How much is enough - 2 adults 12 days.

[the_bUg]

So, I'm planning a 12 day trip for me and my wife in 2013. We will be eating predominantly counter service maybe doing 3 or 4 sit down meals during our time there. We will be staying on site and not journeying offsite. I was budgeting $1000.00 just for meals. Do you think this will be enough? Am I budgeting too high?

I have really ZERO concept of what food costs in Disney World. Do you think this is too much? Not enough?

Thanks in advance for any help.

Also... do you think $1000.00 spending money is enough for 12 days in the parks?

 

[Lisa_M]

based on pricing for the quick service plan for 2012, it will run you about $70/day together for counter service ($840). If you go out of pocket you can save a little (if you aren't planning on eating dessert with every meal) and put that savings towards table service meals. I think you'd be ok budgeting $1k for meals. If you budget another $1k for extras, I know for me it would be more than enough, but that depends on how much you shop. Budgeting for it doesn't mean you have to spend it all, so I think that if you budgeted $2k for food and extras, you'd have more than enough.

When we go, we always eat breakfast in the room to save a little extra, plus it is quicker and sometimes pack a lunch (pb & j and snacks) to save a little more to go towards a table service dinner.

Have fun planning!

ETA: Allears.net has menus with prices listed. You can assume prices will go up a little when you go, but it will give you a ballpark idea of costs.

 

[the_bUg]

Okay, so I should probably budget a little bit higher. If I'm looking at 840 just for CS, I'm sure I'll need to add a couple hundred on for the table service meals. Of course, I realize that will deduct from the CS total, but I'd much rather plan and have more money than I need than to end up spending more money than I planned.

 

[curseofcurves]

You should take a look at the menus posted on allears.net. They aren't 100% up to date, but they are usually pretty close. They will give you a good idea of how much you may spend on meals. Also, keep in mind that many of the meals at WDW are large portions that you could probably share. My BF and I actually prefer to share meals at a place like this because we get to try so much more.

In the times we've gone previously, we've tried to be very low cost (typically carrying in some snacks and waters). But, if we weren't so worried about it and were planning to eat like you were, I would say we would spend about $45 - $50 on an all Counter Service day. The sit down meals we've done usually come to about $45-$50 for breakfast and $75-$85 for dinner.

All that said, it is best to over-budget some and be surprised when you have a little extra spending money or a little extra to bring home!

 

[diznee25]

So, I'm planning a 12 day trip for me and my wife in 2013. We will be eating predominantly counter service maybe doing 3 or 4 sit down meals during our time there. We will be staying on site and not journeying offsite. I was budgeting $1000.00 just for meals. Do you think this will be enough? Am I budgeting too high?

I have really ZERO concept of what food costs in Disney World. Do you think this is too much? Not enough?

Thanks in advance for any help.

Also... do you think $1000.00 spending money is enough for 12 days in the parks?

Wow, this sounds like the honeymoon me and DH had back in 2003! Went out for 12 days, stayed on-site, and ate mostly counter service.....only ate at maybe 5 or 6 restaurants.

We budgeted $100 per day for food, total of $1200. If I remember correctly we came in under that or at least broke even. (I can't remember if that included our snack budget...) But Disney inflates food prices like crazy over the years. So their counter service and restaurants are higher priced now......

Budgeting the sit down meals....there are so many factors; apps, main meal, alcohol, dessert, etc. Plus it depends if it's a signature restaurant, (like Jiko), or a regular one.....DH and I ate at Jiko in 2010 and spend around $140. I always budget a regular restaurant around the $50 - $65 range....just depends on what you order.

Good luck with your planning!

diznee25

 

[Swan4Me]

I couldnt do 12 days at WDW.
2 days per park for a newbie is plenty!

Why not do a week?
Cheaper!

 

[BubMunkeyBles]

I couldnt do 12 days at WDW.
2 days per park for a newbie is plenty!

Why not do a week?
Cheaper!

There's lots of other stuff to do. 2 water parks, Downtown Disney, mini golf, lounge by the pool. When going in the summer we NEVER do a full park day. Way too hot in the middle of the day.

I think $1000 sounds a little low if you're really wanting to go stress free. I'd be good with $1500 for food and $500 for souvenirs though. That's more than enough money to get a few of the nicer quality souvenirs.

 

[Judique]

So, I'm planning a 12 day trip for me and my wife in 2013. We will be eating predominantly counter service maybe doing 3 or 4 sit down meals during our time there. We will be staying on site and not journeying offsite. I was budgeting $1000.00 just for meals. Do you think this will be enough? Am I budgeting too high?

I have really ZERO concept of what food costs in Disney World. Do you think this is too much? Not enough?

Thanks in advance for any help.

Also... do you think $1000.00 spending money is enough for 12 days in the parks?

I think you will be fine if that is just for food. But - if you are going to add wine, beer and mixed drinks to your dinner, you may need more.

Budget your sit down meals by looking at the menus.

Check what you usually do for breakfast - if you have to have bacon and eggs and pancakes every morning - then raise your budget - we're bagel or poptart in the studio people.

Do you do breakfast lunch and dinner or are you one big meal with snacks types?

We are the types that if we do a buffet for breakfast lunch or dinner, we only want small meals for 2 days after. Some can do 3 heavy meals per day.

 

[the_bUg]

We are committed to doing a longer trip as this will be our first big vacation together. I know 2 for epcot + MK would be "enough" to do the main attractions once or twice (especially in January when we plan to go) and that most ppl consider AK a half day park and HS a 3/4 day park, but we're less interested in just going for the rides.

I look forward to just spending time in the atmosphere and ambiance. Watching the little kids and families around having magical experiences and chilling out chatting with the janitors and other CMs.

We are the types that if we do a buffet for breakfast lunch or dinner, we only want small meals for 2 days after.

Well, We both usually get by with just a bowl of cereal for breakfast and then have 2 larger meals for lunch and dinner. So I think we`re a 2 big meals and snack type couple.

I think $1000 sounds a little low if you're really wanting to go stress free. I'd be good with $1500 for food and $500 for souvenirs though. That's more than enough money to get a few of the nicer quality souvenirs.

Hmmm. That sounds about right. Maybe I can wrangle enough money out of there somewhere to do the key`s to the kingdom tour.

Just a little info, neither one of us are ``drinkers``. I can enjoy the occasional cold beer while watching a hockey game (I am Canadian after all), but don`t usually drink during meals, so we should be fine.

You should take a look at the menus posted on allears.net.

Wow... There is a lot of info on that site! After looking at some of the CS menu`s, something has occurred to me. A lot of places serve burgers and dogs... I don`t know if I could eat just that for 12 days.

Could you swell folks recommend CS options in each park that has broader menu offerings? . I noticed that Cosmic Rays has some broader offering. Anything immediately come to mind?

It's pretty surreal when you think that you may be eating $1000+ of hot dogs and hamburgers in 12 days... I don't think even Jughead could consume that much low grade broiled meat.

 

[Donnainnj]

Mk - Cosmic Rays
Pecos Bill
Epcot - just about any of the counter service in the countries and
Sunshine Seasons In the land
Disney Studios - Not my favorite restaurant choices but
Starring rolls has the best pastries
Animal Kingdom - Flame Tree BBQ
Yak and Yeti (mixed reviews)
Downtown Disney - Wolfgang Puck Express (market place) we love this place, and rarely get anywhere else down here, but these are good or have good reviews
Earl of Sandwich
Cooke's of Dublin

 

[Donnainnj]

Another thing to consider is that free dining may be an option at that time of year.

 

[the_bUg]

I realize free dining has been a trend at this time of year the last few years (as I've been dreaming about my first trip to DW), but I certainly don't want to hinge the vacation on it. It will be a happy surprise if they offer it again Jan 2013.

 

[mrsklamc]

Downtown Disney has some cheap options too.

 

[squirrel]

Have you looked into the Disney Dining Plan-QS and the TS (I know you said you only want a few TS).

I would check the prices of what you most likely will eat. Some don't eat like the plans are set up, others do. I know that for 2012, the DDP's have changed and they may not be as good a deal as before.

I go during Free Dining, but have upgraded to the DDP (regular) so that we can enjoy the TS meals.

I also go to WDW for a long trip-14 nights. I know I couldn't do just QS for that long. Of course now I'm kind of spoilt by the TS meals by doing the DDP for the past few years.

 

[Andrea from PA]

MHO

1. LENGTH OF STAY. 12 days in the beginning of January when the Christmas activities are still occurring is just right.
12 days at the end of January would allow some pool, relaxation time.
We recently did 2 days each park and it was not enough for me. We did not get to visit resorts, which I love to do with the decorations and very much like without the decorations.

AK is FAR more than a 1/2 day for me. The shows and parade cannot all be seen in a day at that time of year due to 5-7 pm closing time. And the shows are LONG 25-40 minutes plus you need to arrive 10-15 minutes ahead of time. And I could watch the Lion King show every day

I would NOT do a waterpark at the time of year. Not worth the money given the temperature. Our recent trip had one day of temp at 41 with the day before at 72. Instead, I'd opt for a park hopper upgrade given the length of your stay.

2. We rented a full size rental car thru Alamo for 8 days for $91 (and actually got a mini-van). DO NOT rule out renting a car and exploring off-site for lower cost meals. Many "good" restaurants off-site have great coupons if you sign up for the mailing list. Bonus discounts if it is a Birthday or Anniversary month. We spent $80 (before tip and with alcohol) for 5 people at Kobe because 2 of the party had "free" meals for their birthdays.
A car can also get you to the grocery store for staples like water, light breakfast food and snacks.

3. If you are adamant about not leaving the property, then go for the meal plan. You may be able to do slightly better on your own, but the stress of watching the budget is not worth it.

4. $1000 spending money on top of food is too much for my family of 5. Unless you are Disney freaks with specific collectable items in mind, I don't think you'd spend that much. T-Shirts range from $20-37. Hoodies go to $75. Mugs $8-12.
Unique collectibles like AK hand painted ostrich eggs are $150-600.

POR carriage ride and the like can be priced out in advance. I was surprised by the low cost of bike rentals and carriage rides vs. my expectations.

 

[disneyofcourse]

I would add about $200-300 to your budget for food. It really depends on what kind of eaters you are. Like when I've gone to Disney and its been hot, two meals a day are more than enough. The portions are still pretty large in my opinion for both Counter service and Sit down meals. (Smaller than years past but still big) Some people can eat three large meals a day and think that's still not enough food. So if your like that just increase your food budget even more.


Make sure you look at the menu listing for different places online. (search for Allears.com/net?) Epcot has GREAT options! Lots of variety. The cost of food at Disney is really no different than restaurant / take out food at home. At least in my area.

 

[DisneyLoverUSA]

I couldnt do 12 days at WDW.
2 days per park for a newbie is plenty!

Why not do a week?
Cheaper!

We went for 10 days and still weren't able to do all the parks we wanted to do. There are other parks and things to do besides Disney's 4 parks. We went to each Disney park, Downtown Disney, Cirque Du Soleil, Typhoon Lagoon and still really needed a day for Sea World and a day for Discovery Cove. We did spend one day at US and one day IOA. I think 12 days would be a perfect number of days to go and be able to do everything.

You could buy yourself and your wife Deluxe dining plan, which includes THREE meal credits per day and they can all 3 be table service meals or you can use them for CS meals also. You also get one mug per person and 2 snacks a day per person on the deluxe dining plan. I think it runs around $80 per day per person but it includes all your food and drinks including breakfast and 2 snacks. Nobody can eat that much food really but if you did that you wouldn't have to worry about paying extra for any food, just tips at TS places. ALSO if you happen to get lucky and score a free dining promotion for your trip dates then all you have to pay is the difference between whatever plan you get free and the cost of deluxe dining. It would make for an interesting dining trip to eat 2 TS meals a day and use your third credit for a CS breakfast. You can save up a lot of the snacks and use them for goodies to take home like Goofy candy or Mickey head Rice Crispie treats. Unless you plan on buying crap for everyone in your family, you won't need a hundred dollars a day for fridge magnets and T-shirts.

 

[elf]

It's pretty surreal when you think that you may be eating $1000+ of hot dogs and hamburgers in 12 days... I don't think even Jughead could consume that much low grade broiled meat

So true. I've ordered lots of vegatarian meals, because I just couldn't look at another fast food burger.

You'll have tons of choices at Epcot.
At Magic Kingdom my favorite counter service is Columbia House (by the Haunted Mansion) these have Soup in a bread bowl, fish, vegetarian sandwiches. They don't have a huge selection but it's different than the usual.

Hollywood Studios fast food I'm not crazy about, although I like many of the sitdown's there. SciFi (best for atmosphere) is burgers/sandwiches etc. but very cool. Sit in a car and watch a big screen of old Sci Fi movies. I like the food at Prime Time and Mama Melroses and Brown Derby at Hollywood Studio.

Animal Kingdom - if we don't do sit down it's usually Pizzafari for us.

 

[aprilgail2]

I couldnt do 12 days at WDW.
2 days per park for a newbie is plenty!

Why not do a week?
Cheaper!

Seriously?? You know there is way more to do outside of Disney itself LOL...we go and stay 10-12 days and go to Universal 2 days, Discovery Cove for a whole day, Sea World, went on a jet boat ride, old town...I would never go to Disney and just not explore outside the WDW parks LOL....

 

[carebee21]

I really think you should look at allears for menu prices. Saying you want to eat a few sit down meals doesn't help all that much. You can do a few cheaper meals for $40 for 2 people, or you could do signature meals with apps and desserts and run $100+. You'll have to figure out what meals you're interested in doing to get an approximate price.

I think you also need to keep drinks and snacks in mind. It sounds crazy, but we spend about $40/day just on drinks for 3 people. Bottled water and soda runs almost $4/bottle in the parks. We don't drink the water fountain water in FL and although you can bring in your own bottles in a soft sided cooler or backpack, I personally don't want to carry around like 10 bottles all day. And there's so many yummy snacks that even if you're not a snack person at home, it's hard to resist in the parks!

As far as souvieniers go, I'd say your amount is high for just souvieniers, but probably about right as an etc. amount. It can cover your souvieniers, anything you accidentally forgot to pack, an extra sweatshirt or rain poncho in case it downpours, and any extras, like renting a car for a few days, mini golf, renting watercraft or bikes at your resort, etc.

And as someone who goes for 2 week periods of time to Disney World, I don't think it's too much time at all. It's so nice to go at a leisurely pace and not have to worry about rushing in the parks. We have a few rest days and then if we're tired, we can sleep in in the morning without worrying about rope drop and getting everything done. It feels more like a vacation to us.

I also want to point out that I think you're smart not to plan on there being a free dining or discount promo. With parts of the new fantasyland expansion slated to open in late 2012, it's possible that will draw enough interest that they don't need promos. Of course, it's also entirely possible that they will still need the promo, but like you said, better to let it be a welcome suprise, than plan on it and have to scramble for extra money if it doesn't happen.

Good luck with your planning!