We are making our third trip to Disney next year, we have stayed in hotels off the park grounds saving money both times. This time we want to stay at the park. I would like to hear from everyone what you feel is the best resort for the money. I was thinking of either the Value or Moderate resorts. Another part is the Dining plan. Is it truly worth its weight in gold? I want to really make this trip the best one yet. Any and all help you guys can give me. Thanks!!
Two adults possibly three (2 adults mid 30's and 1 adult 66) and two children (10,9). The trip is planned for sometime between May and October most likely. I know that a big gap in time frame but depending on work needs that's the best I can give. Hope that helps!
Every resort has something different to offer. We've always shied away from the Value resorts, because we tend to just travel with adults, but plenty of people love them. Now that most of the Mods include queen sized beds, I doubt we'll end up at a Value until we need two rooms, but even then we may go with off-property altogether. You will need two rooms though, unless you stay in a Deluxe resort, get a suite, or fit into an Alligator Bayou room at Port Orleans Riverside (they have murphy beds that can accommodate most kids 9 & under) so a Value resort may be just the thing for you.
The Dining Plan is a personal choice. It USED to be an excellent deal without even trying, but it's not so anymore. Some people still really love it for convenience sake, but if you want to save money, it's not the best choice in many cases.
Your party does make it possible though.
Are you planning on doing a lot of character meals?
These are expensive, and so it can be nice to roll them into the dining plan, especially when you're traveling with kids ages 3-9.
Do either of your children have adult tastes?
If those are the ages of your kids during your trip and not now, then if you do the Dining Plan, you will be paying for the kids plan for one child and the adult plan for the other. As long as one of them is happy ordering off the adult plan and the other off the kids plan (it doesn't really matter who as the credits are pooled by room) then you'll do fine. If both fit into either category, then you may run into a problem.
The Dining Plan works best if you're perfectly happy eating exactly how it specifies - a small snack-like breakfast, a counter service lunch (including beverage and dessert), and a table service dinner (including beverage and dessert). If you'd rather order water (which is better with all the park touring in the heat anyways) and will only order dessert sometimes, then it's likely you'll do better paying out of pocket.
