September 2011 - Please advise- first time DDP

[toyotaae86lg]

Hey everyone, so i've been to Disney World a few times before but this will be my first time involving the free dining plan. I realize its about a year out but after watching my Disney documentaries this morning I had to jump on it. I did all this in about an hour. I'm gonna list some of the details to this September trip and would love any advice as far as what to look out for as I get closer, any advice on what to organize, any mistakes I have made and so on...or the occassional random comment.

Date: September 2 - 9
Disney’s All-Star Movie Resort
(2) 4 Day Magic Your Way Tickets
Free Dining QSL Package (2 QSL, 2 Snack, 1 Refillable Mug)
$1,191.38
+ $140 (upgrade Regular Dining Plan – 1 QSL, 1 Snack, 1 TSM)
$1,331.38

(2) Islands of Adventure Tickets
$178.96

Gas @ $2.57/gal Coming from Atlanta, GA
$98.48

Souvenirs ??
Total: $1608.82 ($1468.82 without Regular Dining Plan)

 

[twoplustwins]

don't forget to add in tips if you decide to do the regular dining plan and any other food you will need. We had the regular plan on our last trip. We spent an additional $100 on tips and then about $60 in additional food/drinks/snacks.

 

[disneyfan55]

You will also need money for food for the 2 universal days I would think plus any parking fees there. Since you're driving, bring bottled water. Another expense might be the refillable cups if you upgrade to regular DDP.

 

[toyotaae86lg]

You will also need money for food for the 2 universal days I would think plus any parking fees there. Since you're driving, bring bottled water. Another expense might be the refillable cups if you upgrade to regular DDP.

So I read that with my regular dining plan that includes an non alcoholic beverage but you are right I may need drinks throughout the park all day. How much are those refillable mugs?

 

[disneyfan55]

So I read that with my regular dining plan that includes an non alcoholic beverage but you are right I may need drinks throughout the park all day. How much are those refillable mugs?

Yes, a beverage is included with the DDP but that really isn't enough with the exercise and heat we always bring a case of bottled water. The CS will give you a paper cup to obtain water even without a purchase but you really need a lot of fluids when in WDW! The refillable mugs are around $14 each now plus tax I believe.

 

[Miss M.K.J.]

We were at Disney last Sept. and you will need drinks throughout the day because it was HOT!! We actually took a few bottled waters with us in our backpack and took Kool-Aid packets to add to the water if we wanted some flavor. It did save us money from buying drinks but it was also kind of a pain carrying around water bottles in the backpack.
We also had the dining plan and we gave a $20.00 tip at each of our dinners. With that being said we also couldn't have ate that much food for $20.00 so it was worth the $20.00 tip and our food was great!