Going to Orlando. Trying to budget

[taraprather]

Hi there!
We are traveling to Orlando the first week in April! We decided that we will finally take a nice family vacation, since it's been awhile. It will be my husband, myself, our son (15), our daughter A(10), and our daughter H (4).
My older 2 have been to disney a couple of times each. But our youngest has never been. She is absolutely in love with princesses, and believes the cinderella castle is HER castle (she'll be quite disappointed that she can't even go inside HER castle). I brought her to the Disney musical here in town just last night, and she LOVED it. Her entire body was shaking she was so excited. She kept saying "SEE mom, they ARE real!".
ANYWAYS, sorry for rambling.
We are driving from Ohio (although I would absolutely prefer to fly, but it's much more budget savy to drive). According to gas buddy, it will cost us approximately $235 in gas to get there and back home.
We found a house on VRBO (3 bedroom, private pool), and after contacting her, I was able to get it down to $400 TOTAL with pool heat, for April 2-7.
We only plan on doing Disney 2 days, base tickets.- $1000
We plan on eating big breakfasts at the house every morning before heading out, and also packing snacks for the day. And I'm also hoping to cook at least 2 dinners at the house while we are there. So how much should I estimate in food costs? I'm thinking we'll do 1 character meal, since it's our dd first time there, but man do I cringe at the thought of that bill.
$125-$150 for hotels (driving there and back)
The girls want to do bippity boppity boutique (we'll bring costumes from home)- $150
The boys will do disney quest that day $100
I want to go to Coco Beach one day (use to go there all the time as a kid). It seems to be within an hour away.
I'm so excited aboutt his trip, but I know I'm forgetting expenses. HELP!

 

[Gumbo4x4]

Not sure where your house is, but we stopped on 192 the night before and loaded up on $5 Subway sandwiches a couple times and carried those into the parks for lunch the following days. Gotta leave off anything that would make the bread soggy. Don't fret over the cost of the princess lunch. It's stupid expensive, but for a one-time thing totally worth it especially if you're being careful with the rest of your budget

 

[uccats97]

$15/day to park at theme parks, an extra tank of gas for driving around Disney property and to the beach, and souvenirs to name a few extras. We are in Ohio too, (must be close since Disney Live is here this weekend). For quick service meals inside the parks: meals are about $10-12/adult, drinks are about $3, no refills except a very few places. Kids' meals are about $7, including a drink (9 and under but you can order for anyone and no one would know). We save money by getting free cups of water and adding Mio or the like. Don't forget Disney snacks at about $5 each. Some things are hard to pass up even if you bring in your own snacks, like Mickey ice cream bars. Also, bring a stroller for the 4 year old just in case. Renting a stroller is pricey, $30/day, I think.

 

[marg1974]

I there a parking drop off area?

 

[taraprather]

Great tips! Yes, I'm in Dayton, OH. I plan on picking up some disney stuff at the mall before we go, but I'll still probably let them all pick out at least 1 thing while there. Bringing a water enhancer is a great idea. The kids aren't big water drinkers, but they love juice. They will save a small fortune, and it will fit in my purse. THANK YOU!
The house we are renting has a stroller for use, so definitely plan on taking advantage of that.
43 more days!

 

[uccats97]

I'll be there at the same time! We check in March 30th. Can't wait! Disneystore.com has 25% off parks merchandise until Monday. Take advantage!