Questions, Questions

[mommagoofof4]

So, I had been planning a trip for late Nov. early Dec. and got a postcard in the mail for 40% off during the exact dates we are planning on going.........then last night my dh found online that apparently they are offering free dinning in Sept. again..............so my question is, does anyone have a clue as to which would be the lest expensive route to take?
I really really wanted to do Disney while Christmas decor is up but if going in September means saving a lot of money, I'll do it. But it has to be a lot of money to make up for the heat and crowds
Oh yeah.............there are two adults and 4 kids (12,9,6,3)
I was planning on getting two rooms at Pop (connecting hopefully) and putting one adult in two kids in each room.
Any opinions or advice would be great!

 

[jennynoel]

Having been in both September and December I HIGHLY recommend early December.

The weather and low crowds in early December can't be beat, and the Christmas decorations are so beautiful!

September was so muggy and hot we were all cranky after a few days.

When we went in December we got a code for about 30% off the hotel room which paid for dining plan in our case. I would bet with 40% off you'll come out ahead in December even if you decide to buy the dining plan.

Have fun!
Jenny

 

[RMulieri]

I have been during both and can say I prefer Sept.Yes it is hot, yes it is humid, but there are NO CROWDS.The most I waited this past year was 10 mins for Soarin at 2pm in the afternoon! Early December is pretty but had gotten to be busier, more moderate crowd levels not low anymore .Cooler nicer weather too.As for cost, it depends on where you are planning on stayin,what kind of tix you are looking for, How many in your family. If you have a large family and stay value or moderate, free dining generally saves you more $. If you stay Deluxe ,40% may work out better.With the 40% it is off the room only so you can purchase cheaper tix elsewhere.Free dining requires a Pkg stay including full priced resort accomodations and a MIN. of a 1 day park ticket PP.

 

[AuroraBeauty]

If you are staying at POP in December (thru 12/17) it would be value season and the preferred room rates are $97 and the standard is $82. You would need 2 rooms you said.

40% off preferred gives you a per room rate of $58.20 plus tax, so $116.40 plus tax per night for both rooms. You save $38.80 per room per night.

40% off standard gives you a per room rate of $49.20 plus tax, so $98.40 plus tax per night for both rooms. You save $32.80 per room per night.

Disney Dining is $39.99 per adult (age 10 years and up) per night and $10.99 for kids ages 3 - 9. You would have 3 adults and 3 kids for a total of $152.94 per night for dining plan.

So, 'free dining' would be the bigger savings. Keep in mind though, that 'free dining' is not a guarantee at this point. It is merely a rumor. Will it happen, it's likely but not yet absolute. Also, be aware that Disney has indicated in the past that it may do the new Quick Serve Dining plan for 'free dining' at the Values.

The cost of the Quick Service dining plan is $29.99 per night per adult (10 and older), and $8.99 per child (3 - 9) and includes

* Two counter service meals (per person, per night)
* Two snacks (per person, per night)
* One refillable resort mug (per person) -- someone would have to say if this is adults only of if kids get one too. I'm not positive

If the 'free dining' was for the Quick Service plan you would save $116.94 per night. My understanding is that you can 'upgrade' to standard dining and pay the difference of $36 per night.

Either way, you save more with free dining than with the 40% pin when staying at a Value.

But, it comes down to what you want out of your vacation and if it more important for you to see the Christmas decor.

My family goes at the beginning of September and yes it is humid. But, we know that in advance and we plan for it. We have an awesome time and just deal with the weather. If you/your family can't do hot and/or humidity then September 'free dining' isn't something you should consider.

Hope this helps.

Best wishes!

 

[mommagoofof4]

Thank you soooo much! That is what I needed! A general break-down of the cost difference.
My dh got the free dinning thing in an email but when he priced it, it was for 4days only. Do not know if the discount was for 4 days only or that is simply what he priced. We want to stay 7 days so for now, looking at going in Nov.
On one hand........the lower crowd level sounds appealing but on the other hand..........I hate hot, humid weather and I know it makes me grumpy soooooo guess I need to hurry up and decide.............for now, looks like November is winning this race!
Thanks so much for the info. and giving me a place to "think out loud"!

 

[AuroraBeauty]

Glad to help out. Value season for 2009 is Nov. 29th - Dec. 17th

Regular season rates are from Oct. 2 - Nov. 24th
Thanksgiving rates are Nov. 25 - Nov. 28th

Normally the PIN codes do have blackout dates so if you only got 4 days of your trip with the discount PIN then your dates may have included blackout dates.

And, just so you can plan, the tax rate for rooms at Pop Century is 12.5%. So, if you take the discount you can add in the tax and have a pretty good idea of exactly what you are looking at. Read all the info closely as it may require you to purchase a package deal (room and tickets). If it is a room-only discount then you can buy tickets at a discounter separately.

Lots to consider! But, oh what fun you'll have!!

Best Wishes!