How
do Yellowstone dollars work? As part of the total trip cost we
will give you $35 in Yellowstone dollars per day. These Yellowstone
Dollars may only be used for payment at facilities operated by Xanterra
Parks & Resorts at Yellowstone National Park. These are dollar for
dollar equivalent (remember you have already paid for meals in total
trip cost.)
We are using Yellowstone dollars to give
participants control of how their money is spent. It also allows
us to stay within our budget. You can choose to eat very
lightly-getting peanut butter & jelly, granola, cold cuts, from the
general store and then buy gifts with your money, spend $10 for the
buffet breakfast and eat enough so you just need a light lunch and have
more to spend on a big dinner. Some of us may have larger
appetites and/or prefer higher end meals every night- we may have to
spend a little more of our own money to do this since we shouldn't
expect other participants to foot the bill for our expensive tastes!
So you can plan:
The
breakfast buffet is $10. It includes eggs, variety of breads and
pastries, bacon/sausage, home fries, yogurt, cereal, fruit, PBJ,
coffee, tea; in other words the usual breakfast fare. There is
also a full ala carte breakfast menu with items ranging from about $2
for oatmeal to $12-$14 for Eggs Benedict with juice, coffee etc.
There
is a box lunch you can preorder for about $10. This includes your
choice of sandwich, fruit, juice, cookies, and chips. I have
found it is cheaper to do it on your own, especially if you don't eat
all that for lunch. There are Xanterra run general stores where
you can buy your own snacks, PBJ, bread etc. Obviously the store
is a little pricey so if you have space and weight allowance you can
consider bringing your own and using your Yellowstone funny money
elsewhere, or selling them to other members in the group.
Dinners:
There are restaurants in several price ranges. The nicer places
(really good food) have ala carte menus In general; appetizers are in
the $5 - $8 range, entrees $15 - $20. I don't remember dessert,
tea etc. You can expect to spend $25- $40 with tax &
tip/dinner (without alcohol). The next step down places provide
decent meals that total cost should be about $15 - $20. Some are
along the lines of a diner, others cafeteria style.
Personally,
I usually get the buffet breakfast; have a protein drink from home or a
yogurt from the store for lunch, then have a nicer dinner. |
