Help!! We're first timers!

[bsjdl]

I was curious if anyone could help us out on how much spending money- tips, food, excurssions,souvinors- we might need. We are going on our first cruise and basically our first trip ever in Oct. I have planned this whole trip on a budget and now that thats done I want to make sure we have a good time while we're there. We are going on 3 day land/ 4 day sea, with two adults and one 8 year old. Anyone one out there with any suggestions, hints or ideas would be greatly appreciated!! thanks

 

[Laura E.]

Hello there - just thought I'd pass on this tip. Go visit the following website. It was compiled by Mickey Morgan just for this reason. It can be found:

http://wdwig.com

It has some wonderful advice on everything you wanted to know about Disney cruising. It also has some guidelines on tipping which was at one time included in your documents. I haven't received my documents yet so I can't tell you if its still included. Its got guidlines for the 3,4 & 7 day and includes (don't get scared now) the Stateroom Host/Hostess ($14), Dining Room server ($14), D.R. Asst server ($10), D.R. Head Server ($3), Dining Captain($3), Dining Manager (Your Discretion) & last but not least, Room Service (if used at yr discretion. Its (guidgebook) great to have (I printed mine out and have it handy by my nightstand in case I think of something in the middle of the night (LOL) Don't laugh - it happens

BTW - the above suggestions are for the 4 day cruise. Look at the website above for the 3-day and 7-day suggestions. Have fun but don't get scared. It'll be worth it. Your kid will be bugging you to go again before you get off the ship.
Well, if I can be of any other help, feel free.

 

[daltonsdodisney]

We spent about $500 on the ship including tips. That was our pictures at Shutters, a few small souvenirs, snorkel rental for 1 adult, 1 child, a few drinks, some casino cash, cab fare, hairbraiding.
We only did 2 nights at WDW and spent maybe $200 in food and our 1 day at MK.

 

[wilmywood]

We traveled last March with 2 DDs 8 and 11 years old. The best money spent was the drink mug... they STILL use them every day, take them to the beach, water at night, etc. The soda on board was really just the beginning! We also gave them a budget and let them plan their spending- the video cards at $10.00 a piece were great but they wanted to get their hair braided and buy teeshirts. I think if you talk about a budget with your kids and let them make some of the decisions as to what they want, they are happier.
Also, my youngest didn't want to get off the ship- so she stayed in her club when we went ashore in Freeport and that worked out well.
Enjoy!!!!! It truely was the best vacation of our lives and we are planning a 7 day western trip now!

 

[bsjdl]

thank you all for your help! I'm thinking now I won't have to take as much as I had planned, so that is a good thing!!

 

[CamColt]

DH & I just got back from the 3 day cruise. Our total bill came to 754.31.