Going Crazy..Please Help!

[ThreeMusketeers]

Well..we leave for our first family trip in about 2 weeks!!!

BUT...we have had some major expenses come up in the last few days that are tapping us out finnacially. Our trip is paid in full, and we have the dining plan. All our airfare is paid for as well.

But I am nervous that we are only going to have about $200 dollars in the bank (excluding a little spending money that we have set aside already) while we are away.

Will someone reassure me that their are no "hidden" costs or anything out of pocket we will have to pay for that is mandatory.

Thanks.

 

[donnabc]

Sounds like you have it covered...
Just make sure everyone knows you have to stick to the dining plan! And for extra snacks and drinks, I would bring your OWN into the parks in a backpack....$2 here and $2 there adds up fast.

 

[Cheshire Figment]

What is your transportation? If you are flying, for example you need to consider how you are getting to/from your local airport (and parking fees at the airport).

Don't use your hotel phone for any calls off property. Local calls are 75¢ each, as well as there is a 75¢ charge for connecting to 800 numbers. Long Distance is 150% of the operator assisted rates.

Make sure you have film or spare memory cards for your camera.

 

[michvin]

We ended up buying soft pretzels, smoothies etc. which we didn't really count in the budget. However, most breakfasts were in the room. I mailed a box down of all kinds of stuff...cold meds, soap, band aids, life cereal, protein bars, diapers, wipes, anti bac wipes, even those lite up necklaces I got at the dollar store. You really don't need to buy anything.

Do you have tip money saved? we had great service and tipped them daily. And the transportation is a good point.

Also...I know there are those out there who may flip out but...we knew my husband was getting a bonus this November and we charged, yes charged the trip package, paid $1000 of it off before we left and paid the balance just last week. We went in Oct. I had saved up most of the "other" monies needed, ie. tips, car, dinner to the airport, dinner on coming home day, airport parking, etc. from a yard sale and putting a bit away for a few months. If you know you are going to have a little but coming, like taxes or something, maybe you could give yourself a $200 or $300 cushion and put in on your room and then pay it off, responsibly...don't want to get flamed here!

 

[staci]

We honestly spent less than 100 cash on our trip, and that was ALL souvineers that we didnt need

Take some snacks (little debbie, crackers, etc) for the room at night as we tend to get the munchies . Also bring some cereal bars for breakfast. Other than that, pay good attention to the dining plan, space out your meals accordingly, and you will be fine! Remember, you can get one cs meal and share it for breakfast, and get another one for lunch and share it as well. so if you have young children who eat small amounts frequently, that may work better than 2 larger meals a day.

 

[ThreeMusketeers]

Thank you SO much for your help! I appreciate it!

 

[icebaby]

were:

1. tipping for baggage handling at airport and at resort; and mousekeeping (equalling about $20 for the whole trip)
2. extra snacks/drinks (approx. $3/per person per day) at the WDW and the airport
3. souviners (I purposely purchased Disney Dollars for this and let DD (8) budget her $$$, she had approx $50 for the whole trip, and when it was gone, it was gone, no ifs, ands, or buts or extra money!!)
4. and the most expensive cost was parking at the airport ( $80 !)


We had the dining plan. Use it wisely, by timing you meals accordingly. Also because of the amount of food that is given, you can easily share CS and TS meals (especially if your DKs are young and don't eat much). Pay attention to your receipts and make sure the DP is charged correctly. I had to have the resort change a mistake made at Mama Melrose when I got back from the park. Also make sure you get all your food, twice I had to ask about what dessert was under the plan at a CS place. The CM was ready to ring me up with out offering it. Bring easily packed breakfast items, like poptarts, cereal bars, granola, pretzels, etc for breakfast and snacks for late night munchies. If you can get a ride to and from the airport, that can save you an expensive and sometimes overlooked expense. Possible expenses that you also might overlook are stroller rental, laundry soap and coins for the machines, autograph books and pens. Good Luck !!!