Newbie advice and tips..?

[Kittina]

Hello everyone,

I'm just in the process of researching (there is so much) for a 10 day trip next year. I've gone through a lot of the posts in here, and a lot mention things I have no clue about such as MPM, Quidco, disney dollars, car hire?, voucher code websites, DDP that can save money and I wondered if anyone could put had any more ideas that can save money at disney? I don't quite get the quidco thing, but i'll try to work that out. Are there any other money saving tips?

Also, if im looking to book in May 2013 is it worth waiting for another offer, is it likely there will be another free dining deal?

thank you

 

[chmurf]

disney dollars

this won't save you any money.
Disney Dollars have the same value as a US Dollar, and can only be used on Disney property. You just get them at guest relations on a 1:1 exchange rate.

, car hire?

just one big rule : rent your car from the UK on the rental car agency's UK website, it will be 2 or 3 times cheaper than renting through the US company direct.
Also make sure that you consider all options and upgrades before booking. And do not accept anything extra at the airport, as it will be far more expensive as pre-paying for theses extra at time of booking

, voucher code websites,

you can get vouchers for offsite restaurants. You need to sign up to each individual restaurant website. Vouchers usually come in the email within 48 hours and are only valid for 14 days (most of them) so do that just before departing the UK

DDP that can save money

it will only save you money if you get it free.
If you have to pay for it, it's rather difficult to even break even by selecting the most expensive restaurants and meals.
If you need to pay for the DDP, it's only worth it if you want to have your meals prepaid and no need to bother about money (tips only)

On a personal level, I'm a no dining plan type of guy. We're on a tight budget, so we save by eating offsite (mostly fast food or pizza) do a few Table Service (character meals and special occasions) and the rest of the time we eat sandwiches we make ourselves in the hotel room. We do the shopping at Publix or Super Target, and we use the inroom fridge to store the food.
of course, getting the free dining plan would change our "sandwich policy", but so far I never managed to get that deal, lol

 

[Kittina]

thank you very useful info

 

[dixonsontour]

Welcome to the DIS

If you have any questions please ask away and if we say something in 'code' you are not sure of just ask.

Main choice is whether you would like to stay onsite at a disney resort or offsite in a hotel/villa.

If you stay onsite for most of 2013 you can get free dining plan. Staying onsite you can also use disney transport for free including to and from the airport (magic express)

Offsite you need a car or use hotel shuttle/public buses, plus pay for food. There are lots of great deals for food/coupons - see my budget food reviews links in my signature.

Alot is down to personal preference and what parks you want to see.

 

[Kittina]

thank you. i have been here a while but only in the DLP forums so this is new to me!

I've looked for May 2013 and there is no free DDP? Is there somewhere specific i should look?

Also, if we rented a car whilst on site can we park at the hotel and do we have to pay for parking?

 

[luke]

Also, if we rented a car whilst on site can we park at the hotel and do we have to pay for parking?

thank you

Parking is free if you stay onsite, both at the resort and at the parks