Excursions, souvenirs, food, and tips can quickly add up when you’re on a Disney Vacation. But if you plan and budget carefully it doesn’t have to break the bank.
See how I budgeted our money for our recent Disney Cruise Vacation.
Our 7 day vacation included a 3 Day Bahamian Disney Cruise, a day at Kennedy Space Station, a day at Magic Kingdom, and a final day of rest at the hotel.
The actual cost of the 3 Day Bahamian Disney Cruise was $2,800 for my family of 4. We booked the Concierge Deluxe Stateroom. We confirmed our cruise with a deposit almost a year in advance. We had ample time to make small payments and save for additional expenses.
There are many things that are included on the cruise but there are several additional expenses you need to be prepared to pay. I did a lot of research before we set off for vacation. It was important to have a solid budget in order to enjoy our trip. When you budget you are less likely to be worried over spending too much.
We also purchased a few things in advance like our Kennedy Space Center tickets. We saved a few dollars by purchasing it at home online.
This is our 7 Day itinerary for a 3 Day Bahamian Cruise on the Disney Dream:
Day 1 Arrive in Kennedy Space Center
Day 2 Board Disney Cruise
Day 3 Disney Cruise
Day 4 Disney Cruise
Day 5 Depart Disney Cruise and Arrive Disney World
Day 6 Extra Day at the B Hotel
Day 7 Depart for Home
My Disney Cruise Vacation Budget and Expenses
1. Excursions and Activities: Budget $650 Actual $673
2. Parking and Rental Fees: Budget $200 Actual $198
3. Hotel Accommodations: Budget $350 Actual $399
*We stayed an extra night at the hotel. Included 1 night room service and valet parking fee.
4. Gifts & Souvenirs: Budget $100 Actual $136
5. Dining & Snacks: Budget $350 Actual $326
6. Tips and Gratuities: Budget $150 Actual $214
7. 1 Day Park Tickets to Magic Kingdom: Budget $400 Actual $450* *Purchased second arm band and Memory Maker.
8. Blow (Unexpected Expenses): Budget $500 Actual $196
For more information on our Disney Cruise Vacation check out these post:
One tip for saving a bit (so hard with a Disney cruise, I know!): Stay at a Cocoa Beach or Space Coast beach hotel that offers a 40% discount on cruise parking. If you parked elsewhere (since your fee was only $10, I’d love to know where!!!)
Hi Karen! Yes we parked at one of the cruise port parking lots. By calling in advance we discovered that they offered corporate discounts for my husbands company. It was great deal! We also chose Fairfield at Titusville because of the proximity to Kennedy Space Center, guest reviews, and free hot breakfast! Thanks for sharing!
Great idea to plan and budget a year ahead! Pinning this post to remind me of your tips when we plan our next Disney vacation.
You welcome Sarah!
I’m trying to convince my husband to do a Disney cruise. I think it will be SOOOO much fun! I appreciate the budget info.
You are welcome Joyce. So glad I saved those receipts and details of our budget to share!
Your budget is good for any vacation. 😉
Thanks Kendra!
Thanks for all this information! This will help me plan for our cruise. I absolutely love your blog.
Thank you for checking us out Irene!
You only spent $20 at Palo? U didn’t tip the server?
Just trying to understand why you pay for concierge on a 3 night, seems like a HUGE waste for a budget minded vacation.
Hi there, tips are done a the end of the cruise. You can do the expected amount and additional if you choose. I’ve experienced DCL with Concierge service and without. To me it’s well worth the extra money.