Finally talked DH into the trip now ?'s for all

[2plus2]

I fainally talked my husband into the trip. Myself, DH, DS 16, DS 11, DD 7, DD 5. We will need 2 rooms -looking at 2 rooms at a budget(cant beat 2 BR).
So my questions are if I book now for oct ( what I'm leaning towards) how do I make ressies and pay off before we arrive, and what if due to high school sports conflicts I have to change to May how would that work. Unfortunatly we can only go Oct or May due to sport conflicts. What does every one think of mid to late oct. Also what is the meal package all about? With a family of 6 is that worthwhile or not and how does it work exactly?

 

[aka-mad4themouse]

If you book a room-only reservation, you have until 6 days prior to your arrival to make any changes without a penalty. Room-only ressies do not need to be paid in full until your arrival. If you book a package, it must be paid in full 45 days prior to arrival and any changes after that are subject to penalty.

If you're going in October but concerned that you may have to change to May because of sports schedules, book a room-only ressie. If you get closer to your dates and find that a package is more to your liking, you can always change it.

The MYW dining option is only available with a package. For your family, the addon would cost an additional $160/night. You would have to decide whether your family would eat at least that much food in order to make it worth the cost. Check
AllEarsNet.com - Menus From Around The World
for menus and pricing. Don't forget that the dining addon includes taxes (6.5%) and any tips. With it you would each get one sitdown meal, one counterservice meal and one snack (ice cream, popcorn or a soda) per night.

 

[swilshire]

As another mother of four, I suggest you consider staying off-site. Timeshare rentals are readily available in October in some terrific resorts. We stayed in a 3br/3bath timeshare that slept eight last year in October and the space was wonderful. I can't imagine staying in hotel rooms with my brood (though mine are a bit older 19, 17, 11, and 6). We left the oldest at home that trip, but still found the space terrific. That time of year, you're probably talking less total dollars to stay off-site and you can have a full kitchen (should you choose to use it) and laundry facilities.

The only real down side might be that these are a bit harder to cancel at the last minute.

I know to some staying on-site is worth the inconvenience of the small rooms, but you can drive from many off-site resorts in the time it takes you to take Disney transport from the farther out resorts. In fact, we were a stone's throw from the All Star resorts when we stayed in another timeshare at Christmas.

Feel free to PM me if you decide this might be a good option for you. I'll try to steer you in the right direction.

JMHO.

Sheila