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

[UsNew2Disney2008]

I forgot to tell you earlier...I've read you can get Tonga Toast at the CS at the Poly! You could just head over there before Ohana.

Also, if you ended up doing CM now since you might not go to DTD, you don't have to go to MK to watch the fireworks. You could ride the monorail, which most kids like, you could try to sit up front, and head over to Poly or GF to watch from their beaches. Then you wouldn't have to deal with the crowds and such. Then you might also catch the Water parade on the lagoon.

I read somewhere that if you were at Ohana and you asked for Tonga Toast they would get you some. I'm thinking it is worth a shot. I don't do eggs, but I don't know how well I would like the Tonga Toast because it looks very sugary and I don't generally like that either.

I wasn't that nuts about Dole Whips because they were too sweet. I KNOW, I KNOW - but that is me.

I did like the rice crispy mickey though - YUM!

Laura - yes, I'm sure the bithday boy won't be the only member of our party constructing his own lightsaber...

 

[UsNew2Disney2008]

Let's just be honeset and admit there isn't too much romance that can be going on this trip, but I would like to do something a little special for my hubby.

I'm totally stumped. If I ask them to make a big deal of it at San Angels (which seems to have the majority of the votes) then he will get put off - he doesn't like that sort of singing thing - but he will be a good sport. I still wantto do something special for him.

I mentioned booking the snorkle at the Seas Tank, but he wants to do it with me, so that was a bust. I just don't really know what to do. He isn't a picky man - a nice stroll and a good beer and he'll be fine. But I do want to come up with something a little special for him.

I guess I will have to put my thinking hat on for that one.

 

[Happydog]

Hmmm.... let me think about this too. I am sure you will get lots of suggestions....

 

[karajeboo]

Lorrie, when you book San Angel Inn, tell them it's your anniversary and request a river side table. When we booked our ADRs for our honeymoon, we were given special seating everywhere!!! It really makes a difference! That's all you need to do. Oh, and have you considered any of the kids clubs for that night? Even for a couple of hours so you and DH can have a nice quiet dinner alone?

 

[UsNew2Disney2008]

Lorrie, when you book San Angel Inn, tell them it's your anniversary and request a river side table. When we booked our ADRs for our honeymoon, we were given special seating everywhere!!! It really makes a difference! That's all you need to do. Oh, and have you considered any of the kids clubs for that night? Even for a couple of hours so you and DH can have a nice quiet dinner alone?

Kara, you know me. I haven't even had a sitter once for the kids yet. Freaks me out. I would love to do it - but it gives me the willies. Besides - Mia is too young for those I think. I think I saw they had to be 4 or older.

I didn't know that telling them to note it meant you could get a better table . That is an idea! I remember you said to ask riverside so the kids would be entertained, so I'll definately do that.

 

[UsNew2Disney2008]

So DH tries his hat at helping me plan a bit last night.

Want to know his contribution? He thinks we should upgrade to the deluxe dining package.



Under the regular dining plan, we'll be paying for 4 ts meals out of pocket. 3 will be breakfasts, and one lunch. All character dining. Then there will be about 3 CS meals out of pocket too.

I don't know. I need to really look hard at it. I think it is a little wasteful for us. I think we would be better doing the basic and OOP for the others - that is my serious gut.

Like for instance right now... my lunch at Le Cellier. Bowl of Soup please and dessert. Water to drink - how does the deluxe plan make sense like that?

I guess someone at work was telling him how good the Pepper Market was for breakfast burritos (we are big mexican food fans) and he thinks that if we do it we can eat there.

So I'm off to dig out that spreadsheet I did back when and see if it makes sense or not. I am pretty sure I concluded it didn't based on our choices.

 

[TxRabbit]

Do share your math.

The Pepper Market would be a CS credit. So depending on how many CS credits you already have allocated for your meals, you might be able to spend some there for your breakfast burritos.

 

[UsNew2Disney2008]

Do share your math.

The Pepper Market would be a CS credit. So depending on how many CS credits you already have allocated for your meals, you might be able to spend some there for your breakfast burritos.

If I could figure a way to paste the excel spreadsheet in I would!

Basically, I broke it down to days of the week, meals per day, and snacks per day. SO I have one coloumn all out of pocket for our dining/snacks. Second column is Using DDP - Since all the numbers are projected in the first column (I used menus from All Ears for this) I pick the 7 highest TS to use our TS credit, then I did the same for our CS. CSR is a little funky - you get charged an auto tip if you are OOP, but if you use the DP, you avoid the 10% auto tip. I didn't control for that, but that is in the back of my mind as well. Then there is the third column where everything is all covered under the deluxe dining plan.

Then - THEN - I copied that same data in a second set of columns and just made our basic DP work with the least OOP expense which would mean trading some OOP TS's for either CS or eating breakfast in our room.

Here are the results for the IDEAL as is booked now.
Total cost if all were out of pocket $1331.69 (doesn't include 37.50 mug value)
Total cost of using the Basic Dining Plan $1082.62 (636.79 for the dining plan, and $445.83 OOP expenses) - also doesn't include the mugs
Total cost using deluxe dining plan $1154.79 (does include the mugs and appetizers for the adult table service meals as well)

And here are the results for the Make the Basic Plan work group.
Total Out of Pocket cost is no plan was used $1080.80
Total cost if basic is used wisely $827.23 (636.79 cost plus $190.44 OOP)
Total cost if we used deluxe dining plan $1154.79.

SO... The way I figure it, you are seeing a difference under the IDEAL plan of $72.71. So if you take out the drink mugs $37.50, you end up at $35.21. I'm not sure we'd BUY the mugs out of pocket. I wouldn't - DP might for the diet coke - I don't know. Then again, he laughs at 12 oz drinks, so he might drink all three!

So here is the heart of his arguement. $35 is such a small number - so why not just do the Deluxe, be done with it and move on. My thought is WELL what if you don't feel like eating a meal you've already paid for it, so now your savings deteriates.

 

[UsNew2Disney2008]

And here is an example of the OOP IDEAL

Saturday
Snack - $7.50 (these numbers are for 3 - 2 adults and 1 child btw - no tips inclued)
Boma - $66.97

Sunday
Tusker - $48.97
snack - $7.50
Flame Tree - $39.98
Snack - $7.50
1900 Park Fair - $74.97

Monday
Ohana - $48.97
Snack - $7.50
TS Pizza Planet - $42
Snack - $7.50
Chef Mickeys - $74.97

Tuesday
Pepper Market - $35
Snack - 7.50
Crystal Place - $53.98
Snack - 7.50
San Angels - $86.00

Wednesday
Pepper Market $35
Snack $7.50
Le Cellier - $80
Snack - $7.50
Tutto Italia - $101

Thursday
Norway - $75.97
Snack - $7.50
Tangierine - $48
Snack - 7.50
Ohana - $66.97

Friday
Crystal Palace - 48.97
Snack - 7.50
Pecos Bill - $31
Snack - 7.50
Maya Grill - $74.00

Saturday
Chef Mickeys - 58.97
Snack - 7.50
CS lunch - $40

 

[karajeboo]

What???? I know this would make sense if I did it for myself - I'm big into the spreadsheet comparison. But what I think you're saying is the regular dining plan is cheaper than either all OOP or the deluxe plan?

 

[TxRabbit]

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?

 

[karajeboo]

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?

I like the way you put that!

 

[UsNew2Disney2008]

What???? I know this would make sense if I did it for myself - I'm big into the spreadsheet comparison. But what I think you're saying is the regular dining plan is cheaper than either all OOP or the deluxe plan?

With our choices, yes! We only have 4 TS that order from a menu - the rest are buffet which really erodes your savings on the DDP, IMO.

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?

All very good points! I think that my husband really shakes out on the - listen, we're on vacation, we're going to eat. I'm not a big "til I split my pants person" but I do enjoy a good variety I have no problem just sending the plate back half full if that is all I want, but I do like to have appetizers and dessert too - if for nothing other than entertaining the kids!

I think my husband just feels like it is all sorta relative, just book the plan, have it done and move on - no worries. I see his point, and I know it would be no worries, but sometimes that mentality gets us into REALLY stupid financial decisions. HOWEVER, to his credit - it is such a small spread here. And either way you are saving over the OOP cost

The draw for the deluxe would be this - more meals means we would probably have zero OOP expense for the little girl. Be it appetizer or a meal that wasn't used, she'll be covered by something.

With the basic dining plan, there are going to be times that we will honestly need to buy her a kids meal (ie - I eat soup/salad, DH gets steak). If we were on the DDP, I'd just order the soup probably, a meal that she'd enjoy - generally fish & veggies, etc and pick at that with her.

With the four of us, those snacks will be used too daily - I'm sure.



But as I type this the deluxe just sounds like a LOT of food. For instance, I've looked at Tangierine's pictures - and that CS meal could TOTALLY be split by DH & myself and we'd both be happy. That is where my worry creeps in.

Kara - I saw your plate at Tangierine - think you and Jeff could have split that?

 

[karajeboo]

Kara - I saw your plate at Tangierine - think you and Jeff could have split that?

Nope! A) I'm a pig and B) Jeff is a pig!!! OK, seriously, I can eat a lot when I'm in Disney because I'm walking so much that I'm starved when I sit down. It was a lot, but it really wasn't too much, kwim? And Jeff must have a hollow leg because that boy can eat!!!!

 

[TxRabbit]

All very good points! I think that my husband really shakes out on the - listen, we're on vacation, we're going to eat. I'm not a big "til I split my pants person" but I do enjoy a good variety I have no problem just sending the plate back half full if that is all I want, but I do like to have appetizers and dessert too - if for nothing other than entertaining the kids!

I think my husband just feels like it is all sorta relative, just book the plan, have it done and move on - no worries. I see his point, and I know it would be no worries, but sometimes that mentality gets us into REALLY stupid financial decisions. HOWEVER, to his credit - it is such a small spread here. And either way you are saving over the OOP cost

The draw for the deluxe would be this - more meals means we would probably have zero OOP expense for the little girl. Be it appetizer or a meal that wasn't used, she'll be covered by something.

With the basic dining plan, there are going to be times that we will honestly need to buy her a kids meal (ie - I eat soup/salad, DH gets steak). If we were on the DDP, I'd just order the soup probably, a meal that she'd enjoy - generally fish & veggies, etc and pick at that with her.

With the four of us, those snacks will be used too daily - I'm sure.



But as I type this the deluxe just sounds like a LOT of food. For instance, I've looked at Tangierine's pictures - and that CS meal could TOTALLY be split by DH & myself and we'd both be happy. That is where my worry creeps in.

Kara - I saw your plate at Tangierine - think you and Jeff could have split that?

If you are talking about the Swarmee plate at Tangierine, then yes, you could easily split that meal. DH and I did and it was a nice satisfying meal. And as I recall, we were nibbly enough for snacks and such afterwards.

The deluxe sounds like a lot of food because we are all familiar with restaurant portions. They are out of control. Huge in fact. A major contributer to over eating in America. So we are tempted to try to split all that food because a waste not want not thought has been hammered into many of us.

For me, I don't always want to eat what DH wants to eat. Sometimes, I just want my own pretty plate with my own food that sounds good to me. So what if half of it goes back? Again, we are talking value.

We are doing the deluxe plan. I haven't made ADRs yet, so I started planning with the deluxe in mind. Part of my reasoning is that I am just more interested in TS food than CS food. Also, with DS 8, I want the appetizers around to help supplement the boring kids' meals. Our plan is about 2 TS a day, one credit and then a two credit dinner.

For me, the freedom in ordering played a major factor in opting for the deluxe. My son played a big part in it.

And my DH is the same way. No big. Book it. Be done. This isn't one of those major financial decisions that we have also suffered from.

 

[Camster0307]

Ok, I know I'm completely late to this party and I still have to read everything but I just wanted you to know I'm here and completely impressed that not only have you started your very first pre-TR but also included a poll? Look at you, little miss fancypants!

(I voted for San Angel, BTW. We always enjoy that place!)

Ok - off to catch up!

 

[UsNew2Disney2008]

For me, I don't always want to eat what DH wants to eat. Sometimes, I just want my own pretty plate with my own food that sounds good to me.

Well Said! I love that point! My husband is a PICKY eater - me not so much. He doesn't like veggies (outside corn, potatoes & salad - odd mix I know), most of the time, I'll prefer that over meat.

I was poking around on the dining review boards and saw someone say that with the DDE card they save a flat 20% off everything. I need to look at that before I make up my mind.

Cammie - first WELCOME! Don't you have the DDE? Did you like it better than the Dining Plan? I know - I'm going nuts over here aren't I?

Kara - Well - that is a good point that I hadn't considered is the increased appetite with all the walking. hummmm....

I am tempted to say it wouldn't be as much savings, but I MIGHT agree with Carlos that there is a value to the simplicity it would bring to the equation.

 

[karajeboo]

:I am tempted to say it wouldn't be as much savings, but I MIGHT agree with Carlos that there is a value to the simplicity it would bring to the equation.

This is why we did dining plan in May. Otherwise we usually do 2 or 3 TS for a weeklong trip, and the rest counter service. So DDP isn't a good fit for us.

 

[UsNew2Disney2008]

Last time we were there I seriously stood in line at 11:45 for ONE HOUR for 2 personal pan pizzas. I think I got REALLY chapped with Pizza Planet over that - and then it was a lot of game playing time - not that I mind, but in our package we actually have a card for FREE GAMES at CSR - catch my drift?

So I booked Mama Melrose for lunch that day. Still can get some pizza - noodles - something, plus they will make a fuss. I think I like it!

PLUS I WON"T HAVE TO WAIT AN HOUR FOR PIZZA!

 

[UsNew2Disney2008]

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.