Which option should I book?

[mommymanda]

I'm working hard on my August trip. Nothing is booked yet as I'm terrified of booking than having something happen and our money is tied up (yes I'm a bit of a budget freak).

Anyhow, my initial plan has always been a moderate resort 6night/7day package with the Disney Dining plan for my family of 5 (2 adult, 11,5,3).

I already nixed flying and have revamped the plan to drive as flights were just too much for us.

Now I received a TA quote that would put us at a Deluxe resort with tickets for cheaper than the moderate resort cost. We cannot add dining however, so I did the math and had a 'virtual trip' figuring places we may eat and what it would cost us in food for the week (did I mention I'm a budget freak ). It comes out that we could save around $400, still eat okay, not DDP amounts, but good food and a few character meals in there.

Maybe because I've been planning with dining for so long I am torn as to whether I really want to change that part. If Disney offers a decent discount for August that $400 savings may become equal and we'd still get dining. So really is it worth bumping from a moderate to deluxe? Last time we were there we only slept at the resort, and that was value with no complaints.

 

[Lizard Valley]

Generally, the dining plan doesn't hold any real value/savings anymore.

My family has always paid less out of pocket, eating what and when we want, than the dining plan costs.

If the dining plan is "free", you might break even (because you have to pay more for the room).

It's good that you're doing the math.

In general, you only have to put a $200 refundable deposit when you book, so you wouldn't be tying up that much money by booking now.

When are you travelling in Aug? If it's closer to the end, you have a good chance that better deals will be released.

Edited to add: why wouldn't you be able to add the dining plan? Or are you saying that you wouldnt be within budget if you added dining?

 

[Gina-Gina-Bo-Bina]

Edited to add: why wouldn't you be able to add the dining plan? Or are you saying that you wouldnt be within budget if you added dining?

I believe the OP is looking at a special package offered by Magical Vacations Travel. Their special pricing is on room-only or room + tickets only (no dining). Their link is not permitted (I would guess because they are a competitor of Dreams Unlimited, which sponsors the boards) but they are easy to find if you Google them. I know many Disers booked through them last summer for a deluxe-cheaper-than-a-mod overall cost.

 

[Lizard Valley]

OK, I see that on their web page...it's not standard, but I believe it. I used to get great room discounts at Disney through my employer, but they also didn't allow dining plan add ons.

When I used these discounts, it always worked out better to pay OOP for our meals anyways, and that was based on DDP pricing in 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012. Prices for DDP have gone up so much now, that I definitely know that I couldn't eat enough to save money, unless I did character meals twice per day to get value out of it.

So to OP, I'd say go with the cheaper option, and right now that's Deluxe room without dining plan. While the deluxe room may not be necessary, paying more for a moderate doesn't make much sense.

And the kids would just loooove Stormalong Bay at the Beach Club. What a great opportunity!

 

[mommymanda]

Thanks everyone, its helping me feel more relaxed about my choice in going without the dining plan.

When I created our virtual menu I did still have two character and two sit down meals in our 7 day trip so we are not missing out. I just worry since the DDP gives soooo much food and without it I may be under estimating our costs (no appetizers or desserts OOP). Sounds like we will still be okay and really I have the extra $400 I've saved while booking to put towards the extra food anyhow.

Now since I can't finalize anything until the end of next week I just hope there are still rooms at the deal by than.

 

[Lizard Valley]

Just curious, how much did you budget for food? Look at it this way - assuming worst case scenario, and you spend all of that extra 400$ on food. Now compare your 2 options:

Mod, tix, food vs Dlx, tix, food = same price.

Easy choice

 

[mommymanda]

Just curious, how much did you budget for food? Look at it this way - assuming worst case scenario, and you spend all of that extra 400$ on food. Now compare your 2 options:

Mod, tix, food vs Dlx, tix, food = same price.

Easy choice

Your right and lol what I needed to hear.

I had factored with DDP we would get our 7 table, 7 quick service, 7 snacks and 5 drink cups. Leaving breakfast OOP, for me and the kids a more snack style, DH the breakfast meals. Of course with DDP we get appetizer, meal, dessert, drink with each meal. A lot of food yes, but at least its an option if we're hungry.

For my OOP trip I factored in 3 table service dinners, 2 character brunch buffets and the rest of our meals at quick service (all breakfasts I budgeted the platters as opposed to smaller snacks we'll most likely eat). I figured we can make due sharing 3 travel mugs and each get one snack/day. No appetizers or desserts though while OOP. I'm thinking the only area I may have messed is snacks, and we could need 2/day. Also since I just picked random QS places, if we end up eating somewhere else and prices vary so will our budget.

 

[Gina-Gina-Bo-Bina]

Of course with DDP we get appetizer, meal, dessert, drink with each meal.

Just so you are aware, appetizers are not included on the DDP.

https://disneyworld.disney.go.com/m...alog/WaltDisneyWorld/en_us/PDF/2014Dining.pdf

For table service, its just an entrée, dessert, and non-alcoholic beverage.

 

[mommymanda]

Just so you are aware, appetizers are not included on the DDP.

https://disneyworld.disney.go.com/m...alog/WaltDisneyWorld/en_us/PDF/2014Dining.pdf

For table service, its just an entrée, dessert, and non-alcoholic beverage.

Lol well there we go, even more savings. Did it change? Last time we went was 2007 and I swear we had an app or something with each meal, but it was so long ago I'm not 100%.

 

[scrappinginontario]

Lol well there we go, even more savings. Did it change? Last time we went was 2007 and I swear we had an app or something with each meal, but it was so long ago I'm not 100%.

Yes, it changed a few years back and appetizers are no longer included.

Happy planning!

 

[Lizard Valley]

Yes, since 2007 they removed the appetizer, added the mugs to the QSDP, and almost doubled the price.

In 2007, the DDP was about 38$ adult per day, 11$ child per day (prices are approximate).

In 2014 it's 59.20 adult and 18.28 child. So 214$ per day for the 5 of you. If you can spend an average of 214$ per day or less on food, you'll be ahead of the game

Also, your 11 yr old is a Disney adult, so 59.20 DDP. My guess is s/he'd likely eat child meals, at least some of the time. Or share a larger portion with the 3 yr old.

I just pulled out my notes from my trip last year, because I often consider getting the dining plan, and having real numbers helps. We are me, DS13, DS10, DS6.

We spent a total of 1161$ on food for 8 nt/7 days (including tips, 7 snacks per day, no mugs). Our cheapest day was 100$ (pizza planet and sci-fi), most expensive was 194$ (kona breakfast and ohana dinner). Average of 145$/day.

DDP would have cost us $1504, or 188$/day.

Now, if you were planning a 59$ dinner buffet each and every day, then that would be another story.

 

[ixmnrs]

I think, if you can, you can hold a reservation for $200 up to 45 day prior and it is still refundable. Discounts for August usually come out around May unless you are fortunate to receive a PIN code from Disney earlier. When the discounts come out (Free dining vs Room only discount) then you can reevaluate which works out best. I never do dining plan as I don't like deserts and would prefer appetizers and usually it is too much food you feel you are 'forced to order / eat' We do like our buffets though and with two kids who are 'disney adults' we still come out ahead out of pocket. Regardless, especially if you are driving and not being at the mercy of the airlines, I would hold a reservation and wait and see. I did book the *** offer as well but are holding out for an offer for CR which is not on the offer or maybe if the Disney Gods shine upon us, a PIN code like last year.

 

[scrappinginontario]

If you're looking to save money, another option I've helped many friends book is 2 adjoining rooms at a value resort. This is the least expensive option and allows for the DDP to be added and still save money. It gives you 4 beds and 2 bathrooms for less money than a value suite, moderate or deluxe room

Also, depending when in August you're considering, there is a possibility Disney may offer Free Dining. We've taken advantage of this for the past 3 summers. Most US schools are back in session by the middle of August so sometimes the offer comes out for the last week or 2 of August.

Anyway, just wanted to throw a couple more options your way.

One thing to factor in is how much time you feel you will be in your room. For us we spend the majority of our time at the parks and pretty much sleep and swim at the resort as well as eat a few meals.

Don't want to confuse you further, just wanted to offer another option that not all are aware of.

 

[squirrel]

You don't want adjoining rooms you want connecting rooms. Make sure you request connecting-it's not guaranteed.

 

[mommymanda]

If you're looking to save money, another option I've helped many friends book is 2 adjoining rooms at a value resort. This is the least expensive option and allows for the DDP to be added and still save money. It gives you 4 beds and 2 bathrooms for less money than a value suite, moderate or deluxe room

Also, depending when in August you're considering, there is a possibility Disney may offer Free Dining. We've taken advantage of this for the past 3 summers. Most US schools are back in session by the middle of August so sometimes the offer comes out for the last week or 2 of August.

Anyway, just wanted to throw a couple more options your way.

One thing to factor in is how much time you feel you will be in your room. For us we spend the majority of our time at the parks and pretty much sleep and swim at the resort as well as eat a few meals.

Don't want to confuse you further, just wanted to offer another option that not all are aware of.

That is an interesting offer, never even considered looking into the pricing for that. We ended up booking the *** quote. The dinning spreadsheet someone posted on another thread was an amazing help to let me see we could still eat nice meals without the DDP and end up spending less.

 

[tinkerone]

as for snacks through out the day I always pack a few boxes of cereal bars and other snacks like that in my suitcase. it fills up the suitcase on the way down, I have snacks for in the parks and I have extra room for stuff I purchase on the way home. win win win!
good luck.

 

[squirrel]

I pack applesauce pouches, fruit bars, cereal & granola bars. These come in handy while waiting in line for a ride and someone gets hungry.

I also pack a box of Cheerios-I find it easier to eat a little something before heading to the park even if we have a late Character breakfast. If not we can grab a snack mid morning like a cinnamon bun at Main Street Bakery.

Another thing I pack is a bag or two of microwave popcorn. I buy one souvenir buckets and then refill with the microwave popcorn popped at the food court.