I'm not trying to sell you on anything. I apologize if you thought I was. It is 100% none of my business what anyone does with their money and I make no profit, nor do I take a loss based on what anyone does.
I have no personal interest at all.
I was simply explaining - well, I thought I was explaining - to someone else how Disney gives away the proverbial free lunch. As it turns out, I was being lead into some kind of argument, which I want no part of.
I'm sorry I got into it all.
Please continue without me...and, again, my apologies.
I can count two people that always take exception to me ...you and goofydad.
You both seem to take too much joy in taking away my joy of this forum.
When we stay off-site we just stay at the Ramada Inn West gate. Very close and extremely cheap and nice hotel. Not too worried about transportation though, since we drive a rental car down there.
The free dining debate has been raging for years, and I'm sure it will continue. For what it's worth, I'm a bit of a math nerd so I love running the numbers for each trip just to see what's cheaper, but if you like the DDP for it's convenience then it can be worth it. As others have said, though, just comparing the cost of the DP vs the room discount isn't doing "all" the math. Whether or not you can eat during your trip for cheaper than the DP's cost is also a factor.
For anyone interested in doing the math (without having to do most of the work) you should check out the calculator on http://seeyareelsoon.wix.com/seeyareelsoon#!calculator-download/c16yz
That spreadsheet is crazy detailed and lets you figure out if the DP is a "value" for your particular trip.
Is staying offsite worth it? Does it still feel like a Disney trip? I've never done this so I have no idea.
It definitely takes away from the magic, if you want our opinion. It saves a lot of money though. I will admit that having to drive off property after spending an hour exiting the MK can be a p.i.t.a., but some people prefer off-site.
I don't know. Maybe one day when the kids are older and the wife and I go alone, maybe. Which shouldn't be too long now. Which hotel do you prefer offsite?
Well, we stay at places that are $50 a night or less. This is the place we prefer: http://www.ramadamaingatewest.com/
Register on WDWMAGIC. This sidebar will go away, and you'll see fewer ads.