Spending Money Needed?

[2boyzmom73]

We are leaving for the "Most Magical Place on Earth" in 15 days. DH, DS 13, DS 11, and myself. We have the quick service dining plan. We are not really into souvenirs, the trip and pictures is what we bring back. So how much do I need?

 

[MikeinBoston]

When I last was down, there was just the two of us for 4 nights. I didn't buy too many gifts but the food you buy beyond the plan, and snacks, and then things like boat rentals, food at airport, unexpected expenses that pop up. I believe we spent just under $900, So 15 days with that many people I can imagine it around $2000 maybe more?

 

[2boyzmom73]

Sorry left out a few important things.....we are only going to be at Disney for 9 days......well technically 7 days at the parks and 2 travel days.

 

[SaraJayne]

On our last trip, it was DD9 and I. We were on the dining plan and our bill on checkout day was $183. Eighty dollars of that was for a meal at Rainforest. LOL

We were there 7 days.

ETA: I also had $150 in cash with me, that I used at the airport and places in WDW that didn't take cards.

 

[marmalade]

I would say $500. If you don't really do souveniers and aren't doing any TS meals then that should be plenty and you will probably come home with some. Figure $50 for each of you for a souvie and that leaves you $300 for what-nots.

 

[Schotz]

With food covered, I would bring no less than $200 per day for a family of 4. It can be done with far less money but things add up quickly.

 

[mrudman]

When our family of 4 went two years ago, we ended up spending about $900 for our 10 days there.

We had the dining plan (table service one).. so all snacks and all meals were accounted for.. and we had pre-purchased the photopass cd.

Most of what we spent it on was souvenirs, tips, lowest package at BBB for both dd's, and misc. (light-up mugs at osborne lights, light-up toys during night-time parades, etc.)

Since this was dd's first trip there, we did end up splurging a little on souvenirs.

So I would say you could definitely do the 7 days for between $500-$750.

 

[mickeymaker2003]

You'll need to either pack food for the drive or budget to buy it.
You'll need to buy gas.

No parking fees since you are staying onsite
No tips (if you aren't doing any TS meals)

Every other expense I can think of is at your discretion. We tend to go super cheap, so we don't spend much beyond our original package costs. Your biggest expense will probably be souveniers, so figure out in advance how much each person can spend. If they want light up things, I would make them spend their souvenier budget on them. If you are planning to do tours, experiences, or rental things, that will also add up.

Depending upon your eating habits, you might want to bring along some easy breakfast stuff (granola or cereal bars) if you don't think the Dining plan will be enough food. We often save our deserts and use them for breakfast (a cooler will help with this).

Spending is a very personal thing, so you probably know better how much you need than we do.

 

[Diegosmom]

Are your boys big eaters. The QS plan gets you 2 meals and 2 snacks a day. That would be plenty of food for me but growing boys???? Might need to add a little bit to that. Of course if you are a light eater they could eat some of yours. Also are you going to do any TS while you are there?

I would think that you all might want to buy a T-shirt or sweatshirt and I think those can run from like 20-50 and then maybe something else (a toy or an xmas decoration). I would think $100 a person would be good.

 

[jjsmom]

A lot of your budget depends on your family's expectations. Do your kids have at least some of their own money for souveniers? Do you and DH have an evening planned away from the kids? Have you already budgeted for your expenses on the road? Are there character meals planned? Since you'll have transportation, I would strongly suggest snacks and drinks available in your room. There is at least 1 grocery store we frequent that's close to the Dis property, Publix on s. International drive near rt. 192 (Irlo Bronson Hwy). Trips back and forth to vending machines and food courts can eat a hole straight through your wallet.

I don't think it would hurt to have a discussion first, with your husband about the spending money, then the 2 of you with the children to talk about budgets, shopping, and how they will/will not purchase "non-essentials".

Ha Ha I wish I could say how much you'll need. Over the years it became more economical, as my daughter babysat/did odd jobs for her own spending money. Sometimes, though, we found ourselves spending money we shouldn't because we got caught up in the magic.

 

[Mom2Ben02]

We gave our kids $70 each - $10 per day. DH & I spent minimal amounts. If you are not doing sit-downs, I would imagine $300 is more than enough.

 

[honeydiane1953]

OK don't flame me please. We usually two sometimes three folks including me. We stay at Deluxe resorts and usually for 7 to 8 nights. We have driven, flown been on dining plans and have paid OOP. No matter which way I do it the trip is almost always 5000. I have bought tickets through undercovertourist and tried to take advice from loooots of folks. The price is still the same for us.