We have been all over the map this year with our DVC trip in regards to resorts and ressies. Most of it is due to dining - we usually eat 2 TS meals per day, and have done all options: DDE, DP, DxDP, cash, discounts, etc. We really liked the DxDP, but found it was a bit much in regards to timing/scheduling, and would love a 2 TS plan as the whole CS experience doesn't really appeal to us. We always go for at least 10-14 days each July, so we don't like trying to fight for seats, sitting in heat, etc. With a DD who just turned 6, and a baby turning 2 a week before trip, we need to make the right decisions as these kids eat more than me most days!
This led us to TIW and I thought all was fine - I got all of my ADRs on April 18th and I thought all was good! Fast forward to this week, when my somewhat ADHD and very indescisive hubby says we need to go back to the spreadsheets. WTH? He tells me that his figures for TIW totals were pretty basic - no appetizers, 1 dessert to share (depending upon restaurant) and no beverages. This meant that my total that I had been comparing dining plans to was now going to increase as we would need to buy extra food and beverages.
So, we then had to pull out all of the spreadsheets, yet again, and because we are doing split stays (we like split stays), we can mix up the dining plans. We looked at a combo TIW/DP stay, as well as a combo DxDP/DP stay.
We think we are leaning towards to the DxDP/DP stay at this point as it will give us enough snacks, and we can spread out our credits. My head actually hurts as we have planned out this vacation too much and so now I have to spend more hours on the phone cancelling and adding new ADRs. I am ready to strangle my hubby - he says he's just worried that our kids won't have enough to eat, and so he wants to eliminate out of pocket expenses. It makes sense that if we spend more out of pocket than with dining plans, then we should use the plans. I like TIW because if someone is sick, or we need to cancel a meal, it`s all good, but with plans, we might lose out on credits. We also do not like the mandatory 18% gratuity on the TIW, nor that the cost just went up, so this also was factored into our decision.
Dare I say, the master planner and organizer that I am, that sometimes one can plan too much! LOL! This is one of those times...At this point, I`m not sure where we are staying and what we are eating...just get me the heck to WDW!!!
So, to those of you with similar spouses, I say good luck! The decision as to what type of dining arrangements seems to be a complicated one around here, so best of luck and happy eating to all!
Tiger
This led us to TIW and I thought all was fine - I got all of my ADRs on April 18th and I thought all was good! Fast forward to this week, when my somewhat ADHD and very indescisive hubby says we need to go back to the spreadsheets. WTH? He tells me that his figures for TIW totals were pretty basic - no appetizers, 1 dessert to share (depending upon restaurant) and no beverages. This meant that my total that I had been comparing dining plans to was now going to increase as we would need to buy extra food and beverages.
So, we then had to pull out all of the spreadsheets, yet again, and because we are doing split stays (we like split stays), we can mix up the dining plans. We looked at a combo TIW/DP stay, as well as a combo DxDP/DP stay.
We think we are leaning towards to the DxDP/DP stay at this point as it will give us enough snacks, and we can spread out our credits. My head actually hurts as we have planned out this vacation too much and so now I have to spend more hours on the phone cancelling and adding new ADRs. I am ready to strangle my hubby - he says he's just worried that our kids won't have enough to eat, and so he wants to eliminate out of pocket expenses. It makes sense that if we spend more out of pocket than with dining plans, then we should use the plans. I like TIW because if someone is sick, or we need to cancel a meal, it`s all good, but with plans, we might lose out on credits. We also do not like the mandatory 18% gratuity on the TIW, nor that the cost just went up, so this also was factored into our decision.
Dare I say, the master planner and organizer that I am, that sometimes one can plan too much! LOL! This is one of those times...At this point, I`m not sure where we are staying and what we are eating...just get me the heck to WDW!!!
So, to those of you with similar spouses, I say good luck! The decision as to what type of dining arrangements seems to be a complicated one around here, so best of luck and happy eating to all!
Tiger
