how much money do i realistically need?

[hippiechick72]

We are going to Disney the first week of June. The trip has been booked and paid for for a few months now. What I am wondering now that it's only 11 days away is, how much money am I really going to need. There are 5 of us(me, hubby, 10yr and 4yr old daughters and a 17mos old son). We have the dining plan, so that will take care of two meals a day. We will be arriving June 1 around 11am at the airport, not sure how long it will take to actually get to Dinsey on their bus sytem(does anyone know?). We leave after breakfast on Saturday June 7.

How much extra money for food and other junk do you think that would be a reasonable amount to consider?

 

[Taja]

It really depends on what you do.

The basic DDP covers 1 TS and 1 CS and 1 snack per night of your visit. Assuming you use 1 CS and 1 TS as your primary meals each day and stay within the plan (consuming only what is covered on the plan--no extra appetizers, specialty or alcoholic drinks, etc.), I would allocate about $30 per person. That would allow a second CS (which you probably won't need--you're likely to be rolling out of WDW at the end of your visit with just the basic DDP!) and plenty to cover additional beverages (remember to stay hydrated!). Realistically, including additional beverages in the heat and humidity, probably $10 to $15 per person per day. It really depends on your touring style and expectations.

Beyond that, set your spending limits for souveniers and extras such as DQ, mini-golf, other parks and off site transportation, etc, and how you want to allocate it. Do you want to allow your DDs a specific $ amount to spend after Day 5 of your visit (that allows them time to see things in different places) and live with their decisions or supervise their purchases? Do you collect things? Will you be taking gifts home to family and friends?

I'm not a stuff person--I'm at the stage of eliminating rather than collecting--so I'm not a good guide for the amount, but base it on your typical spending patterns.

And have a magical holiday!

Edited to add:

Almost forgot! You'll need to allocate for the 18 - 20% tip for each TS meal in addition to DDP! Base that on TS being about $35 per adult (you, DH and DD10) and $15 for your younger DD. Could be high or low, depending on where you'll be dining, but it will give you a starting point. You can adjust accordiningly.

 

[tina_la]

depends on your preferrences but we went on DDP last year with myself, DH, DD 11, DS, 8, DS 1 and spent no more than $1000 and that included gas for our car which took about $300. So really we "spent" $700 for the 7 days we were there. Kids bought a good bit of things (lightsabers, pins for trading, t- shirt for one) and we were able to do BBB for oldest (small package) and got the boys haircuts at the barber shop (good deal for youngest since it was his first cut and got the ears with it). Bought snacks too. I figure $1500 this year with gas going up and having to tip on DDP. But that is prob more than enough. Kids will have there own money this year for the things they want so when it is gone it is gone.

 

[caroline1851]

I would count on 150/day for extra stuff just in case. (tips, souvenirs, extra snacks)