Connections Membership

[Aquagirl]

I just read some of your discussions about the connections meal vouchers. I went to the mousesavers web site which led me to the Connections site. You can join Connections for 30 days for one dollar and then cancel or pay 79.95. I just wanted to order a couple of meal vouchers. Can you join for the trial period, order your vouchers, and then cancel??? Or do you have to join for the year to receive the vouchers??? Please help!!!

[Teacher510]

From what I have read I believe that many people do just that. I kept my membership since we'll be going back next summer and I think I'll make use of movie tix and store/restaurant certificates.

[chris1gill]

I think most people (ourselves included), signed up for the $1.00 trial offer & then cancelled before the 30 days were up.... We ordered the meal vouchers & were very happy with them!! The two best bargains are eating at the Pepper Market or Beaches & Cream with the 10.50 vouchers... a lot of the other counter service options weren't a real savings... I'm sure there are at least a couple of other options that are worth doing....

[bigsis1970]

Do i understans this right .. pay the $1.00 buy the voucher and then cancel..
the voucher don't have an early exp.date do they.. We will be going in Dec and
i have posted anther question about Connections. but if i can join for the dollar
and get the vouchers and they will be good while we are there then i will just do it..
thanks for any additional advice..

[chris1gill]

Hi Bigsis,

You are correct, you can pay the dollar, order the vouchers & then cancel the service. All of the vouchers seem to have an expiration of May, 2002.... so you should be all set for your December trip, order them anytime... Be careful to look over the menu's at www.wdwig.com & see which ones make sense to buy...

[bigsis1970]

:jester: :jester: :jester: :jester:

you have made my day.. I have looked over the menu and i will order some as it will save us $$ in the food courts ! Thanks Michelle

[xplor144]

Lets not forget, however....you CAN join- get what you want and then cancel, but if noone stays with the program and everyone "runs" with the stuff.....these places won't stay around, and won't keep offering this stuff.

[chris1gill]

Xplor144... I should have mentioned that as well!! This is actually a good program for anyone that shops at Kids/Toys/Babies R Us.... it gives you a 20% discount when you buy the certificates... That's a really good deal.... They also have some restaurants, such as Red Lobster, Olive Garden, The Outback & a bunch of others we don't have around here... We don't do any shopping or dining at those places, so it really was a wash for us as we only wanted the vouchers.... I was thinking of joining back up at another time (when we need to do a Kids R Us run) At that point it would be worth it for us to stick with the program....

[dreamflight99]

I am having trouble locating the site for "connections", where the vouchers can be purchased. Can anyone help me, with a possible www site? Thanks so much...:bounce: & :confused:

[dg39]

Could someone explain to me how the meal vouchers for connections work. If I buy them for x amount of money. Lets say $15.00 and I go to a restaurant, do I have to order a meal for 15.00 and pay with the voucher. If I order a more expensive meal do I give in the voucher and pay the difference. I don't understand how it works. Everyone seems to love connections so I'm assuming its a good deal. Can I order as many vouchers as I want or is there a limit. Does each person in the family need a voucher. The connections site doesn't explain anything and when I called them they told me I had to join to get the info. I was hoping to get the info first and then see if I'm interested in joining. Also, is WDW connected in any way with them. Do they except everything from connections without any problems. Sorry this is so long and thanks for any help you can give me. One last question, do all the restaurants at WDW, resorts, and park accept these vouchers or is it only certain ones. Thanks again

[wheatenwalker]

This is how it works, you order your meal and then pay with the voucher. If the total is $15 all you have to do is give them the voucher. There are certain restaurants you can use the vouchers at, some you can save alot and some it wouldnt be worth using. We had some of the Quick and Casual and some more expensive vouchers and used then this last trip without a problem. Do a search adn you'll be able to find which restaurants you can use them at.

[BuhByeNebraska]

I would like to take adantage of Connetions too, but I am a little concerned. Several other discount clubs have filed for Ch. 11 (Flooz, CitySpree) Certificates weren't being honored.

Connections is part of a larger company,Memberworks. They were hiring like crazy and now I don't see their advertisements. Perhaps someone can attest to their financial strength. If they continue to pay out $20 for a meal on a $10.50 voucher, definately a greal deal. I would just like to make sure this is the case before everyone invests their hard earned money.

[chris1gill]

I think I can answer some questions here....

Regarding ALL the meal vouchers.... these vouchers are issued by Disney... they are not issued by Connections.... It doesn't matter where you get your vouchers... they will always be good at Disney, up until the expiration date..... This is just like the park hopper tickets they sell... they are Disney issued, not Connections... although it's Connections that is selling them....

Regarding the voucher, the quick & casual meal vouchers sell for 10.50.... they can be used at many of the fast food/food courts on Disney property..... What you get is any entree, any non-alcoholic beverage, and any dessert.... it doesn't matter how much any of those things cost... whether the meal is 9.00 or 50.00, you just use 1 voucher per meal.... My daughter & I shared meals, because she is only 3, and doesn't eat anything except bread & dessert... My son is six, and we ordered kids meals for him.... vouchers are not a good value when buying a kids meal.... the voucher is 10.50, but the kids meals are only 5.00... so we paid cash for him... The CM's must get these vouchers a LOT, because they knew exactly what they were & never even had to read them.... We stayed at Coronado & used the vouchers at The Pepper Market, the food court at Coronado... We ordered Prime Rib, Sprite & a piece of cake with ice cream.... with tax & gratuity, the bill was like 52.00, we gave them 2 vouchers & owed nothing... Pepper Market & Beaches & Cream at Beach Club are exceptional values... But there are definitely other food courts that aren't a good value, since the food is so inexpensive to begin with.....

I hope this answers some questions! Look through the board, you'll definitely find more info!!!

[dg39]

Yet another voucher question from someone who was born with 1/2 a brain. Using a dinner voucher worth 29.50 you can order any dinner entree on the menu regardless how much the dinner costs. If the meal including salad,dinner and dessert totals 40.00, I just give them that 1 voucher? If 4 adults and 1 child go, do we give them 4adult vouchers and pay cash for the child (the child isn't going to eat a bg meal). If I'm getting it right, it pays to go to the most expensive restaurants to make this a bargain. How does the charcter meals work.(17.50 for a breakfast voucher and 16.00 for the buffet) is it worth it for the character meals? We're going to WDW for 10 day-2 adults, 2-teens, 1 child- we want to do maybe 2 charecter breakfasts, 3 expensive dinners and the rest of the meals casual, based on the amount of family members how many vouchers should we buy. Thanks for all your help, maybe it'll click in my head and I'll finally understand how this works.:confused: :confused: :confused: :confused:

[chris1gill]

Dreamflight99, the website is www.connections123.com

Dg39, You have it right, even if your entree/drink/dessert/tax/gratuity is 40.00, you just give the one voucher, and all is taken care of for YOUR meal... We had a child with us that we ordered for, so we usually had a six dollar or so balance, for his kids meal... I would not order any vouchers for the child, as the kids meals are less money....

What you have to do is check out the menu's at www.wdwig.com & see which restaurants you want to take advantage of... not all restaurants are a good deal, some are really bad deals, like the Garden Grill for lunch....

Some of our bills were 53.00 for my husband and I, and we just gave 2 10.50 vouchers... That was at the Pepper Market.... I felt both the Pepper Market & Beaches & Cream were good values for us....

As for the breakfasts, the vouchers are 17.50 and include gratuity (usually 15%) & tax (around 8%).... so a character breakfast that exceeds 17.50 with gratuity & tax is a deal... although you may only save a dollar or two... take a look at the www.wdwig.com menu's

Also, for the sit down lunches (these can only be used for lunches), the vouchers are 29.00... The restaurants that made the most sense for this, were Alfredo's (Italy) LeCelier (Canada) & Concourse Steakhouse (open only til 2:00 for lunch & is located at The Contemporary)....

You may find other restaurants that are similar bargains, this is just what I chose for us... If you think each of the 4 older people in your party will eat a full meal/beverage/dessert, I'd get a voucher for each of the 4... then calculate how many times you'll be eating where this is a good deal.....

I think this answers all your questions!!

[dg39]

Chris, Thanks so very much for answering my questions. I finally understand how it works. I'm sure I will be ordering them.

[Minybear]

Boy am I glad I decided to read this post. I had never heard of connections before even though I have been on Marys site (I just look at her room discounts and car rental). I have signed up with them for the $1 and they should be sending me info in 10-14 days.

My only comment. You have to order these vouchers. You are paying for the $10.50 and the $29.50 out of your own pocket. When you have a meal at Liberty Tree Tavern or Brown Derby the voucher you will give to them you paid for it. So in other words you have already paid some of the that meal and when you give them the voucher then you pay the rest of that meal. There is not really a savings? Due to you have aleady paid for that voucher. Right? To me the only thing good about this is you the consumer will pay for that meal anyway and its good to have most of your meals on voucher instead of cash on hand.

Is there anything free with this membership? Due to you have to pay a membership fee of appox $79.

I though I read some where you could get a 10% savings on AP through them? I coud only find Park Hoppers.

[RLMS56]

It all depends on which restaurants you are using the vouchers for. I researched this in depth yesterday and found the Quick and Casual vouchers are a great deal at Beaches & Cream and also good at Yakitori. As for the dinner vouchers Alfredo's was the best deal with LeCellier, Teppenyaki and Brown Derby being good deals. In order for the vouchers to be a great deal you need to order an appetizer, expensive entree and dessert. A non alcoholic drink, tax and tip are included so be sure to add that in when making your decision. I printed out all the info about Connections from mousesavers.com and then went to Deb's site and reviewed the menus and prices.

[dreamflight99]

chris1gill...could you please tell me if ALL the vouchers include "tax, gratuity,etc"? I went to the connections site you gave me (thanks ^_^) and they really have little info unless you join.
I am not traveling to wdw again until next July, when should I join and purchase the vouchers? I am a member of the Disney Club...(used to have the MKC for free)..and didn't use it once this summer while on property! Where are the discounts listed for this card? Also, I just ordered an "Orlando" entertainment book for 35$ on their online site. Do you know anything about this book? Does it contain any wdw discounts for F&B, or lodging/auto rentals, etc.? Sorry for all the questions-you seem so helpful and very knowledgeable! Any info/reply is greatly appreciated. I am stunned I have been traveling to WDW from Ca. for the past 11 consecutive years...staying on prop. for more than 4-5 weeks each year, and have never been acquainted with any of these money-saving tips!! I've been paying full $$$ for the meals, passes...etc. I get a 10% discount on the national rental...and sometimes a room discount...but never anything off the meals, and they can be costly! I feel I've been on another planet. This past summer I met some Disney folks who told me about this site, and even wrote down the address! I just looked last night when I came across the address--and can not believe the WEALTH of info!! Thanks to all the Disney veterans...your postings are invaluable!


:smooth: :smooth: :bounce:

[jrrandme]

I found the other half of your brain!!!!!:crazy: Now for the other half of a dumb question...with the "vacation kingdom" lunch vouchers, they sell a "childrens size" ($12.50) does this mean the kid can also order anything on the menu???? Also I notice that there are no restuarants listed for the AKL... has anyone ever used them there or is it to new??

[PNO4TE]

Once you have purchased the voucher from Connections you do not pay any additional money for your meal (unless you were to order an alcoholic beverage). If you paid $10.50 for a Quick & Casual Voucher, you have paid for that meal in full, even if the total on the tab comes to $18.00. You just have to make certain that you use the vouchers you purchased at the correct restaurants at the correct time of day. Hope that helps.

[Minybear]

Thanks PNO4TE that makes more since to me now. Looks like I will be buying some vouchers prior to our trip in January.

[Aquagirl]

Thanks everyone for answering my question. It seems like a good discussion was generated. I think that I will order the tickets for my trip in January and then cancel the membership. Thanks again to all you Disney veterans for helping us newcombers!!!

[chris1gill]

Hi Dreamflight!!!

Let me see if I can answer some of your question... if I forget something, please tell me!!!

Anyways... About the meal vouchers, they ALL include tax and tip.... Once you pay for your voucher, you pay NOTHING more for your meal.... Our meals at Pepper Market all were between 50 and 63.00... all we handed them were two vouchers that cost 10.50 each.... so ultimately, the 50 to 63.00 meal cost us 21.00... tax and tip were included...... Like I said before the vouchers aren't a good deal everywhere... you need to do some research over at www.wdwig.com under the menu's section....

About the Orlando Entertainment guide... I bought it three years in a row, and never used it... We just don't go off property enough to make use of the discounts.... There used to be some discounts for the Swan/Dolphin restaurants, but the third year we purchased, there were none... so now we just don't buy it... although you can buy it for your own city & use the Car Rental coupons while you are at Disney.....

To check out the discounts for the Disney Club card, I think you can go to www.wdwig.com & there are some listings there, or you can try to login to the Disney Club website... It wouldn't let me login, and I never went to figure out why.... It can give you a small discount (10-20%) on the on-site resorts, as well as a 10% discount at the Disney Store, it can also entitle you to a free dessert or kids meal at some locations...

We like to get Annual Passes ourselves... we just do the four major themeparks... The annual pass also gets substantial discounts off the on-site resorts... like 35-40%... the discounts, if there are any are usually announced about 4 months prior to your dates.... Also, the AAA card also gets some discounts on the hotel, equal to the Disney Club actually.... Also with the annual passes, we activate them the first year & then go back in 11 months & don't have to pay for park passes again... makes it more affordable....

I think that's everything, glad to help!

[dg39]

Are the 10.50 vouchers to be used only for lunch. If so do they sell dinner vouchers. And 1 voucher per person per meal, right.(4-adults=4 vouchers). Also I think I read that the current vouhers have an expiration date of May 2002. Does anyone know when the later expiration dates are coming out. If we don't go down til July 2002, then these current vouchers are no good for us. This is so confusing for me,that I'm sure you are all wondering if I can walk and chew gum at the same time.

[chris1gill]

Hi DG39,

The 10.50 vouchers are good for either lunch OR dinner... The 29.00 voucher is ONLY good for LUNCH... As for how many vouchers, if each member of your family is going to eat an entree themselves (with drink & dessert), then you would want to get a voucher for each person... Just take a look at the menus on wdwig.com to see which restaurants make sense for you! I think you'll just have to keep watching the boards for the expiration date information... you are right, currently the vouchers have a May 2002 expiration date

[FoodLover]

Those who still have questions about how the Connections vouchers work, where you can use them, when, how much they cost, etc. might want to visit this link, where I explain the program in detail:

http://www.mousesavers.com/connections.html

Mary
MouseSavers.com

[chris1gill]

Hi Mary,

I just took another look at your website... you might want to indicate that gratuity is also included for the Quick and Casual Lunch/Dinner vouchers... I just dragged out the vouchers to double check!

[wheatenwalker]

We used both Quick and Casual and the lunch vouchers (the 29$ ones) when we were there in August. Tusker House was also a good deal for us. We used the more expensive vouchers at Chefs de France and my younger son and I split the meal, it wasnt a problem, no funny looks. The waiter brought an extra plate for Nick when the food came. It was way too much food for either one of us alone. My older son had NO problem finishing all the food. They worked great for my older son who likes dessert at any meal, neither my younger son or I eat that much at one meal. I would buy a few again for DS #1 to use, maybe a few more if DS #2 is into that big time teenage boy eatiing thing by then.

[FoodLover]

Thanks, chris1gill, I will do that! :)

Mary
MouseSavers.com

[chris1gill]

Mary, Glad to help!!!! It made a really big difference to us, since we were staying at Coronado & the Pepper Market charges a 10% gratuity! These 10.50 vouchers were excellent there, some of our entrees alone were 18.00!!! (Course that was our one big meal of the day!!)

[dreamflight99]

Thanks chris! I am thrilled with the enormous amount of info, support and kindness exhibited on these boards...keep up the great work! :p


Yes! You certainly covered all the bases here...and explained it all in detail. I appreciate your expertise and knowledge. I regret purchasing the Orlando ent. book, and it hasn't even arrived yet! Perhaps they'll permit me to exchange it for a local version. I was told it had some coupons to the downtown area restaurants, etc.-but the site was vague at best. I would use the rental car coupons, as we always use national for a day or two while on property. Other than that, we ususally dine on property...so the coupons in the book are futile.

I agree with you about the DC benefits...and have not been able to use my card since I paid for it. I think I used it more, when it was the MKC. I wonder if AAA offers any discounts on tickets, passes? I'm just trying to make sense of the $39.00 annual fee, if I can't recoup the cost...it's not worth renewing. A couple in WDW told us they went to a local Sheriff Office and obtained Florida Photo I.D. cards(?), and used these to purchase the "Florida Residence" Rate Annual Passes!? Has anyone ever heard of this before? I'm too fearful to try this stunt to save a few $$...knowing our luck, we would be interrogated, asked for license-address-etc., and then thrown in the "Mickey" Jail for an eternity. It doesn't seem feasible...that is why I don't believe EVERYTHING I hear!!:smooth:

We have learned much of our traveling skills (not many-haha) by "trial and error". We used to buy the length-of-stay passes, and soon realized we were paying more than the annual pass price! We purchased the annual pass, but then wanted to visit the water parks. So, we purchased the premium annual passes, and do exactly as you do--we return within the 12 month pass life. We travel late July to August the first year, and return Late June to July the second. It saves a bundle on pass expenses!(as you know!). I cringe to think of all the $$ I threw away before knowing this secret. If a guest stays for at least one week or more, and expects to return again the following year, they should buy the pass-instead of the tickets.
This year was the BEST year yet for the premium annual passholder, as they included DISNEY QUEST in the benefits! We visited the DQ location 5 times, and had a blast (when it's not too crowded).

I do know the Orlando Entertainment book has a coupon for 50% off at the Dolphin/Swan hotels-valid through next summer! This offer is good for all rooms, even suites. I called to see if it was truly available, just asking for the "Entertainment rate"-and was amazed at the savings! I have been unable to secure the savings offered to the DC holders, as the times/dates do not coincide with our visit.

The vouchers seem like a great deal, and certainly are worth purchasing and trying at the locations offered. I used the link you gave, and found it very helpful. I am open to "anything" which saves a little $ at WDW. I wish Disney would offer a coupon book, with some % off of the hotels, etc.,and some buy-one get one-free offers for dining! I would pay $35 for that book!

I would like to stay at the Contemporary, and would love to hear of any discounts, etc. for this property. I also love Disney's Vero Beach. I would love to visit again, (yes-we've stayed twice now, and loved it), and have heard of a DVC timeshare offer (if you endure the 90 min. presentation) of 99$ per eve (for four eves). Has anyone heard of this? We stayed at DVB this summer, and went on the tour. We were told if we didn't buy into the DVC, we would not be able to stay at Vero Beach much longer, as all the property would be fully sold-out to DVC members. I felt a bit pressured, but decided it was not worth the investment at this time, (besides, I was ON vacation-and didn't feellike dealing with REAL WORLD issues...like real estate!). Also, even though I LOVE Vero, we were cleared from the water on 3 occasions due to sharks, and the mosquitos are very thick/hearty everywhere (even in our villa). We used the birnbaum's discount of 25% while visiting, which was a substantial savings. Anyone know of any "better" savings/prices?

Thanks again, for all the wonderful help with my questions! This site is the BEST for Disney insider info, and I feel after more than a decade of Disney traveling...I'm just catching-up! Our family discusses other locations for possible summer trips...but year after year...we end up at WDW (and wouldn't have it any other way)!! Our friends, neighbors and family do NOT understand the attraction-and if they "don't get it"...I'm not going to enlighten them!! The magic HAS to be inside already...which is why all of us here--"Gets IT"!! Always...:jester:

P.S. Sorry about the length of this....:bounce: :D :pinkbounc

[chris1gill]

Hi Dreamflight!!

Hey, one thing I noticed in your note.... Aren't you using your DC card when purchasing your annual passes? You should be, it's the only thing that makes purchasing the DC worthwhile!!

About the hotel discounts... Everytime you make a room reservation (since you have an annual pass), ask CRO for the annual passholder discount!!! It usually gives at least 35% off... which is a really good savings! That is also true for Vero Beach as well!!!! Speaking of Vero Beach, we are DVC Members... we like to stay onsite, so we own at both Boardwalk and Old Key West.... If you need DVC info, just ask... anyways, we can use our points to stay at Vero if we ever get around to saving a few days to go down! We keep saying we will, but we haven't yet! That's the nice thing about DVC, we can stay at any of the DVC resorts, based on availability... Anyways, so for your hotel, you should be asking for the Annual Passholders discount!!! (the AAA card by the way doesn't offer discounts on the annual passes)

I know what you are talking about regarding the temporary Florida resident license... Getting one is completely legal, but a year ago or so, it was reported that Disney had REALLY cracked down on allowing these as proof of residency... As such, we never attempted it......

Oh, I almost forgot... in regards to the Swan/Dolphin, if you call the hotel directly, they do have the annual passholders rate as well, which I think is 50%... you might want to check the Swan/Dolphin info over on the resorts board....

About that book you'd like from Disney LOL... I would DEFINITELY buy that book for 35.00!!! What a steal that would be... but I'm not counting on it... they like to give you the least bit for your money, cause they know you'll spend it anyways!!! What a Disney fool I am huh? We often talk about other places we might vacation... then you know where we wind up! Back at Disney LOL......

I've always been very thrifty, it only took me about 4 or 5 years to figure the whole Disney thing out as far as discounts, but believe me, we still spend our fair share! DVC helps a lot in that regard though.... at least we aren't paying rack rate & we always stay in a 1 bedroom villa... they are like heaven!!!

Well, if I forgot anything, just ask! Good to meet another Disneyite!!!

[Aquagirl]

Dreamflight,

[Aquagirl]

Dreamflight,

You would be able to get the discount on the Swan/Dolphin Hotels with any Ent. Book. We have the CT one and you get the discount with the card that they give you not a coupon. If you are able to exchange the Orlando book with your local one it would be much more beneficial. We use ours all of the time. The hotel and rental car discounts are the same for all of the books. The local restaurants and stores are the only differnce between the books. Once you have a book you can also register online as a member and receive online coupons and discounts from all regions. I think that you would use the local book more often.

[dreamflight99]

Thanks for the info...:)

[dreamflight99]

Thanks...to Aquagirl: I had no idea the card with the ent. books could be used in other states? I will ask them to exchange it for a local book and follow your advice.:p

Hi Chris1gill! I am using the DC for the disc. annual passes...but wish there were more! Perhaps I'll only buy the card every other year, like the passes...and save some $$$:D !
I love VERO...and have stayed there twice now. In 2000 5 nights(1=inn room, 4=1 br. villa #1415), and 2001-this past July...for 10 nights...in a 1 br. villa # 1515! We could have placed a down payment in the DVC for the cost...but it was wonderful fun! My daughter loves the turtle walk on the beack, and we love the laid-back atmosphere.

This summer, 2002, we're planning a 4-night visit prior to the "7-night Western C. Cruise" on the Magic. We finally booked the cruise after talking about it for the past three years! We took the Big Red Boat (remember...the old Disney Cruise?:rolleyes: ) in '92, --which I'm sure is nothing like this cruise! We are paying about double the cost of the May/Aug cruise...but can not travel then due to school! It helps to know others are paying a prem. too...misery loves company!:jester: I have heard I should have booked an inside room and requested a complimentary "upgrade", instead of the cabin/veranda I booked. Any truth here?

We are going to the portofino (can I say that on this site?) for two eves. We stayed there this year in a kids suite, with the best bene being the use of thne room card for VIP access to the rides! Absolutely ZERO wait on any attraction! Worth every penny! Wish Disney would do something similar for on-prop guests! I know they do the early entry...and the fast pass(available to everyone)...but it would be nice if they offered VIP access for on-prop guests until noon!LOL

Thanks...for all the insight. I'll call the hotels and ask for the A.P.Discount...I heard the Contemp. offers gov't rates? Any help here is appreciated. Now, time to go and count my pennies...as I save all year to "spend" at Disney!! :earsgirl: :earsgirl: :earsboy: :sunny: :wave: TTFN

[bigsis1970]

didn't mean to show so much excitement but as a single mom w/ two kids if i can save any more money please don't shot me for it... I have purchased the AP's for room discounts and i have also purchased the Disney Club card and those two alone have saved me tons of $$ on this trip and i have gotten a great deal on airfares... But Food seems to be the next biggest expense next to our hotel. I don't think if i buy the membership for $80 i will even break even with the discount saved, as it will be just for my meals (the kids i will have to pay for) We plan to do mostly counter and food court purchases.. I Didn't mean to offend anyone just want to get the most for my buck and have the best vacation possible without going too much in debt
From looking over most of the menus it would only save me about $3.00 each time i used one
so on a 14 day trip that is only $42 and not enough to pay back the org. $80 membership. and for the $42 i don't think i will get the vouchers anyway. but i certainatly was a nice thougt
while it lasted. i think we will be better off just eating twice a day with a few snacks in between. Thanks Michelle

[berlykim22]

How do you know what restuarants or Food courts accept the vouchers??

[chris1gill]

Hey Dreamflight!! You must really like Vero!!! That's great... I've only seen pictures, but it does look quite nice!!! definitely use your AP to get an AP discount!!

I can't really help you on the Disney Cruise..... Cruising isn't our thing, even if it is Disney! The last boat I got on, I got SICK.... won't do that again LOL....


Michelle, You are right, the vouchers only make sense if you are going to actually save money, and there are definitely a lot of counter service restaurants, where you'd lose money or break even... But in our case... we came out WAY WAY AHEAD!!

To find info on the restaurants, go over to Mary's site www.mousesavers.com & check the participating restaurants.. then go over to www.wdwig.com & check out the menu pricing!!!

[akasleepingbeauty]

Dreamflght,

Please head over to the Cruise Line Discussion board here at the DIS - you'll find TONS of great info to help you with your planning of your cruise next summer. Are you going on the eastern or western route? We went on the eastern route in May and had the most wonderful 7 days of vacation - DCL does it right!!! The idea of asking for a complimentary upgrade is nice but not very likely. DCL sails near capacity and upgrades are only occasional and are offered rather than given by request. We had a verandah and LOVED it - you won't be sorry you spent the money! Don't miss Palo (the adult only restaurant) for brunch, tea and/or dinner - the BEST food on the boat and a romantic atmosphere too. The cruise requires its own kind of planning so be sure to read up on excursions, shows, etc. so that you can make the most of your vacation.

Chris1gill,

You should really try a cruise one more time. There are so many more treatments now for seasickness that many who used to get very ill can now cruise without any problems at all. You could start with a 3 or 4 day cruise just to see how you'd respond and go from there. DCL's ships are so large and have such wonderful stabilizing equipment that you can hardly tell you are moving most of the time. DCL offers such a terrific Disney vacation - I think everyone should try it - lol!!!

[dreamflight99]

chris1gill!!

Yes...VERO is so beautiful! You have got to take a trip there...definitely worth the visit. I agree with "akasleepingbeauty"....you must try the Disney Cruise! These ships are SO huge...and with the stabilizers-I've heard you don't even realize you're on a ship! It's smooth sailing...I can hardly wait! We are in a category 5 stateroom with the veranda, midship locale, on the side (port or starboard-can't recall which one it's called!)which faces the castatway cay island! Thanks so much for the info, I didn't think the free upgrade seemed feasible here! That's why, especially with Disney rumors, you can't believe everything you hear. We are pleased to have this part of the trip secured. I'm still working on the rest...back to counting pennies (hehe):p
Take care all......TTFN

[JoyCT]

I've joined Connections but cannot find the Disney restaurant food vouchers talked about here. Help would be appreciated.

thanks,
Joy

[chris1gill]

UGH!! I can't remember what their website menu looks like in my head.... I think it was listed under "theme parks" or something like that!! They are definitely there though!! Keep searching their different options on the menu!!

[hockeymom]

Go to www.connections123.com
Log on with your membership ID number and zip code
Click near the top of the next screen on "Attractions"
Click from the menu down along the left on WDW Resort
Scroll down along the left again and look for meal certificates (I think)
Then click in the center section on Lunch, Breakfast, etc.

It does not list all of the restaurants though. I think that www.mousesavers.com has the list posted.

Did you find them?

[mad for mickey]

does anyone know if you can use the vouchers for dinner.
we want to do a fantasmic dinner and these would be great.
:D

[dg39]

Hi, are the expiraton dates on the food vouchers still May 2002. If they are does anyone know when the new dates will be out and when they expire. Thanks

[chris1gill]

The sit down lunch vouchers cannot be used for dinner unfortunately... they can be used for a late lunch however... The 10.50 voucher can be used for either lunch or dinner, but that's only for the takeout places (except Beaches & Cream, you can sit there).....

I think I read that the current expiration date is still May 2002.....

[Minybear]

How many of you have kept with the connections program? I have until this Sunday to cancel this membership. I have already purchased 4-$29 vouchers, 2-$10.50 vouchers, and 2-restaurant vouchers.

Do you think this is a good program to keep? I can get movie tickets from my work. I can get Blockbuster certificates at Blockbuster. We really do not go out to eat much due to I am constently saving for trips to WDW. So I really do not know if I will keep using the program or not I have no idea.

Help is needed on this.

[disneyjunkie]

I canceled after the one month trail period was up. It was quick and easy.


I plan to join again as soon as the dates on the vouchers change. Our next
trip is in August. I plan to get a bunch of the meal vouchers and several
movie tickets.

[Joe&coNY]

be sure it amounts to at least $10.50 or it is not worth using the certificate.
They are best used for dinner at CSR's Peppermarket & BC's Beaches and Cream being your best choices but we also found them to be good values at PO's Riverside & French Quarter food courts too. They entitle you to dessert too which you can have packed to go to enjoy later back at your resort which is what we did most nights (doesn't work with ice cream LOL!)

We did use these certificates for son 13 yrs dinners but not for 11 yr daughter because she is content with just a pasta dish or chicken fingers which does not amount to $10.50 and therefore, it made sense to pay cash for her.

[rtrtx2]

I understand how these vouchers work and how you can save $$. Now the $29 lunch ones,
what hours are considered lunch?

Thanks

[pantherpaw]

The lunch hours may vary by individual restaurant but generally lunch is from 11am/12noon until 3pm. You'd need to verify with the restaurant or Disney Dining. The lunch vouchers would be valid during a restaurant's normal lunch hours.

[chris1gill]

I think most of the theme park restaurants have lunch priority seating right up til 3:45... the hotels have more individualized times... I know the Concourse Steakhouse over at the Contemporary has a 2:00pm closing time for lunch...

[chris1gill]

Just wanted to mention to one of the posters, wondering whether or not to cancel her membership.... If you shop at Toys R Us or Kids R Us... this is a really good deal as well.... You buy 100.00 worth of gift certificates, the next month you get 20 back... so that's essentially a 20% discount off Toys/Kids R Us... pretty good :) I'm actually planning to join back up in April (and pay) Because sometime around June we usually spend a lot at Kids R Us.... We'll keep that membership for a year at that time...

[NancyIL]

I bit the bullet and joined Connections today. I was actually pretty impressed with the non-Disney discounts. When we eat out, it's usually at Red Lobster or Olive Garden. We are big book buyers, too - so saving 20% at Barnes and Noble and Borders is great. We've been renting a lot of DVD's lately, so saving 20% at Blockbuster (gift cards) will come in handy. I think we will at least break even, and possibly come out way ahead.

As for the WDW discounts - I plan to order a 7-day PHP. I can't decide if I want to get any of the quick and casual lunch vouchers or the breakfast vouchers.

[Minybear]

When I joined Connections we were going for the meal vouchers and while I was ordering those I also ordered Red Lobster and Outback dinner certificates. At the end of the month I decided to cancel this membership due to we don't go out much due to I am always saving for WDW vacations. We do not have small children. We do go to blockbuster but I can get the gift cert's there. We really do not shop much at the stores they advertised.

[JoyCT]

hockeymom, thanks I did find all the info. Whew, it really was there, I just couldn't put my cursor on it, hehehe. thanks again...

Joy

[BuhByeNebraska]

Could you give us the details on the Red Lobster and Outback Steakhouse meal vouchers? Thanks !

[NancyIL]

The chain restaurants don't use vouchers. You are buying $10 gift cards with a 20% rebate to your credit card at the end of the month. There's a limit of 10-$10 gift cards per restaurant per membership. Red Lobster, Olive Garden, Bahama Breeze and Smokey Joe's are all Darden restaurants, so you should be able to use gift cards from one restaurant at another chain in that family. I've used an Olive Garden card at Red Lobster, so I'm assuming it works at the other two chains.

[disneygals]

I love Connections...have 3 kids, so use the Toys r us and Kb kids cards, plus movie tickets.

The gift cards are great for presents, too. I easily make up the fee and more.


Vivienne

[DVC California]

Since there is so much good info on this original thread, I thought I'd bump it back up.

Steve

[lorilori]

This is a great thread; thanks for all the wonderful information. Another question, please, if someone could answer it, thank you. Is there a limit as to how many certificates I could purchase from Olive Garden, KB Toys, etc.? Thanks!

[chris1gill]

There is a limit, I want to say a limit of 10, but I could be way off... you could order them online & hope you get them or call their customer service department & ask, but I remember 10 or maybe 15.....

[Beanie]

I just broke down and joined this after reading this whole thread and the other wonderful budget board threads as well!! :) I joined through My points and earned 200 points there as well, plus a $25 Gas Card! :) That is great because we are driving down in May!!

Thanks for all the great information!! :)

[KristinU]

Hi Everyone,

Based on this thread I decided to sign up for the $1 trial membership. Does anyone know if the meal vouchers they are currently sending out are still the May 2002 expiration date as mentioned above? If so, are they good through the end of May or a certain date in May? We have a May trip planned, then a September trip planned - I'd hate to buy too many and not beable to use them.

Thanks for all of the helpful info! The May trip was kind-of unexpected and an add on to a business trip for me so I am trying to s-t-r-e-t-c-h our vacation $$$ as far as I can! (We bought annual passes last year so that we could get 2 annual Fall trips in on them - so this May trip is added justification for the APs!)

Thanks Much!
Kristin

[MOM POPPINS]

Just got mine last week and the expiration date is May 31st. Have Fun! We will be there in 28 days !

[Beanie]

MomPoppins...How long did it take for you to get your vouchers? I am just curious as to how much time to allow...:) Thanks!! :)

[MOM POPPINS]

I was within 7 days!

[Beanie]

Wow!! That is great...thanks for the quick reply! :)

[perdidobay]

wow! thanks to the great info here I just joined Connections thru Coolsavings and between the $25 giftcard and my savings on the 3 4day plus hoppers I need to buy, I will have paid for a one year membership. I'll wait to see first if they are reliable before I keep the membership though.
Thanks everyone!

[3kids4me]

Hi,
Can anyone tell me if these vouchers would also cover your adult-meal cost at a show like the Hoop-de-doo review?

What about when the price is not fixed, like at the California Grill?

Seems too good to be true!

Thanks,

Sharon

[Scotch]

Why does Disney issue these vouchers? Is Connections the only place to purchase them at a discount? Disney doesn't sell them?

[MOM POPPINS]

The Hoop dee doo & the California Grill are not listed as a restaurant on the voucher. Go to www.mousesavers.com and click on Walt Disney World then click on Meals & Snacks, Go down to Connections and click on it, that will take you to the screen that list the restaurants!
http://www.mousesavers.com/connections.html try this to take you straight there!

[chris1gill]

Hi Scotch,

Apparently these are the same vouchers that are issued with some travel packages (for schools & such).... Connections is the only place anyone here has ever found them, Disney does not sell them direct to the public.... They are an exceptional deal at Beaches & Cream & Pepper Market, and a good deal at other places as well.

[KristinU]

Scotch and chris1gill -

As far as I can tell they are the same as the Breakfast Certificates that you can redeem American Express Awards points for. I have some connections ones on order - I will let you guys know if they look the same when I get them.

Best Regards!

[KristinU]

Just got my meal tickets, and yes - they do look the same as the ones you order through American Express Rewards (just in case anyone wanted to know!)

Also, FYI - mine came via UPS and would not be left without a live person signing for them (not an option to sign and have it left the next day) so I had to pick mine up at the local UPS shipping/receiving center.

Best Wishes!

[NORIELNJ]

I don't understand how your saving money. I checked the prices for Chef Mickey's and it's $15.99 Adult and $8.99 a Child for breakfast. Now, I read that the vouchers are $17.50 an Adult and $12.00 a Child. Please explain this one more time. You know like Disney for Dummies. lol

[Crystalwv]

The vouchers include your drink, taxes, and tip. I think you end up saving a couple of dollars.

[NORIELNJ]

Okay, I get it now. Thanks!

[chris1gill]

Thanks for the info KristinU... very good to know!

[dominatorhn]

How do find out which food court or restaurant taking the meal voucher? is there a different type of voucher for the food court vs. restaurent, lunch vs. dinner, etc. Thanks!

[CherylA]

How many plusses do the WDW hoppers come with? Does it vary from the 4 day plus to the 5 day plus to the 6 day etc? or do they all come with the same # of plusses if so how many?

thanks,
Cheryl

[Cindy B]

Originally posted by dominatorhn
How do find out which food court or restaurant taking the meal voucher? is there a different type of voucher for the food court vs. restaurent, lunch vs. dinner, etc. Thanks!

For the food , you can go www.mousesavers.com Mary breaks down the three vouchers into good value/average value.

For the actual menu for the restaurants try

www.wdwig.com You can price out entrees there

[wdisneyaholic]

When using the vouchers, can you order anything for dessert? Even the kitchen sink at Beaches' & Cream?

[MOM POPPINS]

yes!!!!

[CherylA]

The "vacation Kingdom" children's lunch vouchers (12.50) do they include an appetizer, entree, dessert and beverage too or just a kids meal? What if ther restaurant doesn't have kids meals. Anyone know?

[MOM POPPINS]

Yes They do include a drink, appetizer and dessert I have not found a resturant yet that did not offer ids menu so I do not know about that one !

[COLEBLUE]

OK. I have been reading all this information about connections. Has anyone ever used the 29.00 voucher at rainforest cafe in Animal Kingdom? Can you order anything on the menu? (Including lobster?) Also, if you are staying at Carribean Beach Resort is it inconvienant to go to Coronado Peppermarket for dinner? How does the transportation work? Is it fairly easy to leave the parks and go to Coronado and then back to carribean beach . How late does the Pepper Market stay open? Any response would be GREATLY appreciated!!

[MOM POPPINS]

Yes to RFC and you can order anything on the menu including the lobster! Only 1 person coming back recently was told he could not order the volcano dessert or the 2 person appetizer becuase it is meant for 2 or more, but since that 1 persons response NO ONE else has reported the same problem. I have posted if you look through threads about RFC and Beaches and Cream, anyone using them recently and no one has reported not being able to order anything you want. You have to be at a park to be able to go to to another resort You cannot use the transportaion from resort to resort. Although you can go from the parks to any resort easily. You cannot go from CSR to Carribean. You have to go to CSR to a park then to Carribean. I am planning on going to Beaches and Cream and the Beach Club after MGM closes by boat then walk in to EPCOT watch the illuminations and then go out and catch a bus from Epcot to my resort. :p

[COLEBLUE]

Thanks so much for the information!!! Have you stayed at CBR or CSR? We have only been to WDW once, that was DEC,2001. We stayed at the All Star Sports for $49.00 per nite. This time(May 3-6 2002) I wanted to try a moderate ($94.00 per nite) but couldn't make up my mind which one. I have a 5 year old boy. I booked CBR but I think the food court is better at CSR. Is it worth changing my Res? I will definately take advantage of the connections vouchers. Since I have had weight loss surgery I can't eat very much so my husband and I usually share entrees. Is this frowned upon at RFC? I really want to try this resturant. Is it Good? Where can I find reviews on it?
Thanks!!!!

[pw2pp]

Regarding Rainforest Cafe:

Yes, I ordered Lobster just a few days ago at RFC at Animal Kingdom (on the Connections Voucher).
Yes, the "Volcano" counted as 2 desserts, so we went ahead and orrdered it for our family of 4 (since we used 2 vouchers).
We ALL ate on 2 vouchers. I got Lobster and my husband got Steak PLUS with the big appetizers and the huge dessert, we were all stuffed at the end.

[Kacey]

Thanks for the info on RFC. I think we will try it with the vouchers when we go back in March!

pw2pp:

I love the picture of your dog--we had one that looked exactly like that--named Beau. Unfortunately, he died and now we have one that is all liver named Bogey. Does yours think he is a human?

[pw2pp]

Thanks Kacey. That is "Shelby" in the pic.
We love her dearly, (even though she totally ruined a ton of things in our house during her early puppy-hood). :)

[mrsmouse]

this has been a wonderfully informative thread... thank you!

i joined a few days ago. i'm waiting to receive info via mail, before i order tix and vouchers.

question...

do the disney passes come in the mail from connections, or is there some sort of voucher for them as well to pick up tix somewhere else?

thank you!

55 days, but who's counting!

[disney4us2002]

You get the actual passes w/connections. They don't come regular mail tho, I've read you have to sign for them.

Carla

[pw2pp]

Yes, the actual tickets come. I think it was either UPS or Airborne - and yes, you must be home to sign for them.

[COLEBLUE]

Thanks for the reply on RFC. Was the food and service good? Did you have PS?

[COLEBLUE]

Well, I just called and got PS for RFC in AK on May 5!!! I am planning on using the $29.50 connetions voucher that is only good during lunch hours. My question is: What do they consider lunch hours? I asked the CMO and he told me that lunch and dinner were the same at RFC. Does anyone know what the latest PS I can get for lunch is? I made it for 2:00 but would rather eat later if possible. I just don't want to miss out on using my voucher!!!

[Biyanna]

After 11am is considered lunch/dinner. The menu is the same. Our PS was at 4:45 and we used our lunch vouchers w/absolutely no problems. Enjoy!!!!

[COLEBLUE]

THANKS!!! I will change my PS for later in the day.

[mousemaniac]

Has any one heard if the vouchers are going to be extended past 5/31/02. We are going in 9/02 and wanted to buy some, but want to be sure the program will be extended.

[Kacey]

A few weeks ago, I received Quick and Casual vouchers with a May 31,2003 expiration date.

I did not order any Lunch or Breakfast vouchers so I'm not sure about their expiration dates.


HTH!!

[Jen80370]

Want to make sure I get them with 2003...because we are going in June 2002...and I want to make sure they arrive in time. Thanks!

[katefromny]

If gratuity is included in the connections voucher price, what happens at restaurants to parties of 8 or more? We are a party of nine and every time I make a PS, I'm duly informed by the CM that for parties of 8 or more, gratuity will be included in the bill. Does that make no difference,since we're using the voucher? I'm specifically thinking of Alfredos. Also: can anyone tell me which places the dinner vouchers can be used at? Flying Fish? California Grill? Ohana's? ...are any of them on the list??

[Drake]

We'll be at WDW in 3 weeks. Do you think I'll have time to join Connections and purchase vouchers before that?
When you join on line....can you instantanously purchase vouchers at the same time?
And...:D .....how old is considered a 'child'?
Thanks!

[MOM POPPINS]

YOu have time I ordered mly vouchers instantly and they cames in less than a week. When you are ordering it will give you child age I really cannot remember off hand.