how much spending money???????

[casey49781]

we are going to disney dec 21-29, family of 4 and two kids 7 and 4,,,our airfare ,,,hotel,,,rental car,,,,gas money to and from airport and parking fees,,,and 800.00 for food are all put away and paid for ,,,i gave each kid 200.00 spending money,,,,,i got christmas presents at home for them when we return,,,i figure i would get them a couple outfits and pjs for there,,,now i am bringing 1500.00 in spending cash is that enough or do i need more,,,,,help,,,,

 

[disneysteve]

we are going to disney dec 21-29, family of 4 and two kids 7 and 4,,,i gave each kid 200.00 spending money,,,,,i got christmas presents at home for them when we return,,,i figure i would get them a couple outfits and pjs for there,,,now i am bringing 1500.00 in spending cash is that enough or do i need more,,,,,help,,,,

You're giving $200 each to a 4 and 7 year old? Would you like to adopt a 40 year old? If all of your food, transportation, and kids' spending money is accounted for, what do you possibly need another $1500 for? Our trip last month cost about $2000 TOTAL including absolutely everything. I can't imagine how you would need anywhere near that much on top of everything else you listed.

 

[electricfish]

I agree, I don't think you'll need anywhere near that much spending money unless you plan on buying out the gift shops (and then who wants to cart that much stuff around?), aside from food there's simply not that much you need to spend money on in the parks. You won't even need to tip the bellmen at your hotel if you're staying on-site (at least last time I went they refused tips). Relax and enjoy your trip!

 

[NMW]

We took 2,000 in cash with us for our last trip. We did the Gold plan so all food/tips/tax was paid for except any specialty drinks, and liquor. We are 2 adults and 3 kids and we spent pretty much all of it! There are tips (the limo driver (both ways) the baggage guy at Newark airport who helped us with our 9 checked bags . Tips for the bellmen at the Beach Club (they did not refuse our tips DEC 2003, I don't know if that's new). Plus, snacks, drinks-especially the Margaritas in the Mexican pavillion and those big beers in the United Kingdom . Gifts for people, and those pins! My older 2 kids got so into those pins, we were buying them everywhere! We also bought some Christmas presents for family since it was DEC, but I think I used my debit card for them, not cash. I'd bring it all, better to have money left over than not have enough! Have a great trip!

 

[tiberius]

On our first trip six years ago with 2 adults and a 6yo DD and an 8yo DD we allotted $150 per day for meals, snack, and all other spending items and still came home with extra $$$.
We ate at 3 character meals in our 6 days, a couple sit-down meals and a couple fast food meals AND bought gifts for at least a 18 family members.

 

[disneyjunkie]

I'd bring it all, better to have money left over than not have enough! Have a great trip!

ITA

 

[way2manykids]

I give my kids 4, 6,14 & 15 each $25.00 per day. That covers snacks and anything else they want. They can choose to buy a little something every day, or save up for something or more expensive. It works out to be $200.00 per kid this time. With the teenagers, it saves me a bunch of money. They know exactly what they have to spend and that I will not give them more. I think you should take all of it. You don't have to spend it if you don't want to, but better off with extra $$ than not enough!

 

[disneysteve]

I think you should take all of it. You don't have to spend it if you don't want to, but better off with extra $$ than not enough!

While I agree with that, I'd also caution about traveling with a lot of cash you aren't likely to spend. I would rather leave the cash safe at home and if you run short on money, use your credit or debit card or hit an ATM. If you do decide to bring a lot of cash, don't trust it to an in-room safe. Get a safe deposit box at your hotel's front desk. They are more secure and usually insured.

 

[lenshanem]

I dunno. We always think we are taking a little extra, but then we always end up with just enough money to get home.

We aren't big spenders, either. But if you plan on eating some nice meals the money will go fast. Trust me. Instead of carrying alot of cash, why not get one of those prepaid debit cash cards??????