What should I remove or consider removing if need be??

[digman6]

Well I have alot on my plate here at home , I take on most of the tasks and so dh is taking over paying the bills now. Our kids are not happy about that they know they have it good, and think this stinks. Its one less thing for me to do thats all. I am fine with it ... but he can be well..... cheap .

I will pay off the trip next week so we are set there with DDP, tickets ( NON hopper), room at POR.

We have the following ADRS-19th 1900Park Fare dinner
BBB at MK for 2 girls 45$ each
( he blow a rod):

20th Liberty Tree Tavern dinner

21st Mama Melrose's Fantasmic Package

22nd Chef Mickey's breakfast
Coral Reef dh b-day with diver dinner

23rd-Ohana dinner

24th- CRT breakfast
Hoope Dee Doo dinner at 5pm catagory 2

25th- Liberty Tree tavern lunch
Crystal Palace dinner



we are there from 12/18-26 go home that morning so I have 8 Table credits,8 snacks , 8 counter meals correct? i think so anyhow

I already know dh is going to NOT want to pay out of pocket for the 2 TS ones listed , there is no doubt in my mind though those are the 2 that are more sensable $$ and value wise I know.


What would you pay out of pocket for or delete etc etc???

should I cancel my LTT on Xmas being I will eat at 5:30 that night and lunch is at 11:30? I wanted to know i can sit down and eat thats really why I booked it so I could sit down and not wait in line FOREVER.
I could just grab a simple something simple and save that credit.

Which of those listed are least expensive to eat at beside Chef Mickey's ?? I know the prices are suppose to go up while I amthere but I have no idea what teh "holiday" prices are and if they are everyplace or what.

So how much perday for the average family for 4 kids and 2 adults??
I know they want some cool ears, princess or pirate ones or something like that. Sweatshirts, Tshirts, those light things at the parades they sell etc.

I was half tempted to order a basket sent to our room with alot of stuff .

I think once he sees how much things REALLY are he will be better but the shock of it all is a bit much. he could not get over a doll is 30$ . If he only knew what the 2 AG dolls cost we bought for Xmas.

maybe I should pass some other job onto him and keep the bill paying to me

 

[THERESA522]

You're right on the credits - 8 of each.

When we go (2 adults/2 young kids), we almost spend no cash in the parks at all, but my kids always go with at least $20/day in disney dollars to spend on their own. We don't spend more than that on either kid for souvenirs. The only cash we really needed was for the mornings that we wanted to eat a big breakfast, but you can always get away with some snacks or a box of donuts, whatever, if you really want to go cheap.

Last may when we did the DDP, we paid for CRT out of pocket and used 2 TS for the Hoop-De-Doo. If you're looking to not pay for any table services, I would suggest eliminating a ts lunch and just using a counter service. Also, there's a link at the top of the page to see the prices for all the restaurants - that will give you a head's up on how much each restaurant costs and if you choose to pay OOP, you can just pay for the cheapest one(s).

Good luck and have a great time!

 

[JayP]

The only 2 on your list that we experienced last week were 1900 Park Fair and Ohanas. Our worst (and most expensive) meal we had all week, by far, was 1900 Park Fair. I was horribly disappointed and felt it was a huge waste of money. Ohanas was good (not great) but still expensive. Honestly, I wish I hadn't stressed so much over our ADR's. (Although I know the time of year you're going will require more planning.) But if I had to do it over again... we'd have eaten more cheaply. Also, I found touring around set meal times difficult. We probably ended up cancelling more of our ADR's than we used because it was hard to stay on a set schedule. We did find it very helpful to eat early. (And I mean 11:00 for lunch and 5:00 for dinner) We really stayed ahead of the crowds by doing that.

 

[digman6]

thanks~

I did end up seeing that CRT when we go will be 36.99 and like 25.00 so , that one I think is where I will do the OOP. I think your right skip the lunch TS and do a counter meal instead.

I will have to go look over the menu's again so I plan properly.

Maybe the girls will be ok if I do there hair and that stuff for the day, instead of the 45$ per person. that could cover the cost of part of breakfast at CRT and I know they would rather see cinderella then have there hair in a bun.

 

[digman6]

I am really disappointed to hear that 1900 Prk fare was not good.

Gosh last time we went which was years ago, it really was good probably up there with the best ones.Kids loved it and so did we, wonder what happened since then.

we were going to celebrate dd birthday there as well.

Can I ask whay you did not like this time about it??

 

[mickeysgirl17]

I would remove the liberty tree tavern lunch.

 

[JayP]

1900 Park Fair was just not a good experience for us all around. I almost cancelled after reading some bad reviews, and now regret not doing it. But, it's just our opinion and I'm sure there are others who enjoyed it.

Personally, I was very disappointed in the ambience and noise level. It was so noisy and chaotic you couldn't hear yourself think. And it wasn't the excited children that were the problem... I just think the accoustics are not good. The food was also really disappointing. The beef was so undercooked and bloody I had to get a whole new plate of food... and that was after the chef cooked it longer for me. I also didn't feel there was much variety and overall the food was unappetizing. I don't know how old your girls are, but my nieces (age 7 and 12) couldn't wait to get out of there. And my BIL about fell out of his chair when the bill came. I don't mind spending money for good food and entertainment, but we were all disappointed.

I will say the characters (especially the Stepsisters) were fun... but we saw them often in the MK as well.

Again, this is just our experience. You may want to search for some other reviews before making up your mind.

 

[digman6]

I guess I better do some research on this place... really a bummer to hear though.

Our girls are 2,5,8, and our son is 12 ( he was over ruled for this one )

I think I will have to dump LTT lunch considering we are eatting dinner there.
Son wants to see Goffy and that but he will be at Chef Mickey's as well.


Thanks for all the feed back , if anyone else has anything to ad have at it.

 

[septbaby]

DIS board budget tip: buy those glow in the dark things from the Dollar store before leaving home. Pack them in checked luggage.

We took our little one to the Chappeau in MK. He picked his own ears. He selected the traditional black variety, added his name and spent under $10 for them. I would buy the ears in MK, they can added names, resorts can't. Also don't buy on the first day, ears are a common "Dream Team" prize, so you never know.

In this case I wouldn't pay OOP for any meal. The DDP offers enough food for your stay. I'd redirect that money for Parkhopper tickets. The 2007 cost is $45 per ticket, $225 total. Having the hopper gives you so much flexibility. Not paying OOP for CRT would save you close to $200 if you assume tax and tip of 24.5%.

That said I should make suggestions for reducing your ADR list to 8 TS credits:

22nd - Chef Mickey's try to move this to Dec 20 for either meal
23rd - Ohana Dinner or try for Chef Mickeys here and Keep LTT on the 20th
22nd - Coral Reef Dinner
25th - Crystal Palace Dinner
19th - 1900 Park Fare Dinner(can't waste those BBB updos!)
21st - Mama Melrose (Fantasmic package will be worth it)
24th - Hoope Dee Doo (I assume the guys really want this, its only fair)

I know there is a lot of uggh on 1900 Park Fare recently, but most say the characters are wonderful but are less happy with the food. I say its a buffet so you are bound to find items you like. Honestly if its that bad Disney will fix it prior to the Christmas season crowds. We went about 4yrs ago and I thought it was wonderful. Even if the food is just OK the meal will still be wonderful with characters, your princessess and your ability to see the Grand Floridian in full holiday splendor. I think you've made a great choice to begin your vacation. I don't think anything says holiday magic like the grandeur of GF could at holiday time.

 

[Nancyg56]

I know there is a lot of uggh on 1900 Park Fare recently, but most say the characters are wonderful but are less happy with the food. I say its a buffet so you are bound to find items you like. Honestly if its that bad Disney will fix it prior to the Christmas season crowds. We went about 4yrs ago and I thought it was wonderful. Even if the food is just OK the meal will still be wonderful with characters, your princessess and your ability to see the Grand Floridian in full holiday splendor. I think you've made a great choice to begin your vacation. I don't think anything says holiday magic like the grandeur of GF could at holiday time.

I wanted to agree with this. The GF is so pretty during the Holiday season. WE took my DGD, 6 years old, to 1900 PF and she had such a good time. The character lineup has changed so you will see the stepsisters, Lady Tremain, Cinderella and Prince Charming. The food was okay, typical buffet but pretty good. There is a noise level, part of that is because the sisters are in character and can be loud, we found it to be part of the fun. Your son may like it as well, the "girls" are always after "available" men. This included trying to talk my DGD into giving up one of her dwarfs and chasing down Mickey to see if they could pry him away from Minnie. (These two were dressed for Halloween) They won't bother him if he is not receptive.

 

[digman6]

I slept on it over night, I think we will keep the 1900 Park fare. If nothing else they get to see cinderella and prince charming and those sisters. I think it would be a hoot if they came and bothered my son. the food has to at least be edable and with the buffet they are bound to find something to eat.
All the more reason to go just kidding, but seriously we will have to keep it.

I think my girls wiill have a fit if I cancel the castle, not to mention there dad. He told me you need to try and get a meal in there for them, now that I have it I think they may "take be out back " if I say I gave it up.

I will have to move some things around to make it all fit and try not to pay out of pocket.

the glow necklaces are a geat idea! we need to do that for sure

I took the hopper off the passes figuring it will be so busy at the parks I am not sure hopping will really happen. Is it still quiet enough that I can hop then or will parks be closing during that time i am there???
12/18-26

 

[Mkrop]

thanks~

I did end up seeing that CRT when we go will be 36.99 and like 25.00 so , that one I think is where I will do the OOP. I think your right skip the lunch TS and do a counter meal instead.

I will have to go look over the menu's again so I plan properly.

Maybe the girls will be ok if I do there hair and that stuff for the day, instead of the 45$ per person. that could cover the cost of part of breakfast at CRT and I know they would rather see cinderella then have there hair in a bun.

Maybe someone else could give you more advice on this but I read somewhere that you could get their hair done at the barbershop on Main St much cheaper than BBB. Maybe ask that ?

 

[tarheelmjfan]

I think my girls wiill have a fit if I cancel the castle, not to mention there dad. He told me you need to try and get a meal in there for them, now that I have it I think they may "take be out back " if I say I gave it up.

If their dad thinks CRT is a must, that may be a good one to have him pay OOP for.

 

[3dog2kidmom]

I would remove the liberty tree tavern lunch.

I disagree. Or make lunch at the Plaza. On Christmas Day if you don't have an ADR for lunch, good luck finding a place to eat. We were there in 2005 on 12/26 and couldn't get into any CS places. The lines were so long that many weren't even letting you wait. We ended up with ice cream from a cart for lunch...

You could eliminate Park Fare since you are seeing Cinderella at CRT. Do go to the GF to see the decorations, though, and maybe eat CS that night. Also, you can do the BBB without nails for $35 each -- the polish isn't that good anyway.

Finally, this comment isn't very nice, but if DH is the one making you cancel things, then I would suggest canceling the dinner he wants at Coral Reef...

 

[digman6]

OH he is not making me cancel anything at all. he was fine with what ever I booked. I just figured that he would be annoyed if we had to pay OOP for to many meals. I wanted to try and pay for the least expensive if anyof coarse, if I had to many booked then I was going to fine tune if you will .

He has not said anything about what things cost , he is a I would rather not know guy. That said , I don't want him telling them no all the time because it is expensive there as we all know. He will be seeing what things cost as he is getting more involved which is nice for me to not have one more thing to deal with he will pay the bills for awhile. I have to much on my plate to take care of thats all, so he picking up that part.

I saw alot of the meals at the places I picked are higher now for xmas, so my 18$ breakfast went up to like 20something and is a brunch now and not a real breakfast. Seems to be even better

 

[3dog2kidmom]

I saw alot of the meals at the places I picked are higher now for xmas, so my 18$ breakfast went up to like 20something and is a brunch now and not a real breakfast. Seems to be even better

We ate OOP lunch at the Plaza and we all had dessert in January for less than $50 for 2 adults and 2 kids. I have LTT for lunch planned next January and it will probably be around the same.

 

[Pumbaa_]

I would cancel lunch at LTT (no chracters at lunch) and I would cancel the castle (and BBB, but that is just me, hate how the girls come out looking, so cookie cutter, no individuality, and you can buy the hair extensions in the gift shops)

For the price of CRT, it is very expensive and the reviews lately from repeaters are not positive. Very little interaction and the food reviews are just bad.

'Ohana's is another one that has had horrendous reviews lately. I know lots of people love love love this palce, but more and more reviews of former fans are coming back negative.

Have a great Christmas!

 

[digman6]

I was not going to LTT for charcter interaction , I was going to have a place to sit down and just have a good lunch.


I know the reviews for dinner were not good but have not seen anything really bad for breakfast, thats when we are going is breakfast.
I guess I better do some research on the bit for breakfast , hard to believe its so bad -not that your lieing . YOuwould think with a place like the food would be good and so would charcter time.


guess we will see what others say as well, thanks for everyones opinion its appreciated good and bad reviews... thats how we learn

 

[Tink901]

I've done BBB in the past (Sept 06 & Sept 07) for my bday, it was fun but now with the prices going up not sure I will do it again.

I went to the Main Street barbershop in MK - it was just as fun. Prices are $14 per child or $17 per adult. I got my haircut and then she put it up streaked in color and covered with LOTS of glitter...I'd do it again in a heartbeat. You might have to wait a bit since it only has 2 chairs but it moves fairly quickly and is alot of fun.

Have a great trip!

 

[jenniferma]

Hi-- I think you have done a great job with your planning... my DH has said the exact same thing about OOP meals if we are on the dining plan our next trip.

After looking at your itinerary-- if i had to cut a few things IMO-- I would skip the BBB for $90...

I wanted to say with three little girls.. we went to 1900 Park Fare in May 2006 (I know that was a pretty long time ago).. but our DD(then 2) loved it-- it was the highlight of her trip! (she loves cinderella!)

If you are trying really hard to not go over your eight credits-- I would probably cancel the LTT lunch as well.. and maybe EITHER Hoop Dee or CRT.. that would at least bring you down to using eight credits and then having one OOP TS meal.

Have a great trip!
jen