VandVsmama
DIS Veteran
- Joined
- Mar 28, 2011
I am updating my Finance briefing to servicemembers who are new to the service and/or So. CA. Many (or vast majority) get stationed/assigned to southern CA are in for a huge shock at the cost of living here, but on a budget...its mangeable. Part of my briefing includes planning ahead when visiting "theme parks" but I generally focus on DL and DCA (since I have an AP I am kinda biased but I try not to be). I would like a realistic look at what visitors usually spend on food and drinks on a typical DL and DCA visit for the following catergories:
-going alone
-going as a couple
-going as a family of 4 or more.
Anyone have an input they would like to share?
The #1 best source of food budgeting I use for a Disneyland trip is http://allears.net/dlr/dining/menus.htm. They have all of the menus and pricing on their website. Some ways that our family saves $$ on food for a Disneyland trip:
- Bring a water bottle with you. Fill it up for free at any CS (counter service) restaurant. You basically ask for as many free ice waters as you want. Fill up your water bottle with that.
- If you or members of your family don't like plain water, bring some of those flavor packets or one of those small Mio containers.
- Bring snacks with you in your park bag (backpack or whatever bag you use for the day).
- Don't stay at an on-site hotel. Stay off site at a hotel with a fridge & microwave. Bring food w/you to have a quick breakfast in the room.
- OR stay at a hotel that comes with a free breakfast. Usually the free breakfast has fruit that you can take with you. 1 banana or apple per person can be the perfect snack to keep the hungries away mid-morning.
- Skip TS (table service) restaurants. The CS restaurants have a wide range of menu offerings and it's more affordable.
- Don't buy soda in the parks. That's probably $3.50 per 20 oz bottle of soda. Multiply that times 4 people and 2 meals per day and you've saved $28 right there..
- Good CS value at DL - the fried chicken meal at the Plaza Inn. Often, 2 people can share it.