I need help! Long Post.

[Barrister]

Here we go; I need some help. We bought at BWV (400 Points) in October of 2008 and have our first of two trips scheduled for June 20 to the 26th 2009
(2 Bedroom) and October 10th to the 16th 2009 (Grand Villa). What should I do about Tickets and Dining? Me, DH 44, DW 39, DS 14 and DS 2 (will be 3 during the October trip).

The Park Hopper + Water Park Fun & More (Fun Visits) (10 day) - No Expiration from Undercover Tourist would be ($526.95 x 3 Adults) + $505.95 1Child Total: $2,086.80. The Premium Annual Pass, with DVC Discount, would be ($474.00 x 3 Adults) + $418.00 1 Child Total $1,840.00. (I think tax takes this up to $1,996.40). Since our son will be 2 during the first trip does he need a ticket? For the second trip he will turn 3 on the 15th (the day before we leave). If I do not buy him a ticket for either trip the costs would be $1,580.85 and $1,422.00 respectively. We have not been to Disney since DS
(14) was 4 years old. I am sure he will be bored to death as we are not taking a friend for him to hang out with. What would you do regarding tickets? I do not think we will be back in 2010.

As for Dinning, we like to eat at nice restaurants. Both kids always go with us at home and we enjoy the opportunity to try new things and have a cocktail at the end of the day. DW and both DS's are not earlier risers. Thus, breakfast is usually lost on them and some type of fruit, pastry or small breakfast sandwich usually suffices. Except, eggs benedict is a staple around her at noon on Sundays. LOL. This is not to say we want three sit down meals. I am thinking about the Disney Dining Plan at $39.99 for Me, DW and DS (14) ($719.82 for the 6 days). Am I correct that DS (2) does not have to be included? Also, I want to make calls next week to get ADR's as our 90 day window is approaching. What restaurants should I book? This would be for dinner around 6 PM each night as the little guy is a bear if he doesn't eat by then. I think he would enjoy a character lunch as well. Any advice? Thanks in advance.

 

[Sandisw]

I can answer some of your questions. I would go with the AP for your family. You will be getting two trips out of the pass and if you plan a trip next year, and can do it before the dates of the June trip this year, you will get 3 trips from one pass.

As far as your 2 year old, you won't need a pass for June, but will for October.

YOu would not have to buy the dining plan for your little one. He can share from your plate for the June trip.

Chef Mickey's and Crystal Palace are great buffets. We also liked the food at Kona at Polynesian! If you have a set time to eat, I would definitely make ressies as soon as your window opens up.

Have a fun and magical trip.

 

[yasuern]

I would go with the DVC AP's - As far as your 2 year old is concerned I would and many may disagree with me - NOT BUY HIM A TICKET for either trip as he will turn 3 the day before you depart WDW and not sure but on the 15th he would be eligible for the free Birthday ticket promotion.


As far as dining goes we have never done the dining plan but I can tell you some of our favorite spots


MK - crystal palace(pooh & friends), Plaza restuarant, counter service - comic rays and harbour house

Epcot - Lecieliers, Restuarant marakesh(sp)morroco, counter service - in the land pavilion is a large foodcourt type place and Tangerine cafe(morocco)


DHS - Sci fi dine in theatre, mama melrose, counter service - the many counters outside near ToT and Rnrc rides


AK - Yak and Yeti, Counter service pizzafari, flame tree BBQ


At the contemporary - Chef Mickeys(mickey and friends)
At Grand Floridian - 1900 Park Fair(dinner with Cinderella and friends)
Animal Kingdom Lodge - Boma's buffet - no characters but good food.




Thats all I can think of at this moment - OH and WELCOM HOME


Sue

 

[dianeschlicht]

With the number of days, I'd say your best option is APs with the DVC discount. The 2 year old will NOT need a ticket yet.

As for the dining plan. We have found we can do better price wise just getting the TIW card with one of the APs. We eat at a sit down every day, and at least a couple of signatures a trip. We tracked this for two years of trips with DDP and with only the TIW card, and we found the cost to be several hundred dollars LESS using the TIW card and paying OOP over the DDP. If, however, you like the convenience of the DDP, you will have to decide if it's worth the extra cost for you.

 

[dizfanz]

Do not buy the 2 yr old a ticket. He will be free for the first trip. He will be free on the second trip on all days but the last. Go to disney's website to register him for his birthday. He will be free on his 3rd birthday. Child tickets at WDW are for 3-10 year olds. I agree with the TIW theory. I am not a planner when it comes to meals. Go to a grocery store and buy breakfast stuff for the room. You will be in a grand villa, enjoy some time there. Then use the TIW card for 20% your meals at many places. Try Portofino Restaurant at DTD. DVC members get 30% off lunch and 20% off dinner. It is a great restaurant.

Buy the annual passes. You need to have those to buy TIW card since you are not a FL resident.