So lost...need TONS of help

[MinnieJay]

Okay, I'll just dive right into it.

Me and the bf are planning a short trip (two broke college kids ) for Sept 2-6, 2010. I've been pricing everything out and it's not so bad but I still had some questions and trying to add some wiggle room by saving money anywhere!

1. Been looking at SOG resort...Would I be able to get the meal plan here?

2. POP vs AS Movies. I want POP, bf wants Movies "I want to take a picture by the big wheel!" ahhh BOYS! Which to do prefer?

3. We will be using our free ticket from the GADGADday program for a weekend trip in March and here where I'm trying to cut down on the cost a lot! Sooo should I: just get the park tickets along with the room? If I chose not to do so, would I still be able to get the dining plan? Or should I get the tickets from SOG/or a military base for a discounted price? Or my should I get my tickets from a gift shop near Disney? (Mom's idea...not mine...I'm scared they are going to be bootleg tickets!)

4. I want to bring down my own mini-fridge for snacks, drinks and leftovers. But I also saw that they provide mini-fridges for medical reasons. My boyfriend would need it for these shot things he has to take for his skin. I was just wondering if it would be an issue I brought down my own mini-
frigde.

5. My boyfriend wants to spend at least one day in every park and says we don't need the park hopper. However, I'm not a big fan of HS and would like to just go there ride RnRC and ToT and leave...same goes for AK or at least go back to the resort and rest for a bit. Is there enough stuff to do in both of these parks to stay a whole day? I could wonder around Epcot and MK for weeks...but don't care to see Indiana Jones once more.


Okay, I think that's it for now. Any more and I will be sure to come here : )

 

[oogieman8541]

1. don't no much about that sorry
2. I prefer movies, but pop is a close second
3A. No, you can get them cheaper separate
3B. Yes, you can buy the meal plan separate I have done so
3C. I would go for the "bootleg" since it is a registered vendor and has to follow the law I'm sure these are real. If anyone else has experience with Military i'd listen to them.
4.You can, the one you get is of decent size but if you have it you might as well bring it.
5.Park Hopper all the way, definitely worth it we like to bounce around between the parks and I don't know what I would do without them

I hope this helps a little.

 

[danceintherain]

1. No, they have their own "meal plan" but it only includes meals in the restaurants in the hotel.
2. I've never stayed in either, but when I was planning a Value trip I was looking at POP. It has it's own buses, whereas the All-Stars share (though sometimes they get their own)
3. September 2-6th MIGHT be included in Free Dining IF Free Dining is offered this year. If that's the case, then if you would like to participate in Free Dining you would have to buy at least a 1-Day ticket as part of your package, so in most cases it make sense just to get all your tickets that way.
The same is true if you want the Dining Plan at all, unless you are an Annual Passholder, DVC member, or qualify for the Military Discount. If you fall into one of those categories, then you are not required to get tickets to add the Dining Plan (unless you do Free Dining of course)

Now, if you opt not to buy your tickets through Disney, then getting them through SoG or at a Military Base would probably be the least expensive option, other than buying them from an online retailer (like undercovertourist.com). Some of the shops that advertise discounted tickets may not actually have discounts.

Since you've mentioned some of the military perks, are you or your BF active duty? If so, then you also qualify for the Military Salute Tickets this year. Every active duty member of the Armed Forces can buy up to 6 4-day Base Tickets for only $99 (Park Hopping and Water Parks & More are each $25 extra)
Details here: http://www.mousesavers.com/wdwtixdiscounts.html#military
They also qualify for a 40% Room Discount at select resorts. (this is the instance where you can add the Dining Plan without tickets)
Details here: http://www.mousesavers.com/disneyresorts.html#military

4. I know you can request one for medical purposes. If you're driving down, and you're worried about them not having one, then go ahead and bring yours. I know other DISers have brought their own, because they used to do swaps on here.

5. Personally, I think there is at least a days worth of touring in ALL the parks. The Animal Kingdom is my favorite to explore, and Hollywood Studios always seems to be the most congested to me, at least the attractions require longer time commitments. However, we usually do end up spending more time at the Magic Kingdom and Epcot, because they are open longer usually.
Unless you go with the military tickets (if you qualify) then you can add the Park Hopping option at any point during your trip by going to a ticket window. So, I would wait to add it until you need it, and if you make it through the whole trip without needing it you'll save the money.

 

[MinnieJay]

Thanks a lot!

My boyfriend is hoping to be able to go off for Basic this summer for the Coast Guard...but that is still up in the air as far as that goes.

SoG is lovely...but my boyfriend and I love to eat, so the dining plan might be better. I don't want to pay OOP for every meal.


I'm going to look into the sideroad kisoks next month and check out their deals so I can do some shopping around as far as tickets go.


Thanks again, this has given me much more insight!

 

[danceintherain]

These Military discounts are kind of frustrating me, because my husband didn't get his Active Duty status until after we went on both our trips last year (October). We were planning a trip for December, but it didn't pan out, and even though the discounts are similar this year we won't be able to go for a few different reasons.

Go ahead and do as much research as you want, but I wouldn't buy any tickets until you're sure about your room and dining plan. If Free Dining is offered for your dates, then it would suck to already have tickets. Really, it's the same way if you want the Dining Plan at all.

Oh and also (I don't know if this effects your decision at all) Shades of Green doesn't have any King Sized Beds unless you get a suite, and King Beds in the Value resort are only a request. If you want to guarantee a King Sized Bed you have to pay for that option at one of the Moderates.

 

[KJ Luvs Pluto]

Can you look into upgrading your GAD ticket into the number of days you need and adding the no-expiration to see if that would be cheaper than the other options you have mentioned? The more days you add on, the cheaper it becomes per day. You can upgrade it after you use, but before you leave that weekend. But if you want the dining plan, you would still need to buy at least a one day ticket but that (if unused) can be kept and used many years later.

 

[Glencora]

I'm going to look into the sideroad kisoks next month and check out their deals so I can do some shopping around as far as tickets go.

DO NOT BUY FROM THE KIOSKS! You have no idea of what ind of ticket you will be getting. I have heard horror story after horror story about people who have bought their tickets "cheap" at one of these places, only to learn that they were invalid for a variety of reasons. I urge you read Cheshire Figment's "Everything you Need to Know About WDW Tickets" sticky here:

http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1452684

It will help you understand what your options are, and what will work best for you.

If you're really worried about money, you might want to consider staying off site. For example, I got a package through Expedia for four nights at a three star hotel and a rental car for less than $300 total. I find it is much easier to hop from park to park using a car, rather than relying on Disney transportation. Keep reading the DIS, and you'll find out everything you need to know. HTH.

 

[BradyBz12]

re: Dining Plan, this is from the Disney site...

Disney Dining Plans

Disney Dining Plans are options available exclusively to Guests of Disney Resort hotels with Magic Your Way Vacation Packages.

How Disney Dining Plans Work

* When booking your vacation, purchase one of the Magic Your Way Vacation Packages that includes a Disney Dining Plan.
* While vacationing at Walt Disney World Resort, choose from over 100 select restaurants available.
* Present your Key to the World card to your server or cashier prior to ordering. The Key to the World card electronically monitors your party's allocated meals.
* Track your meals with the easy-to-read receipt your server will provide you, which displays your remaining meal balance.
* Redeem your meals in any order throughout your package stay until each person's meal total is complete.

Available Disney Dining Plans

To take advantage of a Disney Dining Plan, you must purchase one of the following Magic Your Way Vacation Packages that include a Disney Dining Plan.

FYI - a "package" includes at least a one day park ticket and all members of your party must have the same package (tix/dining plan). If you choose to do GAD, you cannot use this as part of a package. What you can do is buy a package with a one day ticket, save that ticket for a future trip (it won't expire) and use the GAD ticket instead - upgrading it to the number of days you need.

 

[labdogs42]

I'd stay at POP. The Big Wheel is there and you can always ride a bus or drive over to any of the other resorts to take pics!

Get the dining plan. You could even get the quick service one to save a few bucks.

Are you driving? Sure you can bring your own fridge then. Go for it!

 

[MinnieJay]

Oh and also (I don't know if this effects your decision at all) Shades of Green doesn't have any King Sized Beds unless you get a suite, and King Beds in the Value resort are only a request. If you want to guarantee a King Sized Bed you have to pay for that option at one of the Moderates.

Nope, it doesn't. We might be traveling with another couple-all four of us in one room. I think I read the beds are full sized beds, so that would do for us. Here at school, we cuddled in a extra twin long before I got "upgraded" to a full sized bed. lol



Can you look into upgrading your GAD ticket into the number of days you need and adding the no-expiration to see if that would be cheaper than the other options you have mentioned? The more days you add on, the cheaper it becomes per day. You can upgrade it after you use, but before you leave that weekend. But if you want the dining plan, you would still need to buy at least a one day ticket but that (if unused) can be kept and used many years later

Upgrade it the March trip for the Sept trip? Sorry, I'm confused. lol

NOT BUY FROM THE KIOSKS! You have no idea of what ind of ticket you will be getting. I have heard horror story after horror story about people who have bought their tickets "cheap" at one of these places, only to learn that they were invalid for a variety of reasons. I urge you read Cheshire Figment's "Everything you Need to Know About WDW Tickets" sticky here:

It will help you understand what your options are, and what will work best for you.
If you're really worried about money, you might want to consider staying off site. For example, I got a package through Expedia for four nights at a three star hotel and a rental car for less than $300 total. I find it is much easier to hop from park to park using a car, rather than relying on Disney transportation. Keep reading the DIS, and you'll find out everything you need to know. HTH.

I think you just confirmed my fears! My mom always get's them off base, but she told me there isn't much of a discount. And I would stay off site, but I wouldn't want to pay for parking for hoping park to park. Last time we parked the car in one park's parking lot, and used their transportation to get around. It was hot and packed. But I'm a pro at hot, packed busses now. I use them everyday to get to class. And our buses are jam packed with half-awake,hungover college students.


I'd stay at POP. The Big Wheel is there and you can always ride a bus or drive over to any of the other resorts to take pics!

If we get some down time on either one of the trips, I told him we will do some "resort window shopping". Just go, look around, take pictures and dream that one day we could afford it. haha. I just read a very long post on here about the POP and it got me very excited for a stay there!! I made a mistake...the big wheel is there. DUH! Silly me!! Well, the boyfriend gets his way!

Thanks you guys for allll of your helpful answers! : )

 

[seashoreCM]

Use only one ticket card at theme parks on any one vacation.

The Give A Day ticket counts as its own card and cannot be combined with a ticket that may be required with a package booking.

The GAD ticket is best gotten on your first park day and you may upgraded it in any desired fashion just inside the park (and/or up to 13 days later)

Disney hints: http://www.cockam.com/dispass.htm

 

[KJ Luvs Pluto]

Can you look into upgrading your GAD ticket into the number of days you need and adding the no-expiration to see if that would be cheaper than the other options you have mentioned? The more days you add on, the cheaper it becomes per day. You can upgrade it after you use, but before you leave that weekend. But if you want the dining plan, you would still need to buy at least a one day ticket but that (if unused) can be kept and used many years later[/I]

Upgrade it the March trip for the Sept trip? Sorry, I'm confused. lol



[)

You can use your GAD ticket in March to get into the parks for that day then sometime later in the day or the next day (or within 13 days as seashoreCM mentioned) you can upgrade the ticket to any type of ticket you want and they will credit the amount of that one day ticket toward the purchase of the type of ticket you are upgrading to. Since the per day cost gets cheaper as you add days, that first day is the most expensive. By the time you get to a 6, 7 8 day ticket for example it is only costing several dollars more to add each day onto your ticket rather than the $79 dollars that a one day ticket would cost.

If you do not use your ticket within the first 14 days though you do need to add the no expiration part to it which does add cost. So you need to figure out what is the cheapest option for you. That's why the information on the stickies on the top part of the threads is so helpful.

I hope this clarifies my comment. I'm sorry I wasn't more clear the first time.

 

[ginnymack]

I say beware of the dining plan! Look up some menus and see what you would order...If you have a soft drink with every meal and you will order dessert with every meal (even at a counter servce lunch), and you will eat a snack every day then the food plan is TOTALLY worth it - if you are a water drinker and dessert skipper, and plan to have snacks in your room then I would think twice about the dining plan - especially if are not going to eat a TS meal every day! Although on your week, free dining may be an option so that is something to consider...You just have to do some number crunching - my fam will actually be better off with a good rack rate discount, ordering tickets through Undercover Tourist, and paying as we eat! ( I will be using my GAD voucher for FastPasses!)

 

[AirGoofy]

Okay, I'll just dive right into it.

1. How much dining do you do? The Quick Service meal plan may be a cheaper option (if not included free). You would not get the TS, but two quick service meals per person plus snack and refill mug (I think).

2. Not been to Movies, but did not like POP. I would pick and All-Star over POP.

3. Be leary of tickets outside Disney. Some have luck. Others have found the tickets no longer work or have time frame restrictions. MouseSavers.com is reputable and offers some lower prices, which you may be able to stagger your costs over several months. To get dining, I think you have to buy at least 1 day of theme park tickets, which may increase the cost.

4. No issue. We bring a cooler and refill it with ice everyday in addition to the fridge.

5. Stay away from hopper. You waste a lot of time on transportation. AK has the safari ride, EE, & dinosaur ride, which are pretty cool. I like MK and Epcot much more than AK or DHS, but still enjoy spending 1 day at each theme park, every other year. DHS now has Toy Story Mania, which is really cool.

While I do not advocate debt, the Disney Visa card used to offer 6 months interest free on Disney vacations. So, if you made a $1200 vacation purchase, you could pay $200 per month for 6 months.

 

[tzolkin]

While I do not advocate debt, the Disney Visa card used to offer 6 months interest free on Disney vacations. So, if you made a $1200 vacation purchase, you could pay $200 per month for 6 months.

You will also earn points for the trip if you put it on the card (even if you don't care about the 6 mos interest free). We always do this and then have a few extra dollars to spend while we're there.


Every family has their own opinions about park hoppers. My DH would not go without them, and we hop at least once every day of our trip so they're worth the extra expense. We will save on other areas before skipping PHs. We don't waste any time in transportation because we would return to the resort for a several hour break whether we hopped or not. Staying in a park from rope drop to night would be torture for both parents and kids in our family. Also, we enjoy taking the monorail between MK and Epcot. For us that's an attraction and a break.

I would bring a cooler instead of a mini fridge. I would think the fridge would take a while to get cool. We bring a cooler on wheels and DH fills it with ice down the hall. We save a lot of money on snacks and drinks by stopping at the grocery store and having a stocked cooler in the room. We also use it for drinks and snacks for our drive to/from Disney.

 

[MinnieJay]

Okay! I get it now! I'm going to look into upgrading it.
Thanks K.J : )

 

[MinnieJay]

I say beware of the dining plan! Look up some menus and see what you would order...If you have a soft drink with every meal and you will order dessert with every meal (even at a counter servce lunch), and you will eat a snack every day then the food plan is TOTALLY worth it - if you are a water drinker and dessert skipper, and plan to have snacks in your room then I would think twice about the dining plan - especially if are not going to eat a TS meal every day! Although on your week, free dining may be an option so that is something to consider...You just have to do some number crunching - my fam will actually be better off with a good rack rate discount, ordering tickets through Undercover Tourist, and paying as we eat! ( I will be using my GAD voucher for FastPasses!)

Me and dbf love to eat! haha. One of my commandments is "Thou shall never skip dessert!" So no worries there. I don't drink soda, so I hope juice is an option! And I'm going to have check out Undercover Tourist!

1. How much dining do you do? The Quick Service meal plan may be a cheaper option (if not included free). You would not get the TS, but two quick service meals per person plus snack and refill mug (I think).
We were going to do the MYW plus Dining or deluxe dining (which ever one has the TS, CS and QS meals) But we were thinking of going to the store and getting breakfast foods and eating breakfast in the room...but apart of me wants a mickey shaped waffle. So I don't know just yet. But meal plans at school has me accustomed to eat 3 meals a day, plus snacks. But I don't know.

5. Stay away from hopper. You waste a lot of time on transportation. AK has the safari ride, EE, & dinosaur ride, which are pretty cool. I like MK and Epcot much more than AK or DHS, but still enjoy spending 1 day at each theme park, every other year. DHS now has Toy Story Mania, which is really cool.

While I do not advocate debt, the Disney Visa card used to offer 6 months interest free on Disney vacations. So, if you made a $1200 vacation purchase, you could pay $200 per month for 6 months.

Once again...the bf gets his way! : ) No park hopper for us. We'll entertain ourselves in the park. Plus, one of my goals is to get a picture with Mickey! Every time I've ever went, he would go on his "cheese-break" right before it was my turn! So more time to scout him out!

And I would...but school is going to have me in enough debt as it! Don't need a Disney Visa Card. Maybe one day. But for now, I'm okay using my mom Carnival's visa card thingy.

 

[Puget Peach]

I would check the hours for the parks you want to visit. I usually visit Animal Kingdom on a day that the Magic Kingdom is open late (10pm or later). The Animal Kingdom closes by 5pm most days in September, and you still have several hours of park time if you can hop. Also, if you stay onsite and use Extra Magic Hours it is even more park hours. Studios frequently closes by 7 pm and sometimes by 6. Depends on how you want to spend your time and how your feet feel. When I stay off site with smaller kids, we never try to hop. By myself, I always hop. One of my favorites is to take the boat from the Studios to the Epcot International Gateway. Nice trip, less walking to the restaurants! If you stay at Pop, the stop at the Studios is really close to the entrance! I frequently end up late afternoon in the World Showcase, exit through the International Gateway, boat to the Studios and hop on the very, very close bus back to Pop!

 

[AirGoofy]

I would check the hours for the parks you want to visit. I usually visit Animal Kingdom on a day that the Magic Kingdom is open late (10pm or later). The Animal Kingdom closes by 5pm most days in September, and you still have several hours of park time if you can hop.

I forgot about that. Can you still add the park hopper to a ticket for 1 day on a multi-day if you want?

 

[TinkerbellinLouisian]

But we were thinking of going to the store and getting breakfast foods and eating breakfast in the room...but apart of me wants a mickey shaped waffle. So I don't know just yet. But meal plans at school has me accustomed to eat 3 meals a day, plus snacks. But I don't know.

Oh Minnie! You bring back memories of my trip with my college bf over 20 years ago! I'm not rich by any means...but I am able now to do some of the 'fancier' things...however...some of my fondest memories are the times when I really had to be "creative" to be able to get to WDW... these are times you'll always remember...! One day you'll be in a Deluxe eating TS every meal...and you'll still remember the happy times on a budget!

Anyway...just my "2 cents"...
1) Since you are from Georgia ...on a budget...I am guessing you are driving... Make a HUGE Discount run BEFORE your trip... We still even do this.. I have a whole list of Breakfast foods and snacks..that we stock up on and bring to WDW with us.... case of water...case of cokes....chips, cereal, muffins, oatmeal, grits, juice, breakfast bars, Pop Tarts, etc. You may already be planning this. We usually eat breakfast in the room...just helps start the day out much easier...especially since you have 4 college students sharing a bathroom to get ready...

2) NO Park Hoppers! If you have Four Park Days...then I suggest No Park Hoppers... Totally unnecessary IMHO......There is plenty to do at each park...swim at Resort...head to DTD....etc. Now if you have THREE WDW days...then I MIGHT recommend it....

Have a magical visit !

Mary