We did it again! Family of 4 eats for $75 a day. Read all about it, plus reviews!

[SandraVB79]

Don't worry, I am NOT going to give comments on the tipping. Being from Europe (with an accent when I speak English), waiters/ waitresses look already nasty enough to me because they think I'm not going to tip (although I tipped more than 20% each day at a TS at WDW Don't judge me on my accent, you waiters/ waitresses! )

What I wanted to say: my vacation to WDW was also on a budget, not because I'm poor and have to scrape pennies, but because it was an unplanned/ unbudgetted last-minute thing that came up. Because I go too much on vacation (nah, no one can go too much on vacation!), I can't do everything as "deluxe" as I would want. What do I mean with a lot of vacation? OK, if you plan on flaming me because I brag, skip the next paragraph!

July 2004: DLP (3days)
August 2004: Holland (3 days, to see the Lion King musical!)
September 2004: Austria (2 weeks)
December 2004: DLP (3 days) (I think)
January 2005: Vienna (5 days, basically to see a musical)
February 2005: Italy (1 week skiing trip)
June 2005: Germany (6 days, basically to see a musical)
August 2005: Berlin (4 days, once again to see another musical. yes, next to being addicted to the Mouse, I'm also addicted to musicals!)
October 2005: USA (3 weeks, incl. 4 full days of DL!)
January 2006: DLP (3 days)
April 2006: Germany (3 days, to see The Phantom of the Opera, yes, a musical)
May 2006: USA (2 weeks, one paid for by work and the second one at WDW)
August 2006: planned 3 days at DLP
September 2006: planned 3 weeks at USA, incl. 4-5 days at DL.

yes, indeed, great fun, until you see your bank account. For the first time in my life, I have a negative amount on it Oh well...
So, it's doing everything a little bit the budget way or only doing part of it!!!

So, my good inentions to save on snacks and drinks etc... great, until you find your brain back, lol!!! I didn't spend that much while IN the parks, but I did spend a large amount of money at the hotel's store. (offsite, of course ) I think one should NOT forget to include everything you bought outside of the parks, it can quickly add up!


Another thing I wanted to say: it's not because you eat CS that you eat unhealthy. You can eat TS every day and only eat burgers and pizza, and you can eat CS every day and still manage to eat healthy! Have you tried the salmon + rice + vegetables at Tusker House (AK)? It is very good, and healthier than lots of the things they serve at TS restaurants!! (and cheaper too!!)

 

[themudd4]

Due to the overwhelming negative feedback (it's like 3 to1) this will be my last post on this thread.

I love the DISboards and have always considered it to be a "help site". I've often asked a question or answered someone else's questions. I have never, ever considered giving a negative response, picking at someone's report or flaming them for their choices.

I don't apologize for my choices or feel bad, because I know the three waiters/waitresses left our table with an appropriate tip. Yes, some of it was a contribution from my mother and some from us.

It's funny how you can have such good intentions and they get so misunderstood. I have been accused of gloating, bragging, misleading people, being untrue, stiffing people, and stealing. My DH thought these were laughable sinces these traits are nowhere in my personality.

Some people say that I didn't spend $75 a day. Well, that's what my receipts say. And some of you want to add our in-room food and tips that my mother paid. Some say we spent $90 a day. Honestly, I think I would have gotten just as many flames for accomplishing that. There are just some people that find something wrong in everything. Like all the flames last year because we didn't eat any veggies and too many burgers.

At first, I was upset and you may be able to tell in some of my responses. But then, I'm like these people don't know me, and they don't even have faces. I know the truth and God knows the truth and that's all that matters.

That's one reason I will not visit this particular thread again. Why on earth would someone keep subjecting themselves to so much negativity? And from strangers to say the least?

I do appreciate those that have written with positive feedback and for those of you that understand what I was trying to accomplish with my post.

Some of you have said that you were looking forward to my trip reports this year, but I think sharing my wonderful memories with the world would be a mistake. Both of my food reports have come back so negatively that I don't want to risk losing any of the "magic" from our trip.

No, I think I'll keep that report for my friends and family.

I will continue to visit other threads and post answers to questions. And if we're so blessed to visit again next year (God willing), I will just keep that to myself too.

Have a great time on this thread (without me)!

I am so sorry you had negative responces to your posts. I hope you did not take anything I said negativly...that was not my intent. I did enjoy your comments and your reviews. Enjoy the rest of your day!

 

[tiggergirlinMI]

I agree with Booknut that some people must have really bad days when they come to the DIS boards or just really want to take their bad moods out on others.
Now the OP has left her OWN THREAD.I'm sorry, but how sad is that?
I miss the days we could post our trip reports or reviews and get all positive feedback, not to critique them and tell them that they "didn't do that". She said they spent 75 a day on food, and I got news for you, it can be done, I've done it WITH 15-20 percent tips with 2 teens and myself, but we don't eat but 2 meals a day, which is plenty of food for us.
Shame on those of you that made her feel like she had to leave her own thread.
I appreciated her thread and good for her and her family for keeping a low budget.

 

[3princesses4us]

No one made her leave, she chose to do that on her own.

 

[tiggersmom2]

Holy crap! I thought I was clicking on this thread to read a dining review...not a pissing match about tipping.

 

[tiggergirlinMI]

She CHOSE to because some people on this thread were downright rude to her, and it was totally uncalled for. If people hadn't done that, I doubt she would have chosen to leave. Noone should want to leave their own thread because they get flamed and then have people checking her adding to see what tips she left? lol.....those who did that? I'm still in shock over them......how rude...and so unDIS-like.

 

[thelionqueen]

If the OP decides to leave his/her own thread, that is their choice. It is also every DISer's right to post the opinions they feel appropriate so long as they are not attacking others.

I think that most posts on this thread are factual and posted tastefully. The interpretation is an individual thing and I personally didn't feel as if anyone was attacking the OP. But rather stating that the original post was misleading, which I also agree with.

I personally believe that the title of the original thread is misleading to those who have never been to WDW and may give false hope to a family who is a similar situation. The normal expenses with going on any vacation include transportation, lodging, food & spending $. If you do not leave appropriate tips to those who are dependant on them to survive is not accurate budgeting IMHO.

Flame away

 

[LuluLovesDisney]

If the OP decides to leave his/her own thread, that is their choice. It is also every DISer's right to post the opinions they feel appropriate so long as they are not attacking others.

I think that most posts on this thread are factual and posted tastefully. The interpretation is an individual thing and I personally didn't feel as if anyone was attacking the OP. But rather stating that the original post was misleading, which I also agree with.

I personally believe that the title of the original thread is misleading to those who have never been to WDW and may give false hope to a family who is a similar situation. The normal expenses with going on any vacation include transportation, lodging, food & spending $. If you do not leave appropriate tips to those who are dependant on them to survive is not accurate budgeting IMHO.

Flame away

Very well said. I agree with you. Disagreement/negative responses do not equal attacks/bashing.

 

[tiggergirlinMI]

I'm referring to those people saying that she undertipped, after those people actually took her figures and added them to figure out how much tip she left? How is that NOT attacking her? Then telling her if she can' afford to tip well, then maybe she shouldn't eat in a TS restaurant.
Those were the comments that were uncalled for, and I don't think she had a misleading title at all, but it doesn't matter.
I've learned lately reading threads on here, no matter how many facts you have to back up a statement, people will argue over anything,lol.

 

[LuluLovesDisney]

I'm referring to those people saying that she undertipped, after those people actually took her figures and added them to figure out how much tip she left? How is that NOT attacking her? Then telling her if she can' afford to tip well, then maybe she shouldn't eat in a TS restaurant.
Those were the comments that were uncalled for, and I don't think she had a misleading title at all, but it doesn't matter.
I've learned lately reading threads on here, no matter how many facts you have to back up a statement, people will argue over anything,lol.

Retotaling the OP's numbers is not an attack, it was actually checking the "facts".

I don't think anyone said you shouldn't eat TS if you can't afford to "tip well". Some people seemed to believe that it was okay to eat TS meals while planning not to tip, regardless of level of service, under the guise that they "can't afford to tip". If someone allots 500 dollars for a food budget, they choose how to spend that. Some choose CS instead of TS to save money. Some choose to share meals. These are all great options. However, some choose to spend more on their food by eliminating the tipping obligation, while still dining in TS locales. Deliberately choosing that is selfish.

Honestly, I'm glad that people care enough about those in our society who work hard and are undervalued by some.

 

[ZipaDeeDooDah]

Holy crap! I thought I was clicking on this thread to read a dining review...not a pissing match about tipping.

Me too. Brutal.

I will be sure to think very carefully about what I post/share. No way am I going to chance putting myself in that position.

 

[RC Fan]

If the OP decides to leave his/her own thread, that is their choice. It is also every DISer's right to post the opinions they feel appropriate so long as they are not attacking others.

I think that most posts on this thread are factual and posted tastefully. The interpretation is an individual thing and I personally didn't feel as if anyone was attacking the OP. But rather stating that the original post was misleading, which I also agree with.

I personally believe that the title of the original thread is misleading to those who have never been to WDW and may give false hope to a family who is a similar situation. The normal expenses with going on any vacation include transportation, lodging, food & spending $. If you do not leave appropriate tips to those who are dependant on them to survive is not accurate budgeting IMHO.

Flame away

I completely agree.

I have read the entire thread too, and have yet to see any attacks or any rudeness. Expect disagreement, it will happen!

 

[kpm76]

While DH and I almost always leave a 20% tip, I have always thought that the amount one left as a tip was discretionary. Sure there are standards but I didn't think one was obliged to adhere to them. The real issue with waitstaff (whom I agree work exceedingly hard, in most cases) is that they need to be paid a living wage so that they are not reliant on tips to make ends meet. It's not the customer's fault; it's the industries. I think it's outrageous to pick apart the OPs meal plan and accuse her of not tipping enough. That was her choice. As with everything else in life, we all have different standards. Tipping, while customary, should still be discretionary.

 

[allonte]

I think the OP was just wanting to tell us about how she ate cheap at Disney and not have someone criticize how much she tipped. Tipping is a personal thing based on service in my opinion, I don't always leave 20%, sometimes more and sometimes much less. If thats all you are reading this thread for then move on! Continue NvrBnToWDW, I am curious to see the rest of your days!!!

Very well put!! I'm tryin to take notes here!!

 

[allonte]

Breakfast: POP

1 Banana $0.99

ARE YOU SERIOUS!!! $1 FOR A BANANNA???????

 

[Anthony1971]

If you want to eat out and can only leave a 10 percent tip then thats all you can leave. You cant tell someone they should not eat out then.

I do believe in tipping a person for their service because they work hard and everything but when you dont have a lot i am not going to tell someone they should not take their family out, or in the case of disney (because you have to eat out) not to go or if you do go just eat at counter service.

Some people are really on a tight budget, but still want to take their kids to disney and out to eat every once in a while and feel bad as it is because they cannot leave a 15-20 percent tip. And on top of all that you cant share anything without people coming on these boards critisizing everything.

I am not speaking for the OP but i know there are some in this situation.

My mother God bless her, did not have much but worked 3 jobs to support 4 kids and was not able to really take us out anywhere but when she did she really had to cut corners and we had to share meals ect. She didnt always have to give but took us out maybe not even once a year ( i remember it being on special occasions like graduation). Are you telling me she should not have done this because she just could not afford to leave 5 dollars more.
For you 5 dollars may not be alot but for her it was. when its hard to find 1.50 to get a bus its alot.
You maybe saying why go out then. Now as an adult with my own child i realize she did it for us. And as mothers know you would take your kids out say your not hungry and watch them eat just so they could have that experience.

So please everyone keep your rude comments to your self

I know this is a while later..
I agree
I went to WDW on a budget for years when I was in my early 20's without kids......
I know they are older then early 20's
I am now older and mt wife an I both work and can afford to stay and eat where we want--I also realize this can change as it did when my wife got laid off........ If she did not work we would go on a budget too...
P.S. my babies first trip will be in 6 1/2 months he will be 5 months old and this may open a new can of worms
If I had too to feed my child burgers all week to be able to take him to WDW I would as it is much nicer cleaner and everything else then taking him to some other local amusment park and feeding him worse burgers as that is all they have...
for the OP that only eats at TS places you do understand that the DP is for one TS a day and one counter service and you can get a snack ice cream or some other thing if you are not full or you can just have it because you just want ice cream or.....
if you will only be eating at TS the DP may not be your best choice.

 

[tiggergirlinMI]

This quote by LULULOVESDISNEY made me chuckle:
"Honestly, I'm glad that people care enough about those in our society who work hard and are undervalued by some"
Are you talking about waitresses and waiters? Well if so, they choose to work in that profession, no one forces them to. Just like people said the OP chose to leave the thread, they choose to be waiters and waitresses.
Ask ANYONE with a paying job and I bet ALL people think they are hard workers who are undervalued by their companies and/or society.
I was a teacher for 10 years, surely was undervalued by local govt. and the school system, but I did it for my students and because I felt valued inside. I loved it but quit to start my own travel agency.
I work hard, I don't care who values me in a work sense.
I had to laugh because most in the wait community,as I personally know 5 people who do it , all in different parts of the country, know what they are getting into. They take the good with the bad, like in all jobs.
Sure some people tip poorly but others tip very well and it equals out.
I always tip well, in fact at our local restaurant, we ask for the same waitress and I tip her usually 25% because she goes out of her way to find our favorite hotsauce in the place and brings it to us and goes over the top in service. That is my choice. You have no right to criticize this woman for what she did or didn't tip based on your adding up her figures.
She didn't ask you to add it up and double check her math,lol.
She wrote the report to help others, it was not misleading, as I have done it myself and know others who go on 75 a day, for 3-4 people.WITH GOOD TIPS TO WAIT STAFF at the one TS a day we would eat at.
Just really bothers me to see people pick apart a report or review of an OP just to prove some point.

 

[fakereadhed]

Honestly, I'm glad that people care enough about those in our society who work hard and are undervalued by some.

I also wish people cared enough about a fellow DIS member's feelings that are apparently undervalued by some.

Where is the trainwreck smilie???

 

[LuluLovesDisney]

This quote by LULULOVESDISNEY made me chuckle:
"Honestly, I'm glad that people care enough about those in our society who work hard and are undervalued by some"
Are you talking about waitresses and waiters? Well if so, they choose to work in that profession, no one forces them to. Just like people said the OP chose to leave the thread, they choose to be waiters and waitresses.
Ask ANYONE with a paying job and I bet ALL people think they are hard workers who are undervalued by their companies and/or society.
I was a teacher for 10 years, surely was undervalued by local govt. and the school system, but I did it for my students and because I felt valued inside. I loved it but quit to start my own travel agency.
I work hard, I don't care who values me in a work sense.
I had to laugh because most in the wait community,as I personally know 5 people who do it , all in different parts of the country, know what they are getting into. They take the good with the bad, like in all jobs.
Sure some people tip poorly but others tip very well and it equals out.
I always tip well, in fact at our local restaurant, we ask for the same waitress and I tip her usually 25% because she goes out of her way to find our favorite hotsauce in the place and brings it to us and goes over the top in service. That is my choice. You have no right to criticize this woman for what she did or didn't tip based on your adding up her figures.
She didn't ask you to add it up and double check her math,lol.
She wrote the report to help others, it was not misleading, as I have done it myself and know others who go on 75 a day, for 3-4 people.WITH GOOD TIPS TO WAIT STAFF at the one TS a day we would eat at.
Just really bothers me to see people pick apart a report or review of an OP just to prove some point.

Actually, your post made me laugh, too. I'm a teacher, too! I agree with you that many people in our society are undervalued. This is why I assisted a few of my colleagues in the adoption of a Character Education program at the high school level.

Personally, I did not double check the math. (I'm an English teacher; math is not my strong point.) I was simply pointing out that those who did were not attacking anyone.

I think it's awesome that you could eat in WDW for such little money. That's why I read this thread in the first place. As someone who spends about $75 per person per day, I was really amazed.

I also wish people cared enough about a fellow DIS member's feelings that are apparently undervalued by some.

I agree with this in a sense as well. I feel that some noticed the tips were disproportionate to customary gratuities and when they pointed this out, they were the ones attacked. I didn't notice anyone attacking the OP. This is why I started defending those posters: because I felt their opinions were being undervalued.

I tell my students this all the time: disagreeing with another's opinion is wonderful because it shows you know how to think for yourself and support your opinion, but name-calling and insults show the opposite. I guess I feel obligated to practice what I preach. Those who expressed disagreement shouldn't be flamed. They are entitled to their opinions as well. If they were rude, or offensive, or said anything inappropriate, I wouldn't defend them. However, they weren't, so I feel that I should.

 

[tiggergirlinMI]

Lulu, Please don't think I was saying you attacked the OP, I know you didn't. I also wasn't attempting to flame anyone who was just expressing differences. I was referring to the earlier posters who did attack her. I have respect for everyone, even if our opinions are different!