New here, so much planning to do!

[TandLMommy28]

Heading out on our first Disney trip somewhere between the last week of February and the second week of March 2011... Exact dates are yet to be determined! Our kids will be almost 6 and 3.5 at that time and we are hoping (if budget allows) to bring my mom as a vacation babysitter to help us out.

I've made major decisions about food plans and hotels and all that. We are going cheap with the hotel (All Star Movies), medium with the food plan (one nice meal/one fast food per day). I want to make sure there's plenty of money for FUN so I don't want to waste money on a nicer hotel... for this trip, anyway!

I'm really just trying to figure out how much spending money I need to set aside for this trip. I'm not sure which board to post on to ask questions about spending money so any pointers on either where to ask questions or any opinions on how much money I need per day (considering two meals/day are covered) are much appreciated.

 

[Metro West]

 

[MajorThomasina]

Setting a budget is really tricky since everyone is different. Are you wondering how much you'll be spending when you arrive at the resort or pre-trip? Read carefully over the official Disney Dining Plan brochure provided here. Another great tip I heard is calculating the cost of a meal by combining the most expensive appetizer, entree, dessert, etc together. Since you'll be using the dining plan, calculate only the tip. Now you have a comfortable cushion to sit on when you and your kids order anything less expensive! Other budgeting tips can be obtained by just browsing around this forum, using AllEars.net, or searching through the Moms Panel. Good luck!

 

[magicaldisney]

My personal opinion....I would put the money towards a nicer resort and eat counter service every day with one or two character meals thrown in there throughout the trip.......again, that's just my opinion. Have a great time!!

 

[PrincessTiffany]

Heading out on our first Disney trip somewhere between the last week of February and the second week of March 2011... Exact dates are yet to be determined! Our kids will be almost 6 and 3.5 at that time and we are hoping (if budget allows) to bring my mom as a vacation babysitter to help us out.

I've made major decisions about food plans and hotels and all that. We are going cheap with the hotel (All Star Movies), medium with the food plan (one nice meal/one fast food per day). I want to make sure there's plenty of money for FUN so I don't want to waste money on a nicer hotel... for this trip, anyway!

I'm really just trying to figure out how much spending money I need to set aside for this trip. I'm not sure which board to post on to ask questions about spending money so any pointers on either where to ask questions or any opinions on how much money I need per day (considering two meals/day are covered) are much appreciated.

We love All-Star Movies, it's our favorite resort and we also always get the basic dining plan - love it!

But, if you bring your MIL, then you will not fit in the room at All-Star Movies because those rooms have a maximum occupancy of 4 people. If you bring your MIL, the cheapest route would be to book a room at Port Orleans Riverside, that's the only moderate that sleeps 5 and it's cheaper than two rooms at a value.

 

[SBJB12]

Happy planning!!

 

[Melindarella]

Welcome to the DIS!!

 

[AudreysMom]

Welcome! I hope you have a great time planning. That's part of the fun!