I'm second guessing - is the basic DP enough for us?

[princesslover]

Everyone keeps saying that the deluxe plan is SO much food, and it does sound like a lot. BUT. There are a lot of character meals we want to do, and it seems like we are going to have to pay a lot OOP if we want to see them all, and I feel like we are going to have a lot of QS meals leftover?

For example, here are some ADR's I'd like to get:

CRT
1900 Grand Floridian
Akershus
Chef Mickeys
Ohana
Whispering Canyon
Crystal Palace
California Grill
Tuskers
Boma
Hoop-de-doo OR Mickey's Backyard BBQ

With the basic plan, we just won't have enough TS credits, especially since two of these are 2 credit meals.

Am I wanting too much for the basic plan? Do you think I will end up paying a lot OOP?

BTW: Our girls will be 6 and 2. Thanks.

 

[jlm]

How many days are you at Disney?

 

[princesslover]

How many days are you at Disney?

That would help!! 7 days.

 

[binkytell]

in case it helps to make up your mind, you have 3 x 2ts credits, crt,
california grill and hoopdedo/mickeysbackyard barbecue.

we had 14 days of basic dining last year and by the beginning of
1st week goin to dinner was becoming a chore as we were all so full,
and we are big eaters who lovvve our food.

 

[brymolmom]

I can't imagine ever getting the deluxe because we've had extra, unused credits even with the regular DP...so I might be biased this way. BUT, I think that is way too many sit down meals for 7 nights when you have 2 little kids. We went for 8 nights on the regular DDP last time (With kids 3 and 5) and by the last couple days we were sick of sitting down for meals. We decided that when we go again we would do at LEAST 1 two-credit meal and not have a sit-down every single day. Those other days we'll use CS and I'm going to do take-out pizza from food court one night to eat by the pool. That way - the kids are free to roam and swim and head back to the table for a bite and a drink every so often....and Mom and Dad can relax with a drink from the pool bar and just let them entertain themselves!

So this next trip we are again going for 8 nights and I have 7 meals planned....I wanted to make it 6 meals but just haven't been able to make that fit into the schedule.

With too many meals (to me and my family at least) it seems like we're spending our whole vacation eating...or waiting for drink refills....or waiting for dessert....or figuring out tips....Anyway - I would cut out one or two of the meals (and/or change one of the 2 credit meals to a 1 credit) and then just keep the regular DDP.

 

[Merryweather7]

It looks to me like you have 11 TS meals, 3 of which are 2 credits. So if you plan on doing all of these (and can get the reservations) you'll be looking at 14 TS credits. Personally, I'd probably go with the deluxe plan. If my calculations are correct, you'll save quite a bit. However I think I'd agree with pp that this is a whole lot of sit down meals. We went in October on the basic dining plan (myself, DS, and DN7) and did CRT, Hoop-Dee-Doo, Akershus, Liberty Tree (2x), Wolfgang Pucks, Tusker House Lunch, and Tony's during our 10 days. We had more than enough food and spent little OOP. Ultimately it depends on your familys likes/dislikes but we were fine with counter service meals the rest of the time and got to do 3 character meals, which was enough for us. Have fun on your trip!

 

[jcemom]

I agree that it's too many meals for young children. You know your family best, and maybe it's different for your children, but mine would rather be riding the rides and enjoying the attractions -- even if it's the playgrounds -- than sitting through so many meals.

Even if we get the DDP my kids only want to eat, on average, one TS meal per day, and actually prefer fewer. So we usually choose one that requires 2 credits, and we leave DD6 at the Neverland Club one night while the rest of us go to dinner. She would by far rather play at Neverland that sit in yet another restaurant.

This is just what *I* would do, with six nights, and two small girls, I'd choose:

Chef Mickey's (dinner on arrival night is great if it fits your schedule -- Fab 5)
Akershus (princess fix, and since they're at all three meals it's easy to fit in)
Ohana dinner (in my DD's top 2, along with Chef M's)
Crystal Palace (again, all three meals so it's easy to schedule in)
California Grill (preferably while the kids were at Neverland Club)
Hoop De Doo (this one's always a hit with all ages)

CRT, Akershus, and 1900 Park Fare are three princess meals that will duplicate princesses. You probably won't see Cinderella at Akershus, though it's possible, but you will see her at both CRT and 1900. The other princesses and leading ladies at Akershus (with the exception of Ariel with legs during lunch and dinner) may also be at CRT. 1900 will give you the stepmother and stepsisters, and Prince Charming, so if your girls are really into the Cinderella stories they may enjoy that.

Tusker House and Mickey's BBQ have almost the same characters as Chef Mickey's. We thought the BBQ was chaotic, and the characters don't pose for photos (though you can snap away while they're out, they just don't stop and pose), do any one-on-one time with kids, or sign autographs. Tusker character breakfast is difficult to fit in unless you're doing it at 8:00 on a 9:00 rope drop morning. Otherwise it's tough to get to without missing some attractions and doing extra walking, IMO.

 

[princesslover]

Thank you so much everyone! This is helpful. You are all right - I am wanting to do too much for 7 days. I've never been to Disney, and I guess I just want to soak it ALL in!! There really is such a thing as planning too much, isnt' there?

This is just what *I* would do, with six nights, and two small girls, I'd choose:

Chef Mickey's (dinner on arrival night is great if it fits your schedule -- Fab 5)
Akershus (princess fix, and since they're at all three meals it's easy to fit in)
Ohana dinner (in my DD's top 2, along with Chef M's)
Crystal Palace (again, all three meals so it's easy to schedule in)
California Grill (preferably while the kids were at Neverland Club)
Hoop De Doo (this one's always a hit with all ages)

CRT, Akershus, and 1900 Park Fare are three princess meals that will duplicate princesses. You probably won't see Cinderella at Akershus, though it's possible, but you will see her at both CRT and 1900. The other princesses and leading ladies at Akershus (with the exception of Ariel with legs during lunch and dinner) may also be at CRT. 1900 will give you the stepmother and stepsisters, and Prince Charming, so if your girls are really into the Cinderella stories they may enjoy that.

Thank you for this. You have some great suggetions here. The only thing I might change is we might also try to get to CRT for breakfast or lunch, just because of the experience of dining in the castle. We definitley need to see Ariel, since she is my DD6's favorite. So my best bet is Akershus for Ariel?

Can you (or someone) explain what the neverland club is? It sounds like it's a place children can go without their parents? Where is it?

 

[tink519]

Thank you so much everyone! This is helpful. You are all right - I am wanting to do too much for 7 days. I've never been to Disney, and I guess I just want to soak it ALL in!! There really is such a thing as planning too much, isnt' there?

This is why we keep going back! You can never do it all in one trip. I am only planning my third trip, but I agree that is a lot of sit down meals. Sometimes it is just nice to go back and sit by the pool. Visiting the parks is hard work. The other thing to consider is do you have to do characters at almost every meal? Chances are your 2 year old will be afraid of them anyway....I am limiting it to one princess meal (leaning towards askerhus) and one other (tbd.) She likes Mickey and Minnie so maybe one with them. All depends on what we can get.

 

[jcemom]

Thank you so much everyone! This is helpful. You are all right - I am wanting to do too much for 7 days. I've never been to Disney, and I guess I just want to soak it ALL in!! There really is such a thing as planning too much, isnt' there?



Thank you for this. You have some great suggetions here. The only thing I might change is we might also try to get to CRT for breakfast or lunch, just because of the experience of dining in the castle. We definitley need to see Ariel, since she is my DD6's favorite. So my best bet is Akershus for Ariel?

Can you (or someone) explain what the neverland club is? It sounds like it's a place children can go without their parents? Where is it?

You can see Ariel in her grotto right in Fantasyland, but if you don't get there very close to when it opens (around 9:30 when I've been) the line grows long... fast. In her grotto Ariel has a tail, at Akershus (where she is usually for lunch and dinner, but not guaranteed) she wears a dress and walks on legs. If seeing her with legs isn't terribly important to you, and if you're doing the Fantasyland rides anyway, you might consider CRT instead of Akershus and just visit Ariel in her grotto.

The Neverland Club is a kids club at the Polynesian Resort. The kids stay for however long you like, with I think a two hour minimum, and the CMs will give them dinner (you choose what they get when you check them in), they get to play games, watch movies, play dress-up, etc. I think it's now $11.25 per hour per child though, so not inexpensive. I only have one DD who goes as my other children are older, so the cost isn't prohibitive for us. This is actually an activity my DD requests now, LOL, right along with meeting characters and riding rides. It's convenient for me to leave her there while the rest of us visit whatever nearby restaurant is in the plans for that particular trip. We get to enjoy a more adult meal without DD, and she gets to enjoy playing without us. As we almost never go out without our kids here at home it's a welcome break and worth the added expense, for us.

 

[princesslover]

You can see Ariel in her grotto right in Fantasyland, but if you don't get there very close to when it opens (around 9:30 when I've been) the line grows long... fast. In her grotto Ariel has a tail, at Akershus (where she is usually for lunch and dinner, but not guaranteed) she wears a dress and walks on legs. If seeing her with legs isn't terribly important to you, and if you're doing the Fantasyland rides anyway, you might consider CRT instead of Akershus and just visit Ariel in her grotto.

The Neverland Club is a kids club at the Polynesian Resort. The kids stay for however long you like, with I think a two hour minimum, and the CMs will give them dinner (you choose what they get when you check them in), they get to play games, watch movies, play dress-up, etc. I think it's now $11.25 per hour per child though, so not inexpensive. I only have one DD who goes as my other children are older, so the cost isn't prohibitive for us. This is actually an activity my DD requests now, LOL, right along with meeting characters and riding rides. It's convenient for me to leave her there while the rest of us visit whatever nearby restaurant is in the plans for that particular trip. We get to enjoy a more adult meal without DD, and she gets to enjoy playing without us. As we almost never go out without our kids here at home it's a welcome break and worth the added expense, for us.

Thanks! Heck, babysitters around here are $10 an hour or more, so this really isn't that bad. We have never been out to dinner without our kids. Ever. How sad is that? I'll definitely put this on my "maybe" list.

I am definitely going to try for CRT - but I'd like one more princess meal. I'm torn between Akershus and 1900 Grand Floridian. I like that there are usually more princesses at Akershus, but I've heard the stepsisters are a hoot and worth seeing. I do think my DD would like to see Ariel in her gown though. I've got some time to make up my mind, I guess.

 

[princesslover]

This is why we keep going back! You can never do it all in one trip. I am only planning my third trip, but I agree that is a lot of sit down meals. Sometimes it is just nice to go back and sit by the pool. Visiting the parks is hard work. The other thing to consider is do you have to do characters at almost every meal? Chances are your 2 year old will be afraid of them anyway....I am limiting it to one princess meal (leaning towards askerhus) and one other (tbd.) She likes Mickey and Minnie so maybe one with them. All depends on what we can get.

My two year old will be turning 3 while we are there. Even now, she is not scared of characters at all - we've been to see Santa and the Easter Bunny twice each, and she's fine.

As far as doing characters at every meal - you're right, that's not necessary and I imagine would get tiring. But I'm just not sure which restaurants are "kid friendly" in terms of menu options and atmoshphere, other than the character ones. I dont' want to choose a restaurant where the kids have to sit down and be quiet the whole meal - cause that's just not happening.

 

[WillowBelle]

I'm agreeing with what most others have said. There is no way possible to fit it all in. I'm almost to trip #19 with #20 in the works and STILL am planning new things to do for this one.

I think definitely double up and do CRT . Your girls are so small, they will be in heaven eating in the castle. Try to make your reservation for a morning that is not EMH and try to get the first one. That way you can get pictures on Main St. USA with no one in the background. There is something extra special about being alone on that street. PLUS you have the added bonus of already being in Fantsyland when the park opens so you can get all of those rides out of the way before that area gets mobbed.

I would also vote to see Ariel in her Grotto. There is a play area with water spouts that randomly shoot water out of the ground for the kids to run around in while they're waiting. There is minimal shade though, so know that if it is really, really hot - while the kiddies are cool in the water, mom and dad are sweating their brains out in line. Ariel's area is shaded though which makes for fewer shadows cast on the face for pictures.

Not sure if your 'Ohana is for breakfast or dinner. We ate there for breakfast last summer (I have DDs 8 & 10, DH sat this trip out). Both DDs agreed that this was a permanent meal when we visit. They LOVED it! The kids get noismakers and get to parade around the restaurant. The food is great, the character interaction was fantastic. They take your picture while you are waiting in line to be sat. Have them take one with your camera also so that you don't pay more OOP for the additional photograph. We haven't done dinner here yet, but will be doing it in a few weeks because of the rave reviews that the restaurant gets. I believe that dinner doesn't have any characters.

One good thing with dining with so many characters is that you may get to skip standing in some of the really long lines in the parks to see them. It's nicer to have them come up to you while you're enjoying the a/c and let them take a picture and get their autograph. My DDs have always been able to logicize and would skip seeing the character again because 'you just saw them at breakfast -- give someone else a chance.' That one worked like a charm.

Also, my DDs were 3.5 and 5 on their first visits. They weren't scared at all of the characters. The characters are really good at being able to tell if a kid is getting freaked out. If that happens, they will walk a wide berth and just wave and move on.

 

[princesslover]

I'm agreeing with what most others have said. There is no way possible to fit it all in. I'm almost to trip #19 with #20 in the works and STILL am planning new things to do for this one.

I think definitely double up and do CRT . Your girls are so small, they will be in heaven eating in the castle. Try to make your reservation for a morning that is not EMH and try to get the first one. That way you can get pictures on Main St. USA with no one in the background. There is something extra special about being alone on that street. PLUS you have the added bonus of already being in Fantsyland when the park opens so you can get all of those rides out of the way before that area gets mobbed.

I would also vote to see Ariel in her Grotto. There is a play area with water spouts that randomly shoot water out of the ground for the kids to run around in while they're waiting. There is minimal shade though, so know that if it is really, really hot - while the kiddies are cool in the water, mom and dad are sweating their brains out in line. Ariel's area is shaded though which makes for fewer shadows cast on the face for pictures.

Not sure if your 'Ohana is for breakfast or dinner. We ate there for breakfast last summer (I have DDs 8 & 10, DH sat this trip out). Both DDs agreed that this was a permanent meal when we visit. They LOVED it! The kids get noismakers and get to parade around the restaurant. The food is great, the character interaction was fantastic. They take your picture while you are waiting in line to be sat. Have them take one with your camera also so that you don't pay more OOP for the additional photograph. We haven't done dinner here yet, but will be doing it in a few weeks because of the rave reviews that the restaurant gets. I believe that dinner doesn't have any characters.

One good thing with dining with so many characters is that you may get to skip standing in some of the really long lines in the parks to see them. It's nicer to have them come up to you while you're enjoying the a/c and let them take a picture and get their autograph. My DDs have always been able to logicize and would skip seeing the character again because 'you just saw them at breakfast -- give someone else a chance.' That one worked like a charm.

Also, my DDs were 3.5 and 5 on their first visits. They weren't scared at all of the characters. The characters are really good at being able to tell if a kid is getting freaked out. If that happens, they will walk a wide berth and just wave and move on.

Yeah, I feel pretty strongly that we need to have breakfast in the castle - thanks for the tip on getting there early.

We'll be there the first week of December, so hopefully we won't be sweating too bad in the lines. You never know though!

My initial post is somewhat misleading, since DD will turn 3 while we are there. And yeah, she's really fine around characters.

I wonder if 1900 GF would be too much of a repeat of CRT? (Same characters, etc?)

 

[WillowBelle]

Do 1900PF for breakfast, no character duplication. You get Alice (not at CRT), Mad Hatter, Pooh & Tigger and Mary Poppins in the lobby. My DH and youngest DD deemed this breakfast their favorite after they found the soft serve ice cream machine . Ice cream and Mickey waffles, can life get any better .

 

[DaveStroem]

We did 8N/9D on the DDP durning March. My family are big eaters and we were stuffed with the regular DDP. I could not imagine doing the DxDP and doing 3 TS per day. The problem for me is that I would not feel like I was getting my moneys worth if we didn't.

 

[Colleen27]

Everyone keeps saying that the deluxe plan is SO much food, and it does sound like a lot. BUT. There are a lot of character meals we want to do, and it seems like we are going to have to pay a lot OOP if we want to see them all, and I feel like we are going to have a lot of QS meals leftover?

For example, here are some ADR's I'd like to get:

CRT
1900 Grand Floridian
Akershus
Chef Mickeys
Ohana
Whispering Canyon
Crystal Palace
California Grill
Tuskers
Boma
Hoop-de-doo OR Mickey's Backyard BBQ

With the basic plan, we just won't have enough TS credits, especially since two of these are 2 credit meals.

Am I wanting too much for the basic plan? Do you think I will end up paying a lot OOP?

BTW: Our girls will be 6 and 2. Thanks.

We enjoy the deluxe plan, partly because we can do character meals without giving up relaxing evening meals. We don't do breaks back at the resort during the day, so a quiet lunch or dinner is our break from the heat, noise, and crowds.

My plan with the above wish-list would be:
Day 1 - Whispering Canyon (d)
Day 2 (MK) - CRT (l)
Day 3 (EP) - Akershus (b), Hoop-de-doo (d)
Day 4 (AK) - Tuskers (b), Boma (d)
Day 5 (HS) - Ohana (b), 1900 Park Fare (d)
Day 6 (MK) - Crystal Palace (b), California Grill (d)
Day 7 - Chef Mickey (b)

The one thing I see is that you're really heavy on the MK area resort dinners, which could be a lot of transportation time depending on where you're staying, and you didn't have any restaurants in the HS area listed at all so you'd be eating before & after your park time on that day.

Most of what you have above are fixed price meals, so I popped the numbers into my planning spreadsheet for you. Assuming breakfast for all the character meals, the above meals are going to be about $70 cheaper than the deluxe plan. So the question is, do you think your other meals (CS & TS - 4 remaining credits per person), snacks, and mugs would be worth the extra $70?

 

[JeffreyY]

I believe children need to be four years old to go to the kids clubs. I agree with other posters if this is your first time to DW you will probably want to do more of the parks and all those sit down restaurants will take up a lot of your time.

 

[princesslover]

We enjoy the deluxe plan, partly because we can do character meals without giving up relaxing evening meals. We don't do breaks back at the resort during the day, so a quiet lunch or dinner is our break from the heat, noise, and crowds.

My plan with the above wish-list would be:
Day 1 - Whispering Canyon (d)
Day 2 (MK) - CRT (l)
Day 3 (EP) - Akershus (b), Hoop-de-doo (d)
Day 4 (AK) - Tuskers (b), Boma (d)
Day 5 (HS) - Ohana (b), 1900 Park Fare (d)
Day 6 (MK) - Crystal Palace (b), California Grill (d)
Day 7 - Chef Mickey (b)

The one thing I see is that you're really heavy on the MK area resort dinners, which could be a lot of transportation time depending on where you're staying, and you didn't have any restaurants in the HS area listed at all so you'd be eating before & after your park time on that day.

Most of what you have above are fixed price meals, so I popped the numbers into my planning spreadsheet for you. Assuming breakfast for all the character meals, the above meals are going to be about $70 cheaper than the deluxe plan. So the question is, do you think your other meals (CS & TS - 4 remaining credits per person), snacks, and mugs would be worth the extra $70?

Thank you so much for taking the time to propose an itinerary and popping the numbers in your spreadsheet! That is awesome - and I will definitely use that spreadsheet again.

Honestly, I have never been to Disney before. I have not even taken a look at the other attractions - the only thing I've semi-researched is the restaurants. I keep forgetting that there is more to Disney than just places to eat. And while I'd love to try every restaurant there I think I need to be realistic. I need to find a good balance between sitting down at a restaurant and enjoying all the other things that Disney has to offer. I'm still not sure where that balance is.

Thanks again for your help - you've given me some great suggestions. ETA: I'm staying at the WL - so transportation shouldn't be too much of an issue with the MK resorts.

 

[princesslover]

I believe children need to be four years old to go to the kids clubs. I agree with other posters if this is your first time to DW you will probably want to do more of the parks and all those sit down restaurants will take up a lot of your time.

Thanks for the tip about the kids clubs. Oh, well.

If Disney really is magical, why can't they make the days longer??