Spending/doing/eating help

[LaVon]

First off woot woot 14 wake ups till our first trip to disneyland

So a few newbie questions... We are driving down sunday the 9th going to the park 10-14 and driving home saturday.. Staying at Camelot inn.. 2 adults 3 kiddos (6 and 3 3/4 twins)

1) whats a good amount of spending money
2) must have souvenirs (each kid already has a 50.00 GC that they can spend on whatever they wish.. We will purchade Ears of course but anything else?)
3) must sees/dos
4) must eats/ drinks

I want this first ever trip to be fun but at the same time be wallet friendly since this is at this point in our lives a expensive trip (hotel, tickets, rental car is 3600 bucks)

Any advice is greatly appreciated.. I really want this family vacation to be fun and not stressful

 

[NannyBeBe]

This is coming from an almost 70 year old grandma who has been taking kids and grandkids to DLR for three decades. Let the kids take the lead. Let them decide the must sees and must dos. Let them eat what they want and don't worry about what is healthful etc. It's only for 5 days. Take lots of pictures. You will treasure them later.

 

[smartlabelprint]

We started a tradition of buying each kid a pin to keep each trip.

Im not big on souvenirs. Too much junk filling up the house and wasting money.

My must eats are veggie sandwich at award wieners.

Caesar salads at French market

Veggie skewer at Bengal BBQ

Pasta at Boardwalk pizza & pasta

 

[LaVon]

This is coming from an almost 70 year old grandma who has been taking kids and grandkids to DLR for three decades. Let the kids take the lead. Let them decide the must sees and must dos. Let them eat what they want and don't worry about what is healthful etc. It's only for 5 days. Take lots of pictures. You will treasure them later.

Yea im not worried about healthy options since we are in vacation and thats kinda the plan. . This trip is a secret so they are going to be excited lol

 

[LaVon]

We did get them pins for trading off amazon and they get a lanyard and a pin as part of our disney package

 

[5forMickey]

Food inside the parks can get really expensive. Since you're staying off site I would try and do a few meals outside the park I think you can save quite a bit that way. Also, everywhere I asked for a water cup they were more than glad to give me one, pop can be really expensive for a large family. My kids are sadly too old now for souvenirs but there was an earlier post about letting the kids window shop until the last day and let them make their purchases then so that they don't spend their money and then find other things they want, I wish I would have thought about that with my kids I think it's a great idea. As the pp said, let the kids guide the way. Mostly have a great trip!

 

[LaVon]

Food inside the parks can get really expensive. Since you're staying off site I would try and do a few meals outside the park I think you can save quite a bit that way. Also, everywhere I asked for a water cup they were more than glad to give me one, pop can be really expensive for a large family. My kids are sadly too old now for souvenirs but there was an earlier post Bout letting the kids window shop until the last day and let them make their purchases then so that they don't spend their money and then find other things they want, I wish I would have thought about that with my kids I think it's a great day. As the pp said, let the kids guide the way. Mostly have a great trip!

I got each family member and eco bottle from tupperware so we have water with us.. supposedly our hotel is right across the street next door is a McDonald's and close by is dennys and ihop

 

[minnieralyks]

I got each family member and eco bottle from tupperware so we have water with us.. supposedly our hotel is right across the street next door is a McDonald's and close by is dennys and ihop

Yep! I would recommend Denny's more than IHOP, just because IHOP is more expensive. I'm thinking Denny's still has the $2, $4, $6 menu that has some great, inexpensive stuff. We will usually hit here a couple of times during the trip if we don't feel like eating anything in the park.

Avoid Capt. Kidd's, which is directly in the crosswalk across from Disneyland. We've tried here twice before and didn't like either time. Not sure if it's changed over the years, but that's one place we won't try again.

You can also order from Von's delivery to have stuff like water, soda, and breakfast items on hand at the hotel. They deliver directly to the hotel and it saves a lot of money than purchasing the items in the park. We usually order 2 cases of water, several packs of the bottles of soda, the Belvita breakfast biscuits, etc. Your first order is free. The Camelot will no longer accept and hold orders, so someone has to be present to receive it. We usually just schedule a time when we will be at the hotel for a break anyway.

 

[LaVon]

Yep! I would recommend Denny's more than IHOP, just because IHOP is more expensive. I'm thinking Denny's still has the $2, $4, $6 menu that has some great, inexpensive stuff. We will usually hit here a couple of times during the trip if we don't feel like eating anything in the park.

Avoid Capt. Kidd's, which is directly in the crosswalk across from Disneyland. We've tried here twice before and didn't like either time. Not sure if it's changed over the years, but that's one place we won't try again.

You can also order from Von's delivery to have stuff like water, soda, and breakfast items on hand at the hotel. They deliver directly to the hotel and it saves a lot of money than purchasing the items in the park. We usually order 2 cases of water, several packs of the bottles of soda, the Belvita breakfast biscuits, etc. Your first order is free. The Camelot will no longer accept and hold orders, so someone has to be present to receive it. We usually just schedule a time when we will be at the hotel for a break anyway.

We are hoping to eat breakfast in room.. I know most people are not so much for microwave cooking but the breakfast maker is going with us.. who can beat 2 eggs in 2 minutes lol we have 2 mini fridges in our room and we will have a ice chest for the majority of our drinks.. Ill have to check out Vons

 

[NewbieMouse]

This is coming from an almost 70 year old grandma who has been taking kids and grandkids to DLR for three decades. Let the kids take the lead. Let them decide the must sees and must dos. Let them eat what they want and don't worry about what is healthful etc. It's only for 5 days. Take lots of pictures. You will treasure them later.

This!

My kids are sadly too old now for souvenirs but there was an earlier post about letting the kids window shop until the last day and let them make their purchases then so that they don't spend their money and then find other things they want, I wish I would have thought about that with my kids I think it's a great idea.

We do this - I think it makes the souvenirs well thought out and minimizes 'buyer's remorse'. But like someone else said, a lot of it's junk, so exercise veto power and don't give them too high of a limit - it's unnecessary.

 

[LaVon]

This!




We do this - I think it makes the souvenirs well thought out and minimizes 'buyer's remorse'. But like someone else said, a lot of it's junk, so exercise veto power and don't give them too high of a limit - it's unnecessary.

They are only 50 bucks each in which im sure wont go far.. But i agree with limits since we are out numbered by kids and i believe they have more stuff than my husband and I lol

 

[azdisneylover]

Tomorrowland Terrace has a fruit platter that is really good to get and place in the middle of the table so everyone can pick at the fruit while they eat. The breakfast platters are generous size, so you could get one and split between your twins, for example. Whitewater Snacks inside GCH has a great selection of food for all meals and snacks. Prices are good too, plus, it is so relaxing in there! Even if you have granola bars, or goldfish crackers for your children in the morning because they are too excited to eat, getting something in them in the hotel room before you begin the day will help when you are in line and hunger starts to set in. Carry some in your purse and you should be fine. Check out the menus so you will know what is being sold and where, plus, check out the food thread. Many of the dissers here take great pictures and they are kind enough to post them of their food! This way, you can see how big the serving is of something. One good thing is the fruit in the parks are usually sweet and yummy. There is a Jamba Juice in DTD if you want to grab a good tasting smoothie, along with 4 Starbucks! Have fun!

 

[smartlabelprint]

I got each family member and eco bottle from tupperware so we have water with us.. supposedly our hotel is right across the street next door is a McDonald's and close by is dennys and ihop

Skip that IHOP. It's the most expensive in America I believe.

 

[LaVon]

Skip that IHOP. It's the most expensive in America I believe.

Yea we really are not huge ihop fans so that would be easy *LOL*

 

[Nevada Jen]

With kids that age I would try to budget a character breakfast that counts as lunch at plaza inn it saves a ton of time waiting in line for characters. Beware of the dates with the Halloween party. DL closes at 5 those days. I have found that the difference between a strict budget and none is not worth the stress if you instead make just a couple of rules. Breakfast in the room. 1 hat each and then set a limit on souvenirs. You can make the kids wait till the last day to do their shopping but you should use their gift cards to clandestinely pay so you don't end up with left over money on the cards. Also bring snacks in your bag to eat in line or to supplement something small bought at the parks. If you are driving you can probably skip Vons delivery and just bring what you need.

 

[LaVon]

With kids that age I would try to budget a character breakfast that counts as lunch at plaza inn it saves a ton of time waiting in line for characters. Beware of the dates with the Halloween party. DL closes at 5 those days. I have found that the difference between a strict budget and none is not worth the stress if you instead make just a couple of rules. Breakfast in the room. 1 hat each and then set a limit on souvenirs. You can make the kids wait till the last day to do their shopping but you should use their gift cards to clandestinely pay so you don't end up with left over money on the cards. Also bring snacks in your bag to eat in line or to supplement something small bought at the parks. If you are driving you can probably skip Vons delivery and just bring what you need.

I was told it closes at 6 for the party which kinda suxs but it is what it is.. What is cladestinely? And yes we will be driving but im renting a van ive never been in so im hoping sat when i pack the van ill get a better idea of what i can bring.. it sucks having 3 in carseats at times plus we rented a van so we can keep them separate.. This will be the longest car ride we have been on..

 

[Happyjenz]

This!




We do this - I think it makes the souvenirs well thought out and minimizes 'buyer's remorse'. But like someone else said, a lot of it's junk, so exercise veto power and don't give them too high of a limit - it's unnecessary.

Take pictures on your phone of possible "souvenirs" to keep track each day. Review them before purchasing...

 

[LaVon]

Take pictures on your phone of possible "souvenirs" to keep track each day. Review them before purchasing...

Oh that is a awesome tip.. Thank you

 

[theluckyrabbit]

Also make sure to note/caption/take a picture of where each item is located (and the price tag, too) so you don't go crazy trying to find the one item each child really wants. Honestly, sometimes it seems like the more the child wants the item, the harder it is to remember and locate! Photos of the price tags will help you keep track of how many things can add up to $50.

 

[sasywtch]

We did granola bars and juice in the room instead of wasting time waiting for food to come to a table. It was much more relaxing as people could get dressed while others were eating. Target and other stores are not far so if it was now, I'd probably grab yogurt also. When my kids were little, I gave each kid a plastic baggie with snacks (goldfish, cheese/crackers, etc). I agree with others that sodas can be a downfall of money and I've learned to drink water and only have a soda when it comes with the meal.

My biggest and always downfall was I wouldn't budget treats into my budget. We'd get there and their bakery, dole whips, etc just call you. I've learned to now put at least one treat into the budget every day. (if not two LOL).

Plaza Inn you could buy two dinners and split with your kids. Same with the Mexican place in Frontierland (I can never remember the name). The little red wagon with the corn dogs have the meal price but you can just get the corn dog without the bag of chips and soda. The bakeries will cut a cupcake in half for you if you ask.

If you get the soup in a bread bowl in DCA, ask for the bread in a bag and snack on it later. We found that when we went back to our room at lunchtime, there were coupons for discounted pizza. I think you said it closed early one night, I would be tempted to go to Dennys as it was around the same price as other Dennys. As someone else said, IHOP was more expensive than any I've ever been to. McDonalds seemed to have higher prices than normal McD's but still cheaper than a sit down.

Someone help me with the name of the sub place in DTD. ???? We don't have one here so the only time I've been there is when we went to DL. I joined their club a few weeks before we went and got certificates for a free sandwich. It only lasts for so long so you need to do it right before you go. I also joined the Jamba Juice and got a coupon for that.

Souvenirs. I love the idea of waiting until the end. Since my kids are adults now, I'm not up on what kids are buying. If you are considering a souvenir for you, my favorite was a $10 picture frame with the year that I put a photo of all of us in. It reminds me of the trip every time I look at it. Some have gone to Walmart or Target and got some Disney stuff to do on the car ride to/from DL.