Which works out to be the better deal-DVC vs FD vs S/D vs Hotel discount?

[minniebride]

We are planning a trip for next February & I'm trying to figure out what would be the best deal?

It will be my parents, me, my DH, and our daughter who will be 14 months old by then.

Here are our options:

1. Rent a 2 bedroom DVC (anywhere except OKW & SS) plus regular dining plan

2. Book two rooms at the Swan/Dolphin (dining OOP)

3. Book two rooms at a moderate with a 15-20% off code (if I can find one!!) plus regular DDP

4. Book two rooms at a moderate & go during free dining.

Thanks!

 

[jimandami]

I think that is a hard question to answer because it depends on what you are looking for in your vacation. Having a 2 bedroom DVC is a completely different trip than booking 2 rooms at a moderate, IMHO. I mean, you have a full kitchen, washer/dryer, jet tub, etc....So, if it were me and you can afford it, I would definitely book the 2 bedroom (it will almost certainly cost more than 2 rooms at a mod, esp with free dining). But, if I did DVC, I would not pay for the dining plan. The dining plan barely saves money anyway, and with the full kitchen, you can have breakfast in the room and maybe even a couple lunches/dinners so you should spend less on food than it would cost to pay OOP for the dining plan. It would be so nice to be able to put the baby down for a nap or bed in one of the bedrooms, and then have the living room, etc...to relax in with you parents.

 

[shburks]

I think that is a hard question to answer because it depends on what you are looking for in your vacation. Having a 2 bedroom DVC is a completely different trip than booking 2 rooms at a moderate, IMHO. I mean, you have a full kitchen, washer/dryer, jet tub, etc....So, if it were me and you can afford it, I would definitely book the 2 bedroom (it will almost certainly cost more than 2 rooms at a mod, esp with free dining). But, if I did DVC, I would not pay for the dining plan. The dining plan barely saves money anyway, and with the full kitchen, you can have breakfast in the room and maybe even a couple lunches/dinners so you should spend less on food than it would cost to pay OOP for the dining plan. It would be so nice to be able to put the baby down for a nap or bed in one of the bedrooms, and then have the living room, etc...to relax in with you parents.

I agree with the pp in that it's hard for me to say what's the best "deal" for you! If it's strictly money, probably option four but for my family (only three) free dining never works out to be a good deal! I'd run the price points and see where you come out to be the best deal. See if the DDP is REALLY how you eat. We don't eat dessert with every meal so it's kind of a waste for us.

DVC is a great option but a 2 bedroom is $$ although nice! Gives you different options as far as kitchen and laundry but not as much housekeeping service and often far away from food (counter service or restaurants) if you choose not to cook/eat in room.

Besides, it's just really hard to say what options Disney will have at any given time! They're running 30% off moderate rooms right now until March 2013. That's pretty good deal!

 

[Sue M]

The jan/feb discounts are out now for this year, so I'd do the Disney Math based on this years deals to give you an idea of costs for similar time next year to see which is the better deal for you.

 

[merina888]

There's a big question mark as to whether Disney is going to offer free dining anyway. It does not appear they are offering it this year. Depending on how well rooms fill, they may not offer it next year. At least not to the general population. It may still be possible to get a PIN for it, but that's a bit random. I'd go with what fits with your finances now and then change if free dining becomes available. I don't think it's a good idea to plan a trip assuming that a certain offer will be available. You may be disappointed.

 

[kirstenb1]

We're DVC'rs and part of what sold us was the kitchen. We like eating breakfast in our villa, grab a quick c/s for lunch, and then make a simple meal back at the villa, like pasta, or tacos. Or we sometimes go to a local restaurant for dinner.

However, since 3 of your 4 options include some type of dining plan, I'm guessing this is your preference. So I'd have to suggest you go with one of the hotel/dining options you described.