How Much Do We HAVE to Spend at Disney

[fla4fun]

Since you are driving I would stick both sandwich and large size Ziploc baggies in the car. In fact, I always keep a box of large Ziploc bags in my suitcase because they come in so handy. They will be useful when saving leftovers or carrying snacks you bring from home, or to keep any food you bring with you fresh and bug free. It won't save you money if you have to throw out food.

You can have a good trip without a lot of extra spending. One of my favorite souvenirs are photographs.

 

[csjordan]

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!

I bought a pressed penny book on Amazon this past Christmas.

 

[Kimberly9701]

I bought a pressed penny book on Amazon this past Christmas.

Added to the To-Do list! I didn't see any on the Disney store site.
Amazon here I come .

Our upcoming trip is a surprise.. I think I'll include a pressed penny book in the gift that will contain the magic band. Thanks!!!

 

[csjordan]

Added to the To-Do list! I didn't see any on the Disney store site.
Amazon here I come .

Our upcoming trip is a surprise.. I think I'll include a pressed penny book in the gift that will contain the magic band. Thanks!!!

Have a magical trip!

 

[counselormom]

It doesn't depend on the fees to cancel, b/c military reservations can be cancelled with no penalty until 5 days prior and she can drop the dining plan without it changing the entire package; I've done it.

And she doesn't need people telling her that tinker bell will magically make her able to feed 5 people AT DISNEY for $100 anymore than she needs people "telling" her to ditch it. People were advising her.

Just curious: how would you feed 5 people at Disney for a day and a half on $100?

There's no rule that says she has to buy Disney food. She has a car, and seems to have a great attitude. She has planned and saved for this trip She can bring a cooler and make some sandwiches.
I can't believe people would tell someone not to go on a trip bc they won't be able to buy Disney food.
Not everything has to be planned to the max. , nobody is going to die if they have sandwiches and granola bars for a day and a half.

 

[lmillercrew]

I appreciate your input! I can't delay the trip unfortunately - we've already bought airfare a while back for my mom and my step-son who is going to be with us. We've already paid off the room and dining plan and all that. I think we'll just have to not shop AT ALL and only get snacks if it's an emergency - peanut butter and jelly the last two days maybe? I don't know! Definitely was planning on having more money for the trip!

Is it too late to cancel the dining portion of your reservation?? It just seems like a BIG expense, that I think can be avoided. Most people don't usually eat as much food as provided on the meal plan. That would save LOTS of money if you could make it happen. Sorry about the flood. You could also look into GardenGrocer.com and order food for breakfast and lunches, and then eat out dinner. That's IF you can get a refund on your dining plan.

 

[Boo2UBrooke]

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!

I think you can do it! Sometimes you just need that getaway, and since its already paid for, my opinion is o go for it! I think there are a ton of ways to save money, especially if your kids are young. One thing is to look at whether the Dining plan is actually worth it. Could you take that money and buy some sandwich stuff and breakfast in the room? And then you could just eat dinners out. Also, if you have young children, a lot of times, they do not really eat their value in food from the plan. I agree, that it is more a convenience factor, than a money saving add on. Also, I pre purchase souvenirs a lot of times to stave off the "I wants" and still let your little ones feel special. I always put them in cute little gift bags and/or leave notes from Mickey and they wake up with a little surprise (takes a little planning). As an adult, its just something you have to decide you aren't going to do. There are plenty of takeaways that are free that just may have to suffice on this trip if you do decide to go on and go. Couple more things to look at; there really is more than enough to do without having to spend ANY extra money on activities for sure. Beyond the parks is all the resorts, other free events within the parks, ride transportation, hang out at the boardwalk, the list goes on and on. Lastly, not sure if you purchased the PhotoPass, but that is an expense you could look at eliminating and just taking your own photos, or having the photographers actually take photos with your device. Hope this helps!

 

[MinnieSweetheart]

There's no rule that says she has to buy Disney food. She has a car, and seems to have a great attitude. She has planned and saved for this trip She can bring a cooler and make some sandwiches.
I can't believe people would tell someone not to go on a trip bc they won't be able to buy Disney food.
Not everything has to be planned to the max. , nobody is going to die if they have sandwiches and granola bars for a day and a half.

I never said to cancel the trip!! I said to cancel while you can without penalty and switch to a cheaper resort - military discount rooms have ALWAYS been available every time I've called and the rate doesn't change; you just have to be flexible about room type and resort. I even offered to the OP to PM me and I would help her search places that I've had very good luck with getting good military discounts.

I personally wouldn't enjoy the days with the dining plan if I knew I was going to have $100 left (which I think is generous since the most generous stretching plan already spent $40 just stretching).

Can you imagine driving off site to McDonalds the last day of your vacation? To me, that would be salt on the tight money wound way more than staying at All Star Music instead of Art of Animation or even off site.

S/N: I hope that OP and others reading this highly consider paying vacations off early before the money comes due. If she hadn't, she could cancel the dining plan and still have her cash to pay OOP for meals.

 

[justakrazymom]

I can't delay it unfortunately. We have already bought airfare for some relatives coming with us - but we'll just have to live cheap while we're there I guess! I am going to see what can happen if I cancel the dining plan.

We've gone for 2 wweeks..with free dining..and outside of tips spend under $300 while there ( with 3 kids!).. it can be done and it wasnt even hard..

 

[Kristina]

The dining plan is still good, if they haven't changed it, the day you check out and move over to the Animation resort. So if you save credits by perhaps spliting a meal or maybe adding an extra side item you would be able to use those credits on checkout day. Sorry if someone has already mentioned this though as I haven't read through the whole thread.

 

[disneychristmasx3]

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!

Lots of good info. We have done DDP several times and can't ever eat enough to use up our credits. We really don't buy souvenirs so once our vacation is paid for all we really have left to pay OOP is tips and yours are covered. My kids just loved looking through the stores but never expected to buy. Snack credits are easily used for meals. This is easily done without even struggling

 

[poppinspenguins]

[QUOTE="MinnieSweetheart, post: 55710868,

Can you imagine driving off site to McDonalds the last day of your vacation? To me, that would be salt on the tight money wound way more than staying at All Star Music instead of Art of Animation or even off site.
.[/QUOTE]

We drove to McDonald's by choice on the last day of our Disney trip. We were so tired of Disney food and Disney prices haha.

We also always try to hit sweet tomatoes off site and earl of sandwich at Disney springs. And there is no shame in hitting the dollar menu at wendys or picking up a loaf of bread, pb and j and some chips for a picnic lunch by the pool

We also always stretch our dining plan when we visit. It never seems weird to us either. Neither my husband not I are big breakfast eaters, so some fruit and Cereal in the morning isn't a big deal.

 

[china mom]

......

S/N: I hope that OP and others reading this highly consider paying vacations off early before the money comes due. If she hadn't, she could cancel the dining plan and still have her cash to pay OOP for meals.

She is traveling in less than 30 days so she has passed her final payment due date.

Also, if you pay your trip off in full ahead of the final payment due date, you are still entitled to a 100% refund if you cancel or a refund of the difference if you change to a lower vacation as long as you do this 31 days or more prior to travel. If you cancel your package or change it to a lower cost trip within 30 days of travel there is a penalty.

Have no fear of paying the trip off early. The only issue would be having to wait a few days for the money.

 

[MinnieSweetheart]

She is traveling in less than 30 days so she has passed her final payment due date.

Also, if you pay your trip off in full ahead of the final payment due date, you are still entitled to a 100% refund if you cancel or a refund of the difference if you change to a lower vacation as long as you do this 31 days or more prior to travel. If you cancel your package or change it to a lower cost trip within 30 days of travel there is a penalty.

Have no fear of paying the trip off early. The only issue would be having to wait a few days for the money.

If she has, then she didn't use the military discount of 30-40% off room rates and the ability to buy substantially cheaper tickets. I surely hope she didn't do that.....

 

[MinnieSweetheart]

We drove to McDonald's by choice on the last day of our Disney trip. We were so tired of Disney food and Disney prices haha.

We also always try to hit sweet tomatoes off site and earl of sandwich at Disney springs. And there is no shame in hitting the dollar menu at wendys or picking up a loaf of bread, pb and j and some chips for a picnic lunch by the pool

We also always stretch our dining plan when we visit. It never seems weird to us either. Neither my husband not I are big breakfast eaters, so some fruit and Cereal in the morning isn't a big deal.

There's one day where she isn't entitled to use the credits at all and no one has solved that problem in a way I would be comfortable and not stressed. There's also no shame in staying at a resort that doesn't cost $250-$300 a night.....

 

[Happyinwonerland]

Added to the To-Do list! I didn't see any on the Disney store site.
Amazon here I come .

Our upcoming trip is a surprise.. I think I'll include a pressed penny book in the gift that will contain the magic band. Thanks!!!

I found disney pressed penny books at the christmas store in MK last summer.

 

[Kimberly9701]

I found disney pressed penny books at the christmas store in MK last summer.

Thanks!

 

[robinb]

There's one day where she isn't entitled to use the credits at all and no one has solved that problem in a way I would be comfortable and not stressed. There's also no shame in staying at a resort that doesn't cost $250-$300 a night.....

Try $325 per night for AoA with the Military discount. The solution is to cancel the AoA reservation, get the refund of $733 ($325 plus tax) and grab a condo in Bryant's Cove for $228 all in, or a 3 bedroom townhouse at Windsor Palms for $277. That puts $400-$500 in the OP's pocket.

My guess that that she only wants confirmation that going to WDW with $100 in her pocket for 7 days is OK and really doesn't want to change any of her plans. I certainly understand why she doesn't want to change anything. It's a lot of work to make all your plans and it's fun to dream about how wonderful it will be staying at one resort or another and how much your kids will LOVE it. I totally understand dreaming about the "mouse life". But when real life steps in (like a flood that soaks up all your extra cash) adults need to set aside the "mouse life" and make changes that will be best for their family in the long run. I have no doubt that AoA would be wonderful. I just know that I could not enjoy it knowing that I had only $100 to my name for a full week.

 

[MinnieSweetheart]

Try $325 per night for AoA with the Military discount. The solution is to cancel the AoA reservation, get the refund of $733 ($325 plus tax) and grab a condo in Bryant's Cove for $228 all in, or a 3 bedroom townhouse at Windsor Palms for $277. That puts $400-$500 in the OP's pocket.

My guess that that she only wants confirmation that going to WDW with $100 in her pocket for 7 days is OK and really doesn't want to change any of her plans. I certainly understand why she doesn't want to change anything. It's a lot of work to make all your plans and it's fun to dream about how wonderful it will be staying at one resort or another and how much your kids will LOVE it. I totally understand dreaming about the "mouse life". But when real life steps in (like a flood that soaks up all your extra cash) adults need to set aside the "mouse life" and make changes that will be best for their family in the long run. I have no doubt that AoA would be wonderful. I just know that I could not enjoy it knowing that I had only $100 to my name for a full week.

This is exactly where I was coming at it from. Having that little money would stress me so much that the stress would ruin my vacation...

And as a fellow military wife (happy military spouse appreciation day, btw!), I KNOW how stressful "regular" life is. Deployments, trainings and PCS moves are almost constant. OP and her family DESERVE a relaxing vacation and simply switching the resort for the last two days will allow them to relieve so, so much stress.

S/N: I'm so glad we go at off peak times. Our Nemo suite was "only" $230 before taxes. I thought that was ridiculous, but my husband had just got off deployment and really wanted it.

 

[ellie05]

I never said to cancel the trip!! I said to cancel while you can without penalty and switch to a cheaper resort - military discount rooms have ALWAYS been available every time I've called and the rate doesn't change; you just have to be flexible about room type and resort. I even offered to the OP to PM me and I would help her search places that I've had very good luck with getting good military discounts.

I personally wouldn't enjoy the days with the dining plan if I knew I was going to have $100 left (which I think is generous since the most generous stretching plan already spent $40 just stretching).

Can you imagine driving off site to McDonalds the last day of your vacation? To me, that would be salt on the tight money wound way more than staying at All Star Music instead of Art of Animation or even off site.

S/N: I hope that OP and others reading this highly consider paying vacations off early before the money comes due. If she hadn't, she could cancel the dining plan and still have her cash to pay OOP for meals.

I don't think military offer is that easy to get anymore. We haven't been able since February 2015. Last trip it was cheaper to go through orbitz than the military offer. Also the military discount has gone way down the past few years they don't even says on their page the percentages anymore because I am sure they aren't close to 40%. I also don't think that the salute tickets were really the best deal for them since they are staying for 7 days. They would need 10 that is not going to work.

There's one day where she isn't entitled to use the credits at all and no one has solved that problem in a way I would be comfortable and not stressed. There's also no shame in staying at a resort that doesn't cost $250-$300 a night.....

I think $100 would cover 2 CS meals. There is 3 adults and 3 kids. If they have breakfast in the room and take snacks to the park and share some of the larger CS. Plus she said he mom is probably going to cover her own food cost out of the dinning plan. I agree that I think she will be better off the dinning plan for sure. But she did seen willing to change hotels and said she was going to check shades of green. Unfortunately it doesn't se she did a lot of research before the trip because I think she would have been able to pay less, but at this point it is going to be hard.