New, confused, overloaded

[tpettie]

Ok so we have decided to go to disneyworld.....

I have looked at nearly everything I can get online and have worked out that I know nothing.

This is what I have worked out so far:

2 familys together going = 1 couple 2 adult singles, 8 children 15, 14, (3) 12, 10, (2) 9.

We would most likely stay at a moderate resort so the adults have nice suroundings too

looked at the dinner 69plan not so sure it is worth while with most of us paying the adult rate $38 a day that works out to be about $25 for dinner, $10 for lunch, $3 snack still leaving a breakfast to work out.

the Deluxe one is more about $69 however you do get 3 table dinner I don't know if we want to take that kind of time out to eat..... again that about $25 for dinner, $20 for lunch, $20 for breakfast and 2snacks at about $3

don't know if we would normaly spend that much on lunch and breakfast most I saw were under $20.

I did like that you could combined the table dinners for a special event dinner but then again you have to now pay for that meal you used up....

enough on the food on to the tickets.

thinking of the 6day pass with the hopper and the water. However don't know if the hopper is really worth it how much changing parks does one family do on a first time visit???

now that I have confused all of you as much as myself words of wisdom would be great.

Thanks Tena

 

[dancin Disney style]

I know exactly what you mean.....my first few trips were totally 'by the seat of my pants'. Then I decided that if I was going to spend so much money on a trip that I should make myself into an expert.

You didn't mention a travel date.

This year there have been a few changes to the dinning plan (DDP) that have made it a lot less attractive to most people. Personally, it's to much for me. To much food and to expensive. What you have to do is decide what, if any, table service reataurants you want to eat at. If you don't care about that and are happy to just eat what ever and where ever you are, then I would recommend just paying out of pocket for the meals. The portions are rather large most of the time and you may find that the kids can share a meal. MY hubby and I have shared many times.

We have used our snack credits to get breakfast. So you can make 3 meals a day from the DDP. As long as you are happy with bagels or cereal type breakies.

One other thing, if you get the DDP all but the 2 youngest kids will be charged the adult price.

I totally agree with the pp...don't even think about trying to do it all. You will be exhausted plus it's not possible. Since we dropped the 'dumbo or die' plan we have enjoyed the experience 1000% more. Now I say... leave something for next time. That can apply to the restaurants too.

 

[hockey mom]

Don't get the $69 meal plan way to much food. The $37 is the way to go.

I would also skip the park hoppers because being a first timer you will need a day each for each park.

I think the moderates are a good choice.

The most important thing is to not try to do it all in one trip. You wont be able to and you will burn yourself out trying.

 

[tpettie]

Oh the date part! That's kind of important.

I was thinking Nov 30 - Dec 8th.

Prices seem to be at their lowest.

For the DDP I was only thinking the $69 one so we could combine the table tickets for one or two of those grand gathering events like the safai one and maybe the mickey BBQ.

Thanks

 

[dancin Disney style]

Oh the date part! That's kind of important.

I was thinking Nov 30 - Dec 8th.

Prices seem to be at their lowest.

For the DDP I was only thinking the $69 one so we could combine the table tickets for one or two of those grand gathering events like the safai one and maybe the mickey BBQ.

Thanks

Just decide what it is you want to do, meal/show wise, and add up the price. Don't forget the new mandatory 18% gratuity.

Does the money angle matter?

 

[iluveeyore]

JUst a couple of reasons I would recommend the park hoppers, especially for the time of year you're going with all the Christmas things happening. Some parks close early (like Animal Kingdom), and others may have Extra Magic Hours that day, so if you had a park hopper, for example, you could go to Animal Kingdom until 5pm, have dinner somewhere, then go to say Magic Kingdom for Extra Magic Hours (open until 1am), or even to just catch the fireworks at a park at 9 or 10 pm. My sister used hers a lot when we went last December (I have an AP) - we went to Magic Kingdom for one day, then hopped to Hollywood Studios at night at 6:30 pm to see the Osborne Spectacle of Lights, then hopped over to Epcot to catch Illuminations at 9pm. You might not do three parks in one day, but two is great, especially for everyone to pick and choose their favourites to go and do, then on to another park. Check the schedules when they come out for December and see if it would be better for you.
As for the dining plan, we'd rather go OOP as we always feel too tied down by the ressies we have to make and keep. We pick a couple of favourites (Boma, WCC) for ressies, then just play it by ear. It's usually half the price or less to just go to a counter service and you get lots of food, so sometimes DH and I even share. When we go as a family we get our DVC villa anyhow, so I always have groceries to eat and we whip up something simple whenever we meet back at our villa.
Check out allears.net under dining, and it lists all the restaurants in all the parks and resorts along with menus and pricing to help you plan ahead for everyones likes and preferences.
Enjoy planning - it really helps the trip get here faster!
Have a great time!

 

[tpettie]

Yes, with that many of us going we are trying to keep to a reasonaly budget ...what ever that is.

I do have another question I have read lots about mike tour guide, unoffical guide to disney, how many of you have paid for these tools too or just used what you found online??

 

[lisalonglash]

Yes, with that many of us going we are trying to keep to a reasonaly budget ...what ever that is.

I do have another question I have read lots about mike tour guide, unoffical guide to disney, how many of you have paid for these tools too or just used what you found online??

I feel your pain LOL We have a Grand Gathering (12 of us so far, including 4 children 9yo and under) coming up in October.

There's really just far too much information available - I found it quite overwhelming, honestly (keep in mind that I've arranged large company sports tournaments, large holiday parties, etc., not to mention our European vacations, so it's not the planning that made me insane, it was the sheer volume of information available on WDW LOL)

I eventually realized that having a TA that really really knew WDW inside and out would help tremendously to make sure that we received any available discounts/deals and our questions were answered by someone who knew what they were talking about lol

I did purchase the Unofficial Guide to WDW with Kids and am finding great information specific to those of us with children, such as efficient park touring planning, knowing where each park's playground area is, good places to eat for children (and adults), etc. I paid about $20 for the book and I count that as money quite well spent!

Enjoy your vacation!

 

[Cdn Gal]

Since I haven't been to Disney in 18 years I bought 4 different guide books including: The Idiot's Guide to Walt Disney World, The Unofficial Guide to Walt Disney World, Walt Disney World without kids, and lastly PassPorter's Walt Disney World. I then cross-referenced all of the attractions, meals, accomodations etc., with colour-coded sticky tabs which were again organized according to size. (3 sizes) I know, I know, I have a problem! But that's OK b/c I learned alot! So...the ifrst two books listed were by far the best resources, then I also used this website and a few others to double-check everything out. I figure hat if I am going to spend this amount of money on something, then I want to get the most bang for my buck!! So anyway it has all been good in the long-run, b/c I found that what th Idiot's Guide to WD missed the Unofficial Guide had, and vice-versa. The best part about the Idiot's Guide is that they list all of the restaurants that participate in the Disney Dining Plan which we found really helpful when organizing where we would meet. The Unofficial Guide also were very specific about rides, dining, and accomodations. The other two, I could have probably done without. But when eading all of this info. it got me excited about our upcoming trip. Plus I shared the info. with my husband and friends who are going along with us. The only regret is that now I feel like I have already been there b/c I have learned so much and when I look over our plans, I wonder if I have micro-managed too many things. I don't know, I'll just have to wait and see! Oh yes, I also read all of the expedia and tripadvisor reviews about CBR which helped me make our final decision about where to stay. Have a great time!

 

[yoplit]

here is a really nifty piece of info that i picked up along (and many have testified to its accuracy and reliablility) when deciding upon meal plans i think the 39$ is the way to go, definatly. but like you said, it leaves out breakfast and all the extra snacks that we love (especially when on vacation) i would DEF look into gardengrocer.com its like a regular grocery store on the internet, you gotta check it out, and BONUS they deliver right to your resort!! so stock up on waters and breakfast bars cause that will end up saving you alot of money in the long run. especially if your staying at a moderate resort they have mini fridges in them so you won't have to worry about sticking so closely to non perishable food items. believe me, thats the way to go

 

[dancin Disney style]

Yes, with that many of us going we are trying to keep to a reasonaly budget ...what ever that is.

I do have another question I have read lots about mike tour guide, unoffical guide to disney, how many of you have paid for these tools too or just used what you found online??

So if you're trying to keep a budget let me throw this out there in referrence to the DDP. It sounds like you are leaning toward the Deluxe DDP.

The basic DDP cost $37.99 per adult...
The DxDDP cost $69.99 per adult....
Difference $32 per person

The DX plan only gets you one extra meal, 1 mug, and 1 extra snack. The snack is worth less than $4, the mug would be a 1 time cost of $12.49 and the extra meal might cost $10.

I don't mean to sound completely against the DDP, which I am not, but I would only do it again for a very short stay of maybe 3 days. We had the DDP last year for the 7 night part of our stay and by around day 5 we were not enjoying any of the meals. It was just WAY, WAY to much. One thing that we did think would work better is using the CS credit for a late breakfast at maybe 10:30am and then having dinner early like 4pm. Then just throw in the snack where ever.

 

[phabric]

I would go for one of the dining plans as it is paid before going and you don't have to worry about how much it is going to cost you each meal. I have been to Disney when it was vouchers for the meals and also paying for the meals. When we were paying, we had all counter service except for one TS and after awhile you get tired of hamburger/ chicken fingers for the week (the kids liked that but the adults didn't).

We found having two TS per day too much food but having 1 CS, and 1 TS per day gives you a variety of food. It is nice to sit down and enjoy a meal.

Are the children big eaters some can eat like adults.

I would take the Park Hopper pass but not the Water Park or Non Expiration (if you have days leftover you can pay for the Non Expiration option while you are there. You are paying for something that you might not use). If you want to swim, you can use the pools, We are only getting the Park Hopper and DDP for our August trip.

Have you tried the library for any of the books.

 

[tpettie]

I didn't even think of the Library. I'm going to get on that one. I did read that the hopper pass you can add on while your there if we feel like we want to hop parks without it costing any more that it does now.

how many of you use back pack or do you just try to pack light for each day your out walking the park? where do the bags go when your on the ride?

That refill mug is that good in the parks too or just at the resorts?

Is swimming going to be any good the end of Nov - first week of Dec or is it too cold??? That will help me to know if we want the water park pass or not?

you all have been so helpful thanks

 

[Stittsville]

How big eaters are you and how do you feel about sharing meals?

We went last May, DH (me), DW, DD14, DD12 and DD8. We were on the meal plan (a better deal last year). Our CS and snack credits covered all breakfasts and lunches. Some of the CS meals are quite large. In Cosmic Ray's we split two 1/2 chicken and ribs meals between the five of us! (you might have to spring for extra drinks if you don't like sharing drinks). We were never hungry, and despite all the walking, swimming etc. I still gained 5 pounds

 

[phabric]

The mugs can only be refilled at the resort.

We have used a small backpack and just put it between our legs while on the rides. Going in Nov or Dec you might need a sweat top or sweater. We have gone at Christmas, and we wore long pants and spring jackets the whole time.

 

[tmli]

My 2 cents worth:

--hopper pass = freedom, freedom to dine where you want, visit which park you want when, in my opinion not the place to save $40 each. Personally I rather divide the days up into half days in different parks with a break for swimming/rest in the middle.

--our grand gathering found Port Orleans French Quarter to be the best choice, quiet and peaceful place to rest at the end of the day

--calculate how many extra meal credits you require and do the math to see if the deluxe plan is worth it. Generally speaking in order to get your value out of the dining plan you will spend so much time getting to dining and eating it will leave not a lot of time for other things

--unofficial guide is my favorite book for planning. Use the book for each person to make a wish list....gives you a focus and a "to do" list as you will not get to everything.

--don't plan on being together all day with the rest of your group....book your dining together

--Grand gatherings can be a lot of work, especially for a first time visit. I would seriously recommend a TA. BUT, only after calling around and finding a TA that specializes in WDW (has actually been several times) and has experience with Grand Gatherings not just typical family vacations. Consider CAA as well for the possible discounts and extra perks.

--I think you have chosen a GREAT time to go!

 

[fan1080]

DP is one of those features that I've never been able to find value for, for our family.

We are a family of 5, light eaters. Our most recent trip to WDW (2 weeks ago) we spent a total of about $1000 for food for the week. That inlcuded 6 TS meals, one of which was CRT, for $200+ for that one meal alone. If we had purchased the DP, it would have cost us over $1300, and that wouldn't have included the mandatory 18% gratuity. You can add about $100 to that for gratuity, so the DP would have cost us at least $1400.

The DP is not for everyone. If you are a small family, and have children under 9, or are big eaters, it may be worth it. Otherwise, I'm certain it will cost you more than paying for each meal.

 

[tpettie]

Thanks for all the great insight. I keep reading and then I end up with more questions....

The Counter sevice dinning is that like what we would have a a food court in the mall. Fast food combo meals? Do you pay the gatuitiy with that too?

I have read that under 3 you don't have to pay for in the hotel or if you do a buffet they can eat with the parent.

So my new quander is I was orgionaly going to leave the baby at home for the week now I'm wondering if we should bring her. Hard to say we all made the grand trip but you were a baby so we didn't bring you.

In saying that she isn't going to remember it. The children are ages 9-15 so they are going to be go getters. Any thoughts on 2 1/2 with a group of older kids?????

 

[cdnmickeylover]

With the counter service meals it is sort of like the mall food court in that you can get combos and there is no gratuity. I would look on this site or allearsnet.com to see all of the menus for all of the restaurants. There will be some changes but these will give you some ideas of what's available and where. They are not all the same.

I took my DS when he was 25 months old and he had a great time. He's an only child though so I can't comment on the interaction with older children. I can tell you that I was amazed the first time I took him that he could go on almost every ride except the roller coasters although you'll have to make the decision based on their fears about some of the darker rides. When I was a child -- maybe 6 I think -- I was terrified of Pirates of the Carribean and the Haunted Mansion -- I really believed a ghost was going to follow us home! I'll also say that my DS did remember things from that first trip when we went back a year later. He doesn't remember anything from that first trip now but he's 21 now and has been back numerous times so they all blend in together. I remember things from the first trip though and have pictures.

As to the dining plan and which one if any to purchase -- look at the menus and decide where and what you want to eat and then figure out the cost. We are only 2 adults but every trip we take now we figure it out and then decide what dining plan to use or to pay for everything OOP (out of pocket).

 

[tigger2on]

Western Canada dates have been announced....

The Wiggles Canada (Spring 2008)
Tour Dates & Information

Winnipeg, MB MTS Centre 11-Apr-08 3:00pm & 6:30pm
Regina, SK Brandt Centre 12-Apr-08 1:30pm & 5:00pm
Saskatoon, SK Credit Union Centre 13-Apr-08 1:30pm & 5:00pm
Lethbridge, AB Enmax Centre 15-Apr-08 6:30pm
Calgary, AB Stampede Corral 16-Apr-08 3:00pm & 6:30pm
Kamloops, BC Interior Savings Centre 18-Apr-08 6:30pm
Vancouver, BC PNE Coliseum 19-Apr-08 12:00pm & 3:30pm
Victoria, BC Save-On-Foods Memorial Centre 20-Apr-08 5:30pm