Help! Having Buyer's Remorse.

[Renwoman]

My husband and I have never been to Disney World and we both have really wanted to go. I'm in my mid-thirties and he is in his early fourties and we both are like a couple of kids in a lot of ways. We got married a month ago and didn't plan a honeymoon right after because of our schedules. We were planning another less expensive trip in December and then all of a sudden decided to take the plunge and go to Disney World instead.

Since we started to take the plunge everything has seemed to snowball financially for our vacation. Normally I am fiscally conservative and we would be doing things to save money on a WDW trip, but we have made a lot of decisions because it is our first time and our honeymoon.

We are flying in instead of driving 18 hours one way. More $$$

We paid more to fly in early morning and leave late evening to maximize our time at WDW. More $$$

We are staying at a Disney hotel to get the full "disney experience." More $$$

We are staying at the Coronado Hotel vs. Value resort to have a nicer hotel. More $$$

We are paying more for a "water view" room so that we have a nicer hotel experience. More $$$

We added the park hopper option to our tickets so that we could be flexible on our vacation. More $$$

We bought the Disney Dining Plan thinking it would save us money and would be better, but now I wonder if it really was a bargain.

I rented a car so that we could easily visit resorts, avoid mass transportation lines and headaches, conserve time, and be more flexible. More $$$

We are paying $700 for our airline tickets. We are paying $2,400 for a waterview room at the Coronado for seven nights, 8 day park tickets with park hopper, and the Disney Dining plan. The car rental is going to be $200. Not to mention souveniers and extra dining, drink, or entertainment not covered on our plan. I'm estimating that it will cost us at LEAST $3,500 total.

This is more than I have paid on a vacation before and it has me anxious. With this being our first time I don't have the experience to determine whether it is going to be worth it. We are having to go into debt for this vacation, though with my promotion we can likely pay it off in a year.

The only thing I can cancel without penalty is the rental car (I think). I honestly don't know if there are some things that I can change without penalty with the Disney part of the vacation.

I guess at this point I need reassurance and/or advice.

Is there anything I can change without penalty or you believe we should change and take the penalty?

Are we getting a good deal for a WDW vacation?

Have you ever regreted spending so much money at WDW?

Thanks so much in advance!!

 

[*Meagan*]

HI! Dont freak out!

Hmm I do not see the point in renting a car.. when you specifically stated you are staying in a WDW hotel for the "experience". I would ditch the car rental..Use Magical express and take the busses. They are fun and will add to your experience.

I don't really think you need a "waterfront" room to make your Disney trip special. It will be special because the two of you together make it special! And how often will you be in the room. Especially being your first trip to WDW.

Did you already purchase your park hoppers?
When is your trip booked for?
DO you have ADR's booked?

According the people on this forum.. the DDP really does save you some moolah!! Are you doing the regular or deluxe? If you are doing the deluxe.. I would cut corners and go for the DDP. That will shave some $$ but still save you $$.

In the end I don't think you will regret flying. And you will have a blast! It will be $$$ well spent!!

Have a good trip!

 

[Renwoman]

Thanks, Meagan, for responding so quickly!!

We've already paid for our whole package. We had to since our trip is from December 15th to December 22nd.

We are doing the regular dining package with the one quick-serve, on sit down, and one snack a day. I frantically started booking reservations after we did the trip because I know it is hard to get in places. I've had to make some compromises on prefered times to get some reservations. (Lunch vs. Dinner) There are some places we couldn't get reservations for like Le Cellier, 'Ohana, and the Fantasmic dinner show package. We did get reservations at Raglan Irish Pub, Marrakesh, the Brown Derby, Liberty Tree Tavern, Boma, and Akershus Royal Banquet Hall. I haven't made reservations for the last two days of the trip because I don't know what we will want to do on those days.

I'm not sure any standard rooms are left at the Coronado for those dates so it was either a water front room or a king room. We thought that having a nicer location of room would be better than getting stuck in a bad location with a King. If we get too exhausted at the parks I figure we can come back to the hotel to relax or take more breaks. (Kind of hard to be really flexible when you are trying to make ADR's though.)

Logic on the car rental was that we could go the grocery store on the way in and stock up on sodas, bottled water, and breakfast snacks for the week. As well we could go to the resorts without having to travel to a park in between. If we get Disney'd out we could take one day to go to the beach or somewhere else. (I don't have any idea how likely this will be.) Our own safe haven away from crowded buses. But I am really open to hear how taking the Disney transportation will add to the experience. I'm just thinking crowded buses and long waits!!

 

[GingerJay]

It will be fine- all of your decisions (except maybe the waterview- maybe you could downgrade?) seem like pretty sound ones. Trust me, once you get back, you'll feel like that was money well spent. Disney vacations pack a whole lot of value per dollar-

Also- don't forget to add in tips and extras (alcoholic drinks, apps, etc) in addition to your dining plan

 

[MariDisney]

Personally, I would never go without a rental car. So, I'd keep that no matter what. I don't find WDW transportation enjoyable at all.

I would try and change to a regular view room at the resort. IMO, it isn't worth it to pay for water view at CSR. I also wouldn't bother with a king room since CSR has queen beds.

If you booked your package through Disney (and maybe even if you didn't) you should be able to drop the park hoppers. You can always add them once you're there if you decide you need them. I do like having them, but for your first time it might not be so important. That's some money you could save for now, but just be prepared to add it on if you want to.

The bottom line, though, is that this is not going to be a "cheap" vacation for you. You could eat beans from a can in your room all week, but that wouldn't really be having a great vacation in my opinion. If now is not the time to comfortably do the trip for you, maybe it is better to wait 6 months until you feel better about it.

 

[*Meagan*]

Personally..I love the WDW busses! and to clarify I have been to WDW 30+ times so its not like Im a noob to WDW who does not know what Im getting myself into. If I don't get on a WDW bus.. I don't really feel like Im in Disney World. Same with the monorail.

Oh well everyone differs. You want experience. And that is what it will be. If you wanted to save money then that is one thing you do not absolutely need.

HAve fun!

 

[Renwoman]

Thanks for all the advice!

I just checked with Disney and at this late of date it would be $50.00 to change anything that would drop the price. Dropping the park hopper option and picking up it up later was a great idea! (I didn't realize you could add it on later as needed.) It doesn't look like there are any standard rooms left on the plan I'm on, so that isn't an option. With the $50.00 change fee it looks like we are going to have to stick with what we have.

Meagan, what do you like about the buses? I don't want to pay the extra $200 to avoid something that we might actually enjoy.

 

[bz8bls]

With this being your first time going to WDW, please make sure you do some planning because you are going at a busy time during Xmas holidays (I believe you are going in mid-December?)

Also, it might not be a bad idea to subscribe to tourguide Mike for your plans. Also go to a bookstore and get Disney's Unofficial Guide for adults so you will have some idea of the lay of the land.

Lastly, for what you paid on a moderate, you could have probably rented from a Disney Vacation Club member and got a one-bedroom with kitchen (would have save money on dining out the entire trip), livingroom, jacuzzi tub and washer/dryer. You could always check toward the end of this month and see if a member will have to cancel and wants to rent their reservation.

 

[luvmesometigger]

Car rental is a personal opinion. You either love it or hate it.

I have never rented a car. We use the monorail or the buses. Never had an issue. Yes there are times they are busy. But I never found it a really long wait.

You are 2 grown ups who can zip in and out of crowds...much to your advantage.

We are flying. Park hoppers (I like to be able to go in and out of parks). We upgraded our room at the Contemporary to a theme park view. DDP.

We don't go too often (about every 3-4 years) so if I am going, I like to GO!! You really aren't spending that much if you consider the fact that it is your honeymoon.

Have fun and don't make your self nuts over the little things.

 

[Elliesmommy]

Alright, so you feel that you spent too much for something that you may not enjoy. Understandable.

Calm down and relax. You said yourself that you are normally financially conservative so this trip will likely not break you.

You probably talked yourselves into spending more than usual because this is your honeymoon! Honeymoons are very special and deserve the upgrades that you chose. Remember that

You are concerned because you may not enjoy WDW. You said that you two are kids at heart so I promise you that you will find a way to make the most magic out of your trip. I know this because so many people that are not kids at heart find the magic too.

There is so much to see and do that you could not be bored, there are also so many opportunities for you to celebrate the romance of a honeymoon at WDW without even looking for them. The opportunities come your way all the time.

FYI, I am not a Disney freak or anything I am in my mid 30's and never have been to WDW with kids. I just love the adventure, the exquisite details, the romance, and the feeling of taking a trip around the world without a passport and deep pockets.

Enjoy and make the most of your Disneymoon!

 

[KAA1972]

If you can get a refund then I would ditch the park hoppers to save money. Flying is definitely better option and worth the money. If you can get a refund and get standard view room then I would ditch room upgrade. You are just going to be staring at a man-made lake and not a spectacular body of water so I wouldn't stress about a water view. I do like having a car a Disney so I think it is worth the money -- However, I would recommend "name your own price" on priceline. It's great for car rentals. You can do it a couple of days before your trip and it could save you a lot of money over just a regular rental through priceline or Travelocity. you will bid on rentals by naming your own price -- the main hitch is that if your price is accepted then your card is charged and it is non-refundable.

I also think you will be happy with the DDP. It will save you money and to be honest, I really doubt you are going to need extra meals. Maybe a drink or two -- but definitely not a meal. It is a lot of food!!! You won't go hungry!! You will have to pay tips if you are getting the basic dining plan with Table Service but it's still a good deal.

 

[kmsimone]

Have you ever regreted spending so much money at WDW?

Thanks so much in advance!!

Always and never! You live once right. Relax and enjoy this trip. You can decide on your next trip if it was worth it. It usually is.

 

[kimis]

I think you did a great job planning for the first time. However you don't really need the rental car. When you land at the airport you have Magical Express available for free. The disney transportation is great and there are ways to use all the different kinds (bus, boat or monorail) to get to your destination. I hope you have a magical time.

 

[disneychic2]

I'll weigh in on the side for ditching the rental. DH and I go just the two of us every year and we use the buses exclusively. Also, on the dining plan, we split our counter service meals. There are so many places that give you TONS of food, splitting is our best option. Plus you get a snack which you can use for soda or a bottled water (which you can refill) If you are big soda drinkers, get the souvenir mug when you arrive and refill it to your heart's content while at your resort.

Dropping the park hopper would gain you very little $$ since they will charge you $50 to do it. It only costs $57 ea to add it to an 8 day stay. (so even less for you) We love to park hop and I think you will too.

I would definitely go to the library and take out any books about Disney planning that they have. One sure way to have a frustrating experience is to go completely unprepared. Just get familiar with the different parks and what they offer so you can better choose how to spend your time. I'm not talking a detailed "must do this at this time" type of plan, just know that if you want to ride Space Mountain that it is in MK and how to get to it.

Bottom line is, this may have been impulsive, but it is done. Don't spend your time second guessing your decisions. Relax and enjoy your honeymoon. Even if it's crowded and you wait for the buses and your water view turns out to be a fountain (which ours did one year!), you are with the person you love most in the world and what could be better than that. Enjoy!

 

[billybobblockhead]

My advice: drop the rental car unless you have a definite plan to go "out", like you said, to the beach or the like. We have flown and driven to WDW, and the times when we drove, the van sat untouched in the parking lot from the time we arrived until the time we left. If you are doing the DDP, why drive somewhere to get snacks or breakfast stuff?? You can split a counter service meal and order an extra drink or use the snacks for breakfast (huge muffin, coffee, and a water to take into the park). Also, just bring some trail mix or the like in your luggage; that will work in between meals if you get the urge to munch on something.

Also, I'm not very patient (at least that is what my wife says), but I love everything about the buses; the ride, the music when you enter MK, and even standing on the crowded buses after fireworks. IMO, that is part of the experience, or at least it is for us.

 

[luvmesometigger]

I forgot to add, the first few times I was there was pre kids and we had just as much fun as it has been with our kids.

 

[kwdw]

OP -

I'd keep the car rental. I LOVED having a car at CSR in October - made all my trips around the world quite short. No wasted time waiting for buses. Made going resort to resort SO easy. And really - pre-plan that grocery store trip - think about it - or you will buy more food than you need. I would recommend the bus from CSR to MK, however. For the other parks, driving and parking makes sense. Ride the bus at least ONCE - even if you keep the car. That will help you decide if you get hooked on Disney whether it's the right choice for you in the future.

The waterview at CSR definitely was not necessary, IMO - but it is your honeymoon......

I think people learn over time how dining works best for them at Disney - none of the dining plans make sense for me - but others find them a huge financial plus for them.

Remember it's your honeymoon- and it doesn't sound like you are Disney regulars. Disney regulars develop a strong sense of what works for them and how to save money - and have strong opinions. Sounds like you were thinking about the choices you made for your trip - and that's the best you can do.

Now - GO HAVE FUN!!!!

 

[Renwoman]

Thanks you so much, everyone!

My DH and I have already made a pledge to make the most of this vacation no matter what happens. If we love WDW and want to come back it will give us the experience to know what we want to change for next time, vs. wondering what it is like to stay in a Disney resort and do the Dining Plan.

I normally like doing a lot of research on vacations and being really spontaneous while we are there. With the busy parks coming up to Christmas and the ADRs which seem essential, we aren't going to have quite as much spontaniety as normal. I'm doing a lot more planning for this one. We've bought the 2011 Unofficial Guide and Color Companion. I'm putting all our reservation information into google calendar that I can access from my smartphone. I'm planning to put our "must do" for each park list in there as well. I've also started a list of romantic things to do at WDW to remind myself if/when we get caught in the WDW hustle. I've also got WDW lines on my phone. We are planning to avoid parks on EMH days and we hope that strategy works best for us. (Originally I planned to attend parks with EMH.)

I am really leaning towards cancelling the rental car and that is something that I can cancel at this point without penalty. We both are introverts and don't get energized by crowds of people so I thought having a car would give us a break from the masses. But if everyone is generally in a good mood and it ADDS to the experience then why spend extra? I have heard that your luggage can arrive really late to the hotel with the luggage service. Any experience from anyone?

I am in the midst of researching how to use the DDP the best way. Some of the "snacks" and the quick service counter meals seem larger or even more grand than I imagined. I really thought we were going to need to supplement for breakfast, but if we use our credits wisely that might not be the case. I have some research to do!

I didn't even know about the souvenir mug! Can you take it EVERYWHERE and where can you fill it up? My DH drinks four cans of sodas a day religiously (there are worse vices) so having soda is a MUST for us. I just didn't want to pay Disney prices for them.

Thank you so much for sharing your wisdom everyone! It can be a very nervous experience paying this much money and trying to plan and remember everything.

 

[PrincessTiffany]

Thanks you so much, everyone!

My DH and I have already made a pledge to make the most of this vacation no matter what happens. If we love WDW and want to come back it will give us the experience to know what we want to change for next time, vs. wondering what it is like to stay in a Disney resort and do the Dining Plan.

I normally like doing a lot of research on vacations and being really spontaneous while we are there. With the busy parks coming up to Christmas and the ADRs which seem essential, we aren't going to have quite as much spontaniety as normal. I'm doing a lot more planning for this one. We've bought the 2011 Unofficial Guide and Color Companion. I'm putting all our reservation information into google calendar that I can access from my smartphone. I'm planning to put our "must do" for each park list in there as well. I've also started a list of romantic things to do at WDW to remind myself if/when we get caught in the WDW hustle. I've also got WDW lines on my phone. We are planning to avoid parks on EMH days and we hope that strategy works best for us. (Originally I planned to attend parks with EMH.)

I am really leaning towards cancelling the rental car and that is something that I can cancel at this point without penalty. We both are introverts and don't get energized by crowds of people so I thought having a car would give us a break from the masses. But if everyone is generally in a good mood and it ADDS to the experience then why spend extra? I have heard that your luggage can arrive really late to the hotel with the luggage service. Any experience from anyone?

I am in the midst of researching how to use the DDP the best way. Some of the "snacks" and the quick service counter meals seem larger or even more grand than I imagined. I really thought we were going to need to supplement for breakfast, but if we use our credits wisely that might not be the case. I have some research to do!

I didn't even know about the souvenir mug! Can you take it EVERYWHERE and where can you fill it up? My DH drinks four cans of sodas a day religiously (there are worse vices) so having soda is a MUST for us. I just didn't want to pay Disney prices for them.

Thank you so much for sharing your wisdom everyone! It can be a very nervous experience paying this much money and trying to plan and remember everything.

I'm going to ask what seems like an obvious question: Why hasn't the free dining discount been applied to your existing resort package reservation? All of your vacation dates fall within the current December free dining discount dates. If you haven't done so, you need to call WDW reservations and ask that the current free dining code be applied to your existing reservation. That should save you about $500.00 right there.

Also, I agree with many of the others, drop the rental car, it's completely unnecessary. We usually drive, so have access to our car, and we hardly ever use it while we are on property. Also, drop the park hoppers. Being new to WDW you really don't need them. Just plan your days around your current dining reservations.

Another thing, unless you are getting the deluxe dining plan, you have to pay for the resort/sovenier mug and it is only good at your resort, it is not good at any of the parks or anywhere else on property.

 

[Shelly F - Ohio]

Like others have said, I would drop the rental car. Buses, monarail, boats are a great way to get around Disney. Plus since you have never been there navagating around Disney can be a bit confusing for a first visit. Take the magical express bus from the airport. They will also collect your luggage and deliver it to your room. Cost of using Disney transportation FREE!

As for paying for the waterview room I would opt for a cheaper view. You will not be in your room that much to really care what view you have. So there is a cost saver for you.
Also I thought I would never stay at a value resort because I too wanted a Disney experience. Well during our last stay we spent 2 night at the Pop Century before moving to the Wilderness Lodge and we LOVED it at the Pop. The bed was more comfortable than the Wilderness lodge. It was quiet at our resort even though it was sold out.
Another tip to help save money, you can take your own snacks and drinks into the parks.

Don't be nervous and don't over obsess about this vacation. If you have a question feel free to post it. You are among a lot of knowledgable Disney folks.