Oh help, FD question!

[smilesx4]

First off let me say I have never used the dining plan. We have always packed snacks and eaten at the parks which saves us ALOT of money. Well, since we were going in Oct this year, was curious about FD. After reading on it, I think it might be a good thing since there are 6 of us. So, now on to the question....I am geting ready to book and we will be there Oct6-9. FD is only until Oct3. Should I rework our trip to be at the parks during FD, or book with our original plans (going on my bday 10/9 to get free park ticket)and hope they extend it?

thanks for your help!

 

[Lehuaann]

First off let me say I have never used the dining plan. We have always packed snacks and eaten at the parks which saves us ALOT of money. Well, since we were going in Oct this year, was curious about FD. After reading on it, I think it might be a good thing since there are 6 of us. So, now on to the question....I am geting ready to book and we will be there Oct6-9. FD is only until Oct3. Should I rework our trip to be at the parks during FD, or book with our original plans (going on my bday 10/9 to get free park ticket)and hope they extend it?

thanks for your help!

Being so close to Oct 3...especially if you are paying rack rates (Oct 6-9)...I personally would move my dates to be eligible for FD. You can check in Oct 3 and stay up to 14 nights (I believe unless it's changed) to be eligible. You will definitely be saving more $$$ on the FD than a free $75 park ticket.

 

[jupers]

Like PP said you can move the arrival date and still be there on the 9th. We did the DP last time and loved it. Especially since it's "free"

 

[smilesx4]

I wish I could stay that long, but dh is not a Disney lover and 3 days is all I get, so I will look and see if I can move my dates to take advantage of the FD.


thanks for the help!

 

[5boyz]

with there being 6 of you I would definately move it to the FD dates.

 

[smilesx4]

well, now it may only be 4....still worth it? We are only staying 3 days/4 nights.

 

[aubriee]

well, now it may only be 4....still worth it? We are only staying 3 days/4 nights.

I think you meant three nights/four days? If so you would be getting three nights of free dining for four people for free. If those people are all adults that's $39.99xfour people=$159.96/day x 3 nights= $479.88 savings. If all I had to do to save $479.88 is move my trip back by a few days, then yes I'd move my trip back.

To get a better idea of possible savings, go to allears.net, look at the menus, and figure out the prices for some of the more expensive TS meals (Le Cellier, Tutto Italia, etc), then add in three CS meals, (with drinks and desserts), and a snack everyday. That's the amount of food you'd be getting for free. It'll come out to even more than the $479.88 that the DDP would have cost you, if it wasn't free.

 

[smilesx4]

No that is 4 nights/3 days. We usually get there Tues afternoon and spend the day at downtown Disney. Parks the next 3 days and spend Sat morning at the hotel swimming before we check out. It will definately be only 4 of us. My two oldest will fly down and meet us after Disney. We have family in Florida and spend a week with them. I did get a quote last night online and the cost was so much less than I thought I am thrilled! It will be $1492. for the room/tickets and dining (which of course if free). I am really excited to experience some of the restaurants I have only heard about!

 

[Lehuaann]

No that is 4 nights/3 days. We usually get there Tues afternoon and spend the day at downtown Disney. Parks the next 3 days and spend Sat morning at the hotel swimming before we check out. It will definately be only 4 of us. My two oldest will fly down and meet us after Disney. We have family in Florida and spend a week with them. I did get a quote last night online and the cost was so much less than I thought I am thrilled! It will be $1492. for the room/tickets and dining (which of course if free). I am really excited to experience some of the restaurants I have only heard about!

4 nights/3 days...3 nights/4 days...it doesn't matter since going early during FD (Oct 3) would definitely be the better choice over a $75 free birthday park ticket.

You are aware that Disney gives you dining credits for the amount of nights you stay? So if you stay 4 nights, you will receive 4 days worth of meals; 1TS, 1CS, 1Snack x 4 nights per person. Once you check in you can use your credits at Downtown Disney your first day. That's a nice savings for a family of 4!

You will love being on the DP, especially when it's free...enjoy!

 

[Tink415]

Free Dining requires a 5 night stay, at least when I booked!

 

[Crazy4Disney06]

We don't check in until October 3rd, but we still are able to get free dining for our entire stay. We are going from 10/3 to 10/9.

 

[ShellyLynn3630]

Free Dining requires a 5 night stay, at least when I booked!

No, thats incorrect. The CM must have been misinformed.

 

[Tink415]

No, thats incorrect. The CM must have been misinformed.

I booked online @WDW web site and 5 nights was required. hmm, so I can call and get reserve less nights, I might just do that. thanks!

 

[Lehuaann]

Many are being told that it's a minimum 3 night stay.

 

[ShellyLynn3630]

It is three nights at the very least. But I wish I could stay 365 nights!!

 

[StrwLady]

I wish I could stay that long, but dh is not a Disney lover and 3 days is all I get, so I will look and see if I can move my dates to take advantage of the FD.


thanks for the help!

OH MY GOODNESS!! Leave the hubby home!

What ever you decide to do I hope you have a great time

 

[StrwLady]

thrilled! It will be $1492. for the room/tickets and dining (which of course if free). I am really excited to experience some of the restaurants I have only heard about!

Have you tried calculating the 4 night 3 day trip with dining cost for the 6th to the 9th and then comparing that to a free dining trip Oct 3rd to the 9th. Maybe the cost will be close enough you could convince hubby the extra days are worth it!

Yes I am devious and try every way possible to make a Disney trip look like a great deal to convince my hubby to let me book a trip

 

[smilesx4]

I would LOVE to go for a long stay, but when we go to Florida we have family to visit (parents and BIL). So the longer we spend at Disney the less time we spend with them. Needless to say I am LUCKY I get 3 days there! DH goes to the parks with us every other year, this is his year to go and my two oldest (19 and 16) do not want to come along! So it will be the first time we get to spoil our 2 youngest (13 and 10) since they tend to get lost in the shuffle. I am really looking forward to this trip!

thanks for the chuckle!