Review my budget for summer 03'

[crazyforgoofy]

As some may remember from previous posts I'm taking three lovely girls to Orlando next summer. They're sisters who lost their mom a few years ago and now live with my cousin and his wife. They'll be 11, 13 and 15 then. I'm footing the bill for the trip and am really looking forward to showing them a great time. Here's the work I've done on the budget thus far.

~*~ Driving from Missouri: Gas budget for my Honda CRV - $150 (Hoping to have gas cards from My Points, etc. to cover some of this. )
~*~ Motels on the road - one night each way (have enough Marriott points saved to cover both nights at Fairfield Inns along the way.)
~*~WDW admissions - 3 SOG 7 day stars and stripes tickets. $299 x 3 (current price) for the girls so they can spend as much time in the parks, water parks and at DQ as they want. I have an AP so I have to budget for me at water parks and DQ (currently $30 each SOG price) $897 + $90 = $987
~*~ Sea World admission X 4@$46 SOG prices $184
~*~Hotel near Sea World - one night $100
~*~All Star Music - two nights AP rate $160
~*~Five nights at BWV at a wonderful price thanks to great DVC members (David and Alison, bless em.) (already paid)
~*~ Food - many meals have to be in the room or carry into the park as Desirea has a special diet due to PKU. food budget for 12 days (including road days) $1500.
~*~ souvenir, pin and fun money - The girls are saving some of their weekly allowance plus saving aluminum so they're covered.

I'm over $3,000 and can't let it get ANY higher. I'm hoping to find coupons or something to reduce the cost for Sea World admission, will definitely bring in food/snacks for both budget and dietary reasons. I'd love to find ways to squeeze more fun out of less money. Suggestions are MOST welcome.

Mary Alice

 

[epcotfan]

If you are staying at Disney you don't really need a room at Sea World since it is only a short drive away. Maybe you could add on another night to the All-Stars? Then you don't have to switch hotels 3 times.

The full service restaurants are really good at accomodating you if you give them 24 hours notice to alert them of any special dietary needs.

 

[crazyforgoofy]

You're right! I could add a third night on to ASMu. It's a great idea. I originally had the idea to do Sea World first and figured we'd arrive in Orlando fairly late in the day, stay near there and then move to WDW. However, we changed the schedule due to the dates we can get BWV and I never thought to change my other plans. Duh! Thanks for seeing it. I know the girls would enjoy an additional night on Disney property, ASMu was their special request! And maybe the AP rate will be a bit lower than I have budgeted.

Thanks again.
Mary Alice

 

[epcotfan]

Thanks I've stayed at ASMu 3 times and really like it there. The girls will have a great time. Nothing like staying on WDW property. Sea World is approx 15-20 minute drive tops from WDW depending on traffic.

Sounds like you have a good budget worked out for the time you plan on spending in Orlando.

Hope you all have a wonderful time!

 

[punkin]

I printed out seaworld tickets off their website 30 days in advance and they cost #39.99 for adults.