What is the best way to do this?

[Grmnshplvr]

I am planning a trip to WDW end of August. To book online I need to pay the entire trip off 45 days in advance which is right about now but I only have the money for the hotel right now. We are staying on property. i want to add my tickets and dining plan but wont be able to until the second week in August. Should I book the hotel only and then call to add the other things on later?

 

[supersnoop]

I am planning a trip to WDW end of August. To book online I need to pay the entire trip off 45 days in advance which is right about now but I only have the money for the hotel right now. We are staying on property. i want to add my tickets and dining plan but wont be able to until the second week in August. Should I book the hotel only and then call to add the other things on later?

We've been through this already: http://disboards.com/showthread.php?t=3300521

In short, the dining plan doesn't make sense for you; skip it. It will be more expensive than paying as you go. Since you don't have the money yet, just pay as you go.

Buy park tickets whenever you can from wherever you want. The sooner you link them to your MDE account, the sooner you can schedule FastPass+ experience times.

 

[Marionnette]

I am planning a trip to WDW end of August. To book online I need to pay the entire trip off 45 days in advance which is right about now but I only have the money for the hotel right now. We are staying on property. i want to add my tickets and dining plan but wont be able to until the second week in August. Should I book the hotel only and then call to add the other things on later?

The BEST WAY to do it would be to book room-only with a discount, buy your tickets from a discounter (like UT) and pay OOP for your meals. It was pointed out in your previous thread that it makes no financial sense to pay $60.64/night (tax included) for your junior-age kids to have the DDP if they are not going to eat like adults. You're better off letting them order from the kids' menus and just paying as you go.

And to repeat what has already been pointed out in the other threads that you've started on this same subject:

You cannot book FP+ until you have tickets linked in your MDE account. There are no legacy FP- anymore. Waiting until shortly before you arrive at Disney will mean that certain attractions just will not be available for you in FP+ because others will have as much as a 60-day jump on you.​

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[LJSquishy]

You will want to just book a room reservation without tickets or the dining plan for now. I think you should reconsider the dining plan...it puts restrictions on you whereas when you pay out of pocket for food you can eat wherever you want without having to think if you have enough snack credits, counter service credits, etc. Paying with your magic band and charging to the room (or paying with a debit/credit card is actually easier (and cheaper if your "Disney adult" kids aren't going to eat adult meals 100% of the time).

You will get a small discount on tickets through Undercover Tourist if you have the money far enough in advance.

 

[Grmnshplvr]

You will want to just book a room reservation without tickets or the dining plan for now. I think you should reconsider the dining plan...it puts restrictions on you whereas when you pay out of pocket for food you can eat wherever you want without having to think if you have enough snack credits, counter service credits, etc. Paying with your magic band and charging to the room (or paying with a debit/credit card is actually easier (and cheaper if your "Disney adult" kids aren't going to eat adult meals 100% of the time).

You will get a small discount on tickets through Undercover Tourist if you have the money far enough in advance.

when we go to an all you can eat buffet won't they charge me for the 13 year old as an adult?

 

[LJSquishy]

when we go to an all you can eat buffet won't they charge me for the 13 year old as an adult?

Yes. A 13 year old will be charged as an adult at a buffet. You will need to decide if it's worth paying an adult price even if they won't eat much. Or, you may choose to not eat at buffets.

I don't find buffets to be a good value for me, personally. There is no way I can eat enough to justify the price. However, it can be an excellent value if your group can eat a large meal there which may allow you to skip a meal or snacks since you wouldn't be hungry...saving you money.