Help needed going in 2 weeks $$ question-budget

[Mel90210]

Hi,

We are super excited but going with a friend of mine who has unlimited funds. We have discussed one toy from each park. We have the dining package 1 quick service with one sit down and a snack for each of us. But how much does everyone budget daily? She isn't putting a budget..and that freaks me out a bit. Any suggestions? Just myself and my 8 year old. Thank you all!

 

[MSSANDRA]

We honestly don't spend a lot during most days. You will need tips for your TS meals and depending on your plans, maybe breakfast. Mostly we either bring breakfast foods or share enough meals that we have a few extra CS and snack credits for breakfast. We ask for water instead of buying soda and are pretty firm in the buying toys stuff. We do buy a few but we set limits. The issue I could see is your child wanting everything the other family kids get and who could blame him. I think you will just have to decide how you want to handle it and have a firm talk with him on what you decide. It can be tricky and you don;t want the other family to feel awkward buying for their kids.Be ready for the possibility of their offering to treat you child when they buy for their child. Good thing about the DDP is there will be no issues on ordering drinks or dessert.

 

[Wendybird55]

First there's tips for TS meals...Dining plan doesn't include gratuities so figure about 18-20% of bill (including buffet meals). If you want to get an idea of what meals will cost you can check out the menus for the restaurants you have ADRS on allearsnet.com to get an idea of how much you need to budget for tips. Also you may want to also tip housekeeping. Around $5 a day is what we usually leave.

Then there's additional food outside of plan. Only you know the type of eaters you and your son are...will what you get on the dining plan be enough food each day or do you foresee needing an additional meal / snack each day? If you see an additional meal then maybe you should decide with your friend how many , if any, additional TS meals you will have...for easier budgeting you may decide to stick with TS meals from dining plan and any additional food / meals will be CS or snacks.

Snacks can cost between $2.50 (sodas) to $5.00 each (really big treat). Most are around $3.50 - $4 price range.
CS Meals can be around $10 for adult $6 for child give or take depending upon what you order (check out allearsnet for prices to get a better idea).

In addition to dining the only extra costs that you may have to budget with your friend is if you plan on doing any extra events / activities such as mini golf, renting recreational boats. etc. There's plenty to do in the parks without having to pay for extra activities and if your friend wants to do a spa or something she can do it and meet up with you later on.

Outside of dining and activities, I think any other spending you do is to your discretion regardless of what your friend spends. As far as souvenirs decide on a budget that is comfortable for you. And maybe instead of telling your son you will buy him 1 toy per park maybe you can get him a Disney gift card for an amount within your budget and he can use that gift card for whatever souvenirs he wants, but that's all he gets to spend. If he wants, he can add some of his own money to the card.

I don't figure budget as a daily cost more like a category cost...like

$$$ for tips (meals, housekeeping, ME, bell services, airport)
$$$ for food (additional snacks and meals to DP )
$$$ for additional activities (video arcade, mini golf, tours, etc.)
$$$ for souvenirs

 

[Mel90210]

Thank you everyone. I think we have one Character meal..and we are doing the Pirate cruise dinner? He picks at food and isn't a big eater. Typically at Disneyland we would get one popcorn and a couple juices. I planned on $500.00 but I'm not sure if that is enough.

 

[Marriedbythemouse]

We go often (live in Tampa) and I started giving my kids their own budget for things.
If its a couple day trip they get $20 if its longer than maybe $50.
First of all what can you afford? $20-30 would buy a nice toy or stuffed animal at any of the parks.
Its amazing how the kids want everything and I can say "you choose its your money" and they are so hesitant to spend "their" money. I highly recommend this approach. Also have them take time to think about what they want. Most toys are available at all the parks, so they can think about it today and buy it tomorrow.
Good luck!!

 

[Altoqueenkelly]

Thank you everyone. I think we have one Character meal..and we are doing the Pirate cruise dinner? He picks at food and isn't a big eater. Typically at Disneyland we would get one popcorn and a couple juices. I planned on $500.00 but I'm not sure if that is enough.

$500 should be more than enough.

I take trips with my daughter (7). I'm a single mom. I buy the package with the DDP. So all we need to pay OOP for is tips & Souvenirs. We use a "snack" for breakfast (share a muffin typically) and refill our mugs at the resort. Then we may use one "snack" for an ice cream or treat in the park. I also bring things like granola bars incase my DD really wants a snack. We drink water (free ice water in the parks). Then 1Qs and 1 Ts is typically more than enough.

I typically spend $200-$300 while I am there because we eat off the DDP (which is pre-paid) and our entertainment is the parks & resorts (walking around, pools, etc).

I usually schedule BBB or PL type experience, so that can add $30-$60, but I always bring our own costumes.

You can do it on a budget and have a great time, just make sure your eight year old has the expectation of a budget (like a certain amount they can spend).

It works really well for us

You can PM me if you want more information or to chat about your trip I'm taking DD7 in September!

 

[MandiC]

I agree with several posters. As far as souvenirs went, my daughters had received Disney giftcards for Christmas and that was their spending money. I would point out how much they had and how much they would have left if they bought a certain item and then they could decide. When they wanted to spend it all the first day I pointed out we would be back to that park and they might want to see what was available at other parks before spending all their money. The only thing I bought them as a souvenir, which I promised early in the trip was one new pin from the DTD pin store before we left. (I also got one of their friends a birthday present, dd#2 was going to a birthday party the day after we got back and I knew I wouldn't have the time/energy to go to a store once we got home)
Plan for tips, and also plan out your meals. I actually sat down and wrote a list before we left of each day and when/where we would eat (where wasn't necessarily specific, but quick service usually costs about the same. We were on the basic dining plan (1ts, 1qs, 1 snack) and we did end up paying for some meals out of pocket. Remember the dining plan is based on the number of *nights* you are staying, not days so if you fly in early and fly out late you won't have enough food on the dining plan alone. Plus we did two 2 credit meals and yes tips, we really underbudgeted tips. It was just something I didn't really think about beforehand (our previous trips have been all-inclusive where tipping is a no-no and employees are told to not accept them).
Out of pocket expenses will be different for everyone but most of the menus are online and you can find lots of souvenir ideas online too. I knew we'd do the pick a pearl in Japan for sure. We thought about doing a few other things I had priced out but we really didn't feel the need. Oh and I made sure to get quarters and pennies before our trip for pressed pennies!

 

[Mel90210]

You guys are the best…thank you for all the advice..tips etc.!!!