Hiya Ashley,
Welcome back to planDisney! Not only do we share the same name, but we also share a similar planning style! Even when using the
Disney Dining Plan, I love to plan my full budget out so I can ensure I can treat myself (and my two Mouseketeers) guilt-free.
First, how much to plan for depends entirely on your family’s planned dining reservations and spending habits, Ashley. I am a family of four (two adults and two littles under three), but my toddler is a snacker and a shopper like me. So when I’m forecasting our budget, I consider only meals for myself and Prince Charming (we do a lot of Character dining and prix fix meals), snacks she typically eats, and the costs for bubble wands (plus refills) and other random merchandise. This means we can easily bring an extra $250-$500 with us depending on our itinerary. Luckily, Walt Disney World makes planning food costs easy. Most dining locations have a menu on the
website with the current displayed prices (with some exceptions). I start by looking up the ones I know we will be dining at and what we will want to eat (don’t forget drinks) and then adding up the total cost for table service. Then I add in estimated sales tax and estimate a gratuity I’m comfortable with (typically 20-22% for me, but 15-20% is customary) based on that total. I also like to add what I like to call “oops, but I need that” money to my budget for additional snacks, things I forgot to pack, and other incidentals (such as a
Minnie Van ride or
locker rental for the bags I don't want to carry all day). For me, that ends up amounting to an add-on of $100 or so.
I hope this was helpful, Ashley. I know you wanted average costs, but it all boils down to preference and eating habits. Character dining and prix fixed meals will probably average higher gratuities versus a la carte. Have a passion for Loungefly bags? Your spending cash may be higher than if you only plan to buy bubble wands for your child. Do you plan to stick to what the Disney Dining Plan allocates and won’t need anything extra? Then, you might not need to account for additional funds for food. It all depends on you and your family. Please come back and see us if you need anything else.
Happy Planning,
Ashley F.