Hi This is aimed at the american members of the forum. Next year, to mark my sons 13th and my 40th me and the squaters are heading to sunny Florida for a 2.5 weeks of sea, sun and roller-coasters. We will be spending 10 days with relatives in Orlando for roller-coasters and another week in a hotel ,somewhere, for some serious sun and sea. The reason I am asking for advice is that we are really not sure how much money to take with us. We were told to go and get some now as the GBP is very high against the USD. Howevre, as we do not have much lying about, we need to plan properly. I am assuming that for the first ten days we will need very little. One to one and a half meals during the day and a contribution towards our upkeep as guests. On the other hand while staying somewhere else, I would imagine we will need a bit more. So.... what are we looking at for: A decent, good value for money meal? Filling up a car to the top? Catching a movie? Bowling? Stuff like that. What are we expected to pay for a day out. You know, ice-creams, sandwitches, a few beers etc. Any information or suggestions are greatly appreciated.
I live in the midwest, so you might add a few extra bucks to this number, but around here, you can grab a meal for one person with drink at a sit down restaurant that isn't a fast food joint between $10-15 with pretty sizable portions. Of course, expect to pay out the nose for anything at a theme park, so you might want to hit up a grocery store or the local Wal-Mart/Kroger/Target for some snacks if you plan to hit the coasters all day. It's really expensive at any theme park. Like a small order of fries is $8. I was at Universal Studios theme park for a class trip back in 2000, and the prices were pretty high back then. I doubt they've gotten better since then. Depending on the car's gas tank, a full tank will run anywhere from $30-50. If you're using a smallish car, then the $30 mark is more in the ballpark. If you're using an SUV or van, then the $50+ range is much more. I believe there's a place called Medieval Times in the Orlando area. It's a dinner and a show with "knights" jousting and eating with your hands. I don't remember pricing at all, but I do remember it being a little expensive...like about $30 per person. A movie costs anywhere from $7-10, maybe more depending on the area and time. The tickets aren't too bad, but they'll rape you with prices for pop and popcorn. Beer will probably cost about $3-4 per bottle, so you might find a pitcher to be more economical. That's the Budweiser and Coors American beers. Imports, which are bound to be more what you're used to, will cost a little more and tend to be offered by the bottle. It does depend on the establishment.
Thanks BB! That is exactly the sort of stuff I needed. Very much appreciated. I think we are hiring a class C or D car, but I am not sure about the make or model. The Medieval Times sound like something just up the squatters street.... so thanks for the tip... Beer - I am sorry if I offend any Americans on the forum but I cannot stand the light coloured American beers. So I would probably go for red wine or every now and again, splash out on some 'foreign crap' :chk: We have already priced for the theme parks but thanks for the heads up regarding food and drink once inside. Wall-mart sounds like a good idea... Cheers mate! If there is someone out there who actually live in Florida, please feel free to reply.... By the way - I could not see the 'Thank you' button so sorry, BB....
Just to let you know - this post may be of no use to you but I went to Florida like 7 years back, had a freakin' amazing time, there was storms in the afternoons on occasions and amazing lightning in the sky. The theme parks are fun but I was a lot younger and so paid no attention to the price of things, so I can't help there, I can tell you that I reckon you'll have the time of your life and feel like a little kid again, my Dad did!!
Thanks Matt! This is going to be the first proper holiday we have as a family in 12 Years!!!! Sure, we had good holidays before but we always had to consider family. This time we do not need to care about anyone else so it should be a treat.... Thanks for your post!
