Help me save money on food.

[Southernmiss]

I am a little funny about using the coffee pot for hot water-coffee taste in my food. bleh

Anyway, I bought an electric hot water pot (abt $15 at Walmart, Bed Bath and Beyond) and we take hot chocolate, ramen noodles, instant single serve mashed potatoes, oatmeal, healthy choice noodle meals, single serve mac and cheese. Our walmart has an aisle with lots of variety of only add hot water type foods. I just bring some plastic food storage containers, bowls, cups and plastic forks, spoons, etc. My teen boys can eat before breakfast and then again late night in the hotel room.

Another easy favorite is bread and pb and j or nutella. DS 17 likes the dollar store chicken salad kits for quick protein.

I put dish soap on a sponge and let it dry and then put in a zipper bag to bring or pack a small bottle of dish soap to wash out cups, utensils, dishes, etc.

 

[tigger51276]

When I've stayed at the values I always bring a cheap coffee pot (the values do not have them in room) and a cheap toaster. Also I'm a flyer so I bring a medium sized suitcase full of food/snacks and a small suitcase for the coffee pot/toaster and then when they are empty I have space for souvinears! I NEED coffee in the morning and Disney coffee is awful. With the toaster I am able to make bagels and toast for breakfast. I also bring 1 or 2 boxes of cereal and granola bars. Breakfast in the room alone saves a ton of money.
This next trip I am also going to do lunches. I will have a full kitchen as I'm staying DVC, however I don't really need it. My plans for lunches (and maybe a couple of dinners are:
Ramen noodle cup of soups (just add hot water from QS location)
single serve easy mac (again just add hot water)
single serve chef boyardee
canned chicken for chicken salad sandwhiches
peanut butter, jelly and fluff
hot dogs (those I can either heat up before we leave room and put in a thermos or heat up at a kid care center with microwave)
pasta (would need to pre cook)
salads
yogurt
My list grows every now and again as I think of something new, but I think this is a pretty good list so far and has good variety. When we do get a QS meal it'll most likely be a half chicken meal as my older DD and I can share that (otherwise I throw about half of it away) and DD3 will get a kids meal. I find that Disney gives large portions on quite a few things and are very shareable.
Also one other thing to keep in mind, while the values don't have microwaves in the rooms, they do have microwaves and toaster available for use in the "cafeteria" so you can always bring stuff over there to heat it up and then put it in a thermos to keep it warm for later consumption in the parks. I also second bringing a cooler with you and filling it with ice to keep things cold over paying $10 a day for a fridge.

 

[cheermom1]

I am a little funny about using the coffee pot for hot water-coffee taste in my food. bleh

Anyway, I bought an electric hot water pot (abt $15 at Walmart, Bed Bath and Beyond) and we take hot chocolate, ramen noodles, instant single serve mashed potatoes, oatmeal, healthy choice noodle meals, single serve mac and cheese. Our walmart has an aisle with lots of variety of only add hot water type foods. I just bring some plastic food storage containers, bowls, cups and plastic forks, spoons, etc. My teen boys can eat before breakfast and then again late night in the hotel room.

Another easy favorite is bread and pb and j or nutella. DS 17 likes the dollar store chicken salad kits for quick protein.

I put dish soap on a sponge and let it dry and then put in a zipper bag to bring or pack a small bottle of dish soap to wash out cups, utensils, dishes, etc.

Thank you I will put those on my list. My love mac and cheese and ramon noodles.

 

[undertheradar]

OP, aren't you going to be there over the July 4th holiday? If so, parks will be crowded and you will lose a lot of park time trying to travel to your resort to save money on food. You would be much better off budgeting for a big meal/lunch in the parks and saving money by eating breakfast in your room. Parks will be open late so you might want to plan on counter service meals for dinner.

 

[GrammyJudy]

You definitely can split some quick serve meals. Also you can order childrens meals which are cheaper. you can get free ice and water at any counterservice restaurant and add crystal lite or juice to that. If you do a buffet meal for a treat make sure to take fruit and snacks for later. I carry zip lock bags for letovers in my fanny pack.

Have a great time. We have stayed at all the values and I like them. I prefer All Stars because they are smaller but they atr all fine

 

[disneyofcourse]

You want to stay 4 nights in July. ( I priced out 9-13th M-F just to check on my point chart)


If you rent DVC points for 2 studios at Saratoga springs which comes with a mini kitchen. It would cost $12/Per point (at most rental places) Each studio is 64 points. So $768 per studio. Is that more or less than two value rooms? Old key west takes 56 points per studio. $672 for that room. You can even try on these boards and look for someone offering points for $11 or less each.

The reason I'm steering you towards point rental is because of the kitchen area with a coffee maker, microwave and mini fridge. Plus I think the rooms are actually a little bit bigger.


I personally would not go off site to try to save money. The parks are crazy during July and you will be spending so much time in a car that could be spent in the park. You're paying for pricey park tickets so you might as well spend as much time as possible in the parks. Bagels are pretty cheap in the parks and even cheaper if you bring some with you. In Epcot, France has really inexpensive breakfast foods/Pastry items. I've never really eaten in my rooms and really never bring food with me. I'm just going on what people have said on here. But I've heard budget tips on here like bringing trail mix, fruit snacks, bringing your own soda, water, gator-aid, ordering food from garden grocer and having them deliver it. Bringing small boxes of cereal , pre packaged meals, eating at McDonald for all 3 meals. (Just things posted around here....I don't recommend anyone eat at McDonalds for 5 days and 3x a day. ) At parks you can avoid sit down meals and only eat at counter service. You can split some meals. Some places offer free water cups at kiosks. I also don't recommend bringing meat sandwiches, tuna/fish products, milk or yogurt into a park during July. Way to hot to keep those things fresh....

 

[cheermom1]

You want to stay 4 nights in July. ( I priced out 9-13th M-F just to check on my point chart)


If you rent DVC points for 2 studios at Saratoga springs which comes with a mini kitchen. It would cost $12/Per point (at most rental places) Each studio is 64 points. So $768 per studio. Is that more or less than two value rooms? Old key west takes 56 points per studio. $672 for that room. You can even try on these boards and look for someone offering points for $11 or less each.

The reason I'm steering you towards point rental is because of the kitchen area with a coffee maker, microwave and mini fridge. Plus I think the rooms are actually a little bit bigger.


I personally would not go off site to try to save money. The parks are crazy during July and you will be spending so much time in a car that could be spent in the park. You're paying for pricey park tickets so you might as well spend as much time as possible in the parks. Bagels are pretty cheap in the parks and even cheaper if you bring some with you. In Epcot, France has really inexpensive breakfast foods/Pastry items. I've never really eaten in my rooms and really never bring food with me. I'm just going on what people have said on here. But I've heard budget tips on here like bringing trail mix, fruit snacks, bringing your own soda, water, gator-aid, ordering food from garden grocer and having them deliver it. Bringing small boxes of cereal , pre packaged meals, eating at McDonald for all 3 meals. (Just things posted around here....I don't recommend anyone eat at McDonalds for 5 days and 3x a day. ) At parks you can avoid sit down meals and only eat at counter service. You can split some meals. Some places offer free water cups at kiosks. I also don't recommend bringing meat sandwiches, tuna/fish products, milk or yogurt into a park during July. Way to hot to keep those things fresh....

Are you saying that price is for one night or for all 4 nights? I am a little confused on that. thanks for the info and if that is for all 4 nights I will deff. look into that.

 

[CowboyCO]

Are you saying that price is for one night or for all 4 nights? I am a little confused on that. thanks for the info and if that is for all 4 nights I will deff. look into that.

That is for 4 nights. We have done out last 3 vacations to WDW renting DVC points and have stayed at OKW, and Animal Kingdom Lodge twice Our average cost was about $130 per night to stay at a deluxe.

There is a rental thread on these boards -- Go check it out.

 

[HelenePA]

Do you have to stay onsite? you can get a 2bedroom house at bonnet creek for 795$ which is actually on disney property http://www.bonnetcreekvacationrentals.com/wyndhambonnetcreekresort

 

[cheermom1]

That is for 4 nights. We have done out last 3 vacations to WDW renting DVC points and have stayed at OKW, and Animal Kingdom Lodge twice Our average cost was about $130 per night to stay at a deluxe.

There is a rental thread on these boards -- Go check it out.

ok i did check them out but I am confused it looks like if we go this rout we still have to get 2 rooms right? If we do that is still almost double what i will spend on 2 at the value right?

Sorry for so much I am just so confused.

 

[SnowWhite607]

If you want to stay offsite, try the Blue Heron Beach Resort in Orlando. I priced out a condo for you - July 9-13 (just for pricing purposes) and it is $760 total for 8 people. Here is the description of the room just so you can kinda see:

King size bed in Master Bedroom with balcony facing Disney, high floors can view fireworks- 2 Twins in second bedroom-Bunk beds and queen size sleeper sofa. 2 full baths. Full kitchen. Separate living areas and bedrooms. Living Room Balcony overlooking Lake Bryan. Jetted tub in Master Bedroom. DVD player and highspeed internet access. Floor level can not be guaranteed. Max 8 ppl

We stayed here this summer and it was wonderful, much more room that at a hotel. I dont know if this price is comparable to values but I thought I would throw it out there if offsite is a possibility.

 

[cheermom1]

If you want to stay offsite, try the Blue Heron Beach Resort in Orlando. I priced out a condo for you - July 9-13 (just for pricing purposes) and it is $760 total for 8 people. Here is the description of the room just so you can kinda see:

King size bed in Master Bedroom with balcony facing Disney, high floors can view fireworks- 2 Twins in second bedroom-Bunk beds and queen size sleeper sofa. 2 full baths. Full kitchen. Separate living areas and bedrooms. Living Room Balcony overlooking Lake Bryan. Jetted tub in Master Bedroom. DVD player and highspeed internet access. Floor level can not be guaranteed. Max 8 ppl

We stayed here this summer and it was wonderful, much more room that at a hotel. I dont know if this price is comparable to values but I thought I would throw it out there if offsite is a possibility.

It's beautiful but there is no availability.

 

[disykat]

I'd keep it simple. Bring food for breakfast in the room (cereal, muffins, oranges, etc.) and plan on two counter service meals per day in the park. Share meals when possible and drink tap water instead of soda.

 

[cheermom1]

I'd keep it simple. Bring food for breakfast in the room (cereal, muffins, oranges, etc.) and plan on two counter service meals per day in the park. Share meals when possible and drink tap water instead of soda.

that is what I was thinking too. and maybe bring some sandwich stuff too along with snacks for them.

Thanks so much ladies you have been awesome in helping with ideas.

 

[DisneyEater]

ok i did check them out but I am confused it looks like if we go this rout we still have to get 2 rooms right? If we do that is still almost double what i will spend on 2 at the value right?

Sorry for so much I am just so confused.

If you don't mind me asking, what are you paying for the 2 value rooms?

 

[cheermom1]

If you don't mind me asking, what are you paying for the 2 value rooms?

It will be 852 with out tax. however my dd was already getting a room and she will pay for one i will pay for the other. I ma paying for her tix so she can put 2 of her bros in her room. It will be me, dh our 4 boys and my dd with her bf. So 8 people. It don;t mind if we don;t have connecting rooms as they are all older.

 

[HelenePA]

according to the wyndham site the 2bedroom sleeps 8 so you'd only need 1 2bedroom, if you go to this site you can see what it looks like with real pics

http://www.wyndhambonnetcreek.com/

 

[DisneyEater]

You should check out all the food they have on staples.com. They have free delivery so you can get water bottles, cereal, that weird milk that doesn't need to be refridgerated, soups, and all kind of snack stuff delivered for no charge. If nothing else it will give you ideas of what you can bring if you don't have a fridge.

 

[North of Mouse]

tar heel, I'm how will buying all your gas at a gas station save money? Where else can you get it? Was this a typo? Sometimes my computer types things that I'm not even thinking

 

[cheermom1]

tar heel, I'm how will buying all your gas at a gas station save money? Where else can you get it? Was this a typo? Sometimes my computer types things that I'm not even thinking

i think she meant to not buy snacks and drinks at the gas stations.