pre-formatted chart, I would probably search non-Disney travel sites and then adjust some of the categories if needed. Good luck and have fun on your trip!

 

[LittleBlackRaincloud]

I'm a big budgeter also, and try to figure out to the penny what I will spend. In the past I've been right within dollars.

I start by writing down my known expenses-hotel, and tickets.

Then I move through each day and try to guess where we might eat and what. In general, a counter service meal will cost our family of 5 $70. I'm the type that will allow my family to get what they want. I save for my trips and try to make vacations a no 'no' place. That $70 includes the 8.75% tax rate and Deluxe AP discount.

Character meals cost around $98 (Minnies) to $148 (Ariels) for us with Goofys in the middle at $118. My 2 year old is free at buffets but will expect a kids meal at places like Ariels. I also budget around $35 for the picture packages at these meals. Because I'm going to want them.

Anyway, I use the menus and prices on all ears, go with roughly the most expensive thing each could get, include some treats, and drink, take away my discount, add in the tax, and round up a few bucks. Voila! My budget.

Hope this helps!

Oh, and I just set a certain amount for each day's souvenirs. And then I have a lump sum set aside for my emergency (AKA-Dooney Bag ) fund. I also have a budget set aside for silhouettes and name art because I'm going to want them.

I also set aside $200 for gas from Phoenix. I'm hoping that's high, but realistically know it might just cover it.

 

[MommaMouseketeer]

Thank you! The above posts are helping a lot!

I know to include tips and food and souvenirs, but I don't have a clue how much I should realistically expect to spend on each at Disneyland. I'm looking for a typical range so I know if I want to include it and if I do how much leeway I have.

For example, if I was going to send a kid into a gift shop with a dollar amount, I have no idea what that dollar amount would get. Most gift shops have some cheap token gifts you can expect to get lost or break, a usual price range, a high-end but typical range, some expensive stuff, and some outrageous top-of-their-line stuff. I don't know what that range of prices is for Disneyland gift shops. Same for food (I'll look at the menus) and who I'll encounter needing tipping. And I don't know if there are fees I'm likely to encounter at Disney that I wouldn't have thought of before I left.

Tipping: Do our food allergies increase the number of people needing tipping? How much is typical? At the resort, who will we meet whom we should tip for a service? How much?

I can't post a link because I don't yet have 10 posts, but something like Good Housekeeping's "Hotel Service Tipping" by Peggy Post, but Disney-specific, is what I am hoping to find or make for each category of expenses.

 

[Huff]

For food expenses take a look at allears.net website. It has the menus and prices for all the Disneyland Resort restaurants including many of the snack carts. That should give you an idea of what you'll be spending.

Souvenirs is subjective. Some people buy a lot, others buy little to nothing. Disneyland stores are very expensive for most items so its up to you to decide.

 

[MommaMouseketeer]

How do I need to modify the below? I'll start filling in prices I find and welcome the input of others of what should be listed and of how much it should be listed for.

Typical Costs for the Typical Person Visiting Disneyland

FOOD (including tips and tax)
Counter service meal: $ - $ adult, $ - $ child
Buffet: $ - $ adult, $ - $ child
Plated/Sit-Down Meal: $ - $ adult, $ - $ child
Character meal: $ - $ adult, $ - $ child
Prix Fixe: $ - $ adult, $ - $ child
Drink: $ - $ adult, $ - $ child
Water and Ice: $
Dessert: $ - $ adult, $ - $ child
Snack: $ - $ adult, $ - $ child
Meal Extras: $ cake, $ birthday bucket, $ Pat E. Cake party, $ wine, $ food and show package, ___

Penny pincher food:
Stereotypical Disneyland food:
Disneyland food splurge:
Tips: __ Waiter, __ Barkeeper, ??


HOTEL (including tips and tax)
Paradise Pier:
Disneyland Hotel:
Grand Californian:
Off-Site Moderate:
Off-Site Budget:
Hotel Extras: __ crib, __ refrigerator, ??

Penny pincher hotel:
Stereotypical hotel:
Hotel splurge:
Tips: __ bell hop, __ doorman, __ concierge, __ room service, __ guest relations assistance, ??


TRANSPORTATION (including tips and tax)
Shuttle from airport:
Taxi from airport:
Parking at Disneyland:
Parking at hotel:
Valet parking:
Fuel to drive to Disneyland: Calculate price of fuel per mile and multiply by mileage
Airfare including luggage and fees: Varies considerably
Rental car:
Rental stroller:
Rental ECV:

Tips: __ valet, __ skycap, __ taxi/shuttle driver, ??


CLOTHING and ACCESSORIES (including those bought at home for the trip)
Shoes and Socks: VARIES
Outfits: VARIES
Swimsuit: VARIES
Towels, sleeping bags, pillows, or other linens: VARIES
Poncho, lanyard, and other incidentals:
Fanny pack or other bag: VARIES


GIFTS and ENTERTAINMENT (including tips and tax)
Tickets: $ - $ adult, $ - $ child
Autograph book and pen:
Gift shop trinkets:
Gift shop average:
Gift shop splurge:
Bibbidi Bobidi Boutique: $ , plus any clothing, accessories, and photo packages
Disneyland Guided Tour: $29-68/person depending on tour chosen. Personalized tours of up to 6 people for $125 per hour (4hr min). $25 more per hour for VIP tours with less than 48hrs notice.
Photopass Photos: $59.95 per CD, other options available
Souvenir silhouette or art: $9 per silhouette, $9.95 per silhouette frame.
Downtown Disney: ??
Disneyland pet kennel: $20 a day, plus food and cage for small and/or exotic animals
Extra camera battery, aspirin, sunscreen, and other incidentals:
Birthday sticker: free from City Hall for guests. Disney resort hotels have a supply of birthday pins for their guests.
Diversions bought for travel (books, games, etc): Varies
Scrapbooking or other memory keepers when home:
Childcare at Grand Californian: $9 per hour per child (ages 5-12)
Childcare in hotel room: in-room sitting for one or two children is $40 for the first four hours, with a four-hour minimum, and $8 each hour thereafter. The charge for each additional child is $1 per hour. Combined familys are charged $2 per our for each child from the nonbooking family. There is no transportation fee, but the client is expected to pay for parking when applicable. All fees and charges must be paid in CASH at the end of the assignment. To reserve a sitter, one or two days advance notice is requested.

 

[3Minnies1Mickey]

Character meals cost around $98 (Minnies) to $148 (Ariels) for us with Goofys in the middle at $118. My 2 year old is free at buffets but will expect a kids meal at places like Ariels. I also budget around $35 for the picture packages at these meals. Because I'm going to want them.

Even at Ariels a 2 yr old is free. They will bring you a half portion of whatever kids meal you want for free.

Thank you! The above posts are helping a lot!

I know to include tips and food and souvenirs, but I don't have a clue how much I should realistically expect to spend on each at Disneyland. I'm looking for a typical range so I know if I want to include it and if I do how much leeway I have.

For example, if I was going to send a kid into a gift shop with a dollar amount, I have no idea what that dollar amount would get. Most gift shops have some cheap token gifts you can expect to get lost or break, a usual price range, a high-end but typical range, some expensive stuff, and some outrageous top-of-their-line stuff. I don't know what that range of prices is for Disneyland gift shops. Same for food (I'll look at the menus) and who I'll encounter needing tipping. And I don't know if there are fees I'm likely to encounter at Disney that I wouldn't have thought of before I left.

Tipping: Do our food allergies increase the number of people needing tipping? How much is typical? At the resort, who will we meet whom we should tip for a service? How much?

I can't post a link because I don't yet have 10 posts, but something like Good Housekeeping's "Hotel Service Tipping" by Peggy Post, but Disney-specific, is what I am hoping to find or make for each category of expenses.

Tipping: We only tip Bell Hop if they bring up or take down our luggage. Typically $1/bag At restaurants 15-20% depending on service. We don't tip housekeeping, I know some people do. I was never brought up to, so it never occurred to me to do it. In some states "tipped" positions make less than minimum wage so they rely on tips to make up the rest, California isn't like that so that's probably why I don't feel tipping housekeeping is necessary unless they do above and beyond their job.

Souveniers: We typically allow the kids to pick out one toy per trip (unless we are going a lot) under $20-25. We will also let them pick out a pin for their lanyard per trip $6-10. Mickey ears will run you $15+ depending on the ears.

I'd look at the menus (they include prices) and it'll give you a good estimate on meal costs. CS meals are about the same price range at the majority of locations.

A few "cost cutting" measures we do is:
1) bring in water and snacks, and juice boxes for the kids....you can get free ice water at most if not all CS locations and some even have a place to refill your water bottles yourself. We stick a soft sided cooler in the basket under the stroller.
2) if we do buy drinks for the kids we get a large and they share. I've even brought small disposable cups to split the drink.
3) buy a large popcorn and split it in baggies so each child gets their own bag to hold...much cheaper than buying each one a bag.
4) have kids split an adult meal instead of buying 2 kids meals.
5) buy souveniers like T-shirts ahead of time. You can find Disney shirts at Target, Walmart and of course the Disney Store for much cheaper than in the parks. We also put together "goody bags" of Disney themed stuff for the trip down (crayons, color books, stickers, etc). The dollar section of most stores (and the Dollar stores) have Disney stuff. If you have a Party City nearby, they have child size Disney lanyards for $1, as well as crayons, notebooks, games in Princess, Toy Story, Cars, Tinkerbell, Mickey for cheap.

 

[pixiewings71]

For tips we double the tax, that's about 15%, if service was stellar we tip higher. Having allergies or special diet needs doesn't increase the number of people needing to be tipped.

For souvenirs we give each kid a dollar amount (ie $50 or $100) and they can spend it how they wish, once it's gone, it's gone. That's it, bottom line, we don't give them more.

for water, take your own! Don't buy them at the parks, it's like $3 for a 16 oz bottle! I can get a case of 24 bottles of 16 oz each for less than $5. Take your own snacks, take your own sodas (in bottles, no cans or glass).

What from the list you posted do you want to do? You've got everything listed.....

 

[LittleBlackRaincloud]

Even at Ariels a 2 yr old is free. They will bring you a half portion of whatever kids meal you want for free.

I did not know this! Thank you!



My kids are little and not really understanding money yet. I am going to give them each a coupon book. They can spend one coupon a day. That way, they can 'choose' what they want, and once the coupon is gone, they can't get it again. Here are the coupons I'm giving them and the amount I've budgeted each in parenthesis:

• One Balloon ($15)
• Bubble Gun ($12)
• Stuffed Animal ($30)
• Toy ($60-in case they pick a big one, I'm letting them get anything they want, I'm hoping the $180 between the 3 off them will even out. DD will not get anything that much I'm sure.)
• Light Up Toy ($25)
• T-Shirt/Hat/Jewelry ($30)

The only people I tip are the bell people and wait staff.

 

[3Minnies1Mickey]

My kids are little and not really understanding money yet. I am going to give them each a coupon book. They can spend one coupon a day. That way, they can 'choose' what they want, and once the coupon is gone, they can't get it again. Here are the coupons I'm giving them and the amount I've budgeted each in parenthesis:

• One Balloon ($15)
• Bubble Gun ($12)
• Stuffed Animal ($30)
• Toy ($60-in case they pick a big one, I'm letting them get anything they want, I'm hoping the $180 between the 3 off them will even out. DD will not get anything that much I'm sure.)
• Light Up Toy ($25)
• T-Shirt/Hat/Jewelry ($30)

The only people I tip are the bell people and wait staff.

This is a great idea for little ones to avoid the constant gimmes.

 

[MommaMouseketeer]

What from the list you posted do you want to do? You've got everything listed.....

I'm trying to decide! I'd love to do it all, but can't afford to so I have to choose. I'm trying to figure out about where each falls in the price line, then I can make a value judgment on convenience, time, and enjoyment for the expense.

For example, if I have $100 to spend, I can divide that up lots of ways. Do I want to give the kids $50 each to spend at the gift shop? Or do I want to give them $20 each and then go to a character breakfast? Well, if I know that $20 is only going to buy them cheap junk at the Disneyland store and I know my my kids will be disappointed in the tiny trinkets they can choose from at that price and I know that $60 isn't going to cover all of us for a decent meal they'll like plus the photos at a character breakfast (I obviously just made those "facts" up as an example because I don't know how far a dollar will take you for these activities), then I won't choose that plan but will look at alternatives that will bring more enjoyment to us for the same amount. That's why I'm trying to list everything so I can then pick and choose our preferred combination to maximize our value while other people can use the same list to come up with their best plan for them based on their values.

The list doesn't make value judgments (bring your own bottle to refill your water for free because their water is overpriced), but gives the reader the information to make his own judgment (if I bring my own water bottle from home I can get water to re-fill it for free or I can pay them $3 for a 16oz water bottle.) Does that make sense?

ETA: The responses that came in since I started typing are very helpful! The coupon price list, especially. Please keep them coming. I'll see if I can get a good amount of the list sketched out today and updated tonight.

 

[Escape2Disney]

I'm trying to decide! I'd love to do it all, but can't afford to so I have to choose. I'm trying to figure out about where each falls in the price line, then I can make a value judgment on convenience, time, and enjoyment for the expense.

For example, if I have $100 to spend, I can divide that up lots of ways. Do I want to give the kids $50 each to spend at the gift shop? Or do I want to give them $20 each and then go to a character breakfast? Well, if I know that $20 is only going to buy them cheap junk at the Disneyland store and I know my my kids will be disappointed in the tiny trinkets they can choose from at that price and I know that $60 isn't going to cover all of us for a decent meal they'll like plus the photos at a character breakfast (I obviously just made those "facts" up as an example because I don't know how far a dollar will take you for these activities), then I won't choose that plan but will look at alternatives that will bring more enjoyment to us for the same amount. That's why I'm trying to list everything so I can then pick and choose our preferred combination to maximize our value while other people can use the same list to come up with their best plan for them based on their values.

The list doesn't make value judgments (bring your own bottle to refill your water for free because their water is overpriced), but gives the reader the information to make his own judgment (if I bring my own water bottle from home I can get water to re-fill it for free or I can pay them $3 for a 16oz water bottle.) Does that make sense?

ETA: The responses that came in since I started typing are very helpful! The coupon price list, especially. Please keep them coming. I'll see if I can get a good amount of the list sketched out today and updated tonight.

Only you will know what sort of items they would want to buy, so it's hard for us to give you a good idea of the amount of money they'll need.
I think what might help you make those decisions is to go to www.disneyshopping.com. Though the items will be different at the parks, it'll give you a good idea of what things will cost. There's a section of items from the parks. The prices shown there are pretty typical of what you'll see at Disneyland and California Adventure.

The menus on www.allears.net are very helpful in determining how much will be needed for meals. You also have the option to order groceries from VONS and have them delivered to your hotel. That way you can save money on food and allot more money for other things.

 

[Disney Dreams]

...The list doesn't make value judgments (bring your own bottle to refill your water for free because their water is overpriced), but gives the reader the information to make his own judgment (if I bring my own water bottle from home I can get water to re-fill it for free or I can pay them $3 for a 16oz water bottle.) Does that make sense?...

So, you are using the info we are sharing with you to write a book or website of some sort?

I'm confused. I thought you were asking for your own personal use.

How do I need to modify the below?

Well, it depends upon what you are doing for your trip.

You have birthday and wine on your list. Are you planning a celebration trip? For whom? If you provide us with information, we can help you, but I am extremely confused. Is this for your upcoming trip??? Your list is - dare I say - maybe overkill. I think you might be overwhelming yourself with too many scenarios. Who's going? Adults/kids? How many days?

Are you planning a budget vacation? Spend like there's no tomorrow trip? Again, help us understand and we can help.


- Dreams

 

[pixiewings71]

I'm trying to decide! I'd love to do it all, but can't afford to so I have to choose. I'm trying to figure out about where each falls in the price line, then I can make a value judgment on convenience, time, and enjoyment for the expense.

For example, if I have $100 to spend, I can divide that up lots of ways. Do I want to give the kids $50 each to spend at the gift shop? Or do I want to give them $20 each and then go to a character breakfast? Well, if I know that $20 is only going to buy them cheap junk at the Disneyland store and I know my my kids will be disappointed in the tiny trinkets they can choose from at that price and I know that $60 isn't going to cover all of us for a decent meal they'll like plus the photos at a character breakfast (I obviously just made those "facts" up as an example because I don't know how far a dollar will take you for these activities), then I won't choose that plan but will look at alternatives that will bring more enjoyment to us for the same amount. That's why I'm trying to list everything so I can then pick and choose our preferred combination to maximize our value while other people can use the same list to come up with their best plan for them based on their values.

The list doesn't make value judgments (bring your own bottle to refill your water for free because their water is overpriced), but gives the reader the information to make his own judgment (if I bring my own water bottle from home I can get water to re-fill it for free or I can pay them $3 for a 16oz water bottle.) Does that make sense?

ETA: The responses that came in since I started typing are very helpful! The coupon price list, especially. Please keep them coming. I'll see if I can get a good amount of the list sketched out today and updated tonight.

As only you know your family you will have to chose based on what they will like and remember best. So if you only have $100 for MY family/kids I'd skip the character meal and give them each $50 for souvenirs that they chose. It's hard to give advice in cases like this because everyone feels differently.

So, you are using the info we are sharing with you to write a book or website of some sort?

I'm confused. I thought you were asking for your own personal use.


Well, it depends upon what you are doing for your trip.

You have birthday and wine on your list. Are you planning a celebration trip? For whom? If you provide us with information, we can help you, but I am extremely confused. Is this for your upcoming trip??? Your list is - dare I say - maybe overkill. I think you might be overwhelming yourself with too many scenarios. Who's going? Adults/kids? How many days?

Are you planning a budget vacation? Spend like there's no tomorrow trip? Again, help us understand and we can help.


- Dreams

You also have dog boarding, childcare, photopass, etc etc. This is why we are asking for more info, the list you gave lists literally every expense, including some that I wouldn't count as Disney expenses (such as clothing).

 

[MommaMouseketeer]

I don't really want advice so much on this thread, just the numbers.

Just the facts, ma'am. LOL! (As Sgt. Joe Friday would say.) Then with all the possible expenses listed, everyone can use the same list to make their own personalized budget.

I'd particularly like help filling in the food section right now.

 

[limace]

I'm confused still. You can get menus off allears.net with exact figures for dining, so what help do you need with food? I think folks are asking for more info so they know what pieces you are missing-if what you're doing is planning a trip.

 

[SGMCO]

Go to Allearsnet.com and they have dining menus with the cost of all of the counter service and sitdown meals at both DL and CA.