WWYD?? Need answers quick!! :)

[DisneyLvr55]

Ok, as of right now, we (just myself and my DDs 7 & 9 - DH is staying home) are going in the beginning of August. We are doing this on the super cheap, and not trying to spend a lot - Don't have to spend a lot to make a lot of memories!!! Anyway.... I have booked 2 nights @ Pop and 2 nights at CBR. I have 4 day park hoppers and 2 days of DDP.

NOW....


If I change all 4 nights to the Sports hotel (cheaper than Pop) and did 4 nights of the DDP and 4 day hoppers, it would be about the same - A little cheaper actually!

Originally I booked the 2 nights at CBR because we weren't going into the parks, and I wanted a hotel with a better pool for my girls. But my father surprised us with tickets, so being in the pool won't be as big of a deal now.

So what would you do? Keep it the way it is, or change it??

 

[aacvacation]

My first question is, have you checked to make sure that you will, in fact, be saving money with the DDP? (Or am I mistaken, and you are talking about free dining?)
If saving money is important to you, I would certainly check that before you commit to the DDP. I love it, but it's not always necessary.

CBR is very fun, I just stayed there myself. But if you two are park-focused, the transportation is more convenient at the All Stars. It is also a lot nicer to stay put in one room and actually be able to settle in. Having to change rooms sounds easy, but not knowing when you'll have access to your luggage is somewhat bothersome. And who wants to go through check in again?

Have fun!

 

[Gr8t Fan]

I would definitely change to AsSports for the same price and two more days of DDP, especially if you're going to be spending most of your time in the parks.

 

[MandiC]

I too would check what you will actually be saving with the DDP. Menus are posted online so you can get a feel for prices, and remember tips are not included in the DDP so you still need to pay those at table service meals.
I figured we didn't really save any money on the DDP, it was nice to have so we didn't have to think about paying for meals once we were down there but it was pretty much a wash. We could have saved money by packing food or getting food sent to our resort but I didn't want to clean or cook any more than necessary on vacation

 

[Ceryssa]

If you're trying to save money I'd switch to whatever hotel will save you the most. As for the dining plan though...I don't know. Are you the type of people that could share meals? If so I'd skip it, you could probably come out a lot better that way. Especially if you're not planning on any character meals/buffets (I'm assuming not since you said you were trying to keep it inexpensive).

 

[puffkin]

I'd change hotels and not do the dining plan. You will most likely come out way ahead because the dining plan is so expensive and not geared towards the way most people eat. Plus, with a short trip, do you want to really spend 4 table service meals instead of park time?

 

[baseballnut]

I'd switch. If you're going to the park for all four days, I'd rather use the money for the dining plan with character meals than the hotel room. Because while I enjoy a nicer hotel room, I feel like I have to be there more. And I like the carefree ness of the DP, as long as you're getting the value of it. Or just switch hotels and pay oop for meals and get souvenirs with the money.

 

[Nayan]

I would switch and skip the DP. August is known for being extremely hot weather-wise so maybe snacking on Mickey bars and Dole Whips might be better than a full meal. Plus it'll save you some cash .

 

[Altoqueenkelly]

If you're trying to save money I'd switch to whatever hotel will save you the most.

100% this.

It's the *ONLY* reason we are staying at AS-Sports this trip!

 

[mckelvey72]

I agree with switch to save money......and determine if the dining plan would really save you anything. My son and I split meals and we snack on stuff and even my 14 year old eats kids meals. We saved money but NOT being on the dining plan.....to the tune of 250.00 less by paying OOP!!! And as someone else said, when it is hot hot hot, most people tend to eat less.

So if you are unsure, get the DDP, you can always cancel it out of your ressie once you do the research. You might find that DDP works for you and allows you to go to that character meal etc that you would not do if you were paying OOP. Just depends on how much you really want to save.

And Trails End is a wonderful buffet and cheaper then most....we paid (with tip) just over 100.00 for 4 people...3 being adult prices!!

 

[Aliceacc]

I would switch!

It sounds as though you've done the math and this is something you want to do.

Both of your girls are under 10, so still Disney "children" as far as the DDP goes. You can book a character meal for each of you, as well as the counter service meal and "snack"-- we use that for breakfast. Many of the character meals are buffets, so your kids are sure to find something they like.

Take a look at dinner with Cinderella and Friends at 1900 Park Fare, or at any meal at Aukerhaus or at Chef Mickeys.

I love table service meals at WDW. I love that they force us to stop, not worry about what we're doing next, and simply enjoy our surroundings and each other.

We went without the DDP last trip, and I'll never do Disney that way again. I felt as though we were hemorhagging money, and it got to where I would look at the prices before the entrees. And, for my family of 5 at least, the DDP does turn out to be a money saver.