Which is the better deal??

[Jennasis]

We decided to stay at Pop for our big family extravaganza trip next fall. My father (God bless him!) is footing the bill, believe it or not, for himself and my mother as well as Me, DH, DSis and Dsis's DFiance, and my other DSis (all adults). It's my mom's 60th birthday gift from dad to have the whole family together . So we'll probably have 4 rooms (just in case Dsis #2 brings her boyfriend). Remember, this is 2010.

What I want to know is, assuming it's offered again, would YOU go the last weekend in September for free dining, or would you go the second weekend in October with the AAA discount MYW package (with dining)?

Which is the better deal?

We want to be there for F&W, MNSSHP, and even sneak over to Universal to see the Harry Potter stuff. It's mom's birthday and she wants some Harry! We'll be there for 6 days and 5 nights from Wednesday through Monday.

Personally, I would prefer the second week in October (the first week is not doable thanks to a previous commitment to the Special Olympics for me). But I want to help DDad save wherever possible. We LOVED the dining plan with our AAA pkg last December.

Also, from a crowds pov, which of those proposed weekends would be best? I know we're trying to cram A LOT into those 6 days with the side trip to Universal, but we've done Disney SO many times that we can totally cut out "the fat" and focus on just the stuff we want to see.

[onelilspark]

Second week in October this year held Columbus Day. Flights out of here were $150 more (at least) than they were the week before or after. Check that out.

[Jennasis]

Columbus Day would be the day we all would be departing it looks like, but if we needed to we could consider the 3rd weekend in October. I'm looking for the diff between free dining with a rack rate MYW pkg for late September vs. the AAA discount pkg with dining added in for mid October.

[chocovrdmicears]

I don't know what the AAA discount would be, but I can't imagine it would be a better deal than rack rate in Sept with Free Dining! You have a lot of people traveling with you 7 people on Free Dining is a savings of $39.99 per day (if they do the regular dining plan like they did this year). That would be a savings of $279 per day($1953 for 7 nights). You would be paying rack rate for the room, but Sept is still a Value Season...I am guessing the room might be $110 a night (again I am estimating)? For 4 rooms per night that would be $440-$450 ish? Unless your AAA disount is about 40% (which I can't imagine it would be) ..I think Free Dining would be a much better deal.

Number might look like this:

7 people ( 4 rooms), 7 nights, POP at $110 a night:

room: $3080
Free dining= $0
tickets would stay the same

AAA
Room: $3080 - % off discount (say 20%) = $2464
+ 1960 for dining
tickets would be the same

I think I am doing this right? There was probably an easier way.

[Jennasis]

Our AAA rate last year for early DEC was $62/night.

[chocovrdmicears]

Ok. Based on the rate:

Sept Rack Rate again average $110
Room: $3080
Dining: 0
Total: $3080

AAA discount
Room: $1736
Dining: $1960
Total: $3696

[Stitch2244314]

Assuming that Disney is offering the deal again (which they probably will because the economy is clearly not recovering anytime soon), then I think free dining is definitely the better offer. The values don't cost enough per night where a room discount is cheaper than free dining. So if that offer comes back next year, I say go for Free Dining. Have a great trip!

[Jennasis]

Originally Posted by chocovrdmicears

Ok. Based on the rate:

Sept Rack Rate again average $110
Room: $3080
Dining: 0
Total: $3080

AAA discount
Room: $1736
Dining: $1960
Total: $3696

Yay! I am just awful at the math. Off to share the info with Dad...

[septbaby]

Free Dining saves $80 per night for each room with two adults. I can't see a case where you'd save $80 night at a Value hotel.

[NancyIL]

September and early December are both in value season, and the 2009 rack rate of a value resort at that time is $82/night + tax. The rack rate of a value resort in October is $105/night + tax. September will be less expensive than October whether you get free dining or a room discount through AAA.

[Singinglizzie]

You cant count on free dining next Sept, but historically for the past few years that has been the case. Just note that the free dining being offered now for Oct to Dec 09 is only offering quick service dinning at the values. To upgrade to the dining package it is $10 extra per adult per night. IF that is the way Disney goes next Aug-Sept (which makes sense since the values sell out quicker than the mods or deluxes, but offers Disney a smaller margin) then you should plan on adding $10.00 x 7 per night, for an extra $70.00 per night. Would hate to see you recommend free dinning to your Dad, then be disappointed to get that extra charge to upgrade. It's anyones guess what will happen but if you plan for the most expensive scenario, you all will be happier if you get extras thrown your way!!!