graceesmom
DIS Veteran
- Joined
- Sep 8, 2008
- Messages
- 1,347
Resorts You've gotten some great advice here. Having stayed on-site and off site, we prefer onsite. Disney transportation, especially to Magic Kingdom can save you valuable time!!!!
Values, Moderate, Deluxe Before most of the moderates had Queen Size beds, that was a deal breaker for my family. I cannot get a good night's sleep sharing a full size bed with either my daughter or my husband. We tried the Values and they have a fun atmosphere, but the crowds, noise level and atmosphere were just not how my family wants to spend our time at the resort. We also love the deluxe resorts, but if it is not in the budget, I would be perfectly happy at a moderate.
Now that most moderates have Queen Size beds (all but Caribbean Beach and Fort Wilderness Cabins), I think the moderates are a great vacation value. You get Queen size beds, nice atmosphere, beautiful grounds, fantastic pools and some of the best Quick Service meals will be found at the moderate food courts.
As for Dining Plan with two 7 year old boys, the dining plan can be an excellent value if you plan to do character meals. I have gone with and without the dining plan and from my experience, the inclusion of a child 9 and under is when you really start to save money with the dining plan. E.g. the dining plan for a child 9 and under, the dining plan is approx. $18/day. One character meal for a child will run you about $20-$25 alone. Plus you get a snack each day, a counter service meal each day and a refillable mug. As for adults, I think we break even or maybe save a little over the period of a week, but we save lots of money on the child. Plus, I don't have to keep track of dining bills and I get to say yes to that ice cream, popcorn, etc. and now that it is already paid for in my budget.
Values, Moderate, Deluxe Before most of the moderates had Queen Size beds, that was a deal breaker for my family. I cannot get a good night's sleep sharing a full size bed with either my daughter or my husband. We tried the Values and they have a fun atmosphere, but the crowds, noise level and atmosphere were just not how my family wants to spend our time at the resort. We also love the deluxe resorts, but if it is not in the budget, I would be perfectly happy at a moderate.
Now that most moderates have Queen Size beds (all but Caribbean Beach and Fort Wilderness Cabins), I think the moderates are a great vacation value. You get Queen size beds, nice atmosphere, beautiful grounds, fantastic pools and some of the best Quick Service meals will be found at the moderate food courts.
As for Dining Plan with two 7 year old boys, the dining plan can be an excellent value if you plan to do character meals. I have gone with and without the dining plan and from my experience, the inclusion of a child 9 and under is when you really start to save money with the dining plan. E.g. the dining plan for a child 9 and under, the dining plan is approx. $18/day. One character meal for a child will run you about $20-$25 alone. Plus you get a snack each day, a counter service meal each day and a refillable mug. As for adults, I think we break even or maybe save a little over the period of a week, but we save lots of money on the child. Plus, I don't have to keep track of dining bills and I get to say yes to that ice cream, popcorn, etc. and now that it is already paid for in my budget.
