Help me wrap my head around this…

[GatorMama]

My family of (will be) 5 is going down to WDW in September. Our plans are already firm. My sister and BIL are fairly certain they'd like to join us. She is NOT a planner and literally told me to figure things out for her and tell her where to sign and give money to. LoL. (We are exact opposites, love her LOTS)

So originally they were looking at a timeshare resort for a week that would be about $300/week. They would have extra space if any of our other family decided to come down for all or part of the time if they chose this BUT, they're flying in and will need a rental car, so the cost of the rental car and then parking at the parks will make this "package" a hair more complicated. Then I considered looking at onsite hotels for them to utilize ME and Disney transportation. Since discounts for the fall aren't out yet, its hard to know what would be comparable (if anything) in price to the offsite "package."

They DO plan to eat at all of the same Table Service meals we are. And since we (my family of 5) are on the DDP, that's a lot of buffets and character meals. Obviously at the non-buffets, they could order something cheaper to save a few bucks. And they'll still have to eat other meals, with minimal cooking (she doesn't want to cook while she's on vacation, understandable- don't either, been there, done that), so my guess is they'll eat several quick service meals in parks or eat off site on the days we're not planning to go to the parks.

They will not need to buy tickets so booking with a free dining offer (if its available then), wouldn't benefit them. *Also I hate that you have to buy tickets to get free dining, but I do understand it.

What would you urge her to do? Looks like I may need to bust out my awesome spreadsheet to make sure I'm not missing anything…

 

[lauradis]

I would start by asking her how much money she can or wants to spend.

Then I would send her package info of where you are staying on site and other cheaper options of onsite.

If she is going to do all the same table service meals with you I would send her a price of how much each one is for her share, plus I would add her to all the ADR and cancel later if she chooses not to go.

 

[GatorMama]

I've told her everywhere I want to make ADRs and I can add her to them from the get-go without her having reservations yet. She knows NOTHING about Disney (other than its expensive and we love it and she wants to share in the magic with our kids). I looked at the cost of renting DVC (if there is even availability) and it sounds like she's probably OK with about $1000 for the week on a hotel onsite. I've been in touch in my TA too to see if she has ideas for us.

Sister does not want to know how much meals will cost. Which I think is nuts. I will suggest that if she stays onsite that she cut a few of the meals we have planned since they'd cost her more OOP than the experience would probably be worth to her (Hollywood and Vine Disney Jr. lunch and Tusker House lunch, specifically) I KNOW they'd have a better experience if they didn't have to drive everywhere because I know theyll want to have drinks here and there, especially F&W festival...