Anyone Find Silver Add-On to Package a Good Deal???

[MissUssH]

Anyone been to WDW with the Silver Add On to their Package???
Did you find it beneficial ???
Was it a Good Deal ??
Any Ideas ??
Thanks

 

[disneyfanz04]

I copied this from Tooboyz4us from the resturaunt threads...
Just returned , Silver Plan Meal reviews !!
We just spent a week in Disney on the Silver Plan.We definitely got our value out of the wishes we spent for meals and a few extras.We had to do a bit of rescheduling due to hurricane Jeanne's arrival, but still managed to re book all of our PS's eventually. I'm going to do a day by day run down of where we ate, and what it would have cost us.

"We" consisted of myself, dh, and our two ds, who were charged at adult prices for all our meals due to their ages.
Each meal (except breakfast and buffet style, gave us each a appetizer,entree,dessert and non-alcoholic drink)
Many of the restaurants offered add-ons to the entrees like a shrimp skewer,or scallop addition and included smoothies to the drink selection when we told the server we were on the silver plan..And all taxes and gratuity were included.

Day 1
Dinner @ Concourse Steakhouse (Contemporary Resort)
This was not a planned meal, but it turned out to be very good.
Appetizers=Shrimp Cocktail,crab cakes,onion soup
Entrees=Prime Rib,Strip Steak,Filet Mignon,Salmon plus we were given the option of a shrimp skewer add-on
Desserts= (We were allowed to order two each as these are the small 3 bite desserts)Cheesecake,Tiramisu,Fresh fruit,Hazel Nut crunch
Used 4 wishes(136.00 value) Total bill was 207.13

Day 2
Dinner@Whispering Canyon Cafe (Wildernes Lodge)
Appetizers=2 Wild West Wings, 2 Nachos
Entrees=Steak, Meatloaf, 2 All you can eat Canyon Skillets
Desserts=Smoothie,Apple Pie,Chocolate Delight,Choc Moose Stampede
Drinks, 2 Rootbeers,2 Diet Cokes
used 4 wishes(136.00 value) Total bill was 163.35

Day 3
Breakfast @ Crystal Palace (MK)
4 adult breakfast buffets
used 4 wishes(136.00 value) Total bill was 82.57

Dinner@ Fultons CrabHouse (DT Disney)
Appetizers=3 Blue Crab Finger (not even on the menu) and 1 Portebello Mushroom Fries
Entrees= 2 Filet Mignons w/ 3/4 lb King Crab Claw add-on, 2 Lobster Tail w/ Claw add-ons
Desserts= 3 Cheesecakes, 1 Key Lime Pie
Drinks= Virgin Strw.Daq, 2 Rootbeers, 1 Diet Coke
This meal also gave us 4 extra bottles of rootbeer to take back to our resort since each person was allowed 2 drinks, and we each only perused one for dinner
used 8 wishes(272.00 value) Total bill was 345.73

We felt this was a wonderful dinner, and that it made excellent use of the wishes it requires

Day 4
Dinner @ Kona Cafe (Polynesian Resort)
This was hands down our BEST meal of the trip!! Kona Cafe is probably one of WDW's best kept secrets!!!
Appetizers=3 Kona Chowder (Yumm, Yumm!!), Ceasar Salad
Entrees=Filet Mignon w/ shrimp wok,Coconut Chicken w/shrimp wok (EXCELLENT!!), Shrimp Pasta w/ scallops,Beef Terriyaki w/scallops add on
Desserts= White Chocolate Cheescake,2 Kiddie Kone, Macadamia Pie
Drinks= 3 smoothies, diet coke
used 4 wishes(136.00 value) Total bill was 210.87

 

[disneyfanz04]

Here is the rest of it...

Day 5
Lunch @ Mama Melrose (MGM)
This was probably our least favorite meal. The food was nothing exciting, and our server was very dry.He didn't listen to us explaining that our kids were on the adult silver wishes, and he ended up serving them, and charging them kids entree portions, which lessened our value.
used 4 wishes(136.00 value) Total bill was 106.39

Dinner @ Ohana's
This was our 2nd place meal of the trip. Firstly bc we LOVE Ohana, and the food and service never dissappoints us.Secondly bc we were able to score a window table and we enjoyed WISHES while we ate!!Our PS time was 7:40 on a Wed night.By checking in early (7:10pm) and my dh very nicely asking to be seated at a window if at all possible, we were sprinkled with Pixie Dust
4 adult dinners, 2 Beach Bomb desserts, Choc. Mousse & Passion Cheesecake, 4 drinks

used 4 wishes(136.00 value) Total bill was 140.85

Day 6
Lunch @ LeCellier Steakhouse (Epcot)
Appetizers= 3 Cheese Soups, Beef Barley Soup
Entrees= Burger w/Bacon, Burger w/bacon & Mushrooms, Prime Rib Sandwich, Petite Filet Mignon
Deserts=Sorbet,Club Cake,Dessert Trio
Drinks= 3 Rasp.Smoothies, 1 diet Coke
used 4 wishes(136.00 value) Total bill was 144.41

Dinner @ Rain Forest Cafe (DT)
This was another fabulous meal!! Definitely worth spending your wishes on.The server was very helpful in informing us of what we could order with the plan.We even got our drinks in large souvenier mugs!
Appetizers=2 Cheese Sticks, Blue Crab Dip, Shrimp Cocktail
Entrees=Shrimp Pizza, Shrimp Platter,Stuffed Lobster, Steak & Lobster
Desserts=Key Lime Pie, Choc Diablo, 2 Banana Cheescakes
Drinks= 4 Character sodas (6.99 each!!!)
used 4 wishes(136.00 value) Total bill was 249.65

Day 7
Lunch @ Castle (MK)
Another great meal. It was the last of our trip, and we thought ending it in MK would be awesome. The food was wonderful as always, and our server "DANA" was exceptional ! We were also lucky enough to witness a marriage proposal at the table next to us!! Can you say major PIXIE DUST?!?!
APPETIZERS=2salads,Seafood eggroll,Soup of the Day (Corn chowder)
Entrees= Lunch Pastas,King Cut Prime Rib, Focaccia Sandwich
Desserts=2 Crown Sundaes, Choc Cake, Apple Custard
Drinks= 2 Smooties, 2 diet cokes
used 4 wishes(136.00 value) Total bill was 149.00

We also spent wishes on:
60 minute Pontoon Rental

used 2 wishes(68.00 value) Total bill was74.00
(We were billed at the canopy boat price, but given a pontoon bc Jeanne had damaged the canopy boats)

2 While Walt is Away Clocks
used 2 wishes(68.00 value) Total bill was ?

In the end, our total bills would have been $1,941.95
A total of 48 wishes cost us $1632.00

So, we did very well with the plan going over by $313.95

I do want to say that I don't think we could have done this well if I had not researched all the restaurants we were interested in, and planned all of our PS's.
We ate like Kings and a Queen, and are very ,very happy !!

 

[disneyfanz04]

Hope that helps......

 

[MissUssH]

WOW
Sounds Yummy !
Thanks for Sending Along

 

[kandmwedding]

I used the silver package on my honeymoon this past January and managed to save a bunch. The key to finding out whether or not it will work for you is by planning and doing the math. Adding the silver package on costs roughly $34 per wish (for adults). If you're using the wish on something that cost at least $34 than you'll be saving. Normally, meals are not a great savings. But, the example above shows that with a little planning (and helpful CMs) you can save. Tours, dinner shows, and Cirque are always a savings. Here's the breakdown of how we used our wishes (me and dh):


**Hoop Dee Doo Revue (1 wish)
Regular cost (including tax and tip) is around $65
Total savings of ..... $31

**Spirit of Aloha Luau (1 wish)
Regular cost (including tax and tip) is around $65
Total savings of ..... $31

**Keys to the Kingdom Tour with lunch (1 wish)
Regular cost is around $60
Total savings of ..... $26 (plus lunch is included)

**Hidden Treasures Tour (1 wish)
Regular cost is around $60
Total savings of ..... $26

**Cirque du Soleil (2 wishes)
Regular cost is around $88
Total savings of ..... $20


Also keep in mind that you get some other extras with the Silver Plan. As with any Dream Maker package you get two lanyards and two pins for the room. You also get a gift certificate to use at one of several places (free Leave a Legacy tile, free mini golf, free souveneir, $25 at Planet Hollywood). And you also get Preferred Viewing for some of the fireworks and parades. At Magic Kingdom you get special seating for Wishes at the sit down tables near the Plaza Pavillion (walkway between Main Street and Tomorrowland). It's got a pretty good view - especially since you don't have to stake out the spot for an hour. At Epcot you get a reserved spot for Illuminations at the boat landing in Morocco. I personally didn't enjoy this spot at all. But if you don't want to stake out a spot, it could be good for you. You also get a reserved spot at the parade at Animal Kingdom, although I don't know where.

Hopefully that helps some...

 

[SnowWhite33]

I just wanted to add that it is so nice to be able to go into a full service restaurant and not worry about the check at the end, since it is already paid for. It makes it so easy to splurge and really treat yourself while on vacation.

 

[MissUssH]

Reading your ideas really helps me and sounds really exciting !!
What is this certificate though for free putt putt golf, free souvenier etc....Do you use a "wish" for that too ??
Thanks a Big Ole' Disney Bunch

 

[missypie]

It would drive our family crazy. DH would be sitting at the table with the menu in one hand and a calculator in the other, telling us that what we wanted to order was not expensive enough.

 

[Chicago526]

Ah, but it's only $68 more per person per day if you are basing it on a regular Dream Maker package, which include the UPH's. If you are getting the regular Dream Maker package anyway, then it is a good deal. But if you are like me, and are just getting a 5 day park hopper pass for an 8 night trip, it's not such a good deal. I crunched the numbers, and doing hotel only, 5 day hoppers, and paying for meals out of pocket (I know 95% of the restaurants we'll be eating at and have an excellant estimate of costs) I'll save around $400 versus doing the Silver package. This is due to the fact that I'd be paying for 4 more days of admission than I'm using, wiping out any savings from food and activities and then some!

We will only be in the parks 5 days, so a UPH is a waste for us. But if we were planning on being in the park the full 9 days we are there, then it would most likely save us money. Make sure you crunch the numbers before making you choice. Here is what I would do:

Add up hotel only plus a park hopper pass for the number of days you'll be in the parks, plus estimated meal costs. This means you have to reserch what restaurants you'll eat at and costs. Add in any tours or recreation you plan on doing.

Then price out a Dream Maker package without the silver add-on, and again estimate meal costs and tours/recreation.

Price out a Silver package. Add in any meas/tours/recreation that you WON'T be using wishes for. Remember, you only get two wishes per day. This means if you use 1 wish for breakfast and 1 for lunch, you'll still have to pay for dinner AND any tours/recreation you do that day.

Compare all three totals. The lowest total is the best deal, naturally. If the totals are close, then you may want to go with the Silver package. Since you do get extras like prefered seating for some fireworks/parades/shows and such, it may be worth a small differance in package price.

It's a lot of work, but an hour's effort could save you hundreds.

 

[Travelnut]

We just returned from 7 days at Disney and 3 at Universal. I found that it probably cost us more doing the Silver plan. We did eat very well but it was really too much food. We never did eat our dessert because it was just too much. We did come out better on the price but we would have never ordered that much if not for the plan. It would have been a lot cheaper in the long run to just pay for what we wanted instead of buying the plan.

 

[kandmwedding]

Originally posted by Chicago526

Price out a Silver package. Add in any meas/tours/recreation that you WON'T be using wishes for. Remember, you only get two wishes per day. This means if you use 1 wish for breakfast and 1 for lunch, you'll still have to pay for dinner AND any tours/recreation you do that day

This isn't true... 2 wishes per day doesn't mean you can only use two wishes per day. You could use all your wishes on day one if you wanted to. Or save them all for the very last day for that matter. You can actually share wishes with others in your room. So, for instance, if hubby had extra wishes at the end of the week, and I wanted a spa treatment, I could go use those wishes no problem. The wishes are linked to the room ressie, not the person, and can be used anytime during that reservation.

That said, Chicag0526 is right when pointing out the each day with the Silver package costs $68 above what a regular Dream Maker package costs. The Dream Maker package gives you an Ultimate Park Hopper, which allows you access to all parks, water parks, Disney Quest, etc from the moment you check in until midnight of the day you leave. If you're not likely to go to parks on the days you arrive and leave, then it may be foolish for you to pay for that type of ticket. But then again, it might not, depending on how many days you stay for. It really does take some planning to decide what will work best for your group. It can definitely be a headache, but is well worth it in the end!!!

 

[Suzanne033]

If it's the meals that you were really wanting then you might consider meal vouchers.

 

[7thdwarf/dopey]

Originally posted by Travelnut
We just returned from 7 days at Disney and 3 at Universal. I found that it probably cost us more doing the Silver plan. We did eat very well but it was really too much food. We never did eat our dessert because it was just too much. We did come out better on the price but we would have never ordered that much if not for the plan. It would have been a lot cheaper in the long run to just pay for what we wanted instead of buying the plan.

Exactly.......thats how we feel too. We would be so stuffed!

 

[Chicago526]

Originally posted by kandmwedding
This isn't true... 2 wishes per day doesn't mean you can only use two wishes per day. You could use all your wishes on day one if you wanted to. Or save them all for the very last day for that matter. You can actually share wishes with others in your room. So, for instance, if hubby had extra wishes at the end of the week, and I wanted a spa treatment, I could go use those wishes no problem. The wishes are linked to the room ressie, not the person, and can be used anytime during that reservation.

Yes, you can use more than 2 wishes per day (I thought of adding that in my post, but did not, thanks for pointing it out!), but then you'll run out of wishes before the end of your trip, and thus would have to pay for meals and activities after the wishes are gone. Either way, you'll most likely buy a few meals and/or activites before the trip is over. I just wanted to point that out so you take it all into consideration when crunching the numbers.

 

[MissUssH]

Okay, I am reading all your posts and finding them very informative !!
Thanks a Big Bunch......
HOWEVER, another point or question I have.......
We have 2 Adults and 2 Kids (age 3 and 6) We EACH get 2 Wishes per Day, right?????
Well, Can I, the parent, use one of my kids unused Wishes for example to go to the Spa????
Or Can My Husband Use one of our Daughters Wishes to go Golfing ?????
Does anyone know how that works...........Since it was mentioned that its the number of Wishes per Room Ressie.....
DO Kids Wishes Differ from grown-ups ????
PLEASE OH PLEASE Advise
THANKS

 

[Chicago526]

Yes, you each get 2 wishes per person, per night, even the kids. And yes, adults can use their kids wishes.

Let's say you're staying for 5 nights. 5 nights x 4 people x 2 wishes = 40 wishes. They are electronicly "deposited" in your room account at check-in. You can use those wishes anyway you want for whoever you want (within your party), until they are all gone. You can blow 'em all the first three days you're there, if you want to.

 

[flyball]

We opted not to do the silver plan for some of the aforementioned reasons (too much food, too much calculation, whatever). Does anybody else think this is pretty complicated? I wish Disney would come out with something comparable that would be easier on the brain!

 

[kandmwedding]

When planning out our honeymoon trip we had a hard time deciding what to do with 24 wishes too (since we'd be staying 6 nights). We ended up splitting our stay into two ressies... one with the Silver Plan and one without. That way we weren't stuck using all the wishes on food that we were too stuffed to eat. The downside is that you have to use all the wishes during the first ressie. So, we went to a dinner show the first day, a tour and dinner show the next day, a tour the day after, and Cirque on day four. The first few days were a little jam packed, but we had plenty of time to take leisurely at the end of the trip. So... my point is that you might find the Silver Plan beneficial if you break your trip up into two separate ressies and only add it to one.

 

[pampam]

We'd like to do the silver add on but are small eaters. Would it be possible only order 1 meal and share, leaving an extra wish to do a tour, spa, or something else? I realize it would not be possible to share the Hoopde Doo, character meal, etc., but I was thinking of perhaps regular meals in the resort, or Le Cellier etc?