FL Resident - so confused about package/dining plan prices!

[Wonders10]

Hi everyone,

First, I want to say that I have been to WDW many many times. Over the past few years, being that I live 2-3 hours away, we have only been going for long weekends a couple times a year or so. Have always gotten FL resident discounts on our resort as well as the FL resident tickets...whether a special or just the MYW tickets. We've never done a package or dining plan option.

Next summer we have decided to go for a week! I'm thrilled to say the least. I thought being that its a longer trip and more of a true vacation, it would be nice to do a package with the dining plan to try all the restaurants we never seem to get around to eating at. I have already booked my room only ressie for POR for next June. Obviously no FL Res discounts are available yet so I'm just waiting for them to come out...I'm fairly confident they will. I called today to possibly switch it over to a package with dining. Previously, I was told by a CM over the phone that I could get these packages with the Fl resident ticket prices as well as the fl resident room prices, when they are available. Now, granted I didn't have much confidence in the CM I spoke with today, he pretty much told me that I would be paying rack rate for my room regardless of any fl resident room discounts and if I wanted a reduced room price, I wouldn't be able to get the dining plan.

Is this true? I'll get over it, just want to make sure I know all my options. Maybe I will get the TIW card and put a bunch of money on a disney gift card to pre pay our meals so its a little easier. But why on earth would any fl resident get a package if they could essentially do it cheaper booking everything separate? I feel like I'm missing the boat on something so looking forward to any help!

TIA!

 

[jettyspagetti]

A few times over the last few years they have offered a florida resident "package" during off season. Usually similar in price to whatever other deal is going on. We are florida residents but have gone once with free dining promo and the last time in february we took advantage of the free $500 gift card with room/ticket package and added on the dining plan. Pricing out the florida resident room rate plus resident tickets and then the cost of dining, we came out just a little ahead with the gift card to round it out. Since then I've watched prices better and it seems for our family that getting florida seasonal APs and booking with an AP discount and dining package will come out a better deal for us. We really like having it all paid for in advance and not having to worry about expenses while we are enjoying our Disney time

If we can find a great deal next february we may book a package and then upgrade the tickets to APs before we leave.

 

[Wonders10]

It would be great to be able to have everything pre-paid and not have to worry (as much) about the spending portion of the trip. It sounds like the original disney operator I spoke to was incorrect...or else I misinterpreted what she said. As of right now, I'm thinking unless a great special comes out for Florida residents that would beat us doing everything "a la carte", we'll be sticking to doing things on our own.

Can anyone tell me what sorts of specials they offered this June (2010)? Were there any that would have been of value to a FL Res?