Ok now im getting worried ...

[MrsPete]

It's also her third trip in a year.

I missed that. Now my advice is different: Stay home.

If you're so close to the financial edge that a $100 hold and a $30/day resort fee are stressing your budget AND you've already been twice this year, you need to stay home and save the cost of the trip. Work on budgeting, and go next year.

 

[MrsPete]

If I'm not mistaken, that $300 has to pay for the MNSSHP tickets, too. Those are what, $50-$60 a person?

I thought those were already purchased. So if they're $50/person, with three people, that's 2/3 of the budget . . .

and that leaves only $100 total for food. For four people for four days. That's $6.25/person/day for food. That's going to be hard to do without a single purchased meal.

And if the tickets are $60/person, that's only $3.75/person/day for food.

And that's IF there's no tax on top of the tickets.

Are we being punked?

 

[A Mickeyfan]

But... if she keeps the Chef Boyardee warm in the coffee pot all day, she'll not only be a super-budget saver but she can come back to a warm, delicious meal after a long day in the park!

she can take some napkins from one of the fast food stands at the parks too..maybe some lemon's from near the soda fountain stands to add to her water for flavor ..... jokes aside.. she is going to have a full kitchen in her room. I just don't understand why? What is she going to have to cook? She stated what ever food she will have, will be packed in her luggage... I know when I go and have a full kitchen, I go to Publix and food shop! Why pay for a kitchen when you aren't really going to use it. that is a waste of money.. money that she seems to need for other uses... It was just poor planning

 

[kirstenb1]

I'd bring a jar of peanut butter, and a box of crackers (same thing as bread really, but won't squish up). My youngest will always eat peanut butter, and it's an excellent cheap source of protein. See if there's a convenience store within walking distance and grab some basic groceries there. Not ideal, but it's only for 3 days, and most kids wouldn't care at all. They'll just remember the fun stuff like rides.

 

[SaraJayne]

I thought those were already purchased. So if they're $50/person, with three people, that's 2/3 of the budget . . .

and that leaves only $100 total for food. For four people for four days. That's $6.25/person/day for food. That's going to be hard to do without a single purchased meal.

And if the tickets are $60/person, that's only $3.75/person/day for food.

And that's IF there's no tax on top of the tickets.

Are we being punked?

I went back and re-read. She says the tickets are already paid for.

 

[crashbb]

True, but let's break it down:

4 days /3 nights . . . and the OP has $300 (or an average of $75/day)

I'd break it down like this:

Souveniers are off the table -- they're just not possible.

Pre-trip, I'd allot $30 for groceries, and that'd be a skimpy grocery cart. Buy Crystal Light packets, crackers, candy, and other snacks. You could easily spend $300 for four people on JUST drinks and snacks.

Day 1: Travel day, I assume
Breakfast at home
$30 for lunch
$40 for dinner

Day 2: Park day
Breakfast in the room
$30 for lunch
$40 for dinner

Day 3: Park day w/ party
Breakfast in the room
$30 for lunch
$40 for dinner
$30 for taxi

Day 4: Travel day
Breakfast in the room
$30 for lunch

This assumes, of course, that you don't have to pay to park at the airport, that you aren't tipping the shuttle drivers (which I would never skip, myself), and that you don't have any type of emergency. It also assumes that you're able to say no to sodas, balloons, photographs, ice cream, penny-crunching, and all the other little expenses at Disney.

These meal allowances are super-tight. With four people, they're do-able only if you choose kids' meals, split entrees, and drink only water. They're also do-able only at counter-service restaurants; if you have to include tips, they're not possible.

Be sure to pack sunscreen, Tylenol, bandaids, and all those other little things that you have at home but cost so much when you're forced to buy them at premium park prices.

I think it's entirely too tight. I think you will be out of money on vacation. I'd say that something has to change. Things I'd consider:

- Is it possible to change to a less expensive hotel?
- You're at a hotel with a great pool. How about doing away with one park day and making it a pool day? Even if you already have your tickets, you'd save by being able to cook in the room (bring things you already have at home). Your kids will see this as big fun or as a letdown, depending upon how you present it.
- Skip the extra-ticket party and just have three park days.
- Make a grocery store stop and pick up lunch fixings for every day. This'd allow you to have a nice dinner every night, but I doubt you'd be able to fit that much food into your suitcases, so you'd need to figure out a grocery stop -- and that'd cut into your savings.

Personally, assuming all these things are possible, I'd change hotels and skip the Halloween party. That'd still not give you a fat budget, but it could make the budet more comfortable.

I think that there are only three of them. One adult and two children (though I don't know if they are "Disney children" or not.

 

[A Mickeyfan]

I thought those were already purchased. So if they're $50/person, with three people, that's 2/3 of the budget . . .

and that leaves only $100 total for food. For four people for four days. That's $6.25/person/day for food. That's going to be hard to do without a single purchased meal.

And if the tickets are $60/person, that's only $3.75/person/day for food.

And that's IF there's no tax on top of the tickets.

Are we being punked?

well if we are being punked.. I will use her own words from another post... she really needs "to grow up".. and not waste other people's time complaining that she doesn't have the money to do what she wants at Disney! Maybe she would rather just be stuck on a monorail and get left over, burned, 1/2 portions of mac & cheese to eat... she would be happy and not complain..

 

[2forMe]

I think that $300 for food and one taxi ride is more than enough for 1adult and 2 children for 3 days. Kids CS meals in the park are cheap. Just do not eat at TS restaurants. Bring snacks and breakfast food with you from home. Also bring water bottles and drink crystals for drinks. You could also take a resort bus to the resort closest to nick.. Might save some money on the taxi...as opposed to taking a taxi from MK.

 

[puakinikini]

I think that $300 for food and one taxi ride is more than enough for 1adult and 2 children for 3 days. Kids CS meals in the park are cheap. Just do not eat at TS restaurants. Bring snacks and breakfast food with you from home. Also bring water bottles and drink crystals for drinks. You could also take a resort bus to the resort closest to nick.. Might save some money on the taxi...as opposed to taking a taxi from MK.

I agree with the above. No one wants to have a tight budget on vacation, but this seems doable to me if you bring breakfast and snacks and eat at CS places. I would definitely not do the one character meal, esp because your splurge is the MNSSH.

 

[brunette8706]

Gee, where's the OP?

 

[crashbb]

Gee, where's the OP?

Probably off finding yet another new name.

ETA - Actually, looking at the previous posts under this name, I could be wrong on my assumption of who it is.

 

[SaraJayne]

Probably off finding yet another new name.

Or four.

 

[Dr.Girlfriend]

We leave tommorow for our 3 night vacation. I was already on a tight budget but now it just got a little bit tighter. Im really worried that I'm going to be flat broke and thats my ultimate fear while im on vacation!Ok so turns out that the rate I paid for the Nick Hotel did not include the resort fee AND they place a $100 hold on your credit card for incidentals . The resort fee will be around $90 for 3 nights. On the third day we will be going to MNSSHP . We can take the shuttle there but there is no shuttle back so we'll have to get a taxi. That leaves only about $ 300 for all of our food /snacks /souvenirs ( Not planning on buying any souvenirs ..maybe one souvenir each for the kids) . $300 just does not seem like enough money . Im so used to having the dining plan and staying on Disney property. Our room will have a full sized kitchen. We can save alot of money by cooking meals but we dont have a rental car ...Any food purchased will have to go into our checked luggage. What will I be able to pack to stretch our food budget? I was thinking of buying sodas /juice and putting it in the checked luggage but im worried it might explode .

BTW we do have the character breakfast booked (not paid for yet)and I was thinking of ordering Flippers for dinner one night and having it delivered .My kids are not gonna be thrilled to eat in the room .I was going to pack microwaveable chef boyardee and they bulked.


Any suggestions ?

Okay, I need to ask. Mainly out of curiosity at this point, but why did you book a hotel that has a kitchen in the room if your kids are balking at microwavable food, or eating in the hotel room in general?

I take back what I said earlier - I think at this point, I would cancel the trip if all you have is $300 to last you the weekend. Since you already paid for the plane tickets, that is just one expense at this point you will not miss. And since it's your 3rd trip this year, it's not a once in a lifetime opportunity. Take this time to save that money you would have spent this weekend.

 

[msjprincess]

Okay, I need to ask. Mainly out of curiosity at this point, but why did you book a hotel that has a kitchen in the room if your kids are balking at microwavable food, or eating in the hotel room in general?

I take back what I said earlier - I think at this point, I would cancel the trip if all you have is $300 to last you the weekend. Since you already paid for the plane tickets, that is just one expense at this point you will not miss. And since it's your 3rd trip this year, it's not a once in a lifetime opportunity. Take this time to save that money you would have spent this weekend.

Her May trip report said that was her third of the year. So this may actually be her fourth trip in year.

 

[SaraJayne]

Her May trip report said that was her third of the year. So this may actually be her fourth trip in year.

D'oh. You are right!

 

[brunette8706]

Probably off finding yet another new name.

*
I wonder if this is the same poster that lives with 7 leeches!? YOu know the one where the mother is paying the mortgage (struggling) and the 7 other leeches are not paying her anything. I can't believe these are all different posters...I think these posts are done by design to get other's especially on the budget board livid. I think the "post" sit back and watch the "ACTION"....just sayin...or just a hunch....

 

[SaraJayne]

*
I wonder if this is the same poster that lives with 7 leeches!? YOu know the one where the mother is paying the mortgage (struggling) and the 7 other leeches are not paying her anything. I can't believe these are all different posters...I think these posts are done by design to get other's especially on the budget board livid. I think the "post" sit back and watch the "ACTION"....just sayin...or just a hunch....

No, it isn't Sandra.

 

[MrsPete]

she can take some napkins from one of the fast food stands at the parks too..maybe some lemon's from near the soda fountain stands to add to her water for flavor ..... jokes aside.. she is going to have a full kitchen in her room. I just don't understand why? What is she going to have to cook? She stated what ever food she will have, will be packed in her luggage... I know when I go and have a full kitchen, I go to Publix and food shop! Why pay for a kitchen when you aren't really going to use it. that is a waste of money.. money that she seems to need for other uses... It was just poor planning

I agree. That's why I've never had any interest in DVC or condos for Disney trips. I don't intend to cook, so why should I pay extra for a kitchen I'm not going to use?

On the other hand, when we plan a week at the beach or a cabin by the lake, I always choose something with a nice big kitchen. For those trips, I know we'll be sleeping late, cooking big breakfasts, then preparing big suppers together.

 

[brunette8706]

No, it isn't Sandra.

*
How do you know?

 

[leight]

OP- I'm sorry you are in this position. Hopefully the $300 will be more than enough for your needs. I know when we planned our budget trip last year- it was a set amount I wanted to spend so we didn't have to charge anything or tap into savings for a vacation.

do you have the possibility of using another credit card for a rental car? That might be the same cost of a taxi back from MSSHP. Of course rental companies usually put a hold on your credit too.

I agree with alot of the previous posters-if you can use the deliverable grocery service that might help a lot. We did a budget trip to disney during the disney give a day promotion. Whole trip cost $900-for 4 of us. That's including the 2 bedroom suites at Wyndham Bonnet Creek & upgrading the ticks to FL 4 day passes. Because we had a full kitchen I brought lots of food from home-but that was easy for me since we drove from Tampa. I set expectations right upfront with them as to how we would be eating in the suite vs Disney. IT wasn't our most exciting trip, but it was fine as a nice getaway. Have them pick their favorite quick food from home- even if it is easy mac or cup of noodles.

How old are the kids? Let them bring a past souvenir with them to make them feel like they have something from disney. We stayed at the Nick Hotel 5 yrs ago and the buffet was really nothing to write home about. I would even save the $11 a person for a meal at WDW or order a nicer one to be delivered. There are plenty of activities around the hotel pool and characters walking around that you won't have to worry about the kids not being immersed in everything Nick.

Make sure you pack a soft cooler/ice packs you can bring that into WDW and probably have it by the pool too. We had a picnic one day at epcot and in MK dh & I brought sandwiches for us but bought the kids kids' meals at Pecos Bill and that way we saved money but the kids got what they wanted. Have you looked at Restaurant.com? They had a few dolphin hotel restaurant coupons and House of Blues in DTD at one time. That might give you some other options.

Good luck and enjoy your trip!