Too much spending money or not enough?

[sydprincess]

DH and I are taking 2 year old DD with $850 budgeted for meals and $800 for spending. We will be there 8 nights, 9 days and have about 7 or 8 sit down meals with 5 of them being character. I looked at menu prices and tried to get a rough estimate but am not sure if I am really on track. I didn't include ice cream and other snacks into this, which I know we'll have plenty of. We are going to get around $40 of groceries, but that will mainly be for when we're at the room, not so much to bring to the park.

For the spending money, we do not want to have to say no to DD if she truly wants something, and I was planning on getting her something from each place we visit (Sea World in there, too). From what I've read, shirts and toys are up there in price. What about stuffed animals and outfits for little ones? Also, what are the prices on pitures taken at the parks? Just want some good advice.

 

[kild]

2 years ago we did a something like that. I budgeted $100 a day for meals and $100 a day for spending. At the end of 5 days, the length of our trip, we had around $500 left over. We ate a lot of counter meals, and bought whatever we wanted.

I know that shirts can run anywhere from $17 for t-shirts and $45 for jersey type shirts. hats are around $20. Toys vary in range. Not sure about the pictures either. But it sounds like you are planning to buy a decent amount of 'stuff.' You may want to bump up your figures a little more.

Your meals, depending on where they are, for three people at a sit down place could easily cost $60 to $80 for one sitting. You should be ok with $150 a day on meals.

 

[mickeycw]

You should have plenty of money!

 

[sydprincess]

Am I correct in thinking that you do not have to pay for children under 3 for the character meals? I didn't include my DD in the amount for those meals. Over the counter meals I did, but not Cindy's, Crystal Palace, etc.

 

[N.Bailey]

Originally posted by sydprincess
Am I correct in thinking that you do not have to pay for children under 3 for the character meals? I didn't include my DD in the amount for those meals. Over the counter meals I did, but not Cindy's, Crystal Palace, etc.

Someone else will pipe in shortly to clarify Cindy's for you, but you will not have to pay for your daughter at any of the others. I'm not sure about Cindy's because the last I saw the menu, it stated children under 11, while the others clearly stated a child under 3 wouldn't be charged.

 

[Doodlebug939]

When I went in November I didnt have to pay for the 2 year old daughter. Hope it helps!!!

 

[sydprincess]

Any suggestions about the spending money amount? From what I hear, everything is so expensive. My sister bought a play castle there for $100! Is that one of their higher end toy items? I'd hope they have more items that are middle of the road, like $20 or $30.

 

[bigbabyblues]

I'm not planning on taking a ton of spending money on our trip either. My kids don't ask for alot, even in stores and things, it's like it doesn't occur to them (3-1/2 and too little too ask at 10 mths), mainly the 3-yo. I'm thinking 3-yo (4 at time of trip) will have some Disney Dollars when we go, not sure about the little guy. They will be equal though, I won't buy for one and not the other.

Good luck,

Steph

 

[kfeuer]

Just wanted to clarify the rules on the under 3 set--if it's a buffet, there's no charge for children under 3. If we had to order my DS a meal off the kid's menu, we were charged. Be forewarned, the prices of kid's meals in the nicer restaurants are OUTRAGEOUS. It killed me to pay $8 for a grilled cheese sandwich or some nuggets and fries, only to watch my DS take 3 or 4 bites (he's not a big eater). We vowed to bring more food with us next time, however that doesn't help when you're eating at a nice restaurant and you *know* your child won't eat what you want to order .

I think you'll have plenty of funds in total, but more will probably get spent on food then you might imagine (don't forget about tax and tip, which add a good bit when you're at the nicer restaurants).

This is just my .02, but I spent way more then was necessary getting things for DS at Disney. He's been happiest with the Matchbox model of the Disney buses (he loved the buses). Cost? $10. He didn't ask for anything, and I don't think most kids do at that age. If you see something adorable you think your child will enjoy, then by all means get it...just don't get carried away, know what I mean Next time I'm definitely going to restrain myself!

 

[Tinkerbrooks]

Our last trip was May 2002 and dd was 2. The only thing she asked for was a Woody and Jessie doll that cost 40.00 and a parade Tinkerbell spinner. We did buy her other smaller items-minnie mouse ears hat, a special book, an outfit, etc. But the Woody and Jessie was all it took for her to be happy. As for meals, at that time, she was free everywhere we went? Times have changed so I don't know about now. Even so, if it helps you out, you could always just get a plate and give her some of yours or dh-share. Doubt it will work at a buffet but the other restaurants will gladly give you an empty plate. We plan to do that on our trip in Dec. because now that she will be 4, she still does not eat enough for what a kid meal costs and I know I cannot eat all of my dinner-they give you way too much.