What additional expenses do you need to budget for?

[Sarahsmom85]

Hi
I know we all know tickets, meals and other common expenses that need to be budgeted for. I know I have to kennel my dog for 16 days that needs to be figured in. We are flying and we don't need to add airport parking to the budget but some might.
If you are driving, do you get your car tuned up before you leave?
Of course I just happen to be at the store, and needed a new camcoder. Film, disposible cameras, underwater cameras, new bathing suit, a new video to watch on plane, batteries lots of batteries.

What are some other over looked expenses?

 

[AMaloy314]

I had to add transportation to the hotel from the airport since we weren't renting a car.

How about:
refrigerator in room?
resort fee (watch out for this sneaky one!)
taxes on hotel rooms and rental cars--it usually is not included in the quoted price
tips for housekeeping/bag handlers/etc
parking and gas


that's all I can think of right off hand.

I'm glad that you mentioned the kennel, because I totally forgot that on my budget! Thanks!

 

[bobcat]

Money for valet parking or money for a cab.

Mickey Bar Money!

 

[jgates]

Film Developing or digital picture printing. It really adds up.

 

[undertheradar]

Bottled water!

 

[HaleyB]

Get your tires checked and at least rotated.
An oil change for your car.
Tips.

 

[lolatuck]

Here's my budget breakdown:

Hotel
Park admission tix
Airfare
Parking fee at our local airport Park 'n Jet
Rental car or Shuttle Bus fees (or Towncar transfer fee)
Food
Cirque du Soleil tix
Snacks
Souvenirs
Tips for housekeeping, bell services, valet, etc.


I budgeted high on all of these items for our trip in 2001, and it really paid off. On our check-out day we had quite a bit of $$ left over. Because I didn't know how soon we could ever afford another trip, I told the kids, "Lets go spend it!" They were thrilled. Everyone got one or two extra souvenirs to take home with them. It made me feel good, because on most of our vacations we have had to watch every penny, and I felt like this was a "spare no expense" kind of vacation.

Good luck with your budgeting!

Lola °Ü°

 

[stephwynn]

sorry, but what is a resort fee? I figure we have paid all the fees before we go..anybody know what this is?
Thanks

 

[HappyLawyer]

EVERYTHING

 

[mad4themouse]

Originally posted by stephwynn
sorry, but what is a resort fee? I figure we have paid all the fees before we go..anybody know what this is?
Thanks

Some Orlando resorts will charge up to $10 per day in the form of a "resort fee". It covers the cost of the ammenities but IMHO is just another way to gouge the guest. There's no reason that they can't just factor that fee into the room rate when you book your ressie.

If you booked a room thru Expedia, Orbitz, or Priceline, the hotel will collect their resort fee directly from you when you checkin. Disney resorts do not charge a resort fee but I do believe that either the Swan, Dolphin or both do. It can be a bit of a shocker to find out at checkin that you owe another $70 on the room when you thought that it was paid off.

 

[disneyjunkie]

PICTURES!!

During our trip in 2001, we only got one ride photo,Splash Mountain.

This time I plan to buy the pictures from all of the rides. You can also have your picture taken at each of the parks, the water parks and PI.

 

[hockey mom]

Locker rental and refillable mug at water parks.
Pictures
tipping and tolls
snacks for kids and adult refreshments (uummm-margaritas)
These are some of the things I didn't plan for and nickel and dimed us to death on the first trip, so now I account for all this then start a spending fund.

 

[sk8ingmom]

You can get out of the resort fee at the Swan/Dolphin (or at least I did). When you check in, tell them you want to waive the resort fee since you won't use any of the facilities. LEAVE THE NEWSPAPER in the hall in front of your door every morning. The USA Today is part of the resort fee.

We did this and were not charged (June 2003).

 

[KristiKelly]

Bottled water, if you have a refigerator in room, I took my own water and would freeze the night before, stick it in back pack & go. Do you have small kids? stroller rental, I think their strollers get through the parks better than mine - you know, that front wheel that always gets stuck sideways. $8 single & $15 double stroller. I always buy the cheap disposable camera pack of 3 f/ WalMart for DS &DD, last trip I ran out & had to buy some @ AK, I paid around $5-7 for 3 @ WalMart & about $17 @WDW (I can't remember is this was for 1 or for a pack of 3). This past trip or kids got into collecting pins - they can add up. Hope this helps, have a great trip!!!

 

[CajunDixie]

refrigerator in room

Save your $10 a day and take a collapsible cooler in your luggage and a couple of Ziplock bags to hold ice.

If you have kids and want a cheap collection then take plenty of quarters and older pennies for the elongated coin machines.

Not only ride photos........but a cool WDW frame to place it in.

Sunscreen

Rain gear

 

[Party Teacher]

Just how much are those pictures they take for you at the parks?

Party Teacher

 

[Tinkerbell58]

If you plan on doing laundry during your stay, add in the expense of washing and drying clothes. I always bring my own detergent and dryer sheets.

 

[DeDixie]

But then you also have to remember that you won't have to pay for some things at home: Food, Gas, Lunches, Spending Money, Newspaper.

 

[IMGONNABE40!]

Forgotten sundries. No matter how many things I pack in the First Aid Bag, someone manages to come up with a malady I did not plan on and off we go to pay out the nose for some potion or other. I figure an extra $20-25 for unforseen things. Usually this is way too much and we get to take the money home--or go out for a really nice meal at the end of the trip.

 

[HaleyB]

Originally posted by Party Teacher
Just how much are those pictures they take for you at the parks?

Party Teacher

The number 14 comes to mind, but I am not really sure. I do know there are various size pictures at various prices...