Stupid questions r us!!

[STOCKYJIM]

Hi All

I really hope you guys can help me with a few stupid questions regarding our trip to the world next may/June.

1) we are staying offsite for the 2nd half of our trip and having never stayed offsite I am wondering when is best to book, earlier or later. there are lots of deals out there at the moment but cant find one hotel/appt that really jumps out at me so wonder if i should wait - advise really appreciated.

2) Im really confused about the DTD dining plan restaurants. on disneys site it shows several of the restaurants (fultons crab house in particular) as signature restaurants - yet on the dining boards people are saying that it isnt available on the dining plan - they mention premium and platinum plans but we are going on the DDDP (not sure if this is premium or not) again your guidance would be great.

3) we probably arent driving for the trip this time and we have seen some great deals near kissimmee (old town?) with transfers. for the last couple of days we are probably not going to the parks (we are going for 18 days and tickets would have run out) - is there enough here to keep us occupied or would you suggest another location.

thanks again for all your help in advance.

Jim

 

[wayneg]

Hi Jim

1, Don't rush into any hotel/aprt you are not sure about, deals and offers come and go right upto the day you leave. I usually book between 4-6 months out but no set rule. Orlando never sells out of rooms.

2, Which DDP you on? 1 counter, 1 table service and 1 snack per day? thats the regular DDP. Heres this years leaflet with all details and this years locations (Fultons CH is not on) http://disneyworld.disney.go.com/me...DisneyWorld/en_us/PDF/2010Dining_updated2.pdf
This is next years leaflet but some places may still not be on yet, some don't sign up as early as other places so might not be complete yet. http://disneyworld.disney.go.com/me...alog/WaltDisneyWorld/en_us/PDF/2011Dining.pdf

3, can't really help with best location without a car, I wouldn't go to Florida without one, others will be better at advising, I know many stay on Idrive but I don't like the place at all. Our fave place is LBV but again you need to look at individual hotels for shuttles.

 

[STOCKYJIM]

Hi Jim

1, Don't rush into any hotel/aprt you are not sure about, deals and offers come and go right upto the day you leave. I usually book between 4-6 months out but no set rule. Orlando never sells out of rooms.

2, Which DDP you on? 1 counter, 1 table service and 1 snack per day? thats the regular DDP. Heres this years leaflet with all details and this years locations (Fultons CH is not on) http://disneyworld.disney.go.com/me...DisneyWorld/en_us/PDF/2010Dining_updated2.pdf
This is next years leaflet but some places may still not be on yet, some don't sign up as early as other places so might not be complete yet. http://disneyworld.disney.go.com/me...alog/WaltDisneyWorld/en_us/PDF/2011Dining.pdf

3, can't really help with best location without a car, I wouldn't go to Florida without one, others will be better at advising, I know many stay on Idrive but I don't like the place at all. Our fave place is LBV but again you need to look at individual hotels for shuttles.

Thanks Wayne - as usual a mine of information.

Great news on rooms as was panicing a little. Am on the Deluxe plan as decided wanted to be a foodie - also just been diagnosed diabetic so thought the starters will make up for not being able to enjoy the desserts in some instances!!! LBV is actually where i would like to be as the resorts look cool.

thanks again

 

[wayneg]

Leaflet for next years Deluxe plan. http://disneyworld.disney.go.com/me...altDisneyWorld/en_us/PDF/2011DeluxeDining.pdf

And this years http://disneyworld.disney.go.com/me...altDisneyWorld/en_us/PDF/2010DeluxeDining.pdf

I am a big eater and regular DDP is enough food for me, just thinking about Deluxe makes me feel stuffed Look forward to hearing what you think on your return.

For hotel/aprt whenever you are ready for booking let me have you dates and best price and I will look around and see if I can beat it.

 

[igk]

A lot of places let you book with no upfront charge and allow you to cancel with no penalty, sometimes up until a day or two before you arrive.
If there's somewhere that looks good at the right price, with that kind of arrangement, then you could book it, then cancel it if a better deal comes up. Then at least you know you have something booked if nothing better does come up.
I've done this before. Last year I had booked offsite, then I noticed the OKW discount/DDP deal and went for that instead.

 

[dixonsontour]

1. Always offsite hotel deals - don't be panicked into booking.

2. The main dining plans are are QSDP, DDP and DDDP. Alot of the downtown disney restaurants are not included as they are not disney owned.

There are a couple of little talked about products available called premium and platinum that I think do include more restaurants and things like the wishes cruises, la nouba, backstage tours etc. They are very very expensive.

There is link to the dining brochure on the main restaurant boards which lists the restaurants included.

Sorry if i'm stating the obvious but remember to do your adr's at the 180 day out mark.