NEEDED: Lots of help

[giptsie]

I am new to the DIS network but what I've seen is amazing. I have a lot of questions and my sister referred me to here for help in planning and booking our trip. So, here goes:

3 adults and 1 child (6 yo)

Disneyworld.com had a vacation planning "wizard" for planning and booking the trip. Is this the best way to go to be cost effective?

Is adding the dining option to the base package really a good idea or is it better to eat off-site? (Planning to stay at a Disney resort)

Already decided to do the park hopper, should I just pick up the tickets when I get there or have them sent through mail?

What is "character dining"? and how do I reserve a meal?

Thanks to any and all who respond. Any info would be helpful

 

[Mousema]

Lots of questions, let's see how I can help.

You can go with the Disney vacation wizard, you can call CRO (central reservations) or try a travel agent. There is one that is a sponser for these boards. If you have AAA, you can get discounts for rooms only through Disney or on the package through AAA.

Your park hopper tickets will be on your Key To the World card. You will be given that at check-in. It is your admission to the park, room key and if you place a credit card on it, you can use it to charge in the parks and at the resorts.

Dining plan is really the most cost effective way to go if you are planning on eating at Disney. It covers one Table Service, one Counter Service and one snack per day of resort stay.

Character dining is available at several different locations. You can make ADR's (Advanced Dining Reservations) at 1-407-wdw-dine at 180 days out.

 

[kat3668]

Hello Welcome to the Dis!

Alot of people here sewar by tour guide Mike for thier planning he seems to know his stuff and his cost is very reasonable in my opinion.
www.tourmike.com

The dining plan is an amazing deal for the $38.99 you pay per adult,11.99 for kids under 10

You can have your tickets added to your room key upon arrival.. easiest in my opinion no need to worry about lost tickets.

Character dining is offered throughout the parks.. it is a special way for your child to have a more involved interaction with the characters and is a great picture taking opportunity! Decide on what character meal suits you family best and call.
(407) WDW-DINE (939-3463)

Good luck and Happy planning!

 

[Jill in Chicago]

As for the dining plan go to allears.net. That site has menus for every single sit down restaurant and counter service at Disney. You can easily add up what you would eat in a single day and figure out if the dining plan will save you money. If you would like one nice sit down dinner per day it easily pays for itself. (At some restaurants you can spend $20/25.00 on the main course alone.)

Hope this helps!

 

[tangiblehope]

As for character dining - the only one I have done so far is Garden Grill. We had a good time there and it's neat because the restaurant rotates so you are able to get some views of Living with the Land.

We're going to DW in September for our Disneymoon and are planning on utilizing the dining plan - it seems like it's an excellent deal.