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

[kpm76]

I read her post as I read pretty much all posts on this board because the food is as much a part of our vacation as watching the fireworks and seeing the characters (I've grown up in a restaurant family my whole life). I pretty much knew when I saw the thread title that to be able to only spend $75.00/day for 4 people then they had to have eaten mostly CS, shared meals and eaten in room as we go to Disney a minimum of once per year and therefore know exactly how much food costs. For me, I didn't read this post on an informative level, but I'm sure lots of people who have read it would be reading it to gain insight into how they can accomplish this same thing. Tiger

The OP was very clear in describing exactly how they accomplished eating on $75/day. She didn't hide the fact that they ate some breakfasts in the room and ate mostly CS, so what's the big deal? Anyone who reads her post looking for insight should be able to read it at face value. The OP was not deceptive.

DH and I share alot of meals for a variety of reasons but mostly because we are eating 3 meals per day in restaurants and we don't want to overeat. We love to share chicken fingers and then have a fun treat in the afternoon. We eat until we are satisfied, not until we are ready to explode. So while the OP has "two growing children" maybe she wants them to be able to eat junk food that they don't normally get at home but she wants to control the portions. Who knows....it worked for them and I thank the OP for giving so much detail....glad you had a good trip

 

[Todd&Copper]

DH and I were just talking about this last night (because of this thread). I don't remember when it changed either. I guess it will probably increase again in a few years. But yes, I remember the 10% for good service and 15% for excellent service as the standard. I suppose it must has changed in the 1990s? It seems like it has been awhile now that we have been doing the 20% as a standard.

DJ

I am guessing that is when it occurred, too. I follow the 15%/20% convention now, but I remember my parents talking about tips when I was a teen and 15% was considered generous. Maybe some people still follow the 10/15% conventions and don't know about the newer rules?

 

[mjmcca]

I am guessing that is when it occurred, too. I follow the 15%/20% convention now, but I remember my parents talking about tips when I was a teen and 15% was considered generous. Maybe some people still follow the 10/15% conventions and don't know about the newer rules?

At Disney in the folder that you get your bill in is a little card with tipping guidelines. They started placing them there in the mid 90's I think when there was an influx of European tourists who were not tipping as that is not the standard in Europe. Servers are paid a living wage there.

 

[Tiger926]

kpm76 - You missed my point. I didn't say she was deceptive at all. I said that for me going to Disney very often, and the fact that I grew up in a restaurant family means I wasn't reading her post to learn anything that I didn't already know, but for some who have never been before and don't know food costs in WDW, they would be reading her post on an informative level for budget planning. Therefore, some of these readers may not know that they can share meals, or eat in rooms, and so the information that the OP provided may be of use to them for planning future trips. As well, pointing out that the tips were lower is of use too, as some family's budgets may be a tad over $75.00 if they follow a similar strategy as the OP. I myself read this post for entertainment and interest only as I am experienced at eating in WDW, so I pretty much know that in order to accomplish feeding 4 people a day on $75.00 it will take sharing meals, eating in room and eating mostly CS - nothing wrong with this as it worked for the OP's family. This may be new information though for the hundreds of people who have read her post and are planning to use the information to plan their family's meals.


Hope this clears it up, Tiger

 

[kpm76]

kpm76 - You missed my point. I didn't say she was deceptive at all. I said that for me going to Disney very often, and the fact that I grew up in a restaurant family means I wasn't reading her post to learn anything that I didn't already know, but for some who have never been before and don't know food costs in WDW, they would be reading her post on an informative level for budget planning. Therefore, some of these readers may not know that they can share meals, or eat in rooms, and so the information that the OP provided may be of use to them for planning future trips. As well, pointing out that the tips were lower is of use too, as some family's budgets may be a tad over $75.00 if they follow a similar strategy as the OP. I myself read this post for entertainment and interest only as I am experienced at eating in WDW, so I pretty much know that in order to accomplish feeding 4 people a day on $75.00 it will take sharing meals, eating in room and eating mostly CS - nothing wrong with this as it worked for the OP's family. This may be new information though for the hundreds of people who have read her post and are planning to use the information to plan their family's meals.


Hope this clears it up, Tiger

Thanks for clarifying...that does make more sense. I think the important thing to keep in mind is that everyones needs and wants are very different. My first trip to WDW was with my parents and three siblings. I was in high school and the youngest was in 3rd grade. We were so in awe with being in WDW that there was no way my parents would have gotten us to sit long enough at a TS place. We did mostly CS and some sit down places off site. I didn't even discover TS places until I went with my friends in college...lol. During my first trip, we were far more concerned with doing things and eating was very secondary. Now I am an adult and have been fortunate to visit WDW several times. My husband and I love to eat in WDW. We have our favorites and we like to try new places. For us right now, eating is part of our experience but I am well aware that for others, it's not a priority. I was just trying to point out that I am sure the OP has her resonas for eating the way she does and it works for them. This is not directed at you Tiger, but it comes across as snooty when people say "oh, that would never work for my family." Ok, that's fine, but the OP was not looking for validation just passing along some useful information.

 

[Rella Bella]

Wow! This is great!

 

[Rella Bella]

DH and I were just talking about this last night (because of this thread). I don't remember when it changed either. I guess it will probably increase again in a few years. But yes, I remember the 10% for good service and 15% for excellent service as the standard. I suppose it must has changed in the 1990s? It seems like it has been awhile now that we have been doing the 20% as a standard. DJ

I think it changed about the same time the government started the mandatory withholding for tips. I think the IRS withholds 15% of the total bill, regardless of the amount of the tip. Seems like it wasn't long after that they upped the top recomendation-- probably to help balance out the no tippers or the uninformed.

 

[Del]

Thank you so much for sharing your reviews and costs....it was so helpful!

Del

 

[NvrBnToWDW]

She very, clearly states that the other party was a "SINGLE PARTY", so your argument doesn't apply. It most certainly is possible!! A very simple example - If the food cost was $10 per person, her family of four's cost would be $40 and she would leave $4. The single party's cost would be $10 and if he left $4, the total tip would be $8 or 16% tip.

Finally, someone with a calculator! Yes, we were with a single party that barely ate over $10 at each meal and being my mother and knowing how hard it is for us to get to WDW, (saving pennies, yard sales, etc) she wanted to help with the tips. And hopefully, this doesn't start another debate, she even gave the kids extra $ for souvenirs!

The OP was never an intention to follow meal by meal. It was meant for people that wanted to eat mostly counter or people that wanted to eat a few counter meals to get an idea of the cost for one meal. It's not a step-by-step guide. And as far as limiting my family with only counter service choices, that's just not true. I had several other table ADR's including Whispering Canyon, but since we were having so much fun at the parks, the guys all opted for grabbing a bite and keep on going. I didn't want to interrupt their fun, by leaving a park and getting on a bus, so I just went along with the majority.

And as far as "people that don't have enough to tip shouldn't eat at table service" that's just ridiculous!

Maybe the name of the thread should be changed to EAT EXPENSIVELY OR BE EATEN.

 

[tiggergirlinMI]

I thought it was cool how you were able to eat on 75 a day....I am amazed also how some people I swear read the thread just to critique your daily choices and then the tips???? Just too much, people are too much! Since when did we start criticizing someone's food reviews? I agree that the average tip I leave is between 15-20 depending on the attentiveness of the server BUT hate to tell some of you that some people are still doing the 10 percent thing.
This report was not asking for people to ADD UP HER DAILY TOTALS and then figure out how much she spent on a tip??? lol
I am amazed at how much extra time people have on their hands! Maybe a hobby might help? Sorry, but I thought some people were a bit rude to the OP and it was not very nice.
The OP was sharing something with us and some of you flamed her over tips.
LOVED this report and how you were able to do it so inexpensively!
Glad you had a great time!

 

[goodeats]

And as far as "people that don't have enough to tip shouldn't eat at table service" that's just ridiculous!

I was on your side until this quote. Absolutely if you can't afford to leave at least a 15% tip at a table service restaurant then you should not be dining in the table service restaurant.

 

[Aimeedyan]

It isn't about people having too much time on their hands. It's about giving accurate information to people that are looking for help and thoughts in regards to their own vacation.

Stating you spent $75 for a family of 4 is great if you actually did that. But they didn't.

If someone else helps pay your tips, YOU DIDN'T SPEND $75.

If you eat snacks and breakfast in your room and didn't include those items in your budget, YOU DIDN'T SPEND $75.

If you ripped the waitstaff off on tips that others would never dream of not including, YOU DIDN'T SPEND $75.

It's not that I enjoy picking apart someones report; I honestly could care less what they had to eat each day. The bottom line is that this report was to show others that "yes, you can dine for $75 a day - read all about it!" while in fact, that is not true. It's unfair to people new to Disney to have this dangled in front of them as a real possibility when it's not. I think that myself, and others on this thread, feel that ACCURATE information should be given on a board created to help people plan their trips. It does not help them if the information is misleading. Which is why we speak up =)

 

[tiggergirlinMI]

There is a difference between speaking up and picking apart someone's budget that they spent on a trip. Also, there is a nice way to do it and a "know it all" "nasty" way and several people have done it that way and it is so not necessary. How hard is it to speak up without being nasty and coming off as being a know it all? That was my point.

 

[Aimeedyan]

There is a difference between speaking up and picking apart someone's budget that they spent on a trip. Also, there is a nice way to do it and a "know it all" "nasty" way and several people have done it that way and it is so not necessary. How hard is it to speak up without being nasty and coming off as being a know it all? That was my point.

Understood. There are several comments on this thread in which the only point is to put down the OP and that's a shame.

 

[LuluLovesDisney]

Finally, someone with a calculator! Yes, we were with a single party that barely ate over $10 at each meal and being my mother and knowing how hard it is for us to get to WDW, (saving pennies, yard sales, etc) she wanted to help with the tips. And hopefully, this doesn't start another debate, she even gave the kids extra $ for souvenirs!

The OP was never an intention to follow meal by meal. It was meant for people that wanted to eat mostly counter or people that wanted to eat a few counter meals to get an idea of the cost for one meal. It's not a step-by-step guide. And as far as limiting my family with only counter service choices, that's just not true. I had several other table ADR's including Whispering Canyon, but since we were having so much fun at the parks, the guys all opted for grabbing a bite and keep on going. I didn't want to interrupt their fun, by leaving a park and getting on a bus, so I just went along with the majority.

And as far as "people that don't have enough to tip shouldn't eat at table service" that's just ridiculous!

Maybe the name of the thread should be changed to EAT EXPENSIVELY OR BE EATEN.

I'm glad you had a great time and I'm glad you had a mother who was willing to help out. I'm sure a lot of people do similar things. When I dine out with my favorite SIL, she'll often tell me don't give her money, she'll charge it all and I'll just leave the tip. So, she'll end up paying 50 dollars while I'll only leave 10 or so. I don't think anyone would have a problem with your mom helping with tips. I certainly think it's awesome of her. However, when others look at your thread without knowing that it appears that you stiffed the waitstaff. I'm glad you didn't.

I don't understand why you think others advocate "eat expensively or be eaten". I will often eat inexpensively - TS or CS, but I go in knowing that TS means tipping.

I wonder if you would believe it's okay to eat TS if you "can't afford" to tip if you were the waitress?

Actually I don't think there's a such thing as not being able to afford a tip. You can afford a certain amount to spend on food. You CHOOSE how to allocate that food budget. Salads or desserts. Meals or snacks. Tip for my waiter/waitress or more for me. If you choose to spend more on a meal by choosing TS but then say you can't afford to tip, it's a poor excuse. It's like student who says that he didn't have time for homework, but then you found out they went to a party in New York City. It's not that they couldn't afford the time (or money) they just chose to spend it elsewhere.

I just think it shows a lot about a person's character if the first area they choose to cut back on is something that impacts those that serve them, not themselves. (Not referring to the OP, as she clarified that she did tip). I'd rather eat CS than walk away from a table leaving nothing behind, imagining the disappointment on the face of the person that served me my meal for the rest of my day.

 

[themudd4]

Thanks for posting all your reviews, prices, and allowing yourself to be "flamed".

We are also a family of 4...DD 12 and DS 6. I am sure we could do a simialar meal plan and make it close to the $75 a day, BUT...as you stated yourself your on vacation so you tend to do things you normally would not do when it comes to meals...well I normally do not eat in castles with princess, or dine with rodents, ducks, & dogs, so that is what we do. We eat at least one themed or character meal every day. It was nothing for us to drop $100 per meal.
This year we opted to go with the DDP. Many of the meals we selected are buffet meals so the portion sizes & selcetions are up to you. Another reason I liked the DP was due to the fact the tipping was already included. While I am not flaming anyone...The OP did tip less than I would have regardless of the service. Not that I tip a certain % each time. I tip what I belive to be a appropriate and usually round up to the nearest $. I will admit though that last year we ate at Hollywood and Vine. From check in with my ADR until the time we left we were totally dissatisfied with the total experience. Our waitress was so bad the waitress from the tables next to us had to go get her once and even refilled our drinks for us when she noticed we had all started getting upset with the situation. We handed her $5 just for her taking the time to help with what she did. The kids got special sports cups with the light up ice cubes. The total bill was $90 and some change. I know I shorted the waitress when I placed a $100 bill with the check and left, but I truly felt as if that was over tipping her. Before you start flaming me, Yes I use to be a waitress...so I know how hard it is and how little you get paid. But I also know to make money you need to make your tables happy. We did not hold it against her that the food was not what we had hoped for, or that the hostess stunk...but when you only see your waitress 4 times during the meal (take your drink order-bring your drinks-bring back the right drinks that the other waitress had to go get her to correct- bring the check...she never even came back to the table to collect the check, we ended up leaving it on the table) I dont even feel that bad about only leaving her $9+ .

I am looking forward to seeing the difference in what we spent this year on the DP as to what we spent last year not on it. I dont think that with the choices we made we could have done any better with paying oop...which we will still do for some of our favorite TS meals that we love...SCIFI, 50's Prime Time...

Thanks again for all the time, effert, and thought that went into your posts!

 

[Mamu]

Thanks for your review, it's always great to hear there are options for a family with a limited income to visit Disney and not break the bank.

It always amazes me how fellow Disers pick apart someones review. I applaud you for coming back with another review, knowing your reviews will probably be criticized.

While your food of choice would not be the same as mine. It's still interesting to read.

No flames here, Thanks for the review.

 

[Booknut]

There are a heck of a lot of people on this board with anger issues!

I think its great that you guys were able to enjoy Disney and stay within your budget. My parents were always great when we were on holiday and we were able to eat lots of 'junk food' and it made that week special (especially since I came from a European family that ate mostly fish and veggies!).

Please ignore the negative posts, I really think some people come on this board unhappy with life or something that has happened in their day to day life and they find people to take it out on. Sorry it was you

 

[NvrBnToWDW]

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)!

 

[nicolemomof4cuties]

OK -- if you add up your Sci-Fi bill, you left a $.26 tip!!!

Actually She left about an $8.00 tip if you use a calculator. That is around 15% of her bill. I assume that you do not have children or if you do maybe you have only one. Because I know from experience ( I have 4 children) that servers treat people with children worse than those with only one or no children. We give up to a 30% tip for great service. Waiters at Carraba's and Texas Roadhouse LOVE us! But when we encounter bad service we will give 10-15%. If it is horrid (like last Wednesday at Texa Road house) we give NOTHING! Actually the manager gave us all oif our food for free also as we go ther 1-2 times a week and are regulars and the server was horrid. She was of the assumption that we were young and had children and therefore we would be bad tippers. She was pretty embarrassed when one of the regulars told her that she REALLY screwed up because we usually leave them a 30% tip! So anyway, if she got bad service she shouldn't tip someone 20%. IMO, a server should be tipped what they earn.