Free Dining Dilemma

[rlduvall]

I am so torn and I need my fellow diser's opinions. Last year I went to Disney with my bestfriend during Free Dining (9/19 to 9/26). We stayed at Pop Century - which was "okay." All that food was so much fun - something I had never done before. It was pretty hot and love bugs were everywhere, but it was a great $$$ deal.

Now, my DH and I own a small DVC contract. With DS (7 years old) in school, I have to plan my vacations more carefully. I didn't realize it was a big no-no to take children out of school for Disney. Heck, that's the main reason I had him.

My dilemma:

1) If FD does come out - stay at Pop (Labor Day Holiday) 9/1/07 to 9/8/07 (Saturday to Saturday); DS only misses 3 days of school - total package deal = $1,290., or;

2) Stay at OKW in a studio (Fall Break Holiday) 10/14/07 to 10/21/07 - using our points Sun. - Thurs., stay at Pop Fri./Sat. night - purchase DDP; DS only misses 2 days of school - total package deal = $1,470.

No. 1 is cheaper than No. 2 and we save our points for another trip. Of course, OKW is probably nicer than Pop, but Pop is not bad. Naturally, I have weighed the pros and cons of each, but I would love to the hear the professional's opinions.

TIA

 

[tacomaranch]

I just love OKW and the relaxed feel with palm trees and Jimmy Buffet. It is not icons and noise but a relaxed vacation with free dining.

I would say option two, use the left over points for a stay at a later date and enjoy the free dining that is also available to DVC owners.

I really don't see the big deal about taking kids out of school. I have never education get in the way of life. There are so many opportunities to learn from going on a trip.

I was wondering yesterday about the lift to get a fully loaded airplane off the ground. Science, math and prayer.

Epcot has a wonderful learning opportunity to learn how to say hello in all the languages or just take time to speak to the CM's who work in the different countries.

We live in a very small rural area and taking kids out of school is not a problem. Heck we even have a state holiday for the opening of elk season.

Do what is best for your family and for your situation.

 

[rlduvall]

tacomaranch:

Thanks for responding, but if I stay at OKW, I would not have free dining. I would have to use my points and purchase DDP. I know that I could stay at OKW with free dining, but I would have to pay rack rate and that would significantly nullify my savings. To stay at OKW, I would use my DVC points and that would be it for this year. 50 points doesn't go far.

 

[pyrxtc]

option 1 but leave before labor day and you won't miss so much school???

 

[since71]

I am so torn and I need my fellow diser's opinions. Last year I went to Disney with my bestfriend during Free Dining (9/19 to 9/26). We stayed at Pop Century - which was "okay." All that food was so much fun - something I had never done before. It was pretty hot and love bugs were everywhere, but it was a great $$$ deal.

Now, my DH and I own a small DVC contract. With DS (7 years old) in school, I have to plan my vacations more carefully. I didn't realize it was a big no-no to take children out of school for Disney. Heck, that's the main reason I had him.

My dilemma:

1) If FD does come out - stay at Pop (Labor Day) 9/1/07 to 9/8/07; DS only misses 3 days of school - total package deal = $1,290., or;

2) Stay at OKW in a studio (Fall Break) 10/14/07 to 10/21/07 - using our points Sun. - Thurs., stay at Pop Fri./Sat. night - purchase DDP; DS only misses 2 days of school - total package deal = $1,470.

No. 1 is cheaper than No. 2 and we save our points for another trip. Of course, OKW is probably nicer than Pop, but Pop is not bad. Naturally, I have weighed the pros and cons of each, but I would love to the hear the professional's opinions.

TIA

Do not be confused. Would it hurt your child academically to miss school? If he is struggling--BAD idea to take him out at all! If he is a kid that it really doesn't matter if he misses school---go to disney, have fun, and make use of Epcot----that is truly a hands on education.

 

[rlduvall]

Do not be confused. Would it hurt your child academically to miss school? If he is struggling--BAD idea to take him out at all! If he is a kid that it really doesn't matter if he misses school---go to disney, have fun, and make use of Epcot----that is truly a hands on education.

We are really fortunate that he is a straight A student at this time (unlike me or my DH at that age ). BUT, I do want to show the proper respect to the school and academics. I'm not sure 2 days versus 3 days of lost school would really hurt. More looking at the $$$ and weather aspect of it.

 

[since71]

We are really fortunate that he is a straight A student at this time (unlike me or my DH at that age ). BUT, I do want to show the proper respect to the school and academics. I'm not sure 2 days versus 3 days of lost school would really hurt. More looking at the $$$ and weather aspect of it.

The schools care because they get $$$ for each day a student attends. It is an econmic issue with the school. If your child is a good student and would not have any problem making up the work --don't worry about the number of days. My DH and I take our girls out of school whenever we want(ages 6&9) and we teach them more than they learn in school on any given day. Like I said, Epcot is full of info to share with your child and Animal Kingdom is also. Pick what trip works out best for you & have fun!!!!

 

[MEK]

If free dining comes out I think you should do the free dining package. Believe me - the older your son gets ,the less likely you will be to take him out of school. Obviously, he does not start school until after Labor Day. Why not go the last week of August and return on Labor Day Tuesday to be ready for school Weds?

I have gone three times during the last week of August and it is great. The crowds are almost as low as after LD. Yeah - it picks up a little for LD, but it still isn't that crowded. You have a lot of options, so do the free dining if its available. Save your DVC point for another trip.

Last week of August is hot, but its really not that bad. Good luck with your decision.

 

[rlduvall]

Obviously, he does not start school until after Labor Day. Why not go the last week of August and return on Labor Day Tuesday to be ready for school Weds?

Actually, he starts back August 16th, but they get out Labor Day and the day after for the holiday. That's why he would only miss school 3 days that week. Doesn't school mess everything up - lol???

 

[undertheseas]

We are having the same dilemma. DD will be in the 4th grade and DS will be in 1st. They do well in school and I'm ready to pull them out for 4 days if they offer free dining. I really do value school but like someone else said, the older they get pulling them out will become impossible. I'm going to do it while I still can. Then when they are older I'll keep them in school and ask Grandma to babysit while DH and I go to DW alone

 

[gigi1313]

i would definitely go for the free dining and then go back next january around MLK day w/your points... you'll need another wdw fix by then... my first thought though was to wait and go later in the school year thinking that ds was starting school wed after labor day... but since he'll already have a few weeks under his belt... go 9/1 w/the free dining!

another thought... do your schools have off for rosh hashana (sp?) or yom kippur? if so, i believe RH in on a Thurs/Fri in Sept (around the 12th) and that could make a nice 4 day weekend to consdier as well... (oops, i just realized that instead of helping you narrow it down, i gave you a third option... please forgive me!

 

[Up2late4clay]

Okay, this is a personal view only but...

We've stayed at WDW several times. This coming September will be the first time we will be staying at a value resort. Why? Because the only time we are in our room is to sleep and shower and we can't justify spending the extra money anymore.

I think the main question you have to ask yourself is "how much time am I going to spend in my room or at my resort?" and base your package on the answer.

Have fun either way!

 

[C_leen]

Hello-

I agree that if your child is a good student, missing a few days is OK. I would go with option #1. I would approach his teacher promptly about the trip and be clear that you would like all of his homework in advance of the trip. Perhaps a special trip journal or school report could be worked in. Although it is true that the schools are paid on attendance, you pay taxes too.

 

[MEK]

Actually, he starts back August 16th, but they get out Labor Day and the day after for the holiday. That's why he would only miss school 3 days that week. Doesn't school mess everything up - lol???

I would still go with option #1 Missing 4 days of school is not that bad, IMHO.

I have taken my kids out of school every year since they were in kindergarten. They are now in 6th and 8th grade. Why? Because we live in the midatlantic and we like to ski. In order to do this, without going over Christmas, we take the kids out of school so we can ski out west. This was the first year I took them out for 3 days over Thanksgiving to go to Disney.

I am fortunate though, my kids don't back to school until after LD. We ALWAYS vacation the last week of August - it is the best!!!!

 

[Kdog]

I'm a teacher, so I probably shouldn't say this...but missing a few days of school probably won't affect your son, especially since he is such a strong student. At his age, the most important thing he could do during his trip is read and write daily. Have him do a trip journal that he can write in every night; it also makes a great keepsake for the future. If you decide to take him out of school, give the teacher plenty of time to get the makeup work together. I miss WDW in October...

 

[rlduvall]

I'm the OP . . . I spoke with DS's current teacher to get her opinion on the situation. She said she didn't think his teacher for next year would mind, but she did suggest the better time to go would be the 2 days before Fall Break (drats, if FD is offered ). She said that going to Disney can be such an educational experience, i.e. study the way roller coasters are built, research the science involved in . . . well, you get what I'm saying. I thought that was such a gracious thing of her to say.

 

[frannn]

We've been to WDW both in Sept and Oct with school age kids, and 2-3 days out really is not that bad, especially so close to the beginning of the school year. Oct is nicer weather, and you have the opportunity to go to MNSSHP. Sept is less crowded, and hopefully there will be free dining. There are benefits to both months, so make the decision based on which you would rather do.

 

[Chrissie-riel]

I have two that will be in school next September - 1st and 2nd grade. We are going down for a short trip 9/15 - 9/18 (please free dining, please free dining) and they will miss two school days. My IL's will be joining us for their 1st trip to the World. I have no qualms whatsoever about them being out of school. Quality time with Mom & Dad and Nanie & Papa is WAAY more important than 2 days of a 150+ day school year. Also, it helps that I have very healthy kids (knock on wood) and we have very few sick days. I will also get all of their work in advance to do on the airplane, plus use all the signs and maps for reading opportunities. Have fun and enjoy the free food (wishing and hoping)