Planning the whole works

[grumpy eyeore]

I've been to Disney a couple times, but we always stayed with my cousin. This time we will be staying at a hotel and I'm really considering a Disney Hotel. I've heard of free dining plans, but never was able to use them. We'll be going the end of Sept, for my daughter's birthday and for a conference I have in early Oct. It's needs to be as inexpensive as possible, but still fun! I don't know where/when to begin. Is it best to go through a travel agent?

I know my daughter would also love to go to Clearwater Aquarium. But the rest will just be disney parks

 

[scoopmorgan]

I've been to Disney a couple times, but we always stayed with my cousin. This time we will be staying at a hotel and I'm really considering a Disney Hotel. I've heard of free dining plans, but never was able to use them. We'll be going the end of Sept, for my daughter's birthday and for a conference I have in early Oct. It's needs to be as inexpensive as possible, but still fun! I don't know where/when to begin. Is it best to go through a travel agent?

I know my daughter would also love to go to Clearwater Aquarium. But the rest will just be disney parks

That is one of the low seasons at Disney, so the chances of free dining are improved, but you cannot count on it. That said, the rooms tend to be less expensive, so the difference in cost can be negligible. In general it is a great time to go. Cooler than summer, yet still warm enough to enjoy the pool or water rides.

As for planning, some of us on here are ardent planners. Half the joy of our vacation is in the planning. Others do not have the time or desire to plow through the vast amount of Disney planning available. There are some really good travel agencies that work specifically with Disney, so they are always the first to know of special offers, and like booking directly, many of them will give you a refund if a special offer arrives after you book.

The dining plan (when available) is only free when you pay full price for your room. There is always discussion about the cost effectiveness of the dining plan. Some people swear by it, others make a strong point that they spend less on food out of pocket.

You will find tons of helpful information here on the DIS boards whether you plan it or leave it to a professional.I think staying on site is totally worth it. The value hotels are great and affordable.

 

[Stbissell]

At least the last five years September has been part of free dining. It can be assumed this will be the case but there is no guarantees. It worked out one time in 2011 where we were able to go during FD and we loved it. It really is a great deal unless you are staying at a deluxe than there is typically deals with more savings as the previous poster alluded to but did not fully explain. However , since you are on a budget I'm assuming you probably don't want to stay at a deluxe. Also, the amount of people in your party plays a role as to what the best deal is. More people = bigger savings for free dining especially for all people 10 and older.

If you want to stay at a moderate you get one table service, one quick service meal and a snack per day. Last year they limited the two hotels to CBR and CS. POFQ and POR were not included. We have stayed at CBR and really like but it does have it's detractors mostly due to it's size. I have never set foot at CS.

If you want to stay at a value you get two quick service meals and a snack. You can upgrade to the better dining plan. Depending on how many are in your family it may be cheaper or slightly more expensive to stay moderate. Personally, our family really enjoys the sit down meal every day on vacation but everyone is different and a lot of families actually prefer quick service for various reasons.

If you can do it I'd def stay onsite. It is a great experience. Good Luck planning!

 

[grumpy eyeore]

I have contacted a travel agent, that's a first for me. But the price she quoted me is a lot less than what the website quoted me.

Which character meals are including in the dining plan? Or is it easier to ask which are not? I think we'll go with the plan with 1 sit down meal. We really enjoyed the meal with Disney Jr characters, no idea where it was though. Buffets are favored by my hubby.

There will be 3 of us, my daughter having just turned 9.

 

[Stbissell]

All of them are included. The one with the disney jr characters is Hollywood and Vine in HS. Free dining is usually announced in may I believe. You can book now and then rebook when it is announced.

 

[grumpy eyeore]

All of them are included. The one with the disney jr characters is Hollywood and Vine in HS. Free dining is usually announced in may I believe. You can book now and then rebook when it is announced.

Thanks!

 

[grumpy eyeore]

All of them are included. The one with the disney jr characters is Hollywood and Vine in HS. Free dining is usually announced in may I believe. You can book now and then rebook when it is announced.

Thanks