Dh said yes if...

[dancin Disney style]

I like to think of myself as the queen of cheap vacations. We go to WDW yearly for 12-14 days for under $3000 incl. airfare and spending money. Granted we usually go during FD in August minus 1 kid(party of 3 Disney adults) but I have also stayed in July for 14 nights without any dining plan (party of 4 Disney adults) and only spent $4200.

All the advice given in this thread is excellent. Paying OOP for meals will force you to eat better and not buy or consume items that you really don't want. In room breakfast and snacks, again, huge time and money saver. Plus, also the healthier option. When we don't have a dining plan we share a fair amount of meals. Although, on our last trip we found that in many places the portions had gotten smaller (in the past they were WAY too big) so it was not as easy to share. If you are doing TS meals don't forget to factor in the tips....this adds up really quickly and can add quite a chunk to the budget.

If you are only going to stay 5 nights then buy 4 day park tickets and enjoy a day at the pool. While the savings is very minimal if you save $15-20 here and there before you know it you've saved a sizable amount.

 

[pixiewings71]

You said your DS turns 10 in May, don't forget that if he is 9 when your vacation starts he is considered 9 for the whole vacation, they don't raise his prices halfway through the trip. We took DD13 for her 10th birthday, it started when she was 9 so she was the 9 price the whole trip, even on her birthday and the days after. We had APs but that helped with dining.

 

[cheshireqt]

Call and see if maybe you have a pin attached to your name to work some extra budget . Just trying to be helpful --I got one in a mailer yesterday for a choice of 35% off 1/2-3/24, 4/21-5/22, and 8/11-9/28 (Value, Mod and Deluxe) -OR- Free Dining (TS) 1/2-3/7 (select resort hotels, but does not specify what those are). I recently updated my profile and played around with some dates while logged in as me, so maybe that had something to do with it
The website special includes the early May for 30% off, which is still pretty good, if no pin.

 

[tarzansmom]

After running the numbers ddp won't save us at all. I ran my own using allears menus and even if we wanted a sit down restaurant every day, we would still come out nearly $100 ahead and that was after I added 10% just to be safe. Now I just have to convince dh. He likes the convenience of the ddp and back when we first used it (05 or 06) it was a great deal. Way to much food but a good deal. Now, it's more of a pita and not really worth it esp since ds doesn't like kid menu food- he loves sushi and shrimp and steak but adult meals usually are too big for him. I think if I can show dh we can do a whole lot more ts for the same price he will be on board. So far I found some less expensive ts places like beaches and cream, bier garden lunch which dh wants to try, me not so much, Tony's lunch, sci if, any other suggestions?

As for the pin code, I already checked on that and no luck but will keep trying. I have been to WDW numerous times but never got a pin it would be awesome if I did. 35% would be great.

Thanks to everyone for their suggestions.

 

[blessedby3]

Another suggestion...have your TS meal at lunch. Prices are cheaper. Trails End (Fort Wilderness) is the cheapest buffet on the property. Ohana's for breakfast is one of the cheaper character meals and food is delicious. Earl of Sandwich is a GREAT inexpensive meal (but not TS). They have delicious filling sandwiches (Downtown Disney).

 

[SleepyatDVC]

I hear The Plaza at MK is very affordable. The Fountain at the Dolphin also seems a good affordable choice although further out of the way. We will be trying it out ourselves this February. But if you are willing to go to Beaches and Cream...

While not a true TS, I really enjoy WGPE at the DTD Marketplace very much. TS type food at CS+ prices on real dishware with some service.

Good luck!

 

[SleepyatDVC]

Oh, and another TS we are going to try next trip is Via Napoli. Looks like we can order a Mezzo Pizza and an appy and feed the entire family.

 

[coffeecassie]

I never get the dining plan. I am not a foodie, and I usually only have 2 or 3 ADRs for our 10 day trips. We often bring cereal and snack food from home, and save our dining funds. We eat breakfast in our room most days so we can go straight to the parks. Lots of the entrees at Disney are huge, and easy to share. Your budget is doable! Have fun planning your trip!

 

[#1hoosierfan]

I think le chefs de France is a great deal for lunch if you get the prix fix meal.

 

[sara mom]

I think le chefs de France is a great deal for lunch if you get the prix fix meal.

I agree! Loved it for lunch!

 

[jenluvs2go2disney]

Plaza restaurant at MK is one of my favorites. The sandwiches are really big. If they know that you are splitting it, they even bring it out on 2 plates. I like to eat and half a sandwich and half the fries is plenty. Most of the sundaes can be shared too, they are generous sizes.

 

[sweetdana]

So 1 other thought is get dp for 1 at 3-4 nights, then do a room only last 3 nights. You can buy longer tix then nights, and flip ressie for 2 Nd 1/2 to other adult name. 1 st. . Then get your really $$ in 1 st. And do the cheappies on your dime.

 

[Glenn]

Check mousesavers for discounted tickets & some room discounts there on hotel row by DTD. If you snack alot check into ordering groceries & having them delivered to your room. That alone can save a bundle. If youre a teacher check for specials at the Swan/Dolphin. They also offer other groups specials too from time to time. At sit down meals skip deserts if they cost extra. And last make a list of all the little things you use so you dont forget & have to buy them as Disney. It's amazint what they charge for sunscreen & such there. Have a fun trip.