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We are back from another awesome trip to Orlando and Disney. I have tallied up the costs. Once again I am amazed at how well Disney influences families to spend money. It is truly a money making machine (I bought some shares after returning home from our first trip a few years back) Detailed blog posts on our trip will be forthcoming. For now here are the cost details (original post in black):
Flights:
Southwest - 4 Non stop flights from CMH to MCO.
Estimate - $260 each = $1040
Actual - $45 for taxes/fees. We used our Southwest points gained from card signups. 45k points - 15k for myself and 2 oldest kids. Infant is free, wife flies free with my companion pass. You can read all about our Southwest strategy here.
Car:
Estimate - 5 days - Large SUV or Van - $445 (including estimated gas cost). I could have rented something for $350 if I went with lowest price company but I like to use National because I have status(Thanks Chase Sapphire Reserve). I don't have to wait in line, I simply go to a car in the emerald or executive aisle and load the vehicle up and drive off. It really is just like the commercial with Puddy from Seinfeld.
Actual - $436. We were lucky to find a Chevy Suburban in the executive aisle. I felt like I was in a tank driving around town. During off season times I bet you could get the same car for $250 in Orlando.
Hotel: Marriott Harbour Lake. 4 nights in a 2 bedroom 2 bathroom villa.
Estimated Total cost - $1150. This reservation does include $50 per night credit which can be used toward food or beverage throughout the resort.
Actual hotel cost - $383 (1133 -750) We used our Capital One Venture cash back. As mentioned above we spent $198 of the $200 food and beverage credit at the pool bar. Mostly on drinks some on snacks/apps. You can read our opinion on the Capital One Venture card here.
Food budget:
We usually eat breakfast and lunch in the villa and these costs will be covered under groceries.
Estimated Groceries(including beer and wine) - $175
Actual grocery cost - $165. We went to Publix. Lesson learned - We could have saved a few bucks by shopping at Walmart which was also nearby.
Estimated Meals out - $375
McDonalds on the way to the hotel - $25.33
T-rex cafe at Disney Springs - $100 - The Coronarita was worth the $13.
Pizza Hut after a long day at Hollywood Studios - $27.54
Dinner at Bar Louie - $44.57
Lunch at Sugar Factory - $90.68 - This place is awesome, check out our upcoming post for more details...
Total for meals - $288.12 Pretty happy with the outcome.
Estimated - Two Disney Character breakfast -2x $115=$230
Breakfast at Hollywood and Vine (Hollywood Studios) - $130
Bon Yoyage Breakfast at Trattoria al Forno (Disney Boardwalk Resort) - $154
Mimosa and tips put us over budget.
Actual Character breakfast cost $284
Seeing this cost post trip makes me cringe a bit. However the kids enjoyed seeing the Characters and the food was great. I rationalize the cost for these breakfasts by thinking of them as more of an event than meal.
Tickets:
Estimated Disney Hollywood Studios Tickets (peak season)
4 tickets - 2 adults, 2 kids, 1 under 3 free. - $507
Actual costs $486 - Slight discount here since we bought gift cards at Sams Club. You can get $150 for $143. Another option is buying Gift cards at Giant Eagle to get 6% cash back via free gas.
Estimated other costs - $500
Parking - $47 - $25 airport, $22 Hollywood Studios
Souveniers - $97 - 2 make your own Star Wars Light Sabers, 2 magic bands and a sippy cup.
Treats - 3 ice cream/Popsicles - $15
Actual Other costs - $159
Total estimated trip cost - $4422!!!
Total amount spent out of pocket - $2,246.12
Wow that is a ton of money. I hope we come in way under that after points and cash back!
I'm not going to lie, I thought we could come in under $2000. Doing the math we spent about 50% of what I estimated. I can live with that.
