How Much Do We HAVE to Spend at Disney

[drp4video]

We had a flood in August of 2014, no insurance but FEMA helped. So I feel your pain. Until it happens to you, you cant never appreciate the horror of the situation.

After over 30 WDW trips some ways we save money are to split meals (we don't do the dining plan as financially it does not work for us). You can hit the grocery store and get provisions for breakfast in the room. Same for snacks. You can pack lunch on days you don't have the dining plan. We no longer buy souveniers except maybe a t-shirt. Things we have bought in the past for my child usually end up in a box or are never used. Many ideas already stated regarding perhaps rebooking your room or canceling the dinning plan are good ones. I always use the room only discount and then we usually eat two meals a day, again splitting them or adding a side salad.

Assuming you have a fridge, with the dining plan, perhaps you can put the left overs in the fridge for a night snack, or meal the next day once you don't have the dining plan anymore.

Don't buy water just get a cup at a QS restaurant if you get thirsty during the day, or, bring your own. You can refill it at drinking fountains.

Free coke at Epcot where you can sample from many countries, free chocolate at Ghiradelli in Disney Springs.

I have found disney to be very understanding when there is a life changing crisis. If you want to keep the first 5 days with the dining plan, Perhaps changing your reservation at AOA to something less expensive. And perhaps understanding your situation, your mother in law could help out a little? Just a thought.

Some things to keep in mind for the future:

We save money at home by throwing all change in a coffee can, never using our change to pay. If the bill is $2.01, I give $3 and get the change and into the coffee can it goes. After a while there is enough to pay for our meals at disney.

I charge using my Disney Rewards Visa and as long as you pay if off every month,it really adds up. This can pay for the room and sometimes tickets.

Whatever you decide to do, go and have a great time. You deserve it!

 

[Accident]

Assuming you have a fridge, with the dining plan, perhaps you can put the left overs in the fridge for a night snack, or meal the next day once you don't have the dining plan anymore.!

Every room has a fridge now.

 

[1983DisneyFanatic]

Souvenirs and shopping are not necessities and easily cut out. When my husband and I took my 4 girls for their first trip, I didn't buy anything. They each had $10 of their own money, which they bought glow wands with. We had the plus dining and it was plenty of food. You should be fine for the first part of your stay. Try to save a few snack credits until the end of the first part of your stay and use them at the end of your check out day and save the snacks for the first day of your AOA stay. $100 for two days is a stretch for Disney meals, but since you have to, you can make it work. There are plenty of quick service meals that can be shared between two people and they all offer courtesy cups of water, so no soda or other drinks. You can do it and still have a great trip!

 

[phabric]

We were on the dining plan and did not spend any extra on food during our stay. I brought some muffins and some drinking boxes in my suitcases for breakfast in the room. Bring some food you like for breakfast.

If you eat at the resort, take a bottled drink (part of the meal) to have for the second part of your trip and use your refillable mug with the meal.

The dining credits are good up to midnight of checkout day. I would split some of your meals during the first part of your trip to use the unused credit on checkout day so you would only have 1 day to pay out of pocket.

Bring wide mouth water bottles to fill with ice and water.

Bought glow stick/necklace/bracelet at dollar store before going. Bring your own rain poncho.

 

[JJZMgailey]

Back when our kids were much younger and finances were pretty tight all the time, we used to pack a couple of packs of tortillas in our suitcases with a couple jars of peanut butter and some craisins. We'd throw plastic knives in also and we'd make up tortilla rolls using that stuff - like two for each person - and we'd stick them all in a backpack and carry them with us. We'd also buy those big boxes of goldfish crackers and empty them into gallon-sized ziploc bags to take up less room in the suitcase. Between those two things, they really helped fill in the cracks between eating bigger meals.

We'd also hit the dollar store before our trip for glo sticks, Disney-themed cute things like coloring books, small figurines and such. The kids didn't know the difference and it was fun to surprise them with that stuff!

ETA: Also, every Quick Service location will give you a free cup of ice water for the asking - so, take advantage of that too!

 

[mindeola]

I think you have a good plan. I am sure you already have this but just in case.... Did you apply your military discount to the room?

 

[T_O]

1. If you are running this tight on money, I would definitely ditch the dining plan. It's not a bad price if you can afford to dine out all the time, but there are much cheaper ways to eat. Buying groceries at the Publix and bringing food with you to the parks every day will save you HUNDREDS. If you have a fridge in your room, the options are really limitless. Cheap food you can bring with you: peanut butter sandwiches, bologna sandwiches, apples, carrots, pre-boiled eggs, bagels, pimento cheese sandwiches, tuna snack packs, nabs...the list goes on and on. It's not gourmet food, but honestly, neither is the stuff you get at the parks.
2. There is no way a group of people can afford to vacation with only $100 in their pocket, so make SURE you have a credit card with you in case of emergencies. Something unexpected nearly always comes up.
3. You mention there are other people traveling with you. Maybe they would be willing to help out a little?
4. I know you mentioned that your air fare is already paid up, but what about the hotel room? If you haven't paid in full yet, I would strongly suggest switching to a value resort for the full stay, something cheaper than AoA. You can save lots of money this way, too.
5. Don't buy souvenirs. Explain this several times to the kids beforehand so they understand and won't be disappointed. If you are afraid they will have a fit about it while you're at the parks, try to avoid gift shops. It's nearly impossible to miss them all, but you can avoid the majority if you memorize the maps and stores.
7. Plan ahead so you don't have to make any money decisions while you're on vacation. Having to figure these things out after you arrive might be overwhelming.

Good luck, and have fun!

 

[Disneymom1126]

Here are some ideas of how we cut costs (probably many of these have already been shared...I haven't read all 9 pages of this thread

1. I agree with splitting meals - some of the easiest places to split them in my opinion are Fairfax Fare at HS and Flame Tree BBQ at AK - the portions of meat are pretty large

2. Pack your own snacks and sides - at a lot of places you can pay for just a hamburger/chicken sandwich, etc. as opposed to getting the full meal that is offered. You can pack your own little individual bags of chips, crackers, etc. to use as sides with your meal

3. Eat breakfast in your room - we always just bring down a gallon zip lock bag full of Cheerios and get some milk when we arrive and that takes care of it for us!

4. You mentioned plane tickets, but then it seemed like maybe you are renting a car/will have transportation - If you are flying in, consider not renting the car and just using DME and the Disney Bus transportation to get around -- it's free and should save you some $$ (I may have misunderstood your transportation plans)

5. Bring refillable water bottles and buy some water flavor "squirt" (this is what we call it in my house, it's like the powdered water flavor, but liquid form). Our favorite is Crystal Light Strawberry Lemonade...about $3 for many servings of this vs. $3 per drink at the park. Also - I've read on other boards that the cups you'll get with the dining plan to use at your resort stay active for 14 days, so they should still work when you are at AoA for the last 2 days of your trip.

6. What are the ages of your kids? Maybe there are things they can do to try and earn some money prior to the trip that they can use on their own souvenirs. We do this with my DD for the months leading up to the trip (chores, etc.), but this time of year maybe there are some lawns to be mowed, cars to be washed, kids to be babysat, etc. in your neighborhood that they could do little jobs like this to earn their own spending money?

I agree with other posters who have mentioned that the biggest challenge is going to be paying for food, etc. on $100 for those last few days of the trip - it's definitely do-able you just might have to get creative!

 

[mickeyluv'r]

Iwhen MANY families are coming into Disney with packed lunches.. Just no one talks about really here on these boards.

I disagree with this take! I came to the Disboards to learn how to budget for WDW, and have heard MANY crazy money pinching ideas over the years! Did you ever read the "ironing-board grilled cheese recipe" thread?

You should spend more time on the budget board! OP should too! This thread really belongs over there!

I have been to WDW many times. I said in my first post that on many trips, my family has successfully kept to a very strict budget.

But I ALSO took the OP on faith that she has other reserves. I HAVE ALSO had multiple trips where we ran into unexpected hazards and had to spend more money than we intended. I can't quite say it was "an emergency" but just this past winter, we got stuck in Florida two extra days because of major a blizzard. That has happened to us more than once! Big blizzards cancel flights all over the lower48, and the problem quickly snowballs. Before anyone says, "Oh that only happens in winter, think again!" I was once stranded in FL overnight because of a thunderstorm, and I'm sure others have been stranded by hurricanes!

We've also encountered other vacation emergencies over the years, like medical emergencies. Long car trips and car problems go hand in hand! Especially when budgets are tight and maintenance is ignored!
Even a sort of minor medical emergency- like a foot injury - can turn unexpectedly expensive if you have to pay out-of-network co-pays!

I take it that OP knows all of the above, but well...I'm sure all of us have made mistakes, and sometimes paid the price. People who have learned from past mistakes tend to advise caution.

**********

Pre-DDP crazy threads about food cost cutting were very popular! And funny! There's a wide range of instant food products you can make with hot water from a coffee maker/hot pot! Microwave ovens (in food courts? in some hotel rooms?) are another possibility.

 

[mickeyluv'r]

OP, one more item- the $ penalty only applies if you bought a package, and often only if you lower the overall value of your package.

If your hotel stay was booked as a 'room only' stay, then you are correct about the 5 day penalty. if you haven't paid in full (and are less than 45 days out), then you probably are room only. Read your terms.

A prepaid flight also doesn't mean - in some cases- that you have no ability to delay.

Sometimes big companies have a little flexibility if you explain your situation. You would do well to call WDW (and the airline) to discuss your options.


Personally, I don't travel UNLESS I understand the cancelation terms. It is ALWAYS wise to know your rights and options in case of an emergency.



Also, I think you said you are driving. If you have to stay at any hotels along the way- be sure to ask those hotels about military discounts.

 

[mickeyluv'r]

I also agree we spend less non-DDP these days. The QS DDP also looks to be a bad deal in most cases.

We also always split meals and snacks. The DDP used to be a good deal even if you didn't eat all the desserts. We NEVER ate all the desserts.

WDW also still has a few inexpensive food options that can be filling, like chili- which = a snack. Meal credits are also not equal. Simply, vegetarian meals have long cost less than meat entrees. If you do stick with DDP, and know you'll end up paying for something it is easy to stretch credits by carefully picking which item is OOP.

You may also find it pays to carry a few clean ziplock bags! The kids might enjoy that leftover dinner roll in the morning!

Also, when it comes to the DDP, we initially thought to order the more expensive items. (originally the tip was included) Disney knows that pattern VERY well. In short, the more expensive entrees are usually WAY overpriced and under-portioned. They will also GREATLY inflate the dinner bill!

Another area where you can easily save a TON is avoiding the WDW upcharge on adult beverages!

The Fridge in most WDW hotel rooms is a tiny dorm fridge, and not very cold. If I buy milk, I find it better to go with parmalat-type boxed milk. (like juice boxes, but with milk) Some offsite hotels have no fridge at all! and icing things overnight in the sink/tub is an option, but a royal pain. Some folks bring electric coolers. I minimize perishables.

Either way, $100 goes much further at OFFSITE restaurants and at grocery stores than on WDW property! Orlando has TONS of offsite dining options! For a start, the area is home to almost every chain eatery in the USA!

 

[kimieko]

Another thing to consider is if you remove the dining plan, eat mostly at QS locations or bring some food with you, the money your mother will save on tips can go towards meals. The tips at Character dinners and more expensive TS dinners amount to quite a bit! We also use Garden Grocer to have a case of water and snacks in the room, but there is a delivery fee. If you are driving you can bring all of that with you.

 

[mickeyluv'r]

Every room has a fridge now.

Every WDW onsite room has at least a dorm fridge.

Offsite is a completely different ballgame.

I might be wrong, but OP implied she might be driving to WDW. Folks have also suggested the idea of moving offsite.

It is important to check!

 

[Accident]

Every WDW onsite room has at least a dorm fridge.

Offsite is a completely different ballgame.

I might be wrong, but OP implied she might be driving to WDW. Folks have also suggested the idea of moving offsite.

It is important to check!

Excellent point in the context that plans may be changing from a disney resort..

 

[Kimberly9701]

I was on a limited budget last time iwas there. A GREAT souvenir idea that's cheap and lasts the whole trip are the pressed pennies. Buy the book for $9 then each penny machine you find, it only costs $.51. And it's super fun to look for them everywhere. That's the ONLY souvenir we bought between my son and me. Your biggest expense will be food. We saved a ton of money by ordering Gardengrocers.com Every morning, we ate a muffin and/or apple for breakfast then brought bottled water, trail mix and protein bars to the parks. My only regret is we "splurged" for Crystal Palace and it was awful and a complete waste of money.

Where did you get the book? We stopped at almost every penny machine and my son has since lost half of them. A book would be perfect for our next trip!


OP--

I haven't seen anyone mention tipping Mousekeeping. Or tipping the driver on ME (if you're using it) So that's one or two other expense.

I agree with the pp's who said try to find a cheaper room or cut down to the qs dining plan, or if hoppers switch to regular tickets- you could potentially gain at least a couple hundred dollars with any of those options.

So sorry the flood happened!!!! Have a wonderful trip!

 

[bopper]

You can get free ice water at any counter service restaurant.
Bring Sunscreen and Aloe/oops i got sunburned lotion
Bring over the counter medications like advil/pepto that you might need.
Tell the kids up front that because of the flood you can still go to disney, but will be on a budget so you will be bringing your own snacks.

 

[mickeyluv'r]

Thanks!

Ooh, I''ll add one more money saving option we deploy!

If OP is staying at a value, it may not do much good, but I've rescued multiple vacations simply by trimming off a day!

Another trick is to keep the length, but stay offsite the first/or last night at a low cost place.* You might not have access to your room, but you can check in at WDW early in the morning, drop off your bags, and if you can manage- head to the parks for morning EMH!

Low cost options might include using any points you have saved.

Another option is available if you have a Target cc, or Sam's club. At least this used to work, I think it still does. the Target cc gives you 5% off everything you buy, including Disney gift cards (but not Target cards). They also had an additional bonus if you also used their pharmacy. (not sure that still exists). There is a limit to the number of cards you can buy in one transaction. The Sam's Club is/was similar. The savings isn't huge, but it is $5 off every $100. You can ALSO pay off your Target balance in the store!

MIND, if you lose the gift cards you lose the savings. You can call WDW before you go, and pay down your balance using the gift cards. You also can't return the giftcards for a refund.
If I use Disney gift cards in the parks, I keep a midget Sharpie with me to mark the balance as I use them, and an X when they are empty. Also, as you use them at WDW, the balance is printed on your receipt. So I just fold the most recent receipt around each card until the balance is zero.

You probably don't want to fund the entire trip this way, but it is a pretty easy way to 'find' $40.

 

[mickeyluv'r]

Where did you get the book? We stopped at almost every penny machine and my son has since lost half of them. A book would be perfect for our next trip!

I bought one years ago, but another popular option on the DIS for storing pressed pennies (and the change you need to get them) is the Mini M&M's plastic tubes. the kind you find in the check out aisle at many grocery/big box stores.

The tubes actually come in different sizes; some are short, some long.

I don't love the rattling noise, but it beats losing the pennies.

There are many DIS threads with pressed penny suggestions, and where to find different characters.

another free item - at least I think it still exists- is the free magic card game in MK. IMO, it is best played after dark, if at all. You get a set of cards at the firehouse on Main Street for free. Then you hold the cards up to special light boards. Each one tells a story. You cast a spell with one your cards (hold it up), and the game sends you to another board....until you finish your adventure. Later, you can get another set of cards. (I don't recall if you it after each adventure, or one set per day.) The first adventure, I think, is usually on Main Street, but the others are in different lands of MK. I don't find it to be the most effective use of our time to keep playing, but the cards are kind of neat. It's at least worthwhile to get a set of free cards and try it between FP.

 

[Kimberly9701]

I bought one years ago, but another popular option on the DIS for storing pressed pennies (and the change you need to get them) is the Mini M&M's plastic tubes. the kind you find in the check out aisle at many grocery/big box stores.

The tubes actually come in different sizes; some are short, some long.

I don't love the rattling noise, but it beats losing the pennies.

There are many DIS threads with pressed penny suggestions, and where to find different characters.

another free item - at least I think it still exists- is the free magic card game in MK. IMO, it is best played after dark, if at all. You get a set of cards at the firehouse on Main Street for free. Then you hold the cards up to special light boards. Each one tells a story. You cast a spell with one your cards (hold it up), and the game sends you to another board....until you finish your adventure. Later, you can get another set of cards. (I don't recall if you it after each adventure, or one set per day.) The first adventure, I think, is usually on Main Street, but the others are in different lands of MK. I don't find it to be the most effective use of our time to keep playing, but the cards are kind of neat. It's at least worthwhile to get a set of free cards and try it between FP.

Thanks for the tips! I definitely didn't know about the magic card game...will look for it in December!

 

[robinb]

Target no longer offers pharmacy rewards .

There are at least 2 threads on how to maximize discounts on Disney Gift Cards. I usually get a 12-15% discount when I stack everything.