Best way to keep cost down? Do it yourself package or buy Disney package?

[Cin]

I'm sure this has been asked a lot before, but what is the cheapest way to package a trip to WDW? Is is cheaper to buy the tickets separately and from who is the best deal? And without getting a Disney Visa, AAA, or AP holder how can I get good rates on rooms? Is is cheaper or not to just buy the package with room and tickets together? I used the convenience and took advantage of the free dining offer from WDW travel last time and before that I had what was called a Magic Kingdom Membership card that gave me huge discounts on tickets and rooms and all else Disney. They no longer offer the Magic Kingdom membership. So how do I land the best price? We're planning an early November trip so no free dining for us this time. Not changing our date either it was simply too hot to fully enjoy our money's worth in the parks last time. Thanks y'all!

 

[mb_uh]

It really depends on your dates? your eating style? discounts available?


If you dates are flexible (no kids, homeschool, etc) travel during free dining you want the dining plan and will stay value/moderate.

DDP- do you want ts meals, if so 1 per day, more or less? do you want apps ? do you eat or want desserts daily? do you snack a lot? Do you order soft drinks or order water? It is a good value if you eat the way it is set up or if you would like to eat that way ( I consider it a value since I would pay the same oop for less items that I would like to have- desserts)

Tickets- are slightly more expensive booking a package but the only way to get ddp if you want it. Really the only CHEAP tickets are YES which only works out well if you have a kid to take a program on a day you want to go and are staying off site or with out dining plan.

Lot to consider- gl

 

[sissy_ib]

It really depends on your dates? your eating style? discounts available?


If you dates are flexible (no kids, homeschool, etc) travel during free dining you want the dining plan and will stay value/moderate.

DDP- do you want ts meals, if so 1 per day, more or less? do you want apps ? do you eat or want desserts daily? do you snack a lot? Do you order soft drinks or order water? It is a good value if you eat the way it is set up or if you would like to eat that way ( I consider it a value since I would pay the same oop for less items that I would like to have- desserts)

Tickets- are slightly more expensive booking a package but the only way to get ddp if you want it. Really the only CHEAP tickets are YES which only works out well if you have a kid to take a program on a day you want to go and are staying off site or with out dining plan.

Lot to consider- gl

Tickets are the same price with a package or on their own though Disney. Some people get confused because on the Disney site if you look at just the tickets the price does not include tax, it is added in later.

OP you can save a few dollars buying your tickets from an authorized ticket broker such at undercover tourist. If you go this route you can not add the DDP if that is something you want as that can only be a part of a package.
Free dining works better for some people, finding a room only discount and adding tickets and dining works better for others.
Depends on number of people in you party, time of year you are visiting and level of resort you are staying at. Best place to start is the WDW website and price some things out.

 

[Cin]

Some things are fixed, the time of year DH chose is "cooler weather" but not cold, so we chose late Oct-early Dec. The resort level is at least 1 night at AKL, and the other 5 at a value resort. 2 at AKL if we can swing it. We can dine OOP as we can and do often share entrees when we dine out now. We are happy with counter service and the only table service we chose is Boma or Jiko for dinner, Boma for breakfast and then Crystal Palace. We only plan on visiting the parks 6 days and don't need park hoppers. Is is worth getting the Disney Visa rewards card? I see the same offers available to me without it usually just a few days later. Unless I am missing something?

 

[3boymthr]

Have you checked Mousesavers to see if there are any discounts available for your dates?

 

[Cin]

Thanks, yes I did check mousesavers.com and nothing yet for Nov. I'm hoping Disney will extend the free dining like they did last year. It seemed like we just got back early Oct from WDW, and they announced an extension on FD all the way up to this coming Dec. (If I remember correctly.) Or better yet a 30 or 40% room discount would be awesome. Hoping... with fingers crossed.