Torn on what to do - The DIS Discussion Forums

randy2005 · 01-04-2013, 09:22 AM

Right now I have a package booked for AoA Little Mermaid room end of August with park tickets and dining plan for $3650.00.

I was going to save money and stay off site saving about $1500.00

I can book the Beach Club (my dream place to stay) with park tickets but no dining plan for $2600.00.

Which would you choose and why?

Thanks

Marla1106 · 01-04-2013, 09:24 AM

I'd go with BC and no dinning plan. I think I can eat cheaper at Disney without the dinning plan. I looked up menus of places we are likely to eat, and priced what a few meals will cost us.

But, we don't do any character meals or anything like that. My boys like the characters but are content to wave at them.

sydneysmom · 01-04-2013, 09:29 AM

If you added dining to the BC reservation, wouldn't the price be about the same as what you were paying at AOA? Personally, I'd go w/ the BC. You can literally walk (or boat) to Epcot, take the boat to HS. You've cut taking buses to 2 parks. You also have alot more freedom to do more things at night within walking distance. If you've got park hoppers, you can walk through Epcot and take the monorail to MK. (or snack around the world for meals....) there are limitless options!

randy2005 · 01-04-2013, 09:33 AM

With this discount you can not add the dining plan on which is ok. I priced out the Beach Club and park tickets on the website and it was $4427.78 so a huge discount. I am really tempted to book it

Mama Moose · 01-04-2013, 09:44 AM

Stay at your dream resort.
If you like to eat at a lot of the pricier places, buy a TiW discount card and save 20% on your food costs and order what you want and not what Disney tells you to.
Have fun!!

mickeynut1 · 01-04-2013, 09:51 AM

I agree with the others to book the BC. The BC is a beautiful resort and you can't beat being within walking distance to both Epcot and DHS.

jollygreengirl · 01-04-2013, 09:52 AM

Definitely BC. It'll be a completely different trip for you. We have been to WDW numerous times and have only done the DDP once. IMO BC with no DDP is a better deal. Anyway, you will adore BC. The pool alone makes it the clear winner, let alone the awesome location. I have stayed in that area twice and it's really, really fabulous. Walking through World Showcase in the morning before the crowds is so beautiful and a totally difference experience than the rest of the day.

MyOtherSS · 01-04-2013, 09:52 AM

Go for the Beach Club, I've always wanted to stay at a boardwalk resort because of the convenience of Epcot and Hollywood studios. You can probably eat cheaper without the dining plan if you watch the prices. You only go around once go for your dream resort!

dansdad · 01-04-2013, 09:54 AM

BC all the way for the same reasons already mentioned.

randy2005 · 01-04-2013, 10:05 AM

Thanks everyone. I am going to book the Beach Club and we will just pay for our meals out of pocket. Can I get the TiW card if I don't live in FL? I thought it was for FL residents only

dansdad · 01-04-2013, 10:08 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by randy2005

Thanks everyone. I am going to book the Beach Club and we will just pay for our meals out of pocket. Can I get the TiW card if I don't live in FL? I thought it was for FL residents only

According to their website, you have to be a FL resident, an annual/season pass holder or a DVC member.

randy2005 · 01-04-2013, 10:23 AM

Just cancelled AoA package and booked BC. So very excited. Doing the happy dance

TigrLvsPooh · 01-04-2013, 10:32 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by randy2005

Right now I have a package booked for AoA Little Mermaid room end of August with park tickets and dining plan for $3650.00.

I was going to save money and stay off site saving about $1500.00

I can book the Beach Club (my dream place to stay) with park tickets but no dining plan for $2600.00.

Which would you choose and why?

Thanks

Definitely Beach Club with no dining plan. We have done the dining plan many, many times and I really don't think it saves money. We tend to eat too much, practically force feeding ourselves to get the most food for the price, stuffing dessert in when we really don't have room for it. Then end up walking around miserably stuffed and too full to have all the great treats around the parks. My kids have to order adult meals, which they barely eat, so that is more food waste for us. My 11 year old is much happier with Mickey shaped macaroni and cheese. Also I feel the single table service restaurant food quality is mediocre at best for the price you pay. We still eat at these restaurants, but often splitting entrees and having the kids eat off the kids menu. I like to save room for a Dole Whip or something from the Karamel Kuche!!!

If you want the benefit of pre-paying for meals just buy some disney gift cards from time to time and stick them in an envelope. By the time you get ready to go on your trip you'll have a nice little chunk of money saved up for food.

The Beach Club is a fantastic resort! One of my favorites! Awesome pools, super close to Epcot, tons of great places to eat, nice night time atmosphere, I would highly recommend it!

TigrLvsPooh · 01-04-2013, 10:34 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by randy2005

Just cancelled AoA package and booked BC. So very excited. Doing the happy dance

Good decision!

El Perro · 01-04-2013, 10:35 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by randy2005

Just cancelled AoA package and booked BC. So very excited. Doing the happy dance

You did the right thing. :D

01-04-2013, 09:22 AM	#1
randy2005 Mouseketeer Join Date: Jun 2010 Location: Medford, MA Posts: 222	Torn on what to do Right now I have a package booked for AoA Little Mermaid room end of August with park tickets and dining plan for $3650.00. I was going to save money and stay off site saving about $1500.00 I can book the Beach Club (my dream place to stay) with park tickets but no dining plan for $2600.00. Which would you choose and why? Thanks

01-04-2013, 09:29 AM	#3
sydneysmom Always dreaming about Cpt Jack Sparrow Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: Mississippi Posts: 3,191	If you added dining to the BC reservation, wouldn't the price be about the same as what you were paying at AOA? Personally, I'd go w/ the BC. You can literally walk (or boat) to Epcot, take the boat to HS. You've cut taking buses to 2 parks. You also have alot more freedom to do more things at night within walking distance. If you've got park hoppers, you can walk through Epcot and take the monorail to MK. (or snack around the world for meals....) there are limitless options! __________________ Sydney's Step Mom me DH DD7 bebe ellie chloe phoebe 2010 : Grand Floridian and MNSSHP 2013 : Grand Floridian and DH's birthday!

01-04-2013, 09:44 AM	#5
Mama Moose Mouseketeer Join Date: Mar 2012 Location: SC Posts: 104	Stay at your dream resort. If you like to eat at a lot of the pricier places, buy a TiW discount card and save 20% on your food costs and order what you want and not what Disney tells you to. Have fun!! __________________ Michelle Nick Emma(8) Lillie(5) Bella

01-04-2013, 09:51 AM	#6
mickeynut1 DIS Veteran Join Date: Apr 2007 Posts: 8,555	I agree with the others to book the BC. The BC is a beautiful resort and you can't beat being within walking distance to both Epcot and DHS. __________________ CBR July 2002 - BC December 2003 - WL CL Oct/Nov 2004 - WL September 2006 - Poly September 2007 - AKL/GF SL/WL January 2010 - AKL/GF December 2010 - GF RPC May 2011

01-04-2013, 09:52 AM	#8
MyOtherSS Mouseketeer Join Date: Sep 2012 Location: The Granite State Posts: 110	Go for the Beach Club, I've always wanted to stay at a boardwalk resort because of the convenience of Epcot and Hollywood studios. You can probably eat cheaper without the dining plan if you watch the prices. You only go around once go for your dream resort! __________________ Past Stays: Fort Wilderness, Polynesian, Animal Kingdom Lodge and Contemporary.

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The DIS Register to remove Join Date: 1997 Location: Orlando, FL Posts: 1,000,000

01-04-2013, 09:24 AM	#2
Marla1106 Mouseketeer Join Date: Mar 2011 Posts: 105	I'd go with BC and no dinning plan. I think I can eat cheaper at Disney without the dinning plan. I looked up menus of places we are likely to eat, and priced what a few meals will cost us. But, we don't do any character meals or anything like that. My boys like the characters but are content to wave at them.

01-04-2013, 09:33 AM	#4
randy2005 Mouseketeer Join Date: Jun 2010 Location: Medford, MA Posts: 222	With this discount you can not add the dining plan on which is ok. I priced out the Beach Club and park tickets on the website and it was $4427.78 so a huge discount. I am really tempted to book it

01-04-2013, 09:52 AM	#7
jollygreengirl Mouseketeer Join Date: Aug 2011 Location: GA Posts: 122	Definitely BC. It'll be a completely different trip for you. We have been to WDW numerous times and have only done the DDP once. IMO BC with no DDP is a better deal. Anyway, you will adore BC. The pool alone makes it the clear winner, let alone the awesome location. I have stayed in that area twice and it's really, really fabulous. Walking through World Showcase in the morning before the crowds is so beautiful and a totally difference experience than the rest of the day.

01-04-2013, 09:54 AM	#9
dansdad DIS Veteran Join Date: Sep 2011 Location: Crystal Lake, IL Posts: 2,115	BC all the way for the same reasons already mentioned. __________________ ME DW DS11

01-04-2013, 10:05 AM	#10
randy2005 Mouseketeer Join Date: Jun 2010 Location: Medford, MA Posts: 222	Thanks everyone. I am going to book the Beach Club and we will just pay for our meals out of pocket. Can I get the TiW card if I don't live in FL? I thought it was for FL residents only

01-04-2013, 10:23 AM	#12
randy2005 Mouseketeer Join Date: Jun 2010 Location: Medford, MA Posts: 222	Just cancelled AoA package and booked BC. So very excited. Doing the happy dance

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