Another Connections Question...

[plummer925]

Hi there!

I know a GAZILLION people ask Connections questions, and those of you who see this post are probably rolling your eyes at me right now...lol.....

I did read through a LOT of posts and couldn't find my particular question, so I figured I'd ask....

I just joined Connections so I could get the vouchers that so many of you have....the problem is this: This is our first trip to Disney World, and we really have no idea of portion sizes or how hungry we'll be (it'll be hot for us - we are from Maine...)....

It'll only be my husband and I...we're going for 9 nights. When looking at Deb's site on the menus, I found that the breakfast vouchers are not worth it (am I wrong!? )....

The quick and casual lunch (I think that's what they're called...) at $11.00 each look to be worth it for the most part - I was thinking of getting 18 - one for each of us per "lunch" (using them at dinner time for the most part - is that okay to do?)....Or should I do more so I'd have them for lunch AND dinner (that seems to make a bit more sense than the $29.99 vouchers, but we DO like to dine at nice restaurants....)?

The $29.99 lunch vouchers look like it's only worth it for select restaurants....Rain Forest Cafe looks like a heck of a deal with it (does it REALLY allow you to order ANY entree and appetizer!?)....

What I'd like to know is if people REALLY saved money using these, or if it's worth doing...I was thinking the headache I'd save by PRE-PAYING my meals might be worth it (less the breakfasts, as we'd not do character breakfasts)....even WITH the breakfasts, it's just over $100 a day if we pre-pay ALL three meals a day (figuring one of each voucher per person)....

Help....(LOL!).....Any advice would be GREATLY appreciated.....

Thanks!

Crystal

 

[Ladygator]

We just returned from WDW and used the breakfast vouchers for the adults at CRT. Since tip and tax are included I believe we saved a few dollars. We used 2 vouchers at Beaches and Cream for our family of 5 and had plenty of food. We did order an extra grilled cheese and drink for my DS. They are a very good value at B&C. Also, we used the $29 lunch voucher at the RFC at AK and yes our waiter let us order any entree we wanted. My DH and I split the crab legs that were $29.99 and got an appetizer, smoothie and dessert also. We could have ordered the stuffed lobster that was $39.99. I would recommend in many cases splitting an entree with someone. You can always pay extra for a drink or extra side dish if you wish. Also, we tended to tip extra since for the most part the waiters were very good at splitting things for us. Good luck.

 

[plummer925]

Thanks Ladygator!

I'm sure I drove everyone nuts with my question, but I DID research it before asking....

I really appreciate your imput...that amazes me about some of the entrees!! That's great!!

Thanks again!!

Crystal

 

[hulabird]

My husband and I went last year and I brought 6 Q&C's, we only used 5 of them, I did not find enough places that would be worth using them at, and I think this year it seems like there are less places to use them. We got 6 this year too because my nieces are coming and we plan to go to B&C a few times. I don't like being restricted to going to only the places listed on vouchers just to use up vouchers. For example I know this year I want to go to 50's Prime time and Sci Fi Dine In, but they aren't on the vouchers...we will mostly use them at B&C and CBR food court. Check wdwig.com for prices and u will find out if they are worth it enough to bring tons of them

 

[plummer925]

That is a really good point. We hate being restricted at ALL - we don't even plan to make an itinerary of what park we'll be in each day until the night before (unless that's a bad idea???????)....

I think I'll pick up a few of the $11.00 vouchers and a few of the $29 (ish) vouchers as we do want to go to Rainforest Cafe, and that seems like a REALLY good deal....

Thanks!

 

[CherylA]

Personally for a 9 night stay I would only get 9 Q&C vouchers. 1 per day to share. Generally speaking I think the value in them comes from sharing a meal unless you're a big eater. You may want to consider 1 or 2 of the 29.99 lunch vouchers that can be used for sit down meals. I think if you buy too many you will be disappointed at not having the freedom to eat where when what you want.

Cheryl

 

[CDoobee]

The menus on Deb's site are great, aren't they?!

My 17 year old DS and I went in June and used some of each of the vouchers.

We only used the breakfast vouchers once, at a buffet. We would have used more, but that was the only sit-down breakfast we did. I think the buffet cost $15.99 or something like that. And since the voucher (at $17.50, I think) includes tax and tip, it was definitely worth it! It doesn't save a whole lot, but any money saved is good!! Plus, I like the added convenience of having some meals prepaid!

We used the Vacation Kingdom Lunch vouchers only once also. In fact, we shared one at RFC at AK. He probably could have easily used one himself, but I'm a vegetarian and there wasn't anything costly enough to justify using a voucher for myself. But, there were some quite costly items on the menu for meat eaters!

We used several of the Q&C vouchers! I like these the best! And yes, they can be used for lunch or dinner. We saved tons of money at Beaches and Cream! We also used them at Lottawatta Lodge at Blizzard Beach, Cosmic Ray's at MK, Mara at Animal Kingdom Lodge, Toy Story Pizza Planet at MGM. Didn't save a ton of money at these places, but they were definitely still worth it! Unfortunately, with me being a vegetarian and my DS wanting his burgers and pepperoni pizza we couldn't share any of these meals. Otherwise, we could have saved a lot more!

I really don't think you will need a Q&C voucher AND a Lunch voucher for each of you every day, unless you are BIG eaters. The portions at most restaurants are large. You may decide to split meals. Also, with the heat, I know we don't usually feel like eating 3 (or sometimes even 2!) meals a day. Plus, you have to save room for the Dole Whips, Beavertails, Mickey Bars, popcorn, etc. etc. etc. LOL

Hope this helps!

Debbie

 

[plummer925]

Debbie;

Thank you SO much - that was extrememly helpful information!

I think that sharing a meal sounds like the best option. We have got some GREAT tips from these boards! We will be shipping a box to our resort to be waiting for us (bottled water since we are VERY picky about water!! lol)...

And I just GOTTA go to Beaches and Cream now that so many people have said such wonderful things about it!!!



And - YES - I gotta have room in my (large!) belly for those other yummy treats!!

Thank you again!!!

Crystal

 

[hulabird]

Yeah, I would not go hog wild and buy tons of them, so u don't get stuck with too many or end up HAVING to go to those places just to get rid of them. We do not plan too much in advance, we are more spontaneous, we only plan our character meals in advance, then make a list of places I KNOW we want to try, with the vouchers, I know that we will eat at the CBR food court at least once and at B&C at least twice...and then maybe try a few new places, like Flame Tree BBQ in AK and at the Mara at AKL (cuz my sister & some of my family are staying there) and use only 1 voucher between 2 of us as often as possible. So I ordered 6 and I am sure I will use all of them this year. Best advice is make a list of places you KNOW you want to go to, and then order from there. I even made a list of all the places I felt would be a good value and didn't list ones I thought wouldn't be, that list is tucked into my Passporter (I bring it every trip) for reference.

 

[plummer925]

Hulabird;

You said you tucked your things into your "passporter" - can I ask what that is? If it's something to ORGANIZE things I NEED it!! LOL!

Thanks!

Crystal

 

[CDoobee]

Hi Crystal

I have a Passporter, too. It's great! It's an all-in-one travel guide/organizer. Check it out at www.passporter.com

It's explained much better there than I can explain it!

Debbie

 

[tnkrbell]

But.. What are connection vouchers?? I have been on the Dis for a reallylong time and really thought I knew everything about Disney but.. What are these?? Thanks so much!!
TNK!

 

[plummer925]

CDoobee;

I checked out that link about the passporter - WOW! That is really great!

Got another question for you:

Can I ask which one you have - the spiral bound or the three ring one? I think the organizer (three-ring) looks like it would be better, but they are on back order - they're expected in by "the end of August"....

My trip is in 31 days....I'm not sure if I should risk waiting until the binder style is back in, or what.....

Thanks again!!!

Crystal

 

[CDoobee]

Hi tnkrbell!
I suggest you do a search on this board for 'Connections Vouchers'. There are SEVERAL threads about them, a lot of which I have participated in! Basically, they are a GREAT (in my opinion) way to save money on meals AND have some meals prepaid. Anything I can prepay is good for me! I would also suggest that you go to www.mousesavers.com. That site explains the vouchers much better than I can!

Hi Crystal!
I just have the spiral bound one, and an old one at that! But, I really like it. At the time I bought it (early this year), they had the 2000 versions for free! I only had to pay for shipping. I think that was about $5.00. I figured that was a great way to see if I liked it. I'd heard about them, but never seen one in person. I am making 2 more trips this year, but will just go with the one I've got. My next trip is a really quick one, and then in December I'm going to DIS Con so will have a whole itinerary printed out from the DIS Con board. After that we probably won't go again until Spring 2004, so I will probably wait and then order a new version when they come out for that year!

Hope this helps!
Debbie

 

[plummer925]

Hi Debbie!

Thanks so much for the info!!

I really appreciate that. I figured they were about the same, but just wanted to check with you....I'll order the spiral bound one now!

Thank you again,

Crystal

 

[CDoobee]

You're welcome, Crystal

Have fun!!!!!

Debbie

 

[tnkrbell]

Thanks Doobie Ill check out Mousesavers site,I did a search here and Im still confused!!

 

[DisneyEnthusiastic]

You can also check your local Borders Book Store for a copy of the Passporter. I have seen them there as well!

 

[plummer925]

Thanks for letting me know that they are at Borders! There is a Borders at the Maine Mall (as well as a Disney Store!)....what a great excuse for a mall trip!!

Thanks!

Crystal

 

[plummer925]

Finally Made some decisions!

For the Connections Vouchers, this is what we decided to do (after REALLY looking over the menus and everything):

Q&C Vouchers:
1 - Beaches and Cream
1 - Cosmic Rays (Tomorrowland)
1 - Liberty Inn (America/Epcot)
1 - Electric Umbrells (Future World/Epcot)
1 - Flame Tree BBQ (AK)
1 - Tusker House (AK)
If the Flame Tree BBQ is closed we'll use 2 at Tusker House

Vacation Kingdom Vouchers:
1 - Le Cellier Steakhouse (Epcot)
1 - 50's Prime Time Cafe (MGM)
2 - Rainforest Cafe (the ALL time best deal!!!)
1 - Cinderella's Castle
1 - Either Alfredo's (Epcot) or Sci-Fi (MGM) depending on our mood



For the Passporter - I've decided that I like the idea of removable pages (and being able to put additional pages in it! ) so I think I'll wait another week to see if the binder one is available - if it's not by the 1st (at the latest) I decided to order the spiral bound one so I'll definitely have it for my trip!

Thank you again to everyone who helped me make these hard decisions!!!

Crystal