Hmm...A la Carte, or a package? Help!!

[Here'sTigger2U]

Ok, surely this has been asked before. Am planning a 6-night trip in October and am all set to lay down the deposit...6 nights at AoA in a family suite (five of us, Mom, Dad, and the three kids ages 10,11, and 12) with hopper tickets and dining plan...when it hits me. Dang this is gonna cost some $$$!! I've spent some time looking at the room only rates and it seems with the discounts, we can stay at the Swan or Dolphin for a pretty good rate, buy the park tickets and come in lots less than a value room package.

Any input? Who's done what? In 2009 when we went we had an awesome offer I received in the mail...kids (under 10? 12? I don't recall but our three qualified) stay, play and eat for free with 2 full price adult packages...that package at Dixie Landings (I know...its "Port Orleans-Riverside"...old habit) was less than $2200 for five nights. The package I am looking at (granted 1 extra night but still the same magic your way w/dining) is better than double.

Not ranting!!!Just confused. Seems the packages would be the best way to go...I'm uncertain though.


Thanks for reading!!

Bob.

 

[sleeperclan]

We've only done a package twice...both times with free dining. Since then, we've done a la carte...room only discount or rented DVC points, tickets through UT, and paying OOP for meals. We aren't big eaters and not "dessert with every meal" people. We still are able to enjoy several CS and TS meals at a reasonable price. You just have to run the numbers (I usually do this a bazillion ways) and see what will work for your family. Hope this helps some!

 

[MinnieTink]

We've only done a package twice...both times with free dining. Since then, we've done a la carte...room only discount or rented DVC points, tickets through UT, and paying OOP for meals. We aren't big eaters and not "dessert with every meal" people. We still are able to enjoy several CS and TS meals at a reasonable price. You just have to run the numbers (I usually do this a bazillion ways) and see what will work for your family. Hope this helps some!

I agree with this poster as well. We have done the free dining package a few times, but we have also gotten room discounts too, and that works well. I would also recommend Undercover Tourist for slightly discounted tickets.

You could go to the Discount codes and rates section of the boards and sub to the October code watch thread. Many times info will show up there before anywhere else.

 

[jujube]

If you can get a better deal staying at the Dolphin, go for it. You can walk or boat to 2 parks and have the Boardwalk area right next door. There are a lot of restaurants between the Swan and Dolphin plus all of the Epcot restaurants. The pool is beautiful! Besides all of this, you're staying in a deluxe resort with beds that are called heavenly for a reason!