Do you pre-pay for Charac. meals with your package?

[CinderellaDreamer]

I was pricing out a meal at Goofy's Kitchen for two adults and 3 kids and got a savings of about $30 if I buy it ahead of time.

Am I correct, or did I mess up my math? (mommy brain - entirely possible!)

I know that the dining plan does not save any money, but it looks to me like buying the meals individually does save.

We'd like to do three meals - Goofy's, Ariel's, and Plaza Inn for bfast.

TIA.

 

[annacali]

I did...having the meal prepaid (incl tip/tax) with the vouchers was nice. Plus it helped me to treat my parents without them knowing how much the meals were (it was just all included in the room, ) And yes, it was a bit cheaper that way too.

 

[DisneyMomma81]

We prepay for Character meals by purchasing vouchers from Ares - http://arestravel.com/77_DisneylandResort.html *click Character Experiences

You can also get them from AAA & getawaytoday.com

You'll want to check prices ~ for Ariel's & Goofy's you'd definitely save $$ but you might not on the others (just paying when you get there)

**The Ares website only mentions the Minnie breakfast for the Disney's Character Breakfast Buffet but it should work for any character breakfast ~ Goofy's & Ariel's (on the Ares site) are for dinner and lunch (*L not available at Goofy's) ~ but you can use the breakfast voucher at both those restaurants + the other 3 character meal breakfasts. I hope that makes sense.

 

[ctamama]

Our Character meal was part of a package deal from Costco, and did save us a little bit as I recall. Like others have said, it is really nice to have the vouchers, and have it all included.

 

[teatime]

yep thru get away today

 

[MyMonkies]

When you purchase these vouchers, do you schedule an actual meal then? Or do you get the vouchers & call DL for your reservation? When I purchase the vouchers, do I need to know anything other than which place to go?

If you make your reservation with DL, do you let them know then that you have the vouchers or just show up with them?

I've also read that tax & tip are included with these, does it state that some place on there?

And last question, is it typically a better deal to get the vouchers or pay there with an AP discount?

 

[CinderellaDreamer]

Another note - Goofy's Kitchen and Ariel's Grotto have 10% if you show your AAA card. Not sure which is cheaper, AAA or the prepaid vouchers. I opted to go with the AAA just in case something happened and we were unable to go and use the vouchers.

 

[Kayla's Mom]

And last question, is it typically a better deal to get the vouchers or pay there with an AP discount?

The way I figured it, it's cheaper buying the vouchers through Ares than using the AP discount (for Ariel's at least). We are going in November and it worked out to be a few bucks cheaper to buy the vouchers (even after the service fee Ares charges). We only have the deluxe AP by the way, I believe the premium is 15% off character meals?

 

[Caseystigger]

Another vote for getting vouchers, it is so much less hassle with them.

 

[disneynerd420]

I have thought about doing the prepaid vouchers... but I normally just pay when I'm there. Gives me more time to save my money.

 

[kprincesskate]

I also recommend getting the vouchers through getawaytoday.com. The vouchers include tax and tip and are less than paying at the park.