Ok now im getting worried ...

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Yes I have debt. Who doesn't? :confused3 I still pay my debt off every month. I booked this quick budget trip as a reward for getting my a.a degree . I really wish people would stick to the topic and not jump down my throat because I under budgeted. I'm not the first and I'm sure I won't be the last person to go on vacation on a budget .

I don't have any debt... and by the way, if you pay off your bills every month.. that means you have no debt :confused3 Where did you get your A.A. from?
 
I might be the odd man out here, but if you are cutting a 3 day trip that close I wouldn't go at all. I would stay home and do something fun close to home and work on saving more money for my vacation.

Seems to me there are more in agreement with you than you thought!:thumbsup2
 
Personally, I think you have bigger things to worry about. Have you read the reviews of the Nick Hotel?

http://hotels.about.com/gi/rating/r...=/od/orlando/fr/nickelodeon.htm&t=Nickelodeon Hotel

"As you can see from the pictures that I have attached, the room is totally filthy. There is mold/slime all over the bathroom, toilet, toilet paper holder – even the line installed above the shower to hang wet bathing suits on it had mold on it – TOTALLY DISGUSTING.

The floor has obviously not been mopped behind the doors, baseboards, etc. in quite some time – there is dirt and dust caked up everywhere.

The couches had stains and were rubbed thin – holes are starting to appear."


"Spending Friday night and Saturday at the pool, we were all struck with how dirty the facilities were. The water was cloudy, the slides were rusted and stained, and the mall area (where the indoor food and activities are) was dingy. We felt very uncomfortable the entire time. The maid even forgot to visit our room on Saturday. We called housekeeping and she showed up a couple hours later. We did find solice in a semi-healthy food option with the on-site Subway, but other than that, good luck... prices are high and quality is low."


http://www.expedia.com/Orlando-Hotels-Nickelodeon-Suites-Resort.h281608.Hotel-Reviews

" “decline in Service, Cleanliness but not in price”

For the value of this hotel I would expect more detail to the resort aspect of experiences. The pool that we were swimming in closed at 6pm and we had to get out and go to another pool if we wanted to keep swimming. My youngest son was not able to go on any of the slides (even though he can swim) because he was not tall enough. My 6 year old son also a swimmer just barely made the line. The food was over priced and not very good and everything cost extra. We visited this hotel 2 years ago and the kids loved it, this time, it seemed like a glorified discount hotel. Time for some changes."
 
Congrats on the A.A! What an amazing accomplishment! :banana:

I think its your business on your financial situation. She didn't ask to borrow any money from anyone on here, so chill people! No ones bank account will be affected but the OP, so I suppose she can travel however she likes.

We have been all over the country for vacations and 300 bucks sounds fine. We very rarely spend more than that a day on food and stuff wherever we go. If the vacation is the Nick hotel than staying around there and having fun there will be easy. Even if I weren't on a tight budget and had a full kitchen I would probably fix atleast a few meals there. It will give you all a break from all the action and give everyone a bit of time to relax and rest.

I'd pack some food. Peanut butter, crackers, single serving fruit cups, cheese sticks, apples, granola bars, lots of things like that travel well and kids love them (so do I). :rotfl:

Some people bring a few grand for vacation spending money, others a few hundred and everyone feels their amount is the correct amount. I am cheap and buy the kids Disney related items at home and surprise them every morning before we leave for the parks with a small gift so I don't have to buy pricy souvenirs at the parks. I bring snacks EVERYWHERE we go, even at home, because I don't like constantly stoping somewhere and getting snacks that are unhealthy and expensive.

Bottom line was that the OP was asking for advice on something, not peoples opinions on her life and spending habits. These boards are becoming so judgemental people won't even want to post on here anymore and thats sad.

I hope you and your kids have an amazing time!!!! :)
 

Congrats on the A.A! What an amazing accomplishment! :banana:

I think its your business on your financial situation. She didn't ask to borrow any money from anyone on here, so chill people! No ones bank account will be affected but the OP, so I suppose she can travel however she likes.

We have been all over the country for vacations and 300 bucks sounds fine. We very rarely spend more than that a day on food and stuff wherever we go. If the vacation is the Nick hotel than staying around there and having fun there will be easy. Even if I weren't on a tight budget and had a full kitchen I would probably fix atleast a few meals there. It will give you all a break from all the action and give everyone a bit of time to relax and rest.

I'd pack some food. Peanut butter, crackers, single serving fruit cups, cheese sticks, apples, granola bars, lots of things like that travel well and kids love them (so do I). :rotfl:

Some people bring a few grand for vacation spending money, others a few hundred and everyone feels their amount is the correct amount. I am cheap and buy the kids Disney related items at home and surprise them every morning before we leave for the parks with a small gift so I don't have to buy pricy souvenirs at the parks. I bring snacks EVERYWHERE we go, even at home, because I don't like constantly stoping somewhere and getting snacks that are unhealthy and expensive.

Bottom line was that the OP was asking for advice on something, not peoples opinions on her life and spending habits. These boards are becoming so judgemental people won't even want to post on here anymore and thats sad.

I hope you and your kids have an amazing time!!!! :)

how can she "fix" her meals there when she isn't going grocery shopping.. that is my point? What ever food she will have to make, will be the food she is bringing with her on the plane.. you cannot make meals with that.. not full meals anyway.. snacks, yes.. there is no question, but not for meals. Just as she was asking for advice on something and others became judgemental with her.. she has done so to others... :confused3 some may have just figured it wouldn't bother her if they stated their opinion....:goodvibes
 
To the OP- I just started on my AA a few weeks ago so congrats on being finished with yours!

Here is my advice:
1. Call the hotel and ask for a list of restaurants that will deliver.
2. Check restaurant.com and use a code to get an inexpensive restaurant gift certificate for a meal out.
3. Pack the healthy choice steamers, mac & cheese cups, etc that you will add water to. Soups (not ramen- there are other brands that would make a nice soup such as potato or broccoli and cheese) that you add water to and cook. These items would be lightweight to pack. I also agree with bringing the Hawaiian Punch or Crystal Light water packets. We personally love the Hawaiian Punch Singles To Go packets. You can jazz up those ready to heat & eat meals... You can add a can or two of veggies to the ready to eat beef stew and cook some rice. Oatmeal is perfect to pack for breakfast because it takes up little room, is lightweight, and makes a lot!
4. Inform your kids that 3 nights 4 days isn't going to kill them if you do not go out and be gluttonous at every meal. Personally, my family of 7 could make it for that amount of time on $300 so I know you and 2 kids can.

I hope you have a wonderful trip. Remember- haters will always hate. Your business is yours and I hope my suggestions regarding the questions you asked can help!:thumbsup2
 
how can she "fix" her meals there when she isn't going grocery shopping.. that is my point? What ever food she will have to make, will be the food she is bringing with her on the plane.. you cannot make meals with that.. not full meals anyway.. snacks, yes.. there is no question, but not for meals. Just as she was asking for advice on something and others became judgemental with her.. she has done so to others... :confused3 some may have just figured it wouldn't bother her if they stated their opinion....:goodvibes

You people really amaze me . You got your panties all in a bunch over something that really doesn't even concern you .None of you know anything about my personal life at all you're too busy assuming based on the limited information I provided. If I choose to bring $300 or $3000 that's my business. I asked for tips on how to save money on meals . I did not ask for anyone's opinion on my finances or whether or not I can afford to take a trip at all. Keep on talking trash have at it and enjoy :wizard:
 
To the OP- I just started on my AA a few weeks ago so congrats on being finished with yours!

Here is my advice:
1. Call the hotel and ask for a list of restaurants that will deliver.
2. Check restaurant.com and use a code to get an inexpensive restaurant gift certificate for a meal out.
3. Pack the healthy choice steamers, mac & cheese cups, etc that you will add water to. Soups (not ramen- there are other brands that would make a nice soup such as potato or broccoli and cheese) that you add water to and cook. These items would be lightweight to pack. I also agree with bringing the Hawaiian Punch or Crystal Light water packets. We personally love the Hawaiian Punch Singles To Go packets. You can jazz up those ready to heat & eat meals... You can add a can or two of veggies to the ready to eat beef stew and cook some rice. Oatmeal is perfect to pack for breakfast because it takes up little room, is lightweight, and makes a lot!
4. Inform your kids that 3 nights 4 days isn't going to kill them if you do not go out and be gluttonous at every meal. Personally, my family of 7 could make it for that amount of time on $300 so I know you and 2 kids can.

I hope you have a wonderful trip. Remember- haters will always hate. Your business is yours and I hope my suggestions regarding the questions you asked can help!:thumbsup2


Thank you :flower3:
 
wow... all I can say is wow.. oh, how does the shoe feel when its on another foot...:flower3:
Now that I am done with that rant.. ;) $300-$400 is reasonable for the length of your trip... with a credit card to back you up for emergency expenses.. I think that is the point many are trying to say here.

Congrats on getting your AA.. Did you just get it now? Odd time of year to have gotten it???? Or are you just celebrating now since you wanted to do MNNSHP?

If you don't mind me asking? Why did you book a place with a full kitchen but you have no access to go grocery shopping? It really is a waste of money when you could have gotten away with a room that had a mini fridge, microwave & coffee pot :confused3 You will only be there 3 nights, you have no car to go grocery shopping;, the only food you will have is the food you bring down. You really cannot bring food down that will be full meals that need to be cooked in a kitchen :confused3 I would have skipped that, saved my money and not stayed at the Nick Hotel period.

The $90 resort fee you state is just crazy in my book for 3 days anyway! When you booked, did they not inform you of that fee? I know it is clearly stated on their website... and they are $25 per day.. I don't think they charge tax on the resort fee.. I could be wrong.. so that would really come to $75..unless there is tax. .. every little bit at this point will help you when you are on such a tight budget.

http://www.nickhotel.com/html/orlando-family-resort-faq.asp

They charge tax on the resort fee. When I booked the nick hotel using the promo code they said everything was to be paid in full and I assumed naturally that it included the resort fee. When I went back and double checked I realized that it did not and that it was payable upon check in. I'm giving rough estimates . I chose the Nick Hotel because I have kids who enjoy Nickelodeon . I booked for Spongebob and Dora and the waterpark. FYI every suite at Nick comes with a full kitchen . I overbudget when I estimate things so I know I will have more like $500 (after transportation ,fees etc.)when everything is all said and done but I would like to stick closer to $300-$400 and I think its doable. I like having wiggle room .
 
Personally, I think you have bigger things to worry about. Have you read the reviews of the Nick Hotel?

http://hotels.about.com/gi/rating/r...=/od/orlando/fr/nickelodeon.htm&t=Nickelodeon Hotel

"As you can see from the pictures that I have attached, the room is totally filthy. There is mold/slime all over the bathroom, toilet, toilet paper holder – even the line installed above the shower to hang wet bathing suits on it had mold on it – TOTALLY DISGUSTING.

The floor has obviously not been mopped behind the doors, baseboards, etc. in quite some time – there is dirt and dust caked up everywhere.

The couches had stains and were rubbed thin – holes are starting to appear."


"Spending Friday night and Saturday at the pool, we were all struck with how dirty the facilities were. The water was cloudy, the slides were rusted and stained, and the mall area (where the indoor food and activities are) was dingy. We felt very uncomfortable the entire time. The maid even forgot to visit our room on Saturday. We called housekeeping and she showed up a couple hours later. We did find solice in a semi-healthy food option with the on-site Subway, but other than that, good luck... prices are high and quality is low."


http://www.expedia.com/Orlando-Hotels-Nickelodeon-Suites-Resort.h281608.Hotel-Reviews

" “decline in Service, Cleanliness but not in price”

For the value of this hotel I would expect more detail to the resort aspect of experiences. The pool that we were swimming in closed at 6pm and we had to get out and go to another pool if we wanted to keep swimming. My youngest son was not able to go on any of the slides (even though he can swim) because he was not tall enough. My 6 year old son also a swimmer just barely made the line. The food was over priced and not very good and everything cost extra. We visited this hotel 2 years ago and the kids loved it, this time, it seemed like a glorified discount hotel. Time for some changes."

I've read good and bad reviews on Nick. I know that it is not a 5 star or even a 4 star hotel. I'm going for the kid friendly theming. We've done Disney too many times so we needed something diffrent. Im sure it will be fine. Thanx though :)
 
You people really amaze me . You got your panties all in a bunch over something that really doesn't even concern you .None of you know anything about my personal life at all you're too busy assuming based on the limited information I provided. If I choose to bring $300 or $3000 that's my business. I asked for tips on how to save money on meals . I did not ask for anyone's opinion on my finances or whether or not I can afford to take a trip at all. Keep on talking trash have at it and enjoy :wizard:

I know that when I read the OP, I felt a panic inside me. I am one that wants to come home with at least what the OP had available. That is just me, but it is going to bring out emotions in many and the OP was asking for advice. Just because it wasn't what she wanted to hear doesn't mean it shouldn't have been voiced.

They charge tax on the resort fee. When I booked the nick hotel using the promo code they said everything was to be paid in full and I assumed naturally that it included the resort fee. When I went back and double checked I realized that it did not and that it was payable upon check in. I'm giving rough estimates . I chose the Nick Hotel because I have kids who enjoy Nickelodeon . I booked for Spongebob and Dora and the waterpark. FYI every suite at Nick comes with a full kitchen . I overbudget when I estimate things so I know I will have more like $500 (after transportation ,fees etc.)when everything is all said and done but I would like to stick closer to $300-$400 and I think its doable. I like having wiggle room .

This post sounds so very different from your original one. It seemed that you had NO other funds, and no possible cushion if anything went awry. It also sounded like the plan was a WDW trip rather than staying at your resort. I don't know what all Nick Hotel offers, but I'm sure you can make it work for your family!

Congratulations on your degree. It is no small accomplishment especially with a family! I was in school for two years and really struggled, and DH got his MBA a few years ago. Enjoy your trip!
 
They charge tax on the resort fee. When I booked the nick hotel using the promo code they said everything was to be paid in full and I assumed naturally that it included the resort fee. When I went back and double checked I realized that it did not and that it was payable upon check in. I'm giving rough estimates . I chose the Nick Hotel because I have kids who enjoy Nickelodeon . I booked for Spongebob and Dora and the waterpark. FYI every suite at Nick comes with a full kitchen . I overbudget when I estimate things so I know I will have more like $500 (after transportation ,fees etc.)when everything is all said and done but I would like to stick closer to $300-$400 and I think its doable. I like having wiggle room .


This is not at all what your first post implied. You said that you were worried because all you had was $300 after everything was said and done. There is a pretty big difference between $500 and $300.

I think it got too hot in the kitchen for the OP, so they're backpeddling. :rolleyes:

Maybe not too hot in Nick Hotel's room kitchen, though.
 
So, how do you decide what you post under this name and what you post under Disneymama409?
 
You people really amaze me . You got your panties all in a bunch over something that really doesn't even concern you .None of you know anything about my personal life at all you're too busy assuming based on the limited information I provided. If I choose to bring $300 or $3000 that's my business. I asked for tips on how to save money on meals . I did not ask for anyone's opinion on my finances or whether or not I can afford to take a trip at all. Keep on talking trash have at it and enjoy :wizard:

Hersheykiss- You are just NOT getting it. When YOU put YOUR private life/business on an internet forum and YOU ask for opinions you will get just that. You state in your launch post of YOUR thread that you are worried about money for your trip. We gave you our sound financilal advice. Then you stated that you paid your debt/cc/student loan out of your EMERGENCY fund. :confused3 At this point people are wondering why you had to takek money out of your EMERGENCY fund to pay for your cc/student loan etc, yet your still going to Disney. It's plain as day that it's irresponsible. You state your bringing $300.00 and that doesn't include the $30.00 a day times 3 day RESORT FEE. That's $90.00, so now your down to $210.00. You still want to go to the MNSSHP so you need a round trip TAXI fare for that. I'm guessing that's $50 plus tip R/T that leaves you $155.00. Then you go on to state that you are going to do a Character meal at Disney. Well that's approximately $35.00 for you and approximately $20.00 per each child PLUS TIP. That cost is approximately $90.00 tip included that brings you down to $65.00. That $65.00 does not include any extra's for example food at the parks, any lunches or dinners or breakfast. We are not talking "trash" Hersheykiss we are trying to give you advice why this is a BAD MOVE for you. Next time I would plan vacations better so you would not have to "worry" about funds.

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 ?

Wow!!! Judgemental much ?:confused3 Some of you are very nasty and accusing me of being other posters ? Seriously?

Yes I took other vacations this year and they were not budget vacations. This trip Iisa budget vacation . I booked the trip knowing i'd be on a tight budget . I just did not think it would be this tight. I did not budget correctly at all and that is my fault. I usually bring too much money on vacation and this trip I did not think I would be coming so far under budget. I am not visiting the Disney parks . The Nick Hotel IS the vacation. Last month I decided I couldn't go to Florida without going to Disney so I purchased the MNSSHP . It's alot cheaper than a regular park day .

I thought $300 -$400 would be reasonable for three nights 4 days .I took all of my "emergency" money and paid bills (student loan ,credit card debt etc).It's not like I can get that money back so to everyone who gave me useful advice thank you. I will try to manage as best as I can and im sure the kids will have a good time without all the extras.
 
I just read through this entire thread, and I am confuzzled...But, I have been here a long time, and I have an idea of who this poster actually may be. If not, then perhaps they are sisters, as this thread sounds exactly like a certain 'Mama' who used to post the same types of threads...

What I can see, is that based on the OP's original post, subsequent posts and very last posts, things have somehow changed?

The original post had an air of panic in it that the OP would not have enough money. Based on the fact that she did not properly research, she is being hit with a ridiculously high resort fee of $90.00, that is due upon check-in.

As well, she had listed a character breakfast out of that same amount of money, so the available funds left for food would be small, as transportation also needed to come out of that same fund.

No credit cards and no other vacation funds available either - that is why so many people were worried and frustrated by the OP's responses. This is the Budget Board afterall...

Now, the latest posts seem to suggest that she may have overbudgeted by a couple of hundred dollars (I know she mentioned that before, but I don't remember an actual amount), and she will be ok. Why start the thread then?

I too am totally confused as to why she booked such an expensive hotel (the resort fee is just killing me - that is more than we paid in Hawaii for goodness sakes!), in which not to use the full kitchen? Since the hotel is the vacation, then using that full kitchen would have been the smartest thing to do.

Also, as others have mentioned, this hotel is very questionable in regards to the shape and quality. I would hate for them to have issues, and not have any available funds. Have had relatives stay there, and they said it was very problematic, and the location is not that great either. If not using the full kitchen, then a Disney Value Resort stay would have been the best choice, as all transportation would have been covered.

I'm really not sure what the OP expected, when she started this thread? It is still titled, "Ok now I'm getting worried..." for a reason.

Perhaps OP over-reacted, found money, feels embarassed, or realized that she made a budget error? Regardless, the tone of the original post, along with the thread title, suggests that she may not have enough money, and that is not a good thing when in Orlando, as it costs money to vacation there.

If the OP has been to Disney many times, then surely she knows that proper planning and research is essential when vacationing, and by not doing that this time (of which she admitted), she found herself in a place where she might not have enough funds to cover this vacation, that cannot be cancelled, due to pre-purchase of airfare and tickets.

I don't understand flying to Orlando for 4 days, as that seems like a total waste of money, but if that is what OP had planned, then she should have done her due diligence in looking at the location of that hotel, utilizing the full kitchen (Garden Grocer, etc. sell out quickly, so she should have secured that months ago), transportation costs and other misc. expenses that might come up.

There should not be any problem for the kids to eat out of their resort room either. We love eating in our DVC villa, so not sure what the problem with that would be? Without scaring them into thinking that you have no money, you need to tell them that you really don't have much money for extras on this trip, and they will be eating in the room, end of discussion.

I hope that the OP does indeed have enough money to cover incidentals on this trip. Hopefully, the hotel is fine, and that resort fee is worth it!

Despite some necesseary judgmental posts on here, OP, you have received some very good advice about how to stretch your budget. There are many of us who absolutely would not be taking that vacation at all, but that is your choice to make. Incidentally, not everyone who has debt goes on vacation either! You stated that you used emergency funds to pay bills, which then means you absolutely should not be taking this vacation, and it also tells us that you really do not have any available funds for this vacation, and thus the start of this thread.

My hope is that for future vacations, you do a better job of researching and planning, so that you know exactly what funds you will need BEFORE you actually go on vacation. We have been to Disney a million times, and are DVC members, with mininal expenses, yet we still plan out a budget, as that is the responsible way to deal with our finances. My hope is that you also learn to save some money in a vacation fund, as most of us who are financially sound do, as vacations are not a necessity to life, as you seem to be making them out to be.

Best of luck, Tiger
 
Absolutely no offense meant to the poster, but I just can't imagine having a good time on vacation if I was worried about each and every penny. Way too much stress!
 
I know it is pointless since the OP is probably on a plane right now. But what she may have missed in the reviews (besides how filthy the place is) is how the Nick hotel charges for everything. Many reviews mention how they nickel and dime you and how over priced the food it (including the Subway on property). Her budget is going to be tighter than she thinks. But I am sure she will post a glowing report when she comes back about how she was able to have a wonderful trip for little money.
 
I know it is pointless since the OP is probably on a plane right now. But what she may have missed in the reviews (besides how filthy the place is) is how the Nick hotel charges for everything. Many reviews mention how they nickel and dime you and how over priced the food it (including the Subway on property). Her budget is going to be tighter than she thinks. But I am sure she will post a glowing report when she comes back about how she was able to have a wonderful trip for little money.

*
WAIT!! She just launched her post yesterday regarding that she is getting worried about funds....Isn't that kind of late to be concerned? I had no idea her trip was today!

Anyway, she didn't see this coming a month or two OUT? The day before her trip she's getting worried!!?? Unbelievable!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
 
If the kids want a snack than I will buy it for them. My kids are not big junk food eaters in general. I'm not shipping all of our meals at all. I'm shipping juice/soda/tuna fish cracker meals(for myself) /cookies and muffins/apples for breakfast. The rest of the meals will be eaten at Nick .

wait, then I'm confuse. YOU are the one who said that som unexpected charges may leave you flat broke.
 
*
WAIT!! She just launched her post yesterday regarding that she is getting worried about funds....Isn't that kind of late to be concerned? I had no idea her trip was today!

Anyway, she didn't see this coming a month or two OUT? The day before her trip she's getting worried!!?? Unbelievable!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Hey, Brunette!

Does it really suprise you that someone who can't properly budget, nor research their intended vacation destination, doesn't have proper foresight to see that she has cut herself too short?

I didn't realize the trip was today either...oh, boy. That hotel absolutely does charge for everything, and I still can't get over that resort fee. Like I said, our 4 star resort in Maui didn't even charge that much! Yikes!

Seems to be a classic case of not having enough funds to sustain one's self in the lifestyle that she so desires...

Tiger
 
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