What am I forgetting to budget for???

[ivanova]

I've got the "biggies" covered:

Airfare
Hotel
Rental car
WDW park admission passes
Food expenses
Souvenirs

What else am I forgetting to budget for? It'll just be DH and myself for a week....

 

[luv2nascar]

do you need transfers or will you pick up rental car at airport?
does your food budget include enough for snacks and beverage
we tend to get really thirst when walking all day
do you have money budgeted for anyone you are bringing a gift back for
How about airport parking if you are leaving your car?
gas I don't know how far you plan to drive but it can really add up
don't forget money for tipping maids and bag carriers etc
that is all I can think of for now

 

[kilee]

Laundry-- if applicable and if you are really trying to budget down to the last penny. My last trip I spent almost $15.00 getting laundry soap (for the price it must of been made of gold), fabric softener, and the machines. Because of course those dryers take an eternity to dry (lol).

 

[bobcat]

Pictures at the parks. We always buy a couple each trip.

Mini golf, Disney Quest, or boat/bike rentals.

I have a seprate mickey bar fund.

 

[robinb]

Originally posted by kilee
Laundry-- if applicable and if you are really trying to budget down to the last penny. My last trip I spent almost $15.00 getting laundry soap (for the price it must of been made of gold), fabric softener, and the machines. Because of course those dryers take an eternity to dry (lol).

Yikes! I know . Laundry is $2 to wash and another $2 to dry! I bring my own laundry detergent with me, Surf tablets and dryer sheets in ziplock bags. They pack really well are are much cheaper than the $1 per pack at the laundry .

 

[momoftwins]

if it is going to be hot take one of those fan/mister bottles. I know you can get them at Walmart cheap.

We were at WDW last April, HOT HOT HOT. The mister fans in the park were $17.00 each. YIKES!

 

[RobinMarie]

Tips are always an expense I never seem to budget for. You've got a rental car, but don't forget about the gas you might use and the fill up before you return the car!

We usually have one face painting done per trip - another 12.00!

 

[ivanova]

forgot about laundry - and I'm pack light on purpose (so laundry will be a must)

and tipping - usually $1/bag for bellhops right? how much for housekeeping???

Thanks!!

 

[jgates]

Film
Film DEVELOPING
Extra Sunglasses (pick up some at Dollar tree in case you lose a pair

 

[Lisa P.]

Cover charges and bar tabs if you plan to visit any clubs outside Pleasure Island. And somehow, someone always forgets something or needs something we hadn't planned on (like a medication refill or watershoes). So figure on a little extra for whatever catches you offguard.

 

[Snow Brite]

It seemed every highway/freeway had toll booths. We were CONSTANTLY scrambling for change. Too funny! Driving on the freeways kinda freaked me out on their own as we have nothing like that here and then to be worrying about having change. Whew! By the end of our trip my 5 year old DS was the designated change person and carried a coin purse with change in it.

Tips: $1/bag for Bellmen with a $5 min. $1/person in room per night for Housekeeping. Valet $5 when you pick up the car. Concierge $10 per half hour of time or more if an incredible feat is performed.

Parking fees.

A little something for those weak moments when the kids beg for a cold drink in the cool souvenier mugs.

 

[ivanova]

oooohhhhh valet parking - didn't think of that.

Do they charge for valet parking at the resorts if you are staying there? I can definitely budget for the valet tipping, but need to know if I need to budge for actual valet fees too.

Thanks!!!!

 

[robinb]

Yes, they charge $6 a night for valet parking. Even if you valet the car when you arrive and don't touch it again until you leave. FWIW, I only tip $2-3 when I pick up and nothing when I drop off. I guess I'm cheap .

I would recommend that you have an envelope with enough singles in it for housekeeping tips and pull out what you need for each day. I hate scrambling around in the morning trying to scounge up money for a tip!

 

[eller]

Grocery Stop
Hooch
Shipping
Shopping
Refrigerator rental
11 1/2 - 12 1/2% hotel tax

Once you think you have EVERYTHING, total and add 30%.

Have fun!

Lori

 

[ivanova]

Lori,

Good tip about adding 30% to the total of everything we think of.

Don't have to concern ourselves with hotel taxes (business trip, so DH's work is picking up the tab on the hotel room and rental car). But under "normal" circumstances I would have forgotten to factor that in probably.

You mention refrigerator rental ... is that available in ALL Disney on-property resorts? We are specifically staying at the Coronado. What does a refrigerator rental typically cost per day? (I'm assuming work won't pay for this little luxury) And how big are the refrigerators?

To save on food expenses I was considering bringing along some nonparishable items like cereal, nuts, jerky, pringles chips (less like to crumble to itty bitty crumbs), etc. If we can get a small refrigerator in the room to stock up on juice, milk, bottled water, and sodas that would help save a bit more money too (at least, I think).

 

[eller]

The refrigerators are small/dorm sized ones and after tax are $10.60 per night. As with anything Disney, this is subject to change by the time you check in even if you were to call today.

CSR is wonderful, be sure to request a close in room. CSR is really big! We stayed in 9A which was close to the bus stop (#1) and pretty close to the food court (liked the food court, didn't do the sit down). DD12 complained that we were too far from the pool, but I told her it was better to be closer to the bus stop.

We didn't rent a refirgerator form CSR, but I'm sure they have one.

I only take breakfast idems, wine, snacks/meal for plane and Brita individual waterbottle. I like to treat myself to snacks at the parks.

Have a great trip!

Lori

 

[ivanova]

Okay. So I need to decide if $10.60 per night ($63.60 for our 6 night stay) will be worth the expense ... will I "save" that much in munchies, sodas, bottled water, breakfast stuff??

At least I have 40 days to work out the math. LOL

Thanks for all the info!!

 

[chrisn]

Definitely budget for film developing after you get home. That always costs me aver $100. $8 for everytime you plan on parking your rental car at the parks. I also always put some extra aside for Downtown Disney as I spend a mint there every year and don't want to take away from our "park" money. Do you need to get any "special" suvenirs (school mates, best friends, ect)? This year I had to throw in some extra for the animated digital posters for my kids's rooms and that etched crystal with their picture inside that I have to have at Epcot (JITYI) That is all I can think of right now.

 

[bobcat]

If you are staying onsite then the parking is free.

Instead of renting a fridge pick up an inexpensive cooler when you arrive. We always take one with us and keep milk and other drinks/snacks cold all week.

Refillable mugs for your resort. $10

 

[megaelch]

As a first timer you need to throw a cocktail party for your international friends

Cheeeeeeeeeeeeeeeese

Stephan