Park Tickets, Dining, and Extras...oh my

Tell me what you do hen it comes to park tickets, dining and all the extras when staying at your villa.

On our last 2 trips to WDW we got the dining plan and quite frankly, it wasn't worth it. Maybe because our kids are so young yet that we really didn't go to the more expensive places, we usually did a character breakfast and because Wyatt was under 3, he couldn't be on the plan. However, he eats well and so sharing a plate was not an option (unless we were at a buffet) so at most meals I was paying extra for him.

So, I am wondering, when you stay at your villa, do you use the kitchen a lot? I have heard of using Garden Grocer to order some items and have them delivered to the room, anyone do this?

What about park tickets? I hear annual passes are cheaper than hopper tickets for the time you will be at WDW. What do they entail? All Parks like the hopper passes? How are they cheaper - especially if you only get to WDW once a year?

Imagineer wrote:

On our last trip we stayed in a studio and still had breakfast in the room every morning (except for our one character meal at 1900 Park Fair). And that was a week long trip. We just had English Muffins, coffee, and bagels in the room. We aren't the type to need bacon and eggs or pancakes every morning, so it wasn't a stretch for us.

On our trip next month, we'll be in a 1BR so it'll be even easier to continue this breakfast in the room practice. In fact, we have no breakfast ADRs, so it'll probably be breakfast in the room everyday.

Each DVC resort has a store with a grocery section with much of what you need to make meals in your villa. The prices are very high compared to your local grocery store, so you may want to look into one of those delivery services.

As far as passes go, I say and AP is the way to go. The formula I use is that if you spend 8 days in a year at the parks, then the AP is a good value. Couple this with all the discounts that an AP gives you, and I think you'll agree that it's the right choice.

See, that is what I was thinking, breakfast in the room. Such an easy meal. We don't need sausage and eggs, etc..we just did breakfasts because well, the first meal of the day, the kids eat really good and they're not crabby yet, LOL

So next year, if we're DVC members (fingers crossed) I am thinking breakfast in the room, and then early dinners. Have snacks on hand for throughout the day. Doing this we won't spend a lot of money on meals. I don't even know, can DVC members purchase the dining plan? I mean, I would think so?

So, annual passes cost a certain amount per person for all parks? Just like hopper passes?

Imagineer wrote:

A DVC member can purchase the DP. For us though, we find that each time we crunch the numbers, it's just not worth it for us. A DVC member staying on points cannot take advantage of the free DP when Disney offers that promotion, because that is for those who purchase a package only.

Here is a link that explains the ins and outs of the AP.

http://allears.net/pl/apass.htm

Thank you for the link. Maybe I am not looking at this right?

According to that link, AP for DVC members is: Adults: $392.99 Children: $347.19

We have 3 adults and 3 children going so that is: $1,178.97 for the adults and $1,041.57 for the children, making a grand total of $2,220.54

Looking at current prices for park hopper passes, for say 6 days (the norm for us) base ticket is: Adults $239.63 add $53.25 for the hopper part and tax, it's $292.88
For children, it's: $202.35 plus the $53.25 which is a total of $255.60

3 Adults is then: $878.64 and 3 children is: $ 766.80 for a grand total of $1645.44

That is $575.10 less plus I will get a AAA discount on the hopper passes. What a I missing here? Why does everyone say APs are the way to go???

Another way of saving a few dollars is to subscribe to the Tables in Wonderland program, (formerly Disney Dining Experience) where you get a great discount on MOST sit down meals in Disney. This extends to everyone in your party up to I believe it is ten people AND includes alcoholic beverages. This can be a substantial savings, and the price recently rose to I believe $75 per year. Also they recently changed the purchase criteria so you can now but it at Guest services and no longer have to buy it in advance of your trip.

Vettelover wrote:

Another way of saving a few dollars is to subscribe to the Tables in Wonderland program, (formerly Disney Dining Experience) where you get a great discount on MOST sit down meals in Disney. This extends to everyone in your party up to I believe it is ten people AND includes alcoholic beverages. This can be a substantial savings, and the price recently rose to I believe $75 per year. Also they recently changed the purchase criteria so you can now but it at Guest services and no longer have to buy it in advance of your trip.

And DVC members get a discount on this too!

Another way of saving a few dollars is to subscribe to the Tables in Wonderland program, (formerly Disney Dining Experience) where you get a great discount on MOST sit down meals in Disney. This extends to everyone in your party up to I believe it is ten people AND includes alcoholic beverages. This can be a substantial savings, and the price recently rose to I believe $75 per year. Also they recently changed the purchase criteria so you can now but it at Guest services and no longer have to buy it in advance of your trip.

Hey everyone!
I understand the AP thing better now - I suppose if you're there for a long stay or get to go more than once a year it'd be worth it.

Bali - I was including the DVC discount.

Imagineer wrote:

Vettelover wrote:

Another way of saving a few dollars is to subscribe to the Tables in Wonderland program, (formerly Disney Dining Experience) where you get a great discount on MOST sit down meals in Disney. This extends to everyone in your party up to I believe it is ten people AND includes alcoholic beverages. This can be a substantial savings, and the price recently rose to I believe $75 per year. Also they recently changed the purchase criteria so you can now but it at Guest services and no longer have to buy it in advance of your trip.

And DVC members get a discount on this too!

Do they? I found this info but nowhere did it mention that? http://allears.net/din/dde.htm