Worrier plans DS's 5th Bday Celebration, DD/DH's first visit, & our 9th ann! Whew!

[karajeboo]

Good call! We've eaten at Mama Melrose twice and both times it was good. Nothing fabulous, and it gets beaten up on the DIS sometimes, but we liked it okay. Plus, all the counter service stinks at HS imho!

 

[UsNew2Disney2008]

Good call! We've eaten at Mama Melrose twice and both times it was good. Nothing fabulous, and it gets beaten up on the DIS sometimes, but we liked it okay. Plus, all the counter service stinks at HS imho!

Yeah, was thinking if it is comparable to Sbarros or even Olive Garden, we'd be fine.

 

[karajeboo]

I'd say maybe one step up from Olive Garden.....

 

[Camster0307]

Oh Mama Melrose's is definitely a step up from Olive Garden. I've always enjoyed the food there - just found it a little over-priced for pasta and pizza, KWIM? I think lunch is the best bet there.

 

[TxRabbit]

Are you AP holders? I'm pretty sure that the DDE card is only for AP. I think the name is changed to TIW now though.

I think it's a good call on MM for lunch. If possible, I like opting for service over counter service. Let me sit and bring me my food please!

So does this mean that you are opting to go deluxe?

 

[UsNew2Disney2008]

Are you AP holders? I'm pretty sure that the DDE card is only for AP. I think the name is changed to TIW now though.

I think it's a good call on MM for lunch. If possible, I like opting for service over counter service. Let me sit and bring me my food please!

So does this mean that you are opting to go deluxe?

Sigh - let's just say I'm starting to lean to the deluxe side a bit. Especially since you burst my bubble about the Card - that is right - that is why I didn't look into it earlier. Oh well. I do think when I throw that lunch at MM into the mix, the scale will tilt in the deluxe's favor.

I don't know - I'm no expert here, but I will say that when we were there Mid April last year, CS took as long if not honestly longer than our TS. We seriously averaged at least 45 minutes to an hour to do CS.

I'd say maybe one step up from Olive Garden.....

Oh Mama Melrose's is definitely a step up from Olive Garden. I've always enjoyed the food there - just found it a little over-priced for pasta and pizza, KWIM? I think lunch is the best bet there.

What at DISNEY isn't overpriced?
Listen, nothing is as overpriced as me at a buffet in the morning as I have a cup of coffee and a nice plate of fruit smaller than the bowl you can buy from the vendors! BUT, I figure...
$4.99 fruit, $2 coffee - smile on my kiddos face from a hug from Tigger - PRICELESS!
me not standing in an hour long line to meet Tigger - even more priceless

 

[UsNew2Disney2008]

Okay folks, open your books to page 43 Sorry I couldn't resist that one!

Drum roll please.......

If I run those figures with the new Mama Melroses lunch in there. Basically here is what it comes down to... Is it worth paying an extra $126 for 3 extra snacks a day (one for myself, dh, & ds) [21 extra snacks for the trip total]and appetizers (one for DH and myself) [10 extra appetizers total for the trip] for our 5 TS meals as well as 3 of the refillable mugs.

That really is about as boiled down as I can get it.
Comes to $1312 OOP with one snack, or 1375 with two
Basic Dining plan $1028 for one snack, or 1091 for two
Deluxe Dining plan $1154 - includes 3 refillable mugs, appetizers and two snacks.
(remeber the Sesame Street Character that use to bang his head on the piano? )

Then again, I've been boiling, and boiling, and boiling, and .....

 

[TxRabbit]

Is it worth paying an extra $126 for 3 extra snacks a day (one for myself, dh, & ds) [21 extra snacks for the trip total]and appetizers (one for DH and myself) [10 extra appetizers total for the trip] for our 5 TS meals as well as 3 of the refillable mugs.[/B]

I vote YES!!

Have fun! The snacks could come in really handy between your DD and DS alone. I know my DS likes to munch throughout the day. He just doesn't overstuff himself anywhere. Little tummy filled often. There are lots of good snacks around too, some are even somewhat healthy, like fruit and nuts. Plus, if you are in DTD at all, you could have some fun at Goofy's. AND the mugs will make cool souvenirs, even if you don't use them on site.

 

[Happydog]

NO! I did not realize that at all about the make your own Lightsaber in DHS! That was one of the main reasons I was thinking of heading over the DTD that night!

SO NOW, we could probably just hang out there and either go to DTD or stay for a while - or nap and come back - or whatever!

THANK YOU SOM MUCH!!

YOU are very welcome

 

[Happydog]

Okay, good grief you guys have been busy!!!!!
Wow -- whirl wind conversation about the DDP and DlxDDP!

My 10cents..

1. We liked Mama Melrose! If you need a place at DHS, that is my vote.

2. DDP vs. dlxDDP. Maybe I am missing something, or maybe when you make the plan a party of 4 it just seems so outrageous? With 3 though, I can see it being really close, so in a way if you do try it, at least you know you are getting a pretty good deal, knowing in the next year you would be paying more for DD2 (then 3) ... So maybe if you are on the fence that would be one thought to consider.... Of course you may never go back...

3. dlxDDP -- you know what I find appealing is the fact that you get an appetizer. Sometimes I could do without two desserts at the table each time! I wish Disney would reconsider that -- make it one or the other? But getting the appetizer, choosing CS or TS as you choose, this gives flexibility. SO, by having the dlx you get that "insurance" if you will... making the meals work for you, whatever they are... And the mugs are included.

4. You are doing several Character meals... did you include that "increase" in the cost (like $4 - $6) per meal in the summer months? SO you are getting more for your value by doing more Character meals on a plan than OOP... Didn't know if you already added that.

5. I think your $7.50 per snack time is limiting your snack options (I know it was an estimate) But three snacks can run you easily $3.00 - $3.50 each... so say you go to the bakery and get three cookies.... that is already 9.00 or more...

6. It would be a good idea to have those appetizers for DD2... though with the buffets, you will have an easier time there.

So, it all seems to make sense dlxDDP.

All this discussion gets me worried I am missing something. You'll have to tell me if what I have planned makes sense, too...

Regardless, I think your ADR proposals are great. I want to eat with you!!!

 

[MAGICFOR2]

Sometimes the math doesn't help so much, huh?

If your overriding importance factor is money based, then your plan of basic DDP and wise OOP would be the best. The way your DH talks, it doesn't sound like money is a big issue, except for how much you want to be fiscally responsible in planning your vacation.

There is so much talk about getting your money's worth out of the DDP and what is a good deal. Value can be so subjective. Many would shudder at the thought of spending a TS credit on soup and dessert, your earlier example. I call it buffet mentality, like getting your money's worth is gorging yourself on food until you split your britches, as opposed to just making a nice plate of food and eating until you feel satisfied.

However, I believe that sitting in a pleasant environment, being served as I sit and enjoy whatever food sounds best to me is a dining experience that is worth a credit, regardless of the actual cost of the meal.

Your math is close. So you ask yourself other questions, like how nice would it be to not be concerned about the 10% surcharge at Pepper Market. How much freedom would having everything just boil down to credits would I experience on my vacation? Would it relieve stress? Would it contribute to a better vacation? Or is the opposite true? Would it CAUSE stress because you would freak out if you didn't at least break even on the deal?

Well put! We find that we aren't really big eaters and could probably share some TS and eat wisely on our CS and save money while being satisfied. However, we enjoy the DDP, as we can just eat what we like and know its prepaid. When I did our numbers, I found we probably break even for our upcoming trip. We just like the convenience, and it will cut down on stress for us!

Lorrie, I suggested the Deluxe to DH, but he said he was afraid we'd overeat just to get our money's worth. Maybe its smarter to get the basic DDP, and then pay OOP for a few of those burritos when and if Carlos wants them?

 

[MAGICFOR2]

Kara - I hear you - but I'll tire really quick of CS. I just want something more than burgers and fries type stuff. Especially if we are talking 8 days.

Lorrie, all of the CS doesn't have to be burgers and fries - I did alot of research when I went with my DSIS to find healthy choices for her kids, not to mention Jim. There really is alot of variety in CS places!

 

[UsNew2Disney2008]

You guys have some great points.

DH & I talked last night - he seems to think we should go with the Deluxe just for the simplicity. Then again, that is him - he likes the easy button! Plus he said that he would really like to have about two sit down meals a day. SO, that means my plan is pretty right on for the ADRs

He also told me I am being too anal about the whole thing. I needed to chill out and pick something. That is a lot coming from Mr. Anal. But - I still needed to see one more thing. I calculated that the increase in tip would raise a bit - from $155.74 to $218.89 at least. We generally tip 20% (or more if we get really good service). I have had some crappy service and still tipped at least 15% - we consider that pretty much bottom.

Happydog - NO! I didn't think we'd have the summer increase since it is early May. So if that is in effect, the savings would probably be more. Off to see about that in just a minute.

We also talked about little girl. She could totally be "serviced" by the two appetizers. I mean, I use the two to do soup & salad, and she could have my meal, etc.

We are both really good about not eating just because we can. We both stuggle with weight issues, so we sorta know that just because it is there, doesn't mean we need to eat it...
"moment on the lips.... lifetime on the hips".

 

[UsNew2Disney2008]

I found this at mousesavers

Some examples of time periods when on-site buffet/character meal price increases will be in effect:

May 25 - July 5, 2008 (peak summer season)
November 22-29, 2008 (Thanksgiving week)
December 16, 2008 - January 3, 2009 (holiday season)
April 5-18, 2009 (Easter / spring break)
May 24 - July 11, 2009 (peak summer season)

 

[UsNew2Disney2008]

And here is another thought. With the deluxe plan - you could take advantage of room service. It is two table services - but if we are at a point were we have an extra service - why not?

There is nothing that makes me feel like I'm on vacation quite like room service for breakfast

one Private Dining (room service) meal - includes entrée, dessert (at lunch & dinner) or juice (at breakfast), or full buffet, plus non-alcoholic beverage and tax (gratuity INCLUDED)

Here is the edit:
Scratch that. I printed out the brochure. In room dining at CSR isn't on the DDP. My guess is because it is managed by the outside vendor.

That really stinks.

 

[UsNew2Disney2008]

I've decided to let my little boy "earn" money for Disney at a rate of $0.25/day IF he cleans his room. That can be his money to spend as he likes on whatever.

He is a little spoiled an dgetting to the age that he can get the concept of earning. I think it will be a good thing. Today it starts.

I'll keep you posted how it goes. Of course, the little girl will have to have a small task to "earn" some money too. Gotta keep it even!

 

[UsNew2Disney2008]

I'm starting to shake out on keeping the basic DDP and paying OOP for the extras. After all - they are pretty much even.

Carlos votes for DxDP - for simplicity.

We know who's vote carries more weight don't we?

Here's the method behind my madness.

1. I know me. At Le Cellier - I want the soup - and the dessert. Could honestly care less about the rest of the menu if I have those two things. That would be what - $10ish? Plus, water thank you very much.

2. If I eat two big meals a day - that third kinda turns into a snack.

3. I NEVER eat an appetizer and dessert - it is always either/or.

SO... looking at it like that, I'd rather go OOP and just pay outright for DD to have a nice kids meal if I want the crab pasta - etc. We may end up the same place, but I don't have to feel guilty if I just want soup - just getting soup... KWIM?

I'm kinda a weirdo. If I'm hot, I just want a salad - and water - for lunch. I am really afraid the DxDP will make us eat differently than we otherwise would. With the DDP & OOP extras, we could still end up in the same place.

Plus, I honestly don't see us ordering 3 mugs OOP either. Nor 6 snacks per day.

But then....

 

[karajeboo]

Lorrie - deep breaths......

Stick with the DDP - and if you guys really want a good appy, order it! But I would look over menus to see where you want to use your credits, and where you want to pay OOP. We did that when we went and had one extra TS - we paid OOP for Garden Grill b/c it was by far the cheapest of all our TS meals. And don't count out the steaks at Le Cellier!!!! Sooo good!

As for the times at CG, I'm not sure. Why not take the 9pm ADR that was available? I know it's late, but maybe just order heavy appys that night, and pay OOP? That way you can feed the kids CS earlier if they are hungry? The music is piped in but not the loud noise of the fireworks. It is really beautiful to watch Wishes from there.....

 

[UsNew2Disney2008]

I know, I know. I really earn my "worrier" title, don't I?

Anyone NOT see why I had ulcers at the age of 10?

Okay, I realize I'm getting too upset over this whole thing. Today already I've been back and forth twice each way

I'm taking my stuff with me this afternoon to soccer practice - looking it over - and when I leave there, whatever choice I am at is THE FINAL ANSWER!

DONE!

 

[UsNew2Disney2008]

Lorrie - deep breaths......

Stick with the DDP - and if you guys really want a good appy, order it! But I would look over menus to see where you want to use your credits, and where you want to pay OOP. We did that when we went and had one extra TS - we paid OOP for Garden Grill b/c it was by far the cheapest of all our TS meals. And don't count out the steaks at Le Cellier!!!! Sooo good!

As for the times at CG, I'm not sure. Why not take the 9pm ADR that was available? I know it's late, but maybe just order heavy appys that night, and pay OOP? That way you can feed the kids CS earlier if they are hungry? The music is piped in but not the loud noise of the fireworks. It is really beautiful to watch Wishes from there.....

Kara - that is a really good idea. Especially since we are leaving that next day - we could just get up late and it wouldn't really matter - KWIM?

As far as the steaks - come to my house. I tell you what - I'll eat one just for compairing, but I PROMISE, the place we go to weekly will beat them hands down. This place is seriously amazing. SERIOUSLY! The chef owns it and I tell you... AMAZING. If you are ever this way, you guys seriously have to try it.