Originally Posted by
Ancien Maestro
Thanks for tips Mary.. although they are packages, most FTers or Disney goers for a matter don't know about it until its too late. For Example, for us first time to Disneyland.. I had no clue about the packages.. so although there are packages, its good to provide information.
That's why I always suggest
www.disboards.com
Maybe I'm bias to the meal plan because I'm a big guy, like CrazyHotelGuy and TooManyBooks. From experience, buying a la carte first time at the World was such a dent in the wallet, the second time around we got the free meal plan deal last August, and it was phenomenal value. For example, we spent like a $110 for lunch at Crystal Palace between 2 adults, a senior, and a 3 year old.. while the meal plan seemed like the deal of the century if we had to pay it everyday. The quick serve was great because it made it flexible wherever we were to go.. and the snacks were awesome because we had a nice Pineapple Dole, ice cream sundae, milke shake, juice.. everyday. So nice touch!
Uhhh, you are paying rack rate for the room just to get the free dining plan. Depending upon where you stayed, you may have overpaid. I'm getting 40% off my room this trip (and the last several trips) and it's actually a better deal than free dining.
As well, who else but Disney could get away with charging full price for a room at the height of hurricane season (it usually runs mid-Aug to end of Sept) by throwing in free dining?
Even Supper at Le Cellier reached $160, but only required 1 meal credit for all of us.^
When did you do this? The dining plan no longer includes tip, and they also don't include either appetizer or dessert (I forgot which one). It's not the value it once was. I can see 3 people running up a $160 tab if you have appetizer, entree, & dessert + the tip included.
Edit: Currently offers are 15% to 40% off room.. or free disney dining plan.. a savings of $689 for a family of 4 based on a 5 night/6 day package at a moderate resort.. OLE!^
Unless you're staying at a value, in most cases, during low season (mid Aug-mid Dec) you will do better with the room discount. The website has people who actually did spreadsheets to help people decide what to do.