How Much Do We HAVE to Spend at Disney

[counselormom]

Just trying to figure out how to delete this thread, because I think I've gotten a lot of awesome suggestions and now I'm just feeling a little embarrassed because of all the responses, lol

Don't be embarrassed! It's okay, this thread will help people who read it in the future. Some of the best trips i remember as a kid were trips where we ate bolonga sandwiches in the car and swam at the hotel pool. I really have no recollection of souveniers we did or didn't get to buy. Your kids will have a great time and so will you. They will take their attitude cue from you and if you think of it all as an adventure so will they. As long as everyone has something to eat and you are safe and can get back home go and make memories! Some day you will all look back and laugh and talk about how you went to Disney with $100 in spending money and it was so fun! Life doesn't have to be perfect to be great and that is a lesson you have an opportunity to show on your trip.
All the best to you .

 

[scrhsa]

Thanks Amy&Dan - and everyone else. I know everyone's hearts are in the right places. I really did just want to know if it was possible to have a decent trip with only $100. to spare for food/extras. If I absolutely NEED money due to an emergency then we have ways of getting it. At the moment, I'd really rather not touch those ways (emergency credit card).

We aren't a very wealthy family, my husband's enlisted military and I work three part-time jobs from home while taking care of my kids. We hardly ever do anything like this. I've basically been saving up as much as I can for two years for this trip - taking on an extra part time work-from-home job, etc,.. Is it irresponsible? I personally don't think so! It's okay if you do. Everyone thinks they need a different amount of money to live on. This isn't a trip I plan on doing again anytime soon! I just really wanted to know any tips on saving money while in the parks, or if anyone else had done a trip on the cheap like this and still enjoyed it or made it work.

I've been in your shoes. My husband was Coast Guard and while we never made it on a real vacation, we had plenty of family trips where we were shaking out the couch cushions for spare change . Good for you for doing what you can to make memories for your family. You have received some great tips to make your $100 stretch. I just had to take all that I had saved up for my dd's graduation trip next year for income tax. Luckily, I have a year more to save. It will be tight for us and I'm sure I'll be doing some more scrounging before we check in. Thank your husband for his service and thank you too. Spouses do their part too!!!

 

[ellie05]

Thanks Amy&Dan - and everyone else. I know everyone's hearts are in the right places. I really did just want to know if it was possible to have a decent trip with only $100. to spare for food/extras. If I absolutely NEED money due to an emergency then we have ways of getting it. At the moment, I'd really rather not touch those ways (emergency credit card).

We aren't a very wealthy family, my husband's enlisted military and I work three part-time jobs from home while taking care of my kids. We hardly ever do anything like this. I've basically been saving up as much as I can for two years for this trip - taking on an extra part time work-from-home job, etc,.. Is it irresponsible? I personally don't think so! It's okay if you do. Everyone thinks they need a different amount of money to live on. This isn't a trip I plan on doing again anytime soon! I just really wanted to know any tips on saving money while in the parks, or if anyone else had done a trip on the cheap like this and still enjoyed it or made it work.

I think it is doable the food for the last day that you won't have the DDP will probably eat most of the $100. DH is military too, but if you really need to you can reach out to his command they usually can provide financial help depending on the situation/ rank. I think your situation will qualify and they might be able to advance you some money until insurance kicks inn. I know it varies depending on service I wish I could tell you more about it, but we never had to use it. Hats off to you for making the trip happen for you family it amazes how though and thrifty military wives are!!! I assume you took advantage of the awesome military discounts on tickets. Another idea might be check how much staying at shades of green will be and if you could cancel you package through Disney rates are really affordable depending of your DH rank. We have never tried it because it doesn't save is much money because of DH rank, but we have been in there for tickets and they have an awesome location right across from the Polynesian.

I wanted to add that you can get great deals at disneystore.com. They usually run discounts and you might be able to get some souvenirs like mickey hats at a discount. Disney shop app will give you an idea of what they have in the parks and prices maybe that will help a little more to what to expect on prices of souvenirs.

 

[mshanson3121]

Just trying to figure out how to delete this thread, because I think I've gotten a lot of awesome suggestions and now I'm just feeling a little embarrassed because of all the responses, lol

No need to be embarrassed! Everyone has different levels of comfort when it comes to finances. Everyone also has different ways of traveling. In your shoes my first choice especially since you're driving would be to stay off site. You can get last minute deals at Windsor Hills on 3 bedroom condos for under $400 for a week. Buy groceries for about $200ish and then take that $1000+ you just saved and splurge on a character meal or some in park lunches etc, a bit more spending money and then bolster your savings account to help you out until your insurance kicks in.

Otherwise yes I'd cancel. But ive been through home disaster/repairs enough to know that things always run over, come up, insurance payments get delayed etc... So I'd just be worrying about the money the whole time.

But if you're comfortable with the situation then go and have fun!

 

[Susan Storm]

I've been in your shoes. My husband was Coast Guard and while we never made it on a real vacation, we had plenty of family trips where we were shaking out the couch cushions for spare change . Good for you for doing what you can to make memories for your family. You have received some great tips to make your $100 stretch. I just had to take all that I had saved up for my dd's graduation trip next year for income tax. Luckily, I have a year more to save. It will be tight for us and I'm sure I'll be doing some more scrounging before we check in. Thank your husband for his service and thank you too. Spouses do their part too!!!

Thank you so much! Always nice to meet another military wife! Yep, definitely shaking the couch cushions! We have a change jar we were using for the trip, so I'm thinking pressed pennies for souvenirs for the kids will be plenty good Thanks everyone for the suggestions

 

[Susan Storm]

No need to be embarrassed! Everyone has different levels of comfort when it comes to finances. Everyone also has different ways of traveling. In your shoes my first choice especially since you're driving would be to stay off site. You can get last minute deals at Windsor Hills on 3 bedroom condos for under $400 for a week. Buy groceries for about $200ish and then take that $1000+ you just saved and splurge on a character meal or some in park lunches etc, a bit more spending money and then bolster your savings account to help you out until your insurance kicks in.

Otherwise yes I'd cancel. But ive been through home disaster/repairs enough to know that things always run over, come up, insurance payments get delayed etc... So I'd just be worrying about the money the whole time.

But if you're comfortable with the situation then go and have fun!

I completely understand what you're saying! I've been asking myself if this is the smartest move, but I feel like with as much money as we've already put into plane fare for my mom and stepson and as much anticipation as the kids have it will be a nice celebration in the middle of all the craziness. I really do appreciate you taking the time to give me suggestions - I'm looking into the offsite options and going over different alternatives today, so thank you

 

[Susan Storm]

I think it is doable the food for the last day that you won't have the DDP will probably eat most of the $100. DH is military too, but if you really need to you can reach out to his command they usually can provide financial help depending on the situation/ rank. I think your situation will qualify and they might be able to advance you some money until insurance kicks inn. I know it varies depending on service I wish I could tell you more about it, but we never had to use it. Hats off to you for making the trip happen for you family it amazes how though and thrifty military wives are!!! I assume you took advantage of the awesome military discounts on tickets. Another idea might be check how much staying at shades of green will be and if you could cancel you package through Disney rates are really affordable depending of your DH rank. We have never tried it because it doesn't save is much money because of DH rank, but we have been in there for tickets and they have an awesome location right across from the Polynesian.

I wanted to add that you can get great deals at disneystore.com. They usually run discounts and you might be able to get some souvenirs like mickey hats at a discount. Disney shop app will give you an idea of what they have in the parks and prices maybe that will help a little more to what to expect on prices of souvenirs.

Thank you! I'm gonna look into shades of green now! thanks for your help

 

[winterwhite]

Consider eating offsite for the last day of your stay. If you went to, say, Maggiano's at the Pointe for lunch they have HUGE portions and its very affordable. As 2 adults we often spend around $20 for lunch there and are stuffed with just splitting a plate. They also offer a promotion where they box up a second full portion for you to take home, and it can be a different meal than you ordered. We do this often and have the second portion for dinner. I believe they also honor the offer for takeout, so you could order 2 meals and get four full portions that would easily feed 6 back in the hotel room. The food is better than Disney's version of italian, too you could easily have a huge meal and supplement with leftover snacks from your DDP to make it through the day.

We eat offsite a lot. If you were planning on ditching the dining plan, I would not write off Disney springs - some of their table services are the cheapest on property. Other good options for your last day are Sweet Tomatoes, Shake Shack at the Pointe, or going to splitsville at Disney springs and splitting a few meals among the six of you (big portions and easily splittable food, good prices) I think you'll be fine on $100 for one day of food.

As far as offsite hotels, we are trying the new hotels at flamingo crossing. They include a hot breakfast. I didn't look at 2br rates but I would be surprised if they were more than $180/nt.

 

[scoutie]

A few years ago, I had posted something similar about if I needed to spend a lot of extra money. People had said that I probably did, but I absolutely didn't find that to be the case at all. The shops at the theme parks don't interest me, and my kids each were given a $30 gift card to buy what they wanted, and two of them came home with extra money on it. I budgeted money for tips and a few glasses of wine, and we were fine. I think it definitely can be done. As others have said, your trip is paid for. It's just going to be about sticking to a budget at this point, and you've gotten great ideas on ways to do that.

 

[anneboleyn]

Maybe you could use some of your snack credits to buy stuff that can be kept in the room or in your purse and saved for the two days you don't have the dining plan. You can definitely make your snack credits go pretty far!

But I really think you will be fine. You won't be able to go on a shopping spree, but I am sure being at Disney World will be more than enough for your family Try not to stress and have a magical time!!

 

[GPC0321]

UPDATED: My trip is coming up on the 22nd and we've had some unexpected financial issues (our house flooded). We have the regular dining plan for the first 5 days of our trip, and then we're staying at AoA for the last two days with no dining plan. My question is, we're looking at REALLY tight finances during the trip. Like maybe we'll have a hundred dollars to spend outside of money for gas while we're there. My mom is coming and since we covered her trip she is paying tips at the TS restaurants.

It seems like most people I see talk about needing a lot of extra money while at Disney, and I'm wondering if we're going to be okay with what we have? I've got some overtime hours I'm going to work to try to make some extra. If there's an absolute emergency (someone mentioned car troubles) then we can get some emergency money.

We live on a tight budget from day to day, we're very careful with money. We definitely had more than enough saved up but this flood really devastated our house. Flood insurance should kick in, but we don't know when that will happen yet. Some people might think it's irresponsible to take this trip, but it's something that the kids and all of us have looked forward to all year and it would be a really bright spot in our summer.

Any tips on saving money in the parks, saving money in a couple of weeks before we go, or anything like that would be appreciated! Thanks!

Okay, I haven't read anyone else's replies, but I'll tell you my experience.
We went over Easter, stayed at a moderate resort, had 5-day park hoppers, and were on the Quick Service dining plan. I had budgeted a couple hundred bucks for shopping, and my mother had brought along even more than I did.
Seriously? We could've done without the hoppers. The QSDP was a waste of money for us, we seriously could've saved hundreds by just paying OOP (we're not big eaters). And we had to almost force ourselves to spend money on souvenirs the last night, and even then didn't spend anywhere close to the money we'd budgeted in. I'm kind of frugal though, and cannot stand spending astronomical amounts of money on stuff I don't need. My mother is the same (guess that's where I got it from!)

By removing the QSDP and Park hoppers, we could have saved several hundred dollars. I could've done without most of the souvenirs I bought too. My t-shirt was the only thing I really, really wanted. I love LOOKING at all of the stuff in the shops, but I'm content to leave it there and keep my money. I understand that's not as easy if you've got a little one with you wanting to buy stuff.

 

[rlovew]

If you want to have a special snack you could try going over to Shades of Green one afternoon and having ice cream there- it is much cheaper than elsewhere. Also the shopette there has many more reasonably priced items if you need sunscreen, meds, or anything like that while on property.

 

[Amanda Hall]

I see you are considering Shades of Green. It's really nice! You can walk to The Poly and ride the monorail to MK. You just would have to skip the dining plan. I really think switching to the quick service plan might be helpful too if staying at your current resort. Saves money in general and no tips! Maybe mom could then get the kids souvenirs. Our kids would rather quickly eat a Mickey Pretzel and get back to having fun then spending a hour or 2 in the restaurant. For us we found that they were so tired ,even with an early meal that a quick dinner was better. There are still plenty of ways to see characters without the dining. You can also use those snack credits for breakfast items .Chocolate croissants at the resort or maybe a giant cinnamon roll from Gaston's. and then pack snacks. Our kids LOVED getting the pressed pennies. You do not have to buy the book if funds are too tight, just keep them in a bag. I have seen some neat ideas for how to display them on pinterest. Look into the Chip and Dale campfire at Fort Wilderness. It's free! Make sure to bring your own marshmallows. (They provide them at a high cost) Have fun!

 

[Amanda Hall]

By removing the QSDP and Park hoppers, we could have saved several hundred dollars

If she has military salute tickets they automatically include park hopper. I do agree about the dining plan though! Too much food for us. My kids often split a meal and depending on the place so can Hubby and I.

Ve

 

[mshanson3121]

I completely understand what you're saying! I've been asking myself if this is the smartest move, but I feel like with as much money as we've already put into plane fare for my mom and stepson and as much anticipation as the kids have it will be a nice celebration in the middle of all the craziness. I really do appreciate you taking the time to give me suggestions - I'm looking into the offsite options and going over different alternatives today, so thank you

I very much understand not wanting to give up the trip, and I also uderstand how stressful the renos are. If you can swing it, it'll be a much deserved break for sure.

 

[irene_dsc]

Sounds like you've gotten some great advice, and have the right attitude going in. My only thing to add is to check your packing list very carefully! It seems like where we always end up spending more than expected is to buy stuff we forgot to pack!

And, yes, there are plenty of affordable food options just outside the park! We stayed off-site our last trip, and only did 2 TS meals.

 

[mousefan73]

Thanks Amy&Dan - and everyone else. I know everyone's hearts are in the right places. I really did just want to know if it was possible to have a decent trip with only $100. to spare for food/extras. If I absolutely NEED money due to an emergency then we have ways of getting it. At the moment, I'd really rather not touch those ways (emergency credit card).

We aren't a very wealthy family, my husband's enlisted military and I work three part-time jobs from home while taking care of my kids. We hardly ever do anything like this. I've basically been saving up as much as I can for two years for this trip - taking on an extra part time work-from-home job, etc,.. Is it irresponsible? I personally don't think so! It's okay if you do. Everyone thinks they need a different amount of money to live on. This isn't a trip I plan on doing again anytime soon! I just really wanted to know any tips on saving money while in the parks, or if anyone else had done a trip on the cheap like this and still enjoyed it or made it work.

It is possible. the danger of disboards is that you get people from all walks of life and too be honest I would assume the most here are better off then many and most "problems" on these boards are First World Problems. I sometimes think threads where Grandmas is asking how to make a BBB AND full costume AND then Wishes desert party can be made any more a "special memory" or where people ponder should I do CL at Poly or CL at GF... Or " will delux DP is too much food, is it worth it"... Set the foundation where we then re-think are we doing enought. are we planning enought, spendin enought etc...

when MANY families are coming into Disney with packed lunches.. Just no one talks about really here on these boards. You dont need to pay for early special entrance or this new late night deal for 150 per person to make your Magic Kingdom day special.. Your trip is paid for, enjoy!.. like I said earlier... I really had no other expenses I NEEDED other than a few dollars, tips.... Now i could go all out. buy my kids a balloon every day, get face makeup for what is it 20 bucks at AK. etc...... Believe me the kids will be happy to be there.. use a snack credit or two for icecream ( or starbucks for you) and all will be happy.

 

[mousefan73]

Sounds like you've gotten some great advice, and have the right attitude going in. My only thing to add is to check your packing list very carefully! It seems like where we always end up spending more than expected is to buy stuff we forgot to pack!

And, yes, there are plenty of affordable food options just outside the park! We stayed off-site our last trip, and only did 2 TS meals.

Good tip.. they got a car... fill it up with maybees.... extra shoes, water toys for pools etc... bring a pool noodle if you have one .. googles... powercoards for phone....

 

[Bree]

Since you are driving you will be FINE when it comes to the food situation! Just empty your pantry the next few weeks for meals. Spaghetti is cheap and easy and my kids will eat it for days LOL!!! Take the money you usually use for weekly groceries and buy the bare minimum to get you through to the 22nd. Take the money you don't use for regular groceries and purchase food to take with you for breakfast in the room and extra snacks. The rooms have little fridges so you can bring a cooler with some perishables or purchase them at Walmart, Publix, etc. before you get to your resort.

I don't agree with dropping your dining plan. It's paid for already and by using it wisely, you can really make it last. As others said, don't use it to purchase breakfast. Use the quick service credits for adult meals at lunch & dinner and sub out desserts for extra sides whenever possible.

In the end it's not about how much money you have to spend on "stuff" at WDW. It's about spending time with family and from reading your situation it's spending time with loved ones that don't live close to you. Have a great trip!!!

 

[ConnecticutNonna]

I know a lot of people have given you some great advice!
I think you should be fine, take snacks in the car along with items you can eat your last days. It's good that you're driving!
Enjoy your resort as well. There are free marshmallow roasts at night and free movies, not a meal, but a fun memory that costs nothing!
Have a magical trip, you will not regret it!