I get a quote for a 5 nights air + hotel in Aruba for about $2500 (Aruba Grand Resort) to $2850 (Wyndham) for 2 adults & 2 kids (age 8 & 3) flying from New York in late August? Is this considered a reasonable deal? Also I heard it is very expensive in Aruba. Can we manage to have under $200 each day in dining all meals for 4 of us?

With kids I would probably choose the Wyndham.

Aruba is not one of the more expensive islands...I found prices comparable to the US. I think your food budget is doable.

Considering that you're looking at 4 RT airfares, I don't think those prices are bad at all. I would not pay an extra $350 to stay at the Wyndham vs. the Grand.

Eating in Aruba CAN be cheap - they have Wendy's, Pizza Hut, Subway, etc. Car rentals also are cheaper than most other Caribbean islands. Overall, I would rate the island less expensive than most.

Try contacting Travel Unlimited as they specialize in Aruba. You can reach them at www.travelunlimited.com or 1-800-228-1502.

one of the best and cheapest places we found for lunch or a light dinner is Kokoa's at the end of the DePalm Pier..right next to the Grand. Their homeade specialty pizzas are great...plus there is an awesome view of the sunset and happy hour specials every day.