Reservations made over the phone can be checked online, and payments made online.
You're only talking a 2% difference in taxes, unless taxes are higher down there than they are on the northern end of the state. And that 2% savings isn't going to be savings anymore when you have to pay $50-$100 in baggage fees.
Exactly correct. Last time I heard, the Disneyland CD was about 1/2 the cost of WDW. The reason for this being, DLR attracts a lot more locals, a lot more repeat visitors. They've been there, done that, and have the pictures to prove it. So why are they going to pay $150 for something they see all the time. They had to make it more price attractive. In WDW, it's a lot of first time visitors. First time reactions, first time pictures, and to those guests, those pictures are priceless. So they're more willing to hand over $150 for those priceless photos. The average WDW visitor only visits once every 3-5 years.
Plan for the higher end. If a promotion comes out, or you get a pin code, you can always apply it to your reservation. And they will credit you back the difference. So don't be afraid to book early, rather than waiting for a price drop.
You'll have to think the dining plan out, and it's all going to be based on when and where you buy your annual pass from. The dining plan can only be added when you do a package. A package much include room and tickets and dining plan, for every night of your stay. If you already have your annual pass, it won't do you much good. The only way to book a room without tickets, is to rent DVC points. Members can add the dining plan to any room reservation regardless of package type.
There's also differences in the final clause of the contract. A package must be paid in full 45 days in advance, with an automatic $200 deposit upon reservation.
A room only reservation, only requires a 1 night deposit. The reservation can be canceled up to 7 days prior to arrival with a full refund. Within a 7 day window, you may only make changes to your reservation, if you cancel, you will loose your one night deposit made.
There are about 5 tiers to the Dining Plan. I'll go over the three basic ones. The higher tiers are aimed more for adult couples without children as it includes more "fine dining with alcohol". I know there's plenty of kids that can do fine in that kind of atmosphere, but they probably don't want to spend their entire vacation dining in that manner.
Your basic dining plan.
2 - counter service meals per day - It can be any entrée including platter meals. Plus a drink. Some platter meals, especially the breakfast ones with eggs, bacon, pancakes, and potatoes can easily feed two light eaters in the morning.
2 - snacks per day - Any single serve item up to $4 in value. People used to get away with buying a large bag of potato chips because the cost is only 3.99... but Disney got smarter.
1 resort refillable mug - You'll find an open drink station in every food court, which allows you cold and hot drinks. Milk, OJ and juice are not on the open bar, but you can use a snack credit or with your meal get a bottle of one of these. If you drink coffee in the morning, you can grab two bottled drinks with your entrée to bring with you into the park for later.
The second step up.
1 - counter service meal
1 - table service meal - It can be any entrée, but no alcohol, and you must pay an 18% tip. So there's some additional costs to this option if you choose it.
1 - snack per day
The third step up.
3 - table service meals per day. This can get costly with tip. But it works for those that like to experience the more finer dining Disney has to offer.
2 - snacks per day
1 - resort refillable mug
Some dining options, like Cindy's or California Grill will require two credits. So for those that like the two credit dining, it's easier to go with the deluxe plan, but that's also a lot of sitting and eating around the World. Not exactly the choice to make if you want to stay on the move.
I've been watching prices myself, I'm hoping to fly a friend out from Orlando to go with me to Disneyland. Consistently, prices have been under $200 each way on Southwest. I haven't seen a better deal on another airline, but it doesn't mean that it can't happen. I'd average about $700-$800 for the plane tickets.
I believe the TIW card is also good for counter service options. Although it wouldn't be needed if you are on the dining plan. But since most passholders do not book with the dining plan, this is another option for them to get a discount on their dining.
You've got a lot of homework to do. You also have about 5 months before you can get any ball rolling. Reservations for the following year usually don't open up until about late Oct/November.
I think I will make all reservations over the phone then. Thanks for that insight. Down here in Southern California the tax is almost 10%, is that the same as Northern?
I would have never thought of taking my photopass card and back. I will do that, any money saving ideas thrown at me I will catch with no hesitation.


Now would you by any chance know how the photography session works? The one that is taken at one of thet hotels and can be put on the photopass cd as well?
I am definitely planning for the higher end

Thank you for all of your advice, you have no clue how much you have helped me out.


With the amount you are budgeting for food...definitely add the dining plan. As far as cake, I wouldn't even worry about it. If your DD wears wears a Birthday Pin she will get a free cupcake at just about every restaurant you eat at so that will be plenty. If you like to go a little wild with souvies, I would add more there. We spent roughing $1300 when we took our DD this past Sept/Oct for 12 days for her 3rd birthday/1st trip. I do go a little nuts but that also included the BBB Castle Package and a special trip to T-Rex for lunch and lots of souvies.
I'll definitely keep those cupcakes in mind.


I would look into renting a home in Windsor Hills. Especially if you already get free parking with your premium passes. We stayed in a Mickey themed townhouse and LOVED it! Rates vary from around 60-125 per night depending on whether you get a condo or a townhouse and what season it is. The one we rented was Disney themed throughout, the kids loved their Mickey bedroom and bathroom. There are 2 bathrooms in condos and 3 bathrooms in the townhomes. They also have a washer/dryer so you don't have to worry about bringing quarters and hanging out in a dirty laundry room. Just throw in a load before you head to the parks in the morning. From Windsor Hills it was SUPER easy to get to the parks, faster that taking the buses from the resorts! Less than 10 minutes from our driveway till we were parked in the parking lot.
I would at least look into it. We already had reservations at All Star Music. I had had our trip planned for a year and a half when I came across Windsor Hills and just started looking for fun. I am so glad we switched! It was so nice to have so much space! The townhouses all have private pools in the back off the living room also, the kids loved that! The full kitchen was great too. We never cooked meals but it was great for snacks and breakfast. They also have a really nice pool and hot tub there, much nicer than the value resorts have![]()
I actually took a look at the website just out of curiosity. The homes are beautiful!!