Disney Bound 2016

[Wishmaker]

I am planning a Walt Disney World vacation for 2016. I last visited in 2006 for my high school graduation. I will be returning with friends this time instead of family and even though it will have been ten years since my last visit, I am the brains of the operation. I have already decided that I will be visiting in May 2016, staying at a Value Resort, and utilizing the Park Hopper and Deluxe Dining Plan Option. What I would like to know is any and ALL tips that would be useful to a returning visitor like myself. My go-to itineraries are probably useless now, I vaguely understand the new FastPass system, and I am lightly up to speed on what's new and what has changed. I am open to any and all suggestions although I tend to stick with the four theme parks only. Downtown Disney is usually a final stop on the way out of the resort and recreational activities are off the table. It may be also worth noting that I'll have an all adult party with only one person being a total Disney noob. Okay guys, I think I have said enough now. Let the tips and advice begin!

 

[JasonDeyoung]

I have and recently!

It's nice not to, but same time it's kinda sad haha not really

 

[Wishmaker]

Thank you guys so much. I actually have switched up my fourth person and it just so happens to be a Disney expert who has gone very recently. It's a nine day trip (I know!) and I believe we are splitting 3 DDP with four people. Their park hopper tickets will be bought on a seperate account to get away with it. We plan to use four credits on buffet meals but will be sharing meals at traditional table service restaurants. Does that sound feasible? I've heard sharing meals is 100% okay. I will most certainly buy the unnoficial guide but I will wait until it's updated for 2016. I have an itinerary already made but it's too long to post although I will have it up eventually. Thanks again, guys!

 

[englanddg]

Thank you guys so much. I actually have switched up my fourth person and it just so happens to be a Disney expert who has gone very recently. It's a nine day trip (I know!) and I believe we are splitting 3 DDP with four people. Their park hopper tickets will be bought on a seperate account to get away with it. We plan to use four credits on buffet meals but will be sharing meals at traditional table service restaurants. Does that sound feasible? I've heard sharing meals is 100% okay. I will most certainly buy the unnoficial guide but I will wait until it's updated for 2016. I have an itinerary already made but it's too long to post although I will have it up eventually. Thanks again, guys!

Sharing meals with children under 3 is 100% okay. Sharing meals at QS is okay. At TS, you may run into some issues.

 

[Wishmaker]

I can't recall the source, but apparently the only restaurant that forbids it is Via Napoli at Epcot. It also said the only meals that cannot be shared are buffet meals.

 

[Wishmaker]

Regardless, I'm not trying to hustle Disney, so if I find out it's not accepted we will just buy another dining plan.

 

[DarthVader]

I'd run the numbers regarding the meal plan. It the meal plan starts off like a great deal but when put to actual use, it can be more expensive. Don't forget the meal plan does not include the gratuity either. I started crunching the numbers for my trip and its showing up that I'll spend 200 to 600 dollars more depending on how I make the reservations and what meal is picked. I looks like for me, I'll go without the meal plan for my next trip

I believe we are splitting 3 DDP with four people

If you're all staying together on the same reservation I don't think that's possible, i.e., everyone has to be on the same meal plan.

 

[Tuvalu]

I believe we are splitting 3 DDP with four people. Their park hopper tickets will be bought on a seperate account to get away with it.

If you're all staying together on the same reservation I don't think that's possible, i.e., everyone has to be on the same meal plan.

@maflynn is correct. All persons in the same room under the same reservation must be on the same meal plan. And in order to purchase the meal plan, park tickets must be part of the Magic Your Way package.

 

[Wishmaker]

We were going to buy the extra park ticket on a seperate band but the hole in that logic is that one person forfeits EMH and we want none of that. We are doing four dining plans now. Yay more food! We may end up opting for the regular plan and paying out of pocket for extra meals but we will be crunching numbers first. I'll post an itinerary soon!