My family is New to Disneyland and need HELP!!!

[Beyerfamily]

Hi...... My husband and I have a surprise trip planned for our 2 daughters (5,7) For Christmas. We get on a plane and head down Christmas Eve. We already have our hotel, rental car, southern California city passes( they include our 3 day park hoppers and seaworld) and airfare paid for already. Our hotel (which is not on the property) has a full kitchen. So my question to everyone is, How much spending money would you suggest to bring for a family of 4 that has NEVER been to Disneyland for food, drinks, souvenirs and gas?? We are hoping to cook a few meals in our room and our hotel have a free hot buffet breakfast everyday. We are staying from a Monday to Monday(Christmas Eve to New Years Eve) So both MOndays with be for travel only. We are going to Disney and California adventure for 3 days, seaworld 1 day(we are staying in a hotel in San Diego that night) and possibly universal studios. Please help we would like to bring enough money for everything. I just don't want to run out of money as this is totally new to us! Thanks for you time.

 

[rewardsinlife]

I would definitely go to the store and buy some stuff for sandwiches for lunches. And frozen dinners...esp. Since you have a kitchen. In order to keep cost down I would say maybe 1 Disney meal every other day. The rest, either have a packed lunch ready to go while at the park, or leave for dinner to one of the many restaurants that are available on harbor blvd or ball rd that are cheaper. If you do this, I would say gauge about $100- $150 a day for snacks, souvineers and meals. So to be covered I would take 1,000. I know that seems like a lot, but it is better safe than sorry. Obviously, you don't have to take it all in cash either. There are ATMs to take out money when needed. I would also set a limit. Say maybe to the kids, you can buy thee souvineers this trip. ( ex. T- shirt, stuffed animal, and toy) or one small toy a day..etc.

And maybe the days you don't eat any meals you can supplement it with Disney snacks. Just tell everyone the plan before you get to the park and are enticed into all the wonderful food! ( ex. Today, we ate breakfast at the hotel, packed lunches and snacks. This means we are going to eat dinner in Disney! Or, today we can get a Disney snack, and then we are going to go back to the hotel, eat dinner, swim, and watch the fireworks from the balcony. ) you get the idea..

 

[Beyerfamily]

That sound about like what I was thinking... We are planning on take AT LEAST $1500(just in case) But since it is Christmas we are going to tell family to get the girls gift cards for disney so they can purchase whatever they want! Thanks so much for the help!!

 

[rewardsinlife]

You are welcome! Gift cards are great ideas..just try to keep an eye on the amount so that you are covered. Wouldn't want them to fall in love with something and then not have enough money to cover the cost!