Which works out better?

[tinkerbeth]

Okay I need some ideas. I have baby brain...

We're going for 9 nights in August. We'll likely go again next August and maybe in March.

Question. Is there any way to work the dining plan into all of this, or will it be cheaper to do APs?

We are two adults, one child and one infant.

I'm guessing that with 2 and maybe 3 trips (we'll go earlier next August to use the APs again) it will likely be cheaper to do the AP thing and get the DDE card.

Anyone have any experience with any of this or ideas?

Thanks!

Beth

 

[cobbler]

If you do the dining plan you will have to book your room as a package. You can get a discount on a package if you have AAA and book through AAA. I am not sure how much of a discount it is.

If you do an AP, you won't be able to get the dining plan. You will be able to get the DDE discount card for $60 and $25 for an additional card which entitles you to 20% off your meals at sit-down restaurants. This is only available to AP holders and FL residents.

If you get an AP, you may be eligible for a room only discount but you really should be flexible on your dates and where you want to stay. Also know that they are not guaranteed so you really should get it for admission only, anything else is gravy.

So basically you have a few options

1 - Book a package with Disney to get the dining plan and be on the watch for a discount, upgrade or whatever.

2 - Book a package with AAA and get some small amount of discount.

3 - Book a room only reservation and use AAA for a room only discount (10-20% depending on season and resort) and pay for your meals out of pocket as you normally would.

4 - By an AP because it will benefit you for admission and hope there is a discount for your room and travel dates and purchase the DDE card and save 20% on your meals.

Note that you can't buy an AP for you and have everyone else on the dining plan through a package. Well you can but the deal is you have to have the same ticket for every person in your party so you would end up with an extra ticket.

Hope that helps some.

 

[Nikel]

If I was going to be spending that many days at WDW, I would combine 4 & 5 in the PP. I would buy APs and get the DDE card and book a room with a AAA rate, but keep an eye out for AP rates.