Why am I so hung up on this particular week?

[11point5]

I'm a gut feeling type of person and like you said, your reasons are weak but there is something stopping you, maybe you should listen to that.

I 100% agree with this logic! I went through a very similar dilemma to yours when the fall free dining dates were announced last week. My DBF and I are staying at ASMo October 10-19, and I had budgeted $1200 for all our food, alcohol, server tips, snacks, etc. for the whole 10 days of our trip (planning to eat breakfast at the hotel every morning, CS for lunch, TS for most dinners. and we aren't big drinkers, but I plan to have a few!!). We've already booked a bunch of ADRs, and made rough itineraries for each day based on things like which parks have EMH, which nights Wishes is happening, which bands are playing at the F&W festival, etc, and everything feels really balanced and perfect! ..and then of course I find out free dining STARTS on the day we're leaving!

That said though, I still had to check to see what the difference in price would be if we changed to October 19th-28th and got the free dining plan. (And I totally know what you mean about feeling very protective of your chosen dates! I am very attached to the 10th-19th for some reason!) We would only get the QSDP free since we're staying at a value, so we'd obviously upgrade to the regular DDP. We'd also still have to pay tips and breakfasts and some snacks OOP.. PLUS we'd have to pay $150 flight change fee AND an extra $110 for the new flights, because they've gone up in price since we booked in March. I ran the numbers carefully, and it would actually be costing us over $100 more for this trip if we changed our dates and got free dining! Just some food for thought! I'm sure your gut feeling is correct on this one. Halloween at Disney might be really fun, but you guys could just do MNSSHP on a non-Halloween night and get the same enjoyment, and then do "real Halloween" back home!
And, on the bright side, you originally made your budget EXPECTING to pay for meals, so really even by not taking the free dining plan you'll still be staying within your budget, and that's a win!

 

[mkoerner]

If celebrating Halloween at home is important to you, then keep the reservation you have. With the ages of your children, will you really get your money's worth with the free dining? (I know that sounds odd) Have fun! We stayed CR TPV once and the view plus fireworks right from your room were incredible. One suggestion: when you check in ask for a room in the opposite end from Chef Mickey's. We could hear everything being at the same end as the restaurant.

 

[Bmousey]

I would switch the dates! Not only are you saving a very large chunk of money, but you get to spend Halloween at Disney! Halloween is my favorite Holiday, and while we decorate at home like most do for Christmas, I love being at Disney for it.

I agree. And I would get tickets for the MNSSHP.