Help me from overpaying!

[jadedbeauty14304]

I am so sad! On my trip in early December '07 I booked a bounceback offer for four nights in April at POP, figuring my little girl and I can have a "just girls" little trip and do all the things we haven't done before. Well, in mid December I fell on some ice at work and fractured my ankle. Had surgery on it just after Christmas, and figured I would easily be up and around and strong enough for our trip. Well, the doctor set me straight today, telling me I would not make a very good travel buddy that soon. I am frustrated and upset, because I was really looking forward to a little getaway after being stuck in the house for the past two months. Of course it is my right ankle, so I can't drive anywhere, and I live in western NYS where I risk falling every time I walk out the door this time of year from all the stupid snow and ice. I can't even put weight on that leg yet, and need at least 8 weeks of physical therapy before I can walk enough to even think about going back to work.
I called Disney, and had a really nice CM and tried to change my dates using my code, and she kept telling me it wasn't available. I asked her when it WAS available and she said she couldn't tell me. I almost screamed. So I told her I'd call back and sat my Dd down and explained the situation and asked for her opinion, and she decided she wanted to go in mid August for a whole week (we usually only stay 3-5) instead. Check my favorite airline, found low fares, so I called Disney again. I actually got a really knowledgeable CM this time and he explained the dates for my code, so I got 7 nights Aug. 14-21 preferred location for $75 a night. I asked about adding on tickets and dining possibly and he said I would lose my code, and would have to rebook under a new code. I don't see any new codes anywhere for this, and had him check to see if i had one in the system for my name and he said no. Should I just buy my tickets at Undercover Tourist and pay for my own meals, or wait and see if something better comes along? I am one of those people who like to have everything planned and paid for way ahead of time so that I don't stress out. Originally I was going to drive down in April so we were going to go to SW and US/IOA and just eat offsite or in the POP food court. Now that I can get cheap airfare I want to do all Disney, waterparks, restaurants at resorts I've never been to, DTD,etc..with less park commando mentality. Any suggestions from anyone? I am so needing some help. I really want to have a good deal, and I know they haven't offered free dining so early in August the past few years, so what kind of code do you think there might be? Do you think I should just leave it be until they do offer a code?

 

[RachelTori]

I would just sit tight with what you have right now - you have plenty of time. Keep checking these boards and IF you see other codes being released (or if you receive a postcard or email from Disney!), call CRO and see if it would be cost-effective to make a change. The beauty of a room-only res is the generous cancellation policy (5 days out as opposed to 45 days for a package).

Oh, and I hope your ankle is better soon.

 

[jadedbeauty14304]

Thanks, after a few days and a cooler head, I have decided it would be most cost effective to just leave it as is, buy my tickets through UT with the mousesavers special, and pay OOP for food. We love the POP food court and it is reasonably priced. Im not sure if I would spend the same as I would pay for dining, if I didn't book dining. We don't feel the need for 7 TS meals. Thanks for your feedback!

 

[Va-bear]

Sorry about your ankle but congrats on planning a new trip. I agree w/ you and the other poster to hang tight.And since free dining, most likely, wouldnt apply to when you went anyway it makes a lot of sense to pay oop for food - I the Pop food court too. THe only sad part will be waiting the extra time to go - you can do it!

 

[jadedbeauty14304]

I think waiting the extra time is the hardest part. But I just can't imagine being able to do the insane amount of walking before August that is required of a trip to WDW. It is for the best. At least that is what I keep telling myself! And it gives me more time to save money for the trip

 

[RachelTori]

I think waiting the extra time is the hardest part. But I just can't imagine being able to do the insane amount of walking before August that is required of a trip to WDW. It is for the best. At least that is what I keep telling myself! And it gives me more time to save money for the trip

When you start feeling weak, as in "oh, I don't think I can wait THAT long!" think about this: if you were to go too soon and re-injure your ankle, it will NEVER be 100% again. Like you said, "it is for the best" and another benefit is the extra planning time you'll have PLUS all that money you will have accumulated that'll just be falling out of your pockets!

The main thing is to be sure your ankle can handle the trip.

 

[jadedbeauty14304]

I know, it really broke my heart when I realized there would be no way I could handle going in April, and when I found out I still have over a month before I can drive again... it makes things hard. I have Disney planning fever, and it will keep me in a good mood all the way up until my trip. Six months is nothing!!!

 

[fla4fun]

If you don't mind eating counter service, you will probably come out ahead without the dining plan. I don't buy the DDP because I have an AP and frequently travel solo, so the discount on the room is usually a bigger savings than buying a package with the DDP. Some trips I'm on a tighter budget than others. I've eaten on as little as $20 per day (budgeted) and been just fine. Typically, I budget about $30 per day, and eat mostly CS, with a TS every second or third day.

Look at it this way - if you don't spend all your food budget on food, you can spend it on souvenirs!

 

[jadedbeauty14304]

If you don't mind eating counter service, you will probably come out ahead without the dining plan. I don't buy the DDP because I have an AP and frequently travel solo, so the discount on the room is usually a bigger savings than buying a package with the DDP. Some trips I'm on a tighter budget than others. I've eaten on as little as $20 per day (budgeted) and been just fine. Typically, I budget about $30 per day, and eat mostly CS, with a TS every second or third day.

Look at it this way - if you don't spend all your food budget on food, you can spend it on souvenirs!

Yes, and I looove souvenirs! My daughter and I both are due for new sets of ears!

 

[jadedbeauty14304]

Just an update.

The obsessive planner in me has won the war. I called AAA travel and they booked my vacation package with dining, and I got 20% off the rack rates of the room, just like I would have with my bounceback offer.

I just got to planning and looking at some of our favorite restaurants, and how much $$ I would realistically spend on food. I would like to say that I could go to WDW and only eat one or two TS meals, but the reality is I can't. I love food, and it is a big part of my vacation. I am booking the Aloha dinner show at the Poly and am so excited. I would never pay OOP for it. I am just too cheap. LOL