Florida spending money estimates

[SecondUsername4me]

Calling all experts!

Flights, 13 days at International Drive, passes for Universal included. We will add on a day pass for Animal Kingdom (the only Disney Park we are interested in).

Other than this, how much would you say is needed for daily spend, to include:-

• A hefty breakfast (buffet places?)
• A snack and drink each at the park each day (as lunch)
• A hearty meal (eg 2 courses) nothing fancy, each evening (Park or International Drive area)
• couple of souvenirs each for the kids
• any extra must do days out (eg museums, water parks, other activities days outside of the theme parks)
• daily transport to/from the parks and other activities

We aren't "shoppers" so no budget needed for Malls etc. We don't need fine dining or themed character dining, we don't want to buy cheaper stuff like jeans/make up/perfume etc so don't need a budget for that.

Is there anything else I'm not including? I know I need to tip 20% for all meals, so add that in too, does that include buffet style too?

We haven't booked anything. I got swayed by a deal I saw: £4800 for 2x adults and 2x dc, 13 nights on ID, flights and park entry (Universal Studios). But then I thought "what else will we need to spend?"

The dining plan isn’t worth it anymore. It’s changed quite a bit from what it used to be. It’s better to do pay as you go. And chances are you’ll spend a lot less! We didn’t spend anywhere near what it costs. And then if you don’t eat as much as what you’ve paid for you’ve just thrown money away. People on the Disney groups used to recommend it but not now.
The early booking offer is much better

Seriously, go on the DIBB forums and ask for help with a realistic costing and advice about how to do it on a budget before you decide it isn’t possible. It is an expensive holiday, but there are ways and means to keep the costs down. Self catering would definitely help.

When are you going? Last week I booked 10 days in a 4* Sheraton Villa with kitchen and washing machine for £4.5k flights + accommodation May 2024 half term from London 2 adults & 2 kids. It's still the same price on Virgin Holidays.

School summer holidays 2024. We would happily take dc out of school for a week to get a better rate elsewhere in the year but dh is a teacher so we are tied to state school holidays.

We went last year, 18 nights - 2 adults, 13&15yr old and spent £3.5k spending money. I thought that wasn’t too bad. We saved money by taking a rucksack of water to Disney and buying the refillable drink bottle (2 between 4) and universal. Had breakfast in the apartment, lunch was about $50 and dinner about $130. We had a pizza delivery a couple of nights, and picked up a hot chicken, bread and salad another. Kids had about £100 spending money.

I don't think term term will save that much. It's the park tickets and food which cost a lot and they are similar rates all year round!

I costed my holiday up for first week May during term time and it was only £500 cheaper for the flight and hotel for the 4 of us

There's a whole new area near Buena Vista with various cheaper eating places eg Chipotle, Chik Fil A, Panda Express etc as well as a Target. It's the Daryl Carter Parkway. The best thing for shopping though is to go to the Walmart Supercentre at Turkey Lake Road.

Taking a box of weetabix and getting milk when there woujd definitely save you tons versus any breakfast out -$20 each plus tax and tip.

We stayed on site and did a few breakfast buffets but mostly ate in room.

Shared a lunch and nice dinner at Disney restaurant in evening. Plus snacks at Epcot food and wine.

Under $100 for 2 adults most days.

The thing with Orlando is you can spend a whole lot unless you try an budget.

if you want to I recommend universal endless summer two weeks July 2024 £6200 for a two bedroom suite with kitchenette. No transport costs for a universal needed. (Free v quick transport).
Take snacks supermarket shop and use kitchenette. Get the resort mugs for endless drinks (and they have water)