Help!

[Delphinidae]

So I've been pricing a few different Disney trips and I'm just having severe sticker shock over here LOL. Sad to say that I've apparently been quite spoiled on the military specials and discounts for Disney, and now that I can no longer use them, I don't know what I'm doing, haha. :/ I know to keep a lookout for specials and room discounts, but what are some other tips or advice y'all may have?

I've been trying to decide if it would be better to book a package with Disney, or to just book the room by itself and get tickets from MouseSavers. Right now I'm also looking at the Spring Vacation special through Disney, which is showing around $2200 for us without a dining plan added. My last trip we did get the dining plan (mid tier) but it looks like it'll add almost $800, and I'm not sure how worth it that is until I do a little more research.

Any insight? There will be 4 of us, 2 adults, 1 junior and one child. We definitely want to stay on property. Not set on a date yet, but mostly looking at either Thanksgiving week or early June. Our last trip we were able to go in October and it was fantastic but sadly I don't know if I can take my kids out for a week anymore with them being older

Thanks in advance and sorry I wrote a book!

 

[_auroraborealis_]

There are very few discounts Thanksgiving week. You have better chances at a discount in early June.

 

[Delphinidae]

That was pretty much what I was thinking. Last time I looked at the crowd calendar, there didn't seem to be much difference between the two times as far as crowds, but June did seem a teensy bit better. Does the Spring Vacation special they're having seem like a good deal? Or should I buy tickets and room separately? Especially if there is a chance of ticket prices increasing soon... My biggest qualm with doing it that way is not having the option to add on the dining plan. But it's been a while since I've researched dining, are there any big changes? The last trip it was worth it to us because we did a couple of character meals and the Fantasmic package. Not sure if we'd be better off going out of pocket, but a few years ago most people were saying if you were doing any character meals it was better in the end to use the dining plan. Is that still the case?

Sorry for all the questions and if this is in the wrong spot. I just feel so out of the loop and lost! Ha.

 

[mmeb144]

I don't know about character meals, but the dining plan is expensive. I guess that eating in the parks is too. We like not having all the dining reservations, to have to be at a particular place at a particular time. I might do one character meal out of pocket, to get the fun of the meal, but there are plenty of character meet and greets available at no additional charge, if your group is into that.

As far as resorts, we have dropped down to values as our usual resort option. The moderates are getting pricey. I still want to stay on property, so to the values we go. If you are looking to drop costs lower, check out the off-site options. I love Caribe Royale, just down the road from EPCOT. Beautiful resort, big rooms, awesome pool.

Keep researching. And be sure to poll the family to find out how they feel about cutting costs. At my house, my other family members like the food at the parks. I would be happy with a peanut butter sandwich as long as I get to go.