is this a good deal? or should we do something else?

[tkme4ard]

staying at the Contemporary via SOG for 99$ a night w11% tax inlcuded and our 3 hopper passes 99$ each, plus our 3 assorted character events 200$ (give or take) (btw this is for 8 nights)

so 1300$

how much should we figure on eating every day? I plan on buying water, fruit snacks, juice's, granola bars, fruit etc for snacks and breakfasts on the run.

right now we're looking into flying and as of now it's for the 5 of us 680 with the baby having her own seat.

Is tip included in the character meal pricing?

Angela

 

[nicurnc]

We stayed at the CR last April thru SOG with our niece and nephew. Plan on at least two main meals a day Our kids weren't interested in a big meal following any of the character meal buffets we did (Chef Mickey's, Hollywood & Vine, Garden Grill). Tax and tip is not included in the price of these meals. But they are worth it, watching the kids with the characters is great


Bringing your own juice and water will save a bunch, too. Just remember, if you're not going to have a stroller, whoever gets to carry the backpack with all that in it will be weighted down like a pack mule

CR thru SOG is an awesome deal, glad you're taking advantage of the special active duty deal...I haven't heard of many people here doing that, and I live in a big military town.

Loretta

P.S. Also remember, most restaurants (not buffets) will split meals. They're very gracious, the portions are large and we've always had them served on two plates right from the kitchen.

 

[Donnainnj]

Angela,
This is an amazing deal. I think the cheapest I have seen CR with discounts is $159 per night plus tax in the low season with an annual pass discount in the outside world. The ticket price is the best you can ever find, much better then the FTP with a 7 day trip and three of the days free. I don't believe there are any discounts on character meals so that is the price, and they do not include tip, some, I think now most character meals include soda, milk etc in the price.
We usually spend about $120 per day on food for the 4 of us. We usually eat one big sit-down meal, a counter service, and most breakfasts in the room. (for milk for cereal and drinks in the room we have a collapsable cooler we bring, works for the no food included flights to) We are 2 adults who eat to much, and have different tastes, and 2 children 10 and 6 who also eat pretty well. We usually go to a few buffet's where your little one would be free. You can do it a lot cheaper with more counter service. Check out www.wdwig.com to find the menus and prices at all the restaurants on Disney property. Also many people have talked about sharing meals at couter service and regular (not buffet) restaurants. We haven't done this to often but we could if we needed to. We also have started a tradition of eating Ice-cream for dinner one day each trip, for a fun change and a true signal that this is really vacation.
Your airfare prices seem great to, don't know where you are flying from, or if it's a direct flight,(really recommend with the kids) but it's a good or great price from most locations. Enjoy your planning and have a great trip!

 

[tkme4ard]

thank you both for the tips! And for making me feel better about going. If there is ever a time to go this is it!

(adding notes to my growing list LOL)