Preplanning

[stitchlover]

Hey everyone. I am a bit of an obsessive planner and one of the things I do to help cut down on the stress of money at the parks is put away Disney Dollars each month for KNOWN expenses. It usually comes up between $500-$600 put away and I don't sweat spending once I'm there because I have a large chunk taken care of. Would you please look over the list I have come up with so far and let me know if there is something glaring I am forgetting:

Tips for dinner - Figured the cost of all TS meals at 20% tip $137
Picture Package - O'Hana $32
Akershus $32
Resort Refill Mugs - 3 x12+ tax = $40
SeaRaycer for DH - max 1 hour = $40
Mousekeeping - 9 nights x $5 = $40
5 OOP Breakfasts x $20 = $100
Whispering Canyon Cafe lunch OOP = $90
Afternoon Tea at GF OOP = $80
Autograph book & pen for DD = $25

What else can you come up with???

 

[DoBug]

That is a great idea - we have been bribing dear son with disney dollars he can spend while we're there. And having a stash of disney dollars means they can't be raided for the "oh lets just order a pizza or the Oh I forgot about DS's field trip" excuse.

do you actually give mousekeeping disney dollars? I guess they can use them for snacks/food while they are on breaks, etc.

Oh I can't wait. we're leaving next month!

Dobug

 

[stitchlover]

Sorry...didn't make that clear. No I actually give them US Dollars!

I did this for our trip in March and it was sooooo nice. Our first trip in '06 I was really worried about the money and how much we were spending. This trip knowing that I had that money really helped me settle in and enjoy the trip and not stress over it as much. We just put all the little envelopes in the hotel safe and in the morning I would take out an envelope if we needed it for that day. And exactly what you said...if I was putting regular $'s in an envelope i would be tempted to break open an envelope and grab a pizza or go out for ice cream. But they don't take Disney Dollars at Little Ceasar's!!!!

It really helps with DD. She enjoys having HER money at the park.

 

[MomWith2Cinderellas]

We also add in tips for anyone who may handle our luggage.
What about other souvenirs? I try to make sure we have everything planned out as well. I find it is less stressful and we usually come home with extra money.

 

[karibritt01]

We did something similar. We did the Disney gift cards. The kids earned money for rewards, allowance, etc. We would go load the cards whenever going to the mall. It was nice not having to keep up with the dollars, change, and such. We are planning to do the same thing for our cruise next year... except with a Visa gift card, so they can buy on the ship and at ports.

 

[peanutt0512]

great idea....I actually made a new chart for our 3 yr old so he can get a small amount each week. I was just putting it in his "disney" bank and he would have the money for when we go. But I really like the card so it does somehow get spent before we get there.

 

[momtomari]

that list looks very good
i also like to preplan a lot too and i agree that the disney dollars are a good ide. i have been giving them to my daughter when she helps watch my aunts dog

 

[texasteacher35]

I am also loading up a disney gift card before we leave for DD12 an she will get to be in charge of hat she wants to buy! For 7 days, I am loading it with $300...my mom is adding another $100...if she finds a snow globe or something else cool for her room she will be able to get it and still get some shirts/silly stuff to bring home!
My DS2 is only interested in cars and things that "go"...and he does not understand the gift card approach...he just turned 2 last week...