Orlando, Florida

[Maggie-Mae]

Hi all. Im taking my 3 children to Florida next month but am unsure at how much spending money Im going to need bearing in mind the Universal Hopper tickets/ Disneyland tickets are quite expensive. Fortunately the exchange rate is good at the moment - can anyone whose already been to Florida comment on whether �2000 is a realistic amount to take for a two week stay. Thank you in advance

[munchie63]

I'm taking the family for Easter, and we're budgeting $200 per day.
we've already bought the theme park tickets though - for 3 adults (our 10yr old's an adult at Disney !) and 1 child we paid �1250(that's for '14 day' disney passes, and 5 visits to Universal's parks). (you can also get good deals at the Theme Park ticket booths on I-Drive)
Food-wise, most places do a good, cheap buffet breakfast.
Lots of restaurants offer cut-price kids meals, and some will offer free kids meals with adults paying.
A credit card is an easy option - I've got a Post Office one, which doesn't have any foreign exchange fees, and should be just as convenient as cash.
Have you got any books ? I bought the Brits guide to orlando by simon Veness, and it's full of very useful info.

[munchie63]

I haven't used this site, but it will give you an idea on those tickets:

http://www.orlando-ticket-deals.co.uk/

[vehelpfulguy]

If you take a credit card you do not need so much spending money as you can put things like park tickets and meals on the credit card.

Also, buy travellers cheques rather than cash as they are more secure if you lose them (make a note of the numbers)

Most shops and restaurants are happy to take travellers cheques as they would cash and will even give you change from travellers cheques.

The food and drink inside theme parks can get very expensive (particularly if you have 3 kids) so try to take water or soft drinks and maybe some fruit in with you.

[spudqueen]

I took that amount when I went 18 months ago, with two teenagers. We did buy the park tickets on credit card though, but other than that I think we stuck to the travellers cheques. Do take a credit card with you though for any unexpected purchases!

[Dee Sa]

take a bit more to budget for trainers and clothes [ tee shirts, shorts] they are much cheaper out there,especially as the exchange rate is so good at present time, better still dont buy the kids any clothes over here before you go, take minimum and buy there.If you have time and you see a garage go in because at the pay desk they usually have incredibly low priced tee shirts etc and special offers also in their big supermarkets like Wallmart and their pharmacy chain Wallgreens where you can buy snacks, fruit and clothes all at bargain prices.
Have fun anyway.