Discovery Magic package VS Sunshine Getaway - Help me guys!

[Blue dear.]

Okay so we were gonna do the Sunshine Getaway in Jan 2002 for around $1500 (5 nights at WL + ultimate park hopper tix), right? Then we became DC members prior to the 2002 rates coming out. So we're waiting and waiting and then I started looking at the Discovery Magic package which gives you all of the above PLUS two wishes per person per day that are good for meals and stuff like boat rentals, mini golf, Cirque D'Soleil (ok I know I spelled that wrong...), etc.

Well DH called today and upgraded our Sunshine to Discovery Magic with the DC rate making it $650 more! (BTW, that's about $300 we're saving with DC rate)

Okay, HERE'S my question - (you're saying "FINALLY") - Is 2 "wishes" per day per person worth $650??? That's like what, $130/day... Even if we choose Cirque (which counts as 2 wishes btw) or eat at the most expensive restaurants we can find... I wonder if it's worth it?

What do you guys think? Should I change it back? I need some opinions here...

As far as what we're wanting to do when we get there, yeah we wanna rent boats and eat at really nice restaurants and see Cirque. I'm still wondering if we'd save $$ by paying for everything ourselves....

Jeesh this is long. Sorry guys! And thanks to those of you who read this far!

 

[CityKid]

IMHO, whether or not Discovery Magic is "worth it" depends on what measure you are using for the valuation. On a strictly dollar cost comparison, it real depends on a) if kids in your group, and b) if will you be eating two "sit down" meals a day.

If your group has kids, the math will not work in your favor. The kids' meals are never costly enough to warrant wishes. (The wishes "cost" about $32-35 each per person inthe package price.) If you are adults, then the math works if you do Cirque, HDDR, and Fultons (even at 2 wishes per person) and then do two meals a day otherwise.

The behind the scenes tours also give value for the wishes (but again these are age limited).

Oh yes, the wishes are not divided up "adult" vs. "Child" so if you have two adults and one child in a room, it means six wishes a day. (Of course, you pay for them in the package!)

Another thing we did notice: if one family (or couple) have DM and you eat with a family that doesn't, the DM family can order appetizers and desserts and share with the group but get separate checks. And this adds value. But if you aren't into eating two real meals a day, it won't prove economical.

Oh yes, you can split your meal check and pay for the child with cash or a credit card, while using the wishes for the adult meals.

We did DM because it encouraged my spouse and I to do more of the special events, even with one child. But it looked to us that this was principally a meal- and adult-event package.

At least that's one person's opinion!

 

[BethR]

I really would stick with the package that has the least amount of "components." I myself always book "room only" and then purchase everything separately. It would drive me crazy thinking that we HAD to use everything in order to get our money's worth.
That too is why we buy hopper passes and not UMPs. It would KILL me to have someone get sick, or tired or WHATEVER and not go into a park one day and know that I had wasted my money on a pass day that was not used.
But that is the way that I do things...other people really like the convenience and that is more important to them...so it is all in your priorities.
Let us know what you end up deciding!

 

[Blue dear.]

You both made really good points - City, it is just me and DH but you're right, how many appetizers & desserts can one person eat?? And Beth, you had a valid point re all the options that must be used in order to get the full value - Instead of having a quick $20 meal we would have to make ps everywhere and plan ahead in order to get our money's worth. *sigh*

OKAY, so now here's what I've done:

After a long conversation with DC reservations, I decided to cancel the DM plan for room only at WL getting $214/night. Then decided against the UMP (like Beth) and will opt for PH, etc. And you know, after all is said and done, it <i>still</i> seems like we're gonna pay $3000! Is this better than the $2100 that we would have paid for DM which included most meals, hotel, and tix???

I'm wondering... And you know, <i>now</i> I'm wondering if I shouldn't just look into one of the more inclusive packages that covers ALL meals and options?? DH and I plan on at least two sit-down meals per day, a cruise, renting boats, horseback riding, PI, DQ & mini-golf.

That's why it's so hard to choose. I've been writing everything down, adding everything up, etc.... This is wearing me out!

 

[CityKid]

Short answer: I think not.

Long answer: If it is just H&W, then set aside (either actually or conceptually) the money for meals and pre-plan for at least two "events" for each day. We (meaning I) made all the PS's for every event and, other than loss of sleep on the days when we were reaching for hard to get events, we were able to pre-plan everything.

Taking a "pre-paid plan" doesn't relieve you of making your own PS's and reservations. The responses to your posting that you have gotten so far address the value issue, not how to get into a given event, etc. Whatever you think of these Boards, they make it crystal clear that doing WDW requires planning ahead (an losing yourmind in the process!).

Let me offer two comprehensive planning aids:

1- The Unofficial Guide to WDW- a book that has strong backers and strong opponents. But it offers a comprehensive approach. Since you have a brain, I suggest reading it (or scanning it) and then making your own decisions.

2 - A web site that has a detailed planning guide:
http://www.mouseplanet.com/dtp/wdwguide/
Once again, read, digest, and make your own decisions.


My own view of the sequencing of decisions is: you pick a time of year first (When am I going from my world to Walt's?), for how long(how much Mouse can I take in one trip?), then a hotel (What kind of fantasyland do I want to stay in?), then a daily schedule outline (What will I like to do each day of the trip?), THEN you fill in the days with PS's, reservations, tours, massages (and some psychotherapy time), etc.

It still isn't too late to do this. Maybe you should post different inquiries on different boards. But remember, none of us knows you and your hubby. And so the vacation that works for me, my wife and DD (or for anyother DIS'er) will never fit exactly for you and your husband.

Oh yes, no one awards medals for trying to "do it all" on one trip!!!!

 

[Blue dear.]

CityKid, you rock. Thanks for the advice. I think I just needed a pep talk from someone who's gone through all this stuff before. DH listens but doesn't really offer solutions as I'm the planner of all planners.

Anyway, thanks again. And btw, I wish I'd have bought the Unofficial guide before I bought "Disney World for Couples!"

 

[CMvicki]

are on sale at The Disney Store starting today. We have the 2002 ones in, so the 2001 are on sale. Go pick one up.

 

[BethR]

They carry the Unofficial Guide at TDS??? Who would have thought???
BTW - nice to see you Vicki!

 

[dandave]

blue, Hi! I don't want to confuse the issue further, but I'm going to. Have you considered an AP? I know that you will only be there for five days, but the savings on the room with an Ap rate add up quickly. I don't think the AP rates for January are out yet, but the rates were great last Jan. I think we got Poly GV for around $179. MouseSavers has an informative page on this here:

http://www.mousesavers.com/annualpass.html

Enjoy yourselves whatever you decide!

 

[faith]

HI Blue. January should give you some great prices on just purchasing the resort room. Have you considered the moderates? We love DixieLandings (now called PO Riverside). If you do book there ask for a room near the main bus stop and lobby.
Then purchase a 4 day park hopper.
Allow $100.00 a day for food, and you should be all set! The "plans" always cost more in the long run!

 

[Blue dear.]

Ironically, I almost did just that - switch to POR from WL. I'm definately going with a 4-day hopper but I just can't make myself switch hotels. With me, it's like the parks come second to the resort atmosphere and the extras (weird huh?) and I've always wanted to stay at the WL. But I like what you said about the plans always costing more than the actual. Man, I hope that rings true.

 

[jfulcer]

You will LOVE WL over PO. There is no comparison. We stayed at PO the first night of a vacation that we 'added' days onto and couldn't get into the WL for that night. The difference is amazing.

PO is a nice place, but for the ambience, WL beats them all hands down. Again, just my humble opinion.

If you wish to discuss this at length, come to the WI/IL meet I've planned for 10/20 at Gurnee Mills. Look for the thread on the CB. I'll tell you ALL about WL.