Cost report #1 -The actual cost for our family of 5 to visit Orlando & Disney during peak spring break season

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.