26 Days to go - This years boards research

[DVC_Dreamer]

As Disney veterans, we know a thing or two that we didn't know as beginners. For this trip, two things we've been working on are DDP or TIWL card and rental car or not.
When we first booked this trip in November, we were planning DDP. We've never used it before but thought it was time. Further research in leaning towards TIWL for a couple reasons.

Cost is up significantly.
You have to pay tip.
No appetizers - Onion rings looked good on one of menus.
We love to eat, but believe the DDP will force meals and bloating.
Loss of freedom and I don't want to track meals.

We've rented a car since our second trip and it's been the best decision. It's so easy driving around WDW. If you miss a turn, there seems to be another that works fine at the next exit. With the double or triple cost of rentals on this trip, good advice seems to indicate possibly renting from within the World half way through the trip. We've booked ME for trip from airport. Wife does not want to miss half day on way home due to ME busses and their early departure. For our first half of trip, by staying at BLT, we can do MK, EPCOT and even HS with very limited bus rides.

Any other advice in these areas?

 

[MouseMomx2]

IMO it won't save you any time to rent a car for your return to the airport. Magical Express busses schedule you for 3 hours before your flight. Orlando Airport can be crazy busy so you'll want to be there 2 hours before your flight time anyway. Add the 1/2 hour drive, the car return and baggage drop off to that and you're still looking at leaving 3 hours before your flight. If it were me i'd save the money and use DME.

As for dining, we have always found TIW to be a better deal than the DDP, both financially and flexibility-wise.

 

[scooter7487]

Sorry but what does tiw stand for? Thanks

 

[MouseMomx2]

Sorry but what does tiw stand for? Thanks

Tables In Wonderland

It is a dining discount card offered to Florida residents and Annual Pass holders. Once you purchase the card you can get 20% food and beverages (including alcohol) off at most full-service restaurants and a few quick-serve locations.

 

[msp2mco]

We haven't done DDP because, like you said, it promotes overeating. We have enjoyed TIWC, but I make sure that we save enough based on our ADRs and number of people in our group to make it worthwhile.

We usually rent a car too, but if we are staying at a Epcot resort (we haven't stayed at a MK resort, but the same applies), we haven't rented a car. It's worked out just fine to use Disney transportation.

 

[photobob]

I agree about the DDP on all above reasons. I really thought about it for a trip one year but when I compared the cost of the plan versus our normal eating and ordering patterns it was much more than we normally spend. We tend to eat one meal out a day, usually a moderately priced TS. We drive so we are able to take a great deal of food with us.

As far as transportation goes we generally try to solely use WDW transportation everywhere we go on property. I know that it may save a few minutes here or there but I like having someone else drive for me, I drive enough with my job so I am glad to let someone else take the wheel. I go to WDW often enough that I am no longer a park commando so if it takes me a little longer so be it. We have met so many people from around the world and had such great conversations at bus stops and on the bus that it really adds to our trip!

 

[supersuperwendy]

There was a time when I would have said DDP all the way. Those days are long gone. I say TiW for sure. We never rent a car so I can't help you with that one. Well...we did rent one in 2008 when we stayed off site. We used Enterprise and their office was away from the airport. It was a major pain. If we ever rent again the in the future I'd pick a company located at the airport. Or do it while on WDW property from the car care center.