On
Nov 11, 2012
Terri from PA
Asked
Note: This answer was provided prior to the change to planDisney and may still contain references to Disney Parks Moms Panel.
Experiences, policies, pricing and other offerings are subject to change and may have changed since the date of this answer.
“
Hi, We are coming to WDW Aug 11-17 2013 staying at AOA. Bringing 20yr old Daughter and 18yr old son. Am travaling on a tight budget and was wondering what you would suggest for spending money and food? We want to buy souvenirs but are tight buggeted. TY”
Hi, Terri! We have had times when I've been able to say to the kids, "You can have one thing", and it didn't matter - much - what they chose. Other times, I'll give them a dollar limit. You can usually get a nice souvenir or two for about $50 per kid, especially at the age your kids are. That will buy them a hoodie, maybe two t-shirts, or a regular sweatshirt and a notebook or key ring. This is something you can be really flexible with, so if things run tight, souvenirs are limited to a key ring, a wallet, or even a stuffed toy (my 21 year old still gravitates toward Eeyore toys).
Food is a bit tougher to nail down, especially not knowing your habits. With Art of Animation, you will have a refrigerator in your room, and if you are in a family suite, you'll have a microwave as well. I always bring granola bars, juice boxes, and a few other things that I can toss in my backpack or serve as a quick breakfast. My girls are not big fans of a morning meal, so they're fine with instant oatmeal, that I can make using the hot water from the coffee pot in the room, or a cereal bar.
Counter service meals in the park can run about $15 per person, including a drink. Table service is higher, and really depends on what you order. You can order sandwiches without sides, ask for cups of water instead of bottled, and do a few other things to cut this, but it still runs about $10 - per person, per meal.
Share where you can, weigh the value of a big buffet meal that might eliminate the third meal of the day, and be flexible. You can make this work!