What was your surprise expense @ wdw?

[ThinkTink1984]

THE $60 MAGIC KINGDOM PLAYSET! had to have it, i just HAD to! it glared at me form the gift shop every morning when I left for the bus!

 

[arminnie]

I've always loved the Mickey varsity jackets (the ones with the leather sleeves) but they are SO expensive. I found one at the Premier Warehouse at Belz yesterday marked down 50% - it is in perfect condition and is a current product so I'm not sure why it was there, but I snapped it up. They only had one and it was my size. It was still expensive and I don't really need it but I'm going to wrap it up and give it to myself for Christmas. My mother is deceased and my dad never buys presents so I have to make sure that I have something under the tree - okay that's my excuse and I'm sticking with it.

Oh yes - I'm also getting a "Lady" watch with a red band for Christmas. I have a blond cocker spaniel so that's his gift for me. I'm going to have a great Christmas starting with 10 days at WDW.

 

[ehallison]

We stayed at Shades of Green and the transportation was VERY limited. A couple of times we ended up in taxis (after a dinner at the Beach Club, for example) because it would have taken us at least 90 minutes to get home, after a very long and tiring day.

I wouldn't stay at SoG again without a car.

 

[nowellsl]

I agree with RitaS - Big thumbs up to the first aid stations in the parks. My daughter had her knee wrapped with an ace bandage at Epcot and was offered some pain reliever at no charge - we've also stopped on occasion for bandaids. The nurses at these stations are always so nice!! They do a great job!

 

[babygarrettsmom]

OMG! Our biggest 'surprise' expense always ends up being valet/bell services tips. If you use them, they can add up quick! Also, don't forget to pack the $5 bills - we've more than once had to tip a $10 or even $20 just because DH didn't have anything smaller.

That reminds me - I'd better get some $5's before we go....

 

[steph73]

There were several! No accidents, emergencies or major expenses... but altogether, it was more than we budgeted for.

1. Our first full day in Orlando, and we (finally!) arrive at the MK. I'm snapping pics of the castle, all teary eyed... and my camera battery died. Bought a $5 battery for $25. Blech. I will never make that mistake again!

2. We did SO GOOD bringing our own water and snacks to the parks for the first several days of our trip... but after awhile, we really got tired of only drinking water and Chex Mix outside of our PS's. So, we started buying the occasional Coke and wonderfully expensive snacks and unplanned counter service lunches. It really blew our food budget. Next time, I'll be more reasonable and honest with myself! Those kind of things are hard to resist.

3. We really underestimated how many souvenirs we would want to buy! I mean, I could spend 20 grand at Downtown Disney easy and I knew that going in... but the temptation was overwhelming. For our next trip, I hope to be able to budget more for souvenirs (it also didn't help that our food budget increased and cut into our play money!)

4. Next time, I will definitely budget for buying the battery powered twirly lights, popcorn, etc during nighttime activities like Fantasmic!

All told, we probably spent about $400 or so more than we expected to during our 11 day trip - most of it was just a combination of my naivety and our desires giving way though. Most of it was completely avoidable if we had some CONTROL! LOL

Also, another thumbs up for first aid service in the parks. I got a terrible headache at MK one afternoon and went by and got some free motrin. The Cast Members at the first aid stations are so nice!

 

[Lewisc]

Having to drive to Walmart to buy an large duffle bag so we could pack all the stuffed animals.

I agree with previous posters: camera stuff (film, batteries), medical (doctors, OTC medications) and car repair expenses are probably the biggest surprises.

Anyone who has ever been to a movie theater, regional theme park, etc should have an idea about food prices.