How much do you take?

[kendo43]

Me and my wife are heading down to DW December 9th-15th. We are staying at Port Orleans Riverside. The room and tickets are already paid for, but I was wondering how much extra we need to take. We have a few ADR's at some typical table service places but nothing crazy expensive planned. We will do some shopping but again, nothing ridiculous. Its gonna cost us around 300-350 in gas round trip from Kentucky. How much would you recommend taking extra for food and souvenirs?

 

[DisneyMomto3Boys]

This could be such a broad range. How many meals out do you plan to eat? How many CS vs TS?

DH and I do not buy souveniers (we let the kids each buy 1 thing $15 or less), but we do each get a yummy treat (or 2) each day, be it a grey goose slushie or a Dole Whip. So, I'd budget $15-$20 per day for snacks.

We prefer to eat breakfast in the room and we bring it with us; usually a granola bar and yogurt. So that saves money. We typically do 1 TS and 1 CS per day, but next time I think we'll just do all CS and only 1 TS for the whole trip. 2 people at the average CS will run you $25.

 

[LockShockBarrel]

Well to figure out tips for your TS meals, you can look up the meal and either figure out what you're likely to order ahead of time or do an average meal cost X the number of people in your party to get a total to base a tip off of ***please mods, I'm not actually saying how much or where and when, just a way to figure out the math*** As far as shopping, you can set yourself what ever budget you want, but honestly I'd count on adding on to that in case you find something you really truly want and know you won't find elsewhere. For other food/drinks, I'd budget for at least $15 per person, per day. I think having a bit of a cushion is so much less stressful. I'd rather come home and say "Yeah I got the snack and drink and it was so good..and I didn't use all my budget" rather than being there going "ugh I really want that cupcake but I only budgeted 4 dollars today not 5" or something to that effect.

 

[tzeitel]

We budget $50 per day per person for food - we don't usually spend that much but I like to pad our budget just in case

For souveniers I think it all depends on what you like to have as trip keepsakes - for some it is a Christmas ornament ($) for others it might be one of the Dooney bags ($$$). If you have been to WDW before you pretty much now what you could spend. If this is your first trip think of what you might like - a t-shirt ($30), photo from a ride ($15) etc. and go from there. We have been to WDW many times (and are ex-CM) but I still budget $100 for the 3 of us since I always get an ornament, DD will get a toy (or two) and I get my 2 nieces a little something as well. DH is Disneyed-out unless a hat catches his eye.

There are so many shops that it can get a little overwhelming the first time you go to WDW, so it is a good idea to have a set amount in mind when you go shopping - especially at DTD and Epcot

 

[kendo43]

This will be our second trip to WDW. We went last Aug 2011 for our honeymoon and got sticker-shocked at the prices of things. This time we are putting aside every nickel and dime we get so it wont seem to harsh on the bank account. Thanks for all of the advice.

 

[mad madam mim78]

I'd take about $1000. Better to take more and come home with some than go with too little and have to bust out a credit card.

 

[kendo43]

Thanks!

 

[Jenny3]

We took $800 (family of 5 and on the DDP). Came home with around $200. We were there about a week

 

[daughtryfan114]

We took $800 (family of 5 and on the DDP). Came home with around $200. We were there about a week

There are four of us, going Sat-Sat and are on free dining. We are taking $650 with.

 

[ceecee]

We usually try to charge everything and use cash just for the tips or very small purchases. I would hate to carry cash. We take $100 in cash for a week.

 

[Riverhill]

Family of 4 with free dinning. We are planning on $500-$700 for 8 days and nights. The range is because $500 is a for sure thing anything more just means my DH pay check may have a bit of a bonus next week.

 

[Nohal]

Last year with DH & I on the DDP for 8 nights we spent $400 (including tips). I always say I'm not going to buy anything as we have been going for the last 10 years. But there is always something I see (Tshirt, sweatshirt, camillia charms) to buy. We usually bring something back for our grown sons and their wives. We also have a drink or two or three Check out the menus and see what you think you would like to eat at CS & TS add it up and be sure to include tax and what you would tip for TS. As others have said bring in food that you can eat in the room for breakfast. Since you have a car bring water and drinks with you because drinks can add up. We have always bought the mug and found it to be a good value. Just paying for coffee for the 6 days you are there will cover the cost of the mug. Anything else you get to drink from your food court will be a bonus. I usually take $1000 with me just to be on the safe side because you never know what you will see and want. I'd rather come home with money than use my credit card. Whatever is left goes into the Disney fund for the next year.

 

[AshleyD1983]

We were on the dining plan. We spent about $100 per day on tips, extra food/snacks, souvenirs, etc.