How Much Do We HAVE to Spend at Disney

[robinb]

I never realized until now how much Dis'ers hate the dining plan.

It is already paid for. Tips are being covered by someone else.
Why would someone "ditch the dining plan" under those circumstances?

Because it's costing her $320 for every adult and $115 per child for her first reservation. I don't know exactly how many adults and kids she has, but i she has 3 adults and 2 kids, we're looking at $1200 that she's spending over 5 days. She could spend a LOT less than $238 per day on food if she paid OOP for QS meals. If you figure an adult QS meal is $15 (no drink or dessert) and a child's meal is about $7.50, she'll save about $100 *per day* on ditching the DDP. Yes, she'll pay a penalty but I think it's only $50 to change to a cheaper reservation and sometimes CMs will waive the change fees. Will it be as much fun? Nope. But it will save approximately $500 over the 5 days.

Even if she keeps the DDP, I would definitely cancel AoA. As a room-only reservation if can be cancelled until 5 days prior to check-in. The OP has a car so I would find something offsite for the last two days and that will save her a bundle. Again, it's not ideal but when you're between a rock and a hard place you sometimes have to make decisions that are not much fun ... the good news is that she'd be at WDW which is sill LOADS of fun!

 

[bigbabyblues]

I would cancel AoA and switch to a suite at ASMusic, assuming you are booked in a suite at AoA. ASMu is cheaper.

 

[pbb322]

You have received a ton of good suggestions on here, so I will just add - make whatever decision is best for YOUR family. Is it easy do to WDW little to no extra spending $? No, but can it be done? absolutely. As others have mentioned, if you want to keep the dining plan, you can stretch it out. We almost never buy food OOP with the plan, we use our snack credits for something for breakfast or pack and bring muffins or ziplocs of cheerios, etc., and refill water bottles. Even doing that, we end up with lots of snack credits at the end - you can use those to buy a few things to eat on your last couple of days without the dining plan. and on those last 2 days, adults can order kids meals at QS places, I generally do because it is plenty of food. If you can get into Shades of Green, even better, I have many friends who have stayed there and loved it. As long as you have realistic expectations going in, you will be just fine. We went once when I was in college and we were completely broke. My husband's friend had a family member who worked there and got our hotel room cheap, and we brought food with us to the parks for almost every meal. We did nothing other than what the park ticket included, and I think we each bought one small souvenir and a couple of Mickey Bars. More recently we have been on very luxurious trips, but that first trip with my husband in college is still one of my favorite memories ever.

 

[maxiesmom]

I would cancel AoA and switch to a suite at ASMusic, assuming you are booked in a suite at AoA. ASMu is cheaper.

This!!! If you make the switch that alone will save you nearly $200. It is much easier to survive a couple of days with $300 in your pocket than $100.

 

[minnie mum]

Even if she keeps the DDP, I would definitely cancel AoA. As a room-only reservation if can be cancelled until 5 days prior to check-in.

But she doesn't have a RO reservation, since she has the Dining Plan. Completely canceling a package only 3 weeks out means she'd lose her deposit. At AoA that would be a hefty penalty. I think she might be stuck at AoA. Switching to a suite at ASMu might be difficult at this late date.

But canceling the DDP portion of the package would only cost a $50 change fee, and would free up hundreds of dollars. Canceling all or most of the TS ADRs would allow her freedom from worry and even give the kids a bit of money for souvenirs. There's absolutely nothing wrong with eating breakfast in the room and packing a lunch to the parks. Having a car means a grocery stop is easy as pie.

 

[Accident]

But she doesn't have a RO reservation, since she has the Dining Plan. Completely canceling a package only 3 weeks out means she'd lose her deposit. At AoA that would be a hefty penalty. I think she might be stuck at AoA.

But canceling the DDP portion of the package would only cost a $50 change fee, and would free up hundreds of dollars. Canceling all or most of the TS ADRs would allow her freedom from worry and even give the kids a bit of money for souvenirs. There's absolutely nothing wrong with eating breakfast in the room and packing a lunch to the parks. Having a car means a grocery stop is easy as pie.

She has 2 reservations, the AoA part she has no dining for.. I'm not sure what the other reservation is but i'm guessing there is money to save there unless it's a larger family and they aren't paying for that part....

If she calls up and says we had a flood, we have to make changes or we have to cancel disney is gonig to waive any change fees and help them out. There is a reason for this, it's not the people changing resorts for other discounts that the fee is designed to help stop.

 

[robinb]

She has 2 reservations, the AoA part she has no dining for.. I'm not sure what the other reservation is but i'm guessing there is money to save there unless it's a larger family and they aren't paying for that part....

If she calls up and says we had a flood, we have to make changes or we have to cancel disney is gonig to waive any change fees and help them out. There is a reason for this, it's not the people changing resorts for other discounts that the fee is designed to help stop.

Yeah, that's what I was thinking. If she got a CM that believed her, they might waive the change fee for the first 5-days. OP, did you mention where you were staying for those first 5 days? You may be able to save even more if you're booked at a deluxe and you step down to a moderate or value (2 rooms).

 

[maxiesmom]

Yeah, that's what I was thinking. If she got a CM that believed her, they might waive the change fee for the first 5-days. OP, did you mention where you were staying for those first 5 days? You may be able to save even more if you're booked at a deluxe and you step down to a moderate or value (2 rooms).

From what I can find it looks like she is staying at POR. I'm guessing all in one room, so she moving to two value rooms won't save her any money.

 

[robinb]

From what I can find it looks like she is staying at POR. I'm guessing all in one room, so she moving to two value rooms won't save her any money.

Thanks .

 

[busymommy2pink]

Being able and being willing are two different things. She might be able to pull money out of savings or a credit card but unwilling. She never said that she was unable to access funds in the event of an emergency.

Bottom line she never asked for opinions on whether she should go, she asked for suggestions on how to economize on the spending above the prepaid portions of her trip (which cover all of her trip but one day).

This. We have a significant amount in savings and other things, but flat out refuse to touch it for anything it isn't meant for, Disney or not.

OP I totally understand go though your house and find some stuff to sell locally!! There's lots of Facebook selling sites, Craigslist, Kijiji etc. You'd be surprised how fast $5 here and $10 here adds up. Consign some clothing, many places will give you money up front (once upon a child). When I wanted a little extra to take my kids to great wolf lodge and we used our vacation budget (Disney), I sold some kids clothes, some gently used bedding, a set of old dishes, old DVDs and tv seasons we have no use for, some of the kids unplayed with toys and a side table that was always jn my way, I made almost $1000!!!!!! WAY more than my goal! One mans junk is another's treasure
I also second the cut back groceries etc the next couple of weeks and put the extra toward the trip.

I would keep the dining plan, especially if tips are covered. Leftovers from large table service are just another meal pack as much food as you can to bring with you. Remember everything from meds to band aids.

Not sure if you are doing autographs, but my girls made their own books. Cheap 50 cent book and drew pics of who they wanted to autograph that page. Could be a good car activity as well.

I would research quick service menus. Find out where you get the most bang for your buck portion wise make the money stretch! A half chicken and two sides will go a lot further than nuggets. I would personally eat different snacks all day. Probably more filling!

We've had many types of trips. All out trips, budget trips. Some trips where we give he kids $20 and some $200. I can tell you with absolute certainty that nothing we brought home mattered as much as the memories we made reliving the trips through chatting, laughing and pictures on our phone (gasp we have no pro pics lol), that's all we need. Don't stress. It sounds like a great trip, money or no money!

 

[aprincessatlast]

Sorry about the flood! That has to be traumatic. It happened to my dsis and it was really bad for her family! In the end things worked out and she ended up with all new stuff but it was so hard going through it.

Since the first part is paid, I would just eat off site and stay off site as well the last 2 days since you have a car.

Normally I am all about the Disney experience of staying on site but you are already getting that for the first part of the trip. For just 2 days I don't think it is worth it so I would books Embassy Suites in Kissimmee or something and get a fabulous breakfast with your suite and come back for dinner snacks at the manager reception! Plus this would give you a feel for both the on site and off site experience. I think they both have their merits.

I would probably look for somewhere like a close resort to whatever park we are at where we could get a large pizza for the family for lunch as that usually fills our family up the cheapest on site. Plus you would have the mugs from your dining plan to use to cover drinks!

 

[msk]

If you want a great free souvenir, play Sorcerers of the Magic Kingdom. My grands LOVED playing and collecting the cards. Another free souvenir is the transportation cards. The bus drivers, monorail drivers, boat captains all have them and they are free for the asking.
- Animal Kingdom has a passport/ book type thing that my grands like to do. They go to different stations, complete simple tasks and collect a stamp. It was a wonderful free souvenir.
- Epcot also has free activities in each of the countries that children can do. Once again my grands loved going from country to country and doing the activities.
- Ahead of time cut up card stock and then use it for character signatures. When you get home let the kids put them together to make a great book and keepsake of your trip.

Enjoy your trip and thanks to you, your family and your husband for your service!

PS we found that one TS meal and one QS meal was plenty of food each day. On top of that we always had extra snack credits to spend before we left.

 

[ZoZo]

I'm so sorry about your troubles! I'm glad you'll have this trip to help cheer you up.

There are ways you can cut expenses with meals, for sure. You can eat breakfast in your room (bring cereal, fruit, juice boxes, etc. in your luggage, and buy milk in the resort gift shop). Some CS meals are fairly big and shareable; things like the chicken/rib platter at Cosmic Ray's spring to mind. Don't buy bottled water; you can get free cups of ice water at any CS restaurant. Bring snacks from home to eat in the parks (granola bars, string cheese, goldfish crackers, etc.). I make my own trail mix (raisins, nuts, M&Ms, goldfish pretzels) and put it in snack size ziplocs to toss in my park bag. I also bring those little "Jif to Go" peanut butter cups to pair with celery sticks or apple slices.

 

[CandleontheWater]

Are you not doing the military salute tickets? Were you able to get the dining plan with a room only reservation because of the military discount on rooms?

If you are doing a regular package with the dining plan, and then a room only for the AoA part of your vacation, if I were you, I'd make some changes. Here is what I would do if I were in your shoes. I would cancel the package and AoA, I would buy the military salute tickets with the Water park fun and more and I would stay at Shades of Green. The military salute tickets (which can be bought on your base or at Shades of Green) are WAY cheaper, they will only give you 4 parks days, but with the water park option you will also get 4 water park days. The price of Shades of Green is directly tied to your husband's rank and I am sure it is cheaper than any other Disney option. I would pay out of pocket QS for dinner and eat breakfast in the room and pack sandwiches for lunch.

In the end you'll still be going to Disney, you will still have a great trip, and you'll end up saving money that can be used to replenish your savings. I don't think going to Disney with only $100 of available cash and a credit card as your only back up is a great plan. I was a military wife for a long time, and I know that things can come up, especially in military life.

 

[bbak30]

I think this is absolutely doable. We don't spend much extra if we have the DDP. You can also bring some breakfast items from home to help stretch those credits.
Have a blast!

 

[CAS239]

We save a lot by staying off site and rarely eating inside the parks.

 

[Laneybelle]

I would pack snacks and bottled water and the like to minimize purchases. Maybe pick up some cheap souvenirs for the kids ahead of time, as suggested. My husband and I can go to Disney and spend nothing besides tips if on the dining plan. You're at Disney! Enjoy the fun and take lots of pictures (which are the best souvenirs anyways!) and don't worry about buying stuff. As far as the dining plan, if it's already paid for, keep it. Then you won't be budgeting in your head and worrying about the cost of every meal the whole time. It doesn't always make sense, but since it's paid for I'd keep it.

 

[Laneybelle]

Also, the Walmart right off Disney property has tons of licensed Disney souvenirs at half the cost. We usually buy our key chains, shirts, and magnets there but they have toys and stuffed animals and everything else you can think of!

 

[disneydeal]

$100 is extremely tight. Some things you could do for free. Play games by the pool, swim and watch movies at pool also free.

 

[Bree]

The confectionary on main st in MK gives out free samples of cotton candy.