Overwhelmed!

[Jesndave]

Trying to gather info for planning this trip to WDW and so overwhelmed about it. Trying to figure out what's the best way to plan, a vacay package with meals through Disney or doing all three separate. Arghhhhhhhhhhh

Thanks for being here, to let me vent, and to wade through all the info and try to not spend a small fortune.

 

[lovetoscrap]

The way that I have decided if the Dining Plan is worth it is to take a look at the menus and prices found on our www.wdwinfo.com site and try to determine what you think your family will want to order. Then add it all up and see if it is a better value to pay out of pocket or to pay for the Dining Plan.

For my family the Dining Plan isn't worth it. We tend to share meals and only eat 2 big meals a day, usually at a Quick Service location. We don't usually eat desert and only buy snacks a few times, and share those. But that is just what works for my family. For many the Dining Plan is a better deal.

There is a lot of information about the Dining Plan on our Restaurants Board. Do some reading over there. If you do want the Dining Plan it can only be purchased with a package, called the Magic Your Way package-- there is no separate option for it.

Also you can play on the Disney.com website and price out all the different options and then compare what will be the best option for your family.

 

[Metro West]

 

[Disn3y]

Welcome to the DIS!

 

[magicaldisney]

 

[Jaimiebear5]

Do not be afraid to vent and ask questions! The people here on the dis are SO helpfull and we have all at one time or another been in the same place you have!

 

[love2cr8magic]

WELCOME!!!

Your head is probably spinning right now and if you need any help this is the place to be. You can post anytime to ask questions and also send specific questions to people who are veterans through "private messages" so don't heistate! Happy Planning!

 

[Lglchick]

This was me only a month ago! Trust me, I feel your pain. It's a lot to take in and absorb, isn't it?
My family of 5 will be doing the basic dining plan as part of the Magic Your Way package. The way we see it, with the dining plan, the food is already bought and paid for no matter what/where we want to eat. Some of our dinner reservations are at places we would not otherwise choose because of cost. However, with the dining plan, it's a done deal.
I hope you're able to get it figured out. Also, as many, many other DISsers told me: don't get worked up over it, calm down, and have fun! No matter what you choose to do, it will work for you and your family. And if it doesn't, you'll know that when planning your next trip to WDW!

 

[Disneydonnam]

Welcome

 

[Aliceacc]

Can you give more details?

Who is going? Young kids? Just adults?When? Where are you coming from? How long are you thinking of staying?

It will make it easier for others to help you if you can be a bit more specific about your plans.

 

[vikkil70]

I was the same way last month. I sat down with a list of the restaurants we wanted to try and looked through the menus to see if it would be worth it for us to get the dining plan. I booked mostly Table Service dinners so at worst we should break even. I think it is nice to know that most of the food is taken care of and too sit down for a dinner and not look at prices on the menu just order what we want to eat.

Good luck in your planning!!

 

[elcodfish]

take it in steps, and break the vacation down:
1) pick dates. remember holiday times can be busy and more expensive
2) look at hotels, and pick which works best for your group then book it
3) how are you going to get there, if you're flying, check around to get the best deals
4) tickets- figure out the number of days you will be at the parks, remember, you can always add park hopping and extra days later
5) dining- if your family wants to sit down for an hour everyday, and everyone orders dessert, then the dining plan may be for you, if not, then its probably cheaper out of pocket
6) have fun, remember you can't do EVERYTHING in one trip, so have everyone pick 1 thing from each park they want to do and make a plan

 

[ladyjane63]

Welcome to the DIS boards!
And Relax... you're in the right place! I came here 2 years ago to plan our family's first trip to the World and it was the best decision ever. Best advice...have a plan, but be flexible. We're a family of 4 and we chose a moderate resort, the regular dining plan (1 snack, 1 counter service & 1 table service per person, per day). I have one really picky eater, and our table service meals were usually so filling that we didn't really want dessert. But again, it was our vacation and we could have never afforded to eat at all those wonderful (table service) restaurants on our budget without taking advantage of the plan... So... it is purely a personal preference, and what suits your family's needs the best.

 

[shaz105]

Welcome To The Board

This is me now at the moment My family is going to both disneyland and WDW so it all to much at the moment I am sure it gets better.

That is what I am telling myself

 

[Butterflies31]

All The people here are very helpful. Just read up on every thing and your trip will be fine..

 

[KristyBDJ]

Everyone here is great and you will find tons of people willing to answer all of your questions. Welcome to the DIS family! Feel free to PM me if you want some more in depth help with your questions! I would love to help you plan, it's my favorite thing to do!

 

[Eric in TX]

Deep breath....breathe in, breathe out, relax....

Plenty of help here (as I'm finding out myself), all you need to do is ask.

Try to have fun planning - it usually ends up being one of my favorite parts!

 

[Familyof4lovesDW]

You came to the right place. I found info on here I would have never known about (like Sept hours being out) I am a super picky eater as adult so we looked at the menus to decide where to eat. Have fun planning your trip. I am sure no matter what you do your family will have a blast!

 

[disney2mom]

You will find so much great advice on here!