how much money to bring?

[babylotion]

Family of four heading to disney world at the end of June. The children are 9 and 12. They have never been before. Air, hotel and car rental are already paid for. We are going for 8 days, 7 nights. Also 7 day park tickets are paid for. How much money should we bring for food and souvineers? I was thinking about 200.00 a day. Does this sound reasonable? Also should we bring cash, travelers checks or just put everything on a credit card? Any help will be appreciated....Janet

 

[kilee]

As for food that is one thing can vary greatly. Depending on what type of meals you want to do and how many a day. We are a family of 3 (DS is 11). We usually budget $550.00 for a 7 day trip for food. We eat every breakfast in our hotel room. We usually only eat one meal a day onsite and then offsite for the rest. Breaking those meals up between places like Denny's and Taco Bell (saves some money). Then for our onsite meals. About 3 of them are usually nicer sit downs or character meals. Also, I include in the budget $10.00 a day for snacks. (sometimes alittle low- but averages out in the end).

As for souvineers I budget what each person will get ahead of time. When it's gone it's gone. I also budget extra money for pictures (I love the one's they take!!).

I would think with $200.00 a day you'll be able to pull one sit down/character meal (gonna run you in the $100 mark), and a counter service meal with enough left over for snacks and some small souvineers (or larger one's if you don't buy every day)!!

 

[patsal]

It varies by day as we mix up sit downs and fast food and keep dinner shows to a minimum--on average I spend about $150 per day on food. Souvineers are the kids own responsibility with money they have saved from their allowance and received as gifts. DH and I will buy them one thing each, but not a budget buster by any means. I don't get souvineers except an occasional pin if there is a special event or we are there for a holiday--I get to go on the vacation so that is all I need! For the most part DH is the same way, but occasionally he will pick up something.
You are pretty much where I am with children's ages DD is 9 and DS is 12--adult prices for DS's buffets will have us limiting the number of character meals we will go to.
there are menus on one of the sites (I can't remember the link--sorry) and that might help you in pre-planning costs as well.
Though, I think your plan for $200 per day is realistic and should leave you with room in the budget for extra treats!