Peggy,
This is a hard one for any family to estimate on ANY trip, especially a vacation to Walt Disney World.
My wife and I have two girls, ages 4 and 6. For our past two trips our estimate was about $50 per day for breakfast and incidentals, with an added $100 for the entire trip for merchandise/souvenirs.
Let me explain my math, and you can then adjust based on how your family travels.
First, the $50 per day.
- We typically have a breakfast bar and milk in our room. Then in a park we pick up something light to "finish" breakfast, like some fresh fruit.
- We buy a few diet cokes and waters throughout the day.
- My wife has an every-other day need for a Minnie Carmel Apple. Enough said.
BOTTOM LINE: We are very frugal on our vacations, but not so much at Walt Disney World. It would be easy to lower this number by taking in water bottles and refilling them throughout the day, and having more of your breakfast being from your room.
Next, the $100 for the week in merchandise.
While you could lower this, I think that you should plan for this much, knowing that your 3-year old will see so many toys and clothes that you will feel their pull to buy. You might find some fun things for you too!
BOTTOM LINE: You can keep this spending down, but I would not count on it. If you can, that is just great.
I hope that this helps? Write me back if you have any follow-up questions!
Have a magical vacation!