Hidden expenses? About This Page:

[jrkmorgan2]

So I booked and paid for our trip back in January. DDP, MYW PH, etc.
Our trip is paid in full.

What expenses should I be aware of that are "hidden" or not mentioned?
Are there charges or things that aren't included in the "package" cost I paid?
Can you tell I'm a bit worried about the budget I'm on when we get there?
And for clarification, I'm referring to expenses outside of souvineers and food not included on DDP.

Any other ride, park, or hotel expenses?

[HiddenMickey]

If you usually tip for things like housekeeping or bell services, then remember to include some money for those things.

If you like to tip more than the dining plan allows (if you have some great service) keep some cash on hand for that.

I'm sure you've already thought about needing money for your third meal of the day (if you eat three).

Alchoholic drinks will require payment.

Laundry? If you plan to do any, you'll need $2 per load for wash and for dry and $2 for detergent (if you don't bring your own).

Towel rental at water parks?
Locker rental in the parks?
Stroller rental?
Ride photo purchase?

[skywaywaver]

Valet parking if you're driving/renting a car? Tolls for the same situation?

[MyRapunzal]

If you are on MYW plus DDP and already figured in money for food not included on the plan and souvenirs- I would have to say that you are good to go! We went January of 2006 to WDW and got something like $400 in Disney Dollars total for Christmas AND I think we had $150 in Disney Rewards Dollars from my Disney Visa. So for two people with basically $550 dollars to spend withouth even dipping into our own banks, here is what we spent on:
FOOD...My DBF spent money on breakfast each morning although I had brough a box of breakfast bars instead. We also spent money on Alcholic drinks with dinner (everywhere but Magic Kingdom of course). As far as food we also spent money on a snack here and there because we thought it was most cost effective to use our snack points for the big water bottles.
SOUVENIRS... We bought something for everyone from our siblings to our parents to our grandparents to our friends, not to mention completely spoiling eachother. Don't forget you may need to buy stamps for postcards. We spent about $50 alone on pictures from the photopass. You can save money on this by asking the CM standing next to the photog to take a pic with your digital camera. (We figured this out about half way through our trip).
Literally everything we could have wanted was included in our tickets. Hopefully it helps to see how someone spent at WDW.

[jrkmorgan2]

Thank you thank you thank you!
I have all ready made out our mouse keeping envelopes -- well, my kids did. And I have allotted for tipping other places as well.
We are driving, and I've allotted for tolls and such, as well as tipping for that too. My father is disabled, and has a handicap sticker, and it's my understanding that valet parking is free for those with a sticker and valid handicap license. He has both, so we are good to go there too I think.

We are taking breakfast foods, but may buy some days too.
I'm taking $200 cash to spend for me and my two small kids (DH 9, DS 7). I originally planned to have way more than that, but it didn't work out that way. We aren't big souvineer people.... and they are loaded up with pennies and quarters for the penny smooshing machines, they LOVE that and collect those from everywhere we've ever been that has them.

None of us drink alcohol, so we don't have to worry about that either.

My parents are taking their own money, too, for souvineers and such.

I have some extra money on reserve if need be, but hoping not to spend it unless I have to.

I just wasn't sure if there were added costs for some rides or attractions or what not once you got into the parks, and at the hotel for taxes or anything else one wouldn't think of when planning. (guess I'm used to people trying to rip me off???)

both my parents have their own ECV's they are taking, and due to certain food allergies in the family, we will have a small cooler with snacks and water, attached to one of the ECV's. I'm told that is acceptable to do.

I feel much better now! Thank you all!

COUNTING DOWN AND CAN'T WAIT!!!!

[Minnie Lor]

Jess, you sound prepared. Have a wonderful filled vacation!

[Caldercup]

Also, if you're staying on property, parking is free to resort guests.

Sounds like you've gotten great advice and you've thought of almost everything.

One thing I'd mention is that you will probably need to spend money on beverages for hot Florida weather -- while you can use your DDP snack credits to buy water, it's not the most cost-effective way to go. One way around this is to bring water bottles that you fill at any water fountain. Ask for free ice from drink vendors to make it cold!

Good luck!
Eileen

[sleepyndoc]

The nice thing about Disney is that, with very little exception other than food and souvenirs, there are no extra costs. One "extra" is if you want to play the carnival style games at Animal Kingdom, you pay for them as you normally would for carnival games. But as far as rides and shows, you're covered.

One of our disappointments at Sea World was how it seemed like, after paying for park admission, we had to pay extra for so many of the things we wanted to do in the park. Not so at Disney.

[wdwlovers]

Sounds like you are as prepared as you are going to get Jess. I hope you have a wonderful time on your vacation!

[HollyH]

Originally Posted by sleepyndoc

The nice thing about Disney is that, with very little exception other than food and souvenirs, there are no extra costs.

I have to agree.

[buttercup1]

You've got it together and sounds like you are going to have a great time!!!

[Joanne929]

Sounds like you've got it all together. Once you get into the parks, you don't have to pay for anything other than food and souvenirs. Have fun!

[Disney_Scarlett]

Sounds like you have it all covered! I'm not saying that Disney doesn't "rip you off" in some ways (HOW much for a bottle of water? ), but I feel that the prices and what you get for the prices are clearly explained - I don't ever feel blindsided by the feeling of "Oh, I didn't know I'd need THAT or have to pay for THAT." I think you're good to go!

Have fun!