So what are the out-of-pocket expenses??

[Rock'n Robin]

Still tossing the idea of a 3 or 4 day cruise in July 2003 around. I know the following are out-of-pocket expenses:
soda except at meals (is iced tea free all day? That's for me!)
Alcohol
photo packages
rental of equipment on Castaway Cay
excursions
spa stuff
tips

is there anything I am missing? We are a family of 5, so if the excursions are really expensive we just wouldn't do them, but I know I want to get the most of Castaway Cay. The cruise sure sounds good with all the food included, but I don't want to be surprised by the $$ we spend, and DH wants an idea of it as well.
Robin M.

 

[vicnmickey]

Don't forget about the souviners and the Arcade for the kids if they are into the video games. We are doing a 7 night land/sea in May 2003, I have a running total of about $1,300 so far for everything from food in the parks and excursions on the ship. Hope this helps a little. 367 days and counting everyone of them

 

[atigeg]

I have a suggestion on the iced tea...there is a 24 hour beverage station with cofee, tea, milk, ice, and water. There are several different flavored teas (as well as regular), so I simply brew some hot tea, pour it over ice, and voila! Instant iced tea. You can get it 24 hours a day, and it is better than what they serve in the restaurants (the tap stuff).
To save some $$, bring your own snorkel equipment for CC if you have some (they will provide the vest for free if you have the other stuff) and take advantage of the free games (foosball, pool, etc.) that are now offered on CC at Groupers Pavillion.
Barb
Visit the Platinum Castaway Club at: www.castawayclub.com

 

[callahanjulie10]

I say go for it! There are lots of ways of saving money- bring your own colas and alchol- or have the Drink of the Day. The drink will be listed in the navigator daily. It is like $3.50 or something.

I always fix a drink and take it with me- I just bought a DCL mug in the gift shop for a couple of $$ and no one looked at me funny or anything. I even took it to dinner with me!

I would let each child know that they have x amount of $ and they may spend it how they like BUT when it is gone, it is gone. Arcade, souvies, smoothies, etc. what ever but they have to keep a tab.

The photos are my weakness BUT only on one family photo $20. If there is a really great pic of DD I might get it but everytime she wants to take a pic with a character I stand beside of the "real" photographer and take it with my own camera. This saves quite a bit!

These are just a few ideas but there are tons of way to have a vacation that your family will always remember!

 

[infobahn]

As "unfun" as this sounds, I would keep a close watch on your spending day by day. I know we were a little shocked with the $1500 my DW & I spent on our Magic cruise. While we might have passed on a few things, it probably wouldn't of helped much. We don't drink, at least not in the standard social definition. I drink a beer a month, maybe, and DW is the same with wine. We spent over $120 on drinks. They add up. Pictures do as well.

Don't worry too much, but at least ask for a copy of your bill half way through to take a reading.

Limit charging privilidges to the kids. Avoid getting EVERY picture the Cruise photographer shoots of the kids. Try and plan your own excursions.

We will NOT be spending much in the spa next time. We did decide we would get the length of stay Rainforest Room. Other than that (and maybe a foot/ankle massage) everything else you can pass on, unless you really have to.

We brought 2 twelve=acks of soda on, and kept them in the "fridge" (read: electric cooler).

If you haven't read it yet, download the Magical Disney Cruise Guide. It was VERY helpful to us.

Have fun, don't worry. Plan and you will be okay.