Dream Maker Gold: Good Value?

[Gerard.]

Hello Everyone! I was just wondering if anyone had any thoughts about the Dream Maker Gold...is it a good value?

My girlfriend and I are going there in less than two weeks and are looking to book within a day or two (we are heavy procrastinators) . She has never been there and I haven't been there since I was 7 (13 years ago). I was looking at the Dream Maker Silver Package, but she wants to go for the Gold! We are hoping to stay at a Value Resort (All Stars) for 4 days and 3 nights. I'm wondering if the Gold Package would be too much for us to handle...seeing as how we are first timers and the Gold Package looks like a lot of recreation. We will definately hit MK, Epcot, MGM, Pleasure Island, and AK. I plan to play 2 rounds of Golf and she wants to see that Cirque Show, parasailing, and dine in the nice restaurants. I guess I'm asking if the Gold is worth the investment and if we'll have time to take advantage of what it has to offer for us.

I would appreciate ANY feedback as I am driving from Buffalo, NY and want to plan one of the best times of my life.

 

[wannabeBelle]

Hey there!!! The Gold package especially for a first timer, would be entirely too much!!!!! I just went with a newbie myself in May and I thinnk he was amazed at how much there is to do in Disney that already is there without adding on a ton of recreational activities. I dont know too much about your or your GF or what you might like but Id scale back on the plan ( or eliminate it entirely) and choose to go to a Moderate level resort. My personal Favorite is Port Orleans Riverside or The Coronado Springs. I dont know if you are working with a travel agent or not, but Id suggest that you call our travel sponsor, Kingdom Konsultant. Her name is Pam and her number is 1866-566-7858. She is a Disney fan just like the rest of us here and she can tell you about all of the packages at Disney as well as her personal recommendations on them and the resorts!!! She can do this because she goes there as often as she can!!! It will not cost you any additional money if she books your trip and you can get some great advice from her as well as the folks on these boards!!! Belle

 

[Gerard.]

Thanks for the reply! I guess I am underestimating how massive Disney is and all that it offers...being first timers, we want to get things done and try to cover everything in 4 days, but maybe that is too large a task to handle. I swear when I'm down there, I think I'll be bouncin around (Tigger-esque) all over the place!

 

[MsSnuzi]

Hello Everyone! I was just wondering if anyone had any thoughts about the Dream Maker Gold...is it a good value?

My girlfriend and I are going there in less than two weeks and are looking to book within a day or two (we are heavy procrastinators) . She has never been there and I haven't been there since I was 7 (13 years ago). I was looking at the Dream Maker Silver Package, but she wants to go for the Gold! We are hoping to stay at a Value Resort (All Stars) for 4 days and 3 nights. I'm wondering if the Gold Package would be too much for us to handle...seeing as how we are first timers and the Gold Package looks like a lot of recreation. We will definately hit MK, Epcot, MGM, Pleasure Island, and AK. I plan to play 2 rounds of Golf and she wants to see that Cirque Show, parasailing, and dine in the nice restaurants. I guess I'm asking if the Gold is worth the investment and if we'll have time to take advantage of what it has to offer for us.

I would appreciate ANY feedback as I am driving from Buffalo, NY and want to plan one of the best times of my life.

Hey Gerard - fellow WNYer! Definitely call Pam as Belle advised, she is the best and can give you a package that will fit your needs. Have a GREAT time!

 

[Gerard.]

Indeed I've seen pleny of WNY'ers on the board

In any event, it looks like I'll be contacting Pam for advisement. Silly me.. I thought I'd be confident enough to plan it all out myself

<-- n00b.

 

[wannabeBelle]

Dont be so hard on yourself!!!! You were at least wise enough to come and ask the "experts" here on WDW Magic!!!! And just to give you an idea of size all of WDW World is literally 47 square miles, more than tweice the size of the island of Manhattan!!! NOW that is a whole lot of stuff!!!! Only 1/3 of the land has been developed but dont let that comfort you. 4 Days is the absolute bare minimum to do all 4 parks ad you wont even get to everything within that time frame!!! EPCOT alone could be a two day park to actually hit everything in Future World and World Showcase!! Definitely speak with Pam and if we can add anything dont hesitate to ask!!! Belle

 

[Gerard.]

Wonderful! It looks like we'll have to plan on multiple trips in the future!:sohappy:

 

[ClemsonTigger]

Are you very hungry?

It's an oversimplification, but if you think of the Gold plan as a Silver plan with three prepaid meals a day, you have the basic difference.

With Silver, you get two "wishes" per person per day. You can spend them on meals or entertainment. Shows like Cirque use two wishes as do some of the premium restaurants. Many restaurants and activities use one wish, so you can have two things "free" per day per person. Different golf outings are covered as well, not sure but I think some are one wish, others two.

We did an earlier version that is the equivalent of the Gold plan, and felt obligated to eat three full meals a day (to make it worth it) and that got old fast.

While none of these plans are a "bargain", they are nice in giving the convenience of having much of your trip prepaid. You also get preferred sections for Wishes, Illuminations and the AK Jammin' parade which are real nice.

If you want to do Cirque you need to make arrangements now and be a little lucky. It books up fast, so I would only give you a 40% chance of getting tickets at this date. (although it can be something for you to look forward to on the next, longer trip). You are going to have a very busy time hitting the basics along with two rounds of golf...so Downtown Disney and Cirque may not fit into a schedule anyway.

If your GF doesn't golf, she may want to use some of her wishes on massage/manucure/pedicure at Grand Floridian health spa. Thats where my wife spends about a quarter of her's

Slightly off subject, I would suggest, even with the short lead time that you spend some time researching "the world" before you go. Use this site, the official Disney site, and possibly a tour book to plan on at least general agendas. Check out AllEarsNet.com for planning your dining...there are an unbelievable number of choices. When you go into the parks, understand and use Fastpass to greatly reduce wait time.

PS There are Disney tour books especially for adults w/o children. I suggest picking one up.

Good luck

 

[CrackerJack]

I would definitely NOT recommend getting the Gold package add-on.

My wife and I got this last year when we went and it is just TOO much. We did 3 tours, ate nice meals every night, and still had trouble using all of the "points" that we were given.

There is a good analysis of the plans on some site (thought it was Deb Wills site but couldn't find it). Basically, what they did was take the cost per day of the plan and compare that with the actual cost of tours, meals, Cirque, etc. There were very few things that cost more than the plan points required (I know that Cirque, some tours, and golfing were on that list). But in general, you will get off cheaper by just going a la carte.

The good point of the plan is that everything is paid for before your vacation and you really don't have to worry about getting a big bill after your vacation. We ate at some great restaurants (Jiko, Le Cellier, Chefs de France, Crystal Palace, Boma, Brown Derby). And the tours were great albeit exhausting.

But we were always stuffed and it lowered our energy levels. And I found that I sometimes used a point just to get some OJ and a bagel, which was just a waste of a point but I just didn't want any more food.

So save your money on the plan. Enjoy a nice restaurant but also leave room for a Mickey ice cream bar when desired

 

[Gerard.]

here goes..

It's an oversimplification, but if you think of the Gold plan as a Silver plan with three prepaid meals a day, you have the basic difference.

With Silver, you get two "wishes" per person per day. You can spend them on meals or entertainment. Shows like Cirque use two wishes as do some of the premium restaurants. Many restaurants and activities use one wish, so you can have two things "free" per day per person. Different golf outings are covered as well, not sure but I think some are one wish, others two.

This is why we were considering Gold > Silver, because I really didn't know how far those wishes would be able to take us without feeling inadequate. Like I said, we are newbies thought we don't want to leave Disney with regrets about skipping activites and such.

We did an earlier version that is the equivalent of the Gold plan, and felt obligated to eat three full meals a day (to make it worth it) and that got old fast.

I would feel the same way...and I don't think I could eat 3 meals a day when I'm down there anyhow... less eating, more magical adventure

While none of these plans are a "bargain", they are nice in giving the convenience of having much of your trip prepaid. You also get preferred sections for Wishes, Illuminations and the AK Jammin' parade which are real nice.

how "nice" are these preferred viewing areas comparable to the normal folk?

If you want to do Cirque you need to make arrangements now and be a little lucky. It books up fast, so I would only give you a 40% chance of getting tickets at this date. (although it can be something for you to look forward to on the next, longer trip). You are going to have a very busy time hitting the basics along with two rounds of golf...so Downtown Disney and Cirque may not fit into a schedule anyway.

perhaps only 1 round of golf then (damn! ). and yes, hopefully we do get lucky with Cirque... it sounds amazing!!

If your GF doesn't golf, she may want to use some of her wishes on massage/manucure/pedicure at Grand Floridian health spa. Thats where my wife spends about a quarter of her's

that appears likely!

Slightly off subject, I would suggest, even with the short lead time that you spend some time researching "the world" before you go. Use this site, the official Disney site, and possibly a tour book to plan on at least general agendas. Check out AllEarsNet.com for planning your dining...there are an unbelievable number of choices. When you go into the parks, understand and use Fastpass to greatly reduce wait time.

theres sooo much info, but you guys are great on this board and making it very very easy!

There is a good analysis of the plans on some site (thought it was Deb Wills site but couldn't find it). Basically, what they did was take the cost per day of the plan and compare that with the actual cost of tours, meals, Cirque, etc. There were very few things that cost more than the plan points required (I know that Cirque, some tours, and golfing were on that list). But in general, you will get off cheaper by just going a la carte.

I tried doing this myself but was very inaccurate. I'll try and find that site

The good point of the plan is that everything is paid for before your vacation and you really don't have to worry about getting a big bill after your vacation. We ate at some great restaurants (Jiko, Le Cellier, Chefs de France, Crystal Palace, Boma, Brown Derby).

which is why we were so attracted to the Gold! knowing everything was taken care translated to maximization of the "magic."
{goldfinger}mmmm....gooooold!{/goldfinger}

But we were always stuffed and it lowered our energy levels. And I found that I sometimes used a point just to get some OJ and a bagel, which was just a waste of a point but I just didn't want any more food.

yes, i thought about this situation and if i did get the Gold, I would probably be in the same boat. Thanks for the advice, as it is very helpful!

Sorry for the long reply....but you guys are ridiculously helpful. Maybe i'm being to picky, but I just want everything to be smooth when we go down there. We're kinda late planning everything (are we foolish to wait this late to do this??) and I'm now "get things done" mode.

 

[wannabeBelle]

Never too late Gerard and all of the people who have responded are completely right on!!! Not that I would have ever doubted it from any of the folks on these boards!!!! The price to points comparison is on Mousesavers.com and it was done to compare with the Silver plan. It is still a great read and has some great info. Check it out at :
http://www.mousesavers.com/packages.html#tricks
Scroll down the page and you will see it. Belle

 

[ClemsonTigger]

Overload

OK,
Lets see if I can tie up some loose ends...

For comparison purposes, look at a "wish" as a $35 voucher, so with that, the best bargains are Cirque and golf. If you plan on one big meal a day and one special activity, then pay for some fruit for breakfast and a light lunch (or big lunch, light dinner) then you can get into a rhythm. For meals you get appetizer, entre dessert and drink (alcohol on your own). So you can make the most out of it.

Now for private event viewing, they have a few areas, but at Epcot, it is usually on a patio on one side of UK. For MK, it is just to the right of the castle. Haven't done it for the AK parade. The areas are not too crowded and you can see without having someone in your way or worrying about being in someone else's way. You also don't have to "stake out" a spot.

As for planning your days, the tourbooks offer "outlines" and suggestions on must see's. It's good to familiarize yourself with park maps or better yet, DON'T BE SHY! Ask Cast Members if you aren't sure of something. The will save you a lot of time, and are often great fun to chat with.

I don't know how aggressive you want to be. Some folks like to go "commando", attacking parks as if quantity was the goal...I don't get that impression from you. So to that, I would plan for identifying 2 or 3 "must see's" in each park then just relaxing and taking in the ambiance. Certain parks are open early for Disney hotel guests, you may or may not want to take advantage of that. We tend to go out early, come back midday for a trip to the gym/spa, a swim, then go out for mid afternoon/evening.

Oh, before I forget:
http://adisneyworld.disney.go.com/m...specific/eng/nontheme/tickets/F_DreamWDTC.pdf for a brochure of the silver package. Print it out for a quick reference. It also has a nice summary of restaurants for your consideration.
Also www.AllEarsNet.com is the site we've referred to as Deb's site. There is a lot of nice information there as well as great pictures of the various resorts and probably the best collection of Disney menu's.
For Cirque reservations call (407) 939-7719 [if you go with the silver plan, or gold, tell them at the beginning of the call that you are using "wishes"]
For dining reservations (actually preferred seating...can explain later) call (407) 939-3463.

Finally, before I cause your head to explode, you can ask for suggestions on this site for itineraries or favorite restaurants...although you will probably get as diverse a set of "must do's" as is possible. Possibly if you narrow your preferrences it would help, ie unique dining experience, romantic, like/don't like thrill rides, whatever. You can also feel free to email me or other folks
(wannabeBelle is fantastic at this, she can plan an itinerary down to the best restroom facilities on the way) we can offer our suggestions.

In any case, I think you have some of the hard stuff done, make your reservations and get back to us for any details.

PS There is nothing wrong with a last minute Disney trip. The only thing wrong would be not taking advantage of it.

 

[CrackerJack]

For comparison purposes, look at a "wish" as a $35 voucher

It is $35 for kids, $68 for adults

Now for private event viewing, they have a few areas, but at Epcot, it is usually on a patio on one side of UK.

The private viewing area that we had at Epcot was on a landing near France. It was nice not having to stake out an area, but you can find better viewing than this. And get a little well-needed rest while you wait. :sohappy:

 

[AkiraRaptor]

It is $35 for kids, $68 for adults

For the silver plan it's about $34 a wish, and you get 2 per person per day, so you are right when you say $68, but so was ClemsonTigger for the purpose of the explaination.

The private viewing area that we had at Epcot was on a landing near France. It was nice not having to stake out an area, but you can find better viewing than this. And get a little well-needed rest while you wait. :sohappy:

This can change, they actually use multiple places for the "private" viewing areas. Last year we were at the boat docs out side Italy I belive.


On the whole using the plan or not thought...

We have been using the Silver Plan for a few years. But I can say now, being pretty experianced with these extra plans, that it would have been a waste to use them when we first started to return to Disney. There is just to much to see and do, and to use the plans wisely, you really have to do the recreational things to make you money spent on the plan worth it. Meals alone will not cover the cost of those plans in most cases.

When you feel that you've seen most of the normal stuff, and this is probebly after 1 or second trip to Disney, then it would be time for the tours and extras, in my opinion.

The tours will eat up a considerable amount of time, some of them are over 4 hours. Do a couple of them in a week and you have half as much time to do the normal park stuff, along with the hours for the meals so you don't waste the money you spent on the plan, and guess what, you be missing alot of the rides and show if the lines are long.

It's a ballance thing. We used the Silver because it was a way to save money of the tours and meals, and we planned our vacation around doing the tours and not doing the normal parks stuff. We didn't ride near as many rides as we normally have in the past, had no time to. We'd do a tour in the morning, have lunch, get a couple of hours to dow whatever, then did dinner, and the night was over. (we go in Oct and the hours are very short then)

I'd say bag it for this year and do what Belle said, step up to a better resort. Heck, with what the Gold costs, you could probebly even afford a deluxe resort...may I suggest Animal Kingdom Lodge. :lol:

 

[ClemsonTigger]

Clarification

It is $35 for kids, $68 for adults



The private viewing area that we had at Epcot was on a landing near France. It was nice not having to stake out an area, but you can find better viewing than this. And get a little well-needed rest while you wait. :sohappy:

Thanks for the clarification. I know they move these spots around, particularly at Epcot if they are entertaining other private groups. There are three areas that I know of that are used...the one I mentioned by UK, the one you mentioned on the UK side of the bridge (often see that used for wedding receptions) and one in front of Italy.

Don't doubt you about the cost equivalent, but I thought it was $35/wish or $68-70 per day per person. Even at the two wish (premium) restaurants, a bill would not come close to $130? When last I had tried to figure out the value (after saving all of our receipts) I estimated that it was close to equal to what you would pay, but no bargain, just the convenience of prepay (with the guilt of a lesser tip for the wait staff than we would have left if paying cash) :veryconfu

 

[TURKEY]

I had a family on the gold plan that used their plan for about $1200.

 

[Ringo8n24]

I would definitely not go "gold" if I was staying in a Value Resort. Take the extra money, reduce to the regular Dream Maker Package(not even silver), upgrade to a moderate resort, and go at your own pace. Since you are new to it, you need to enjoy it without being rushed or feeling guilty about what you need to get done so that you can squeeze all the meals and tours in. You can still add in tours and special meals, but on a more limited basis and according to your plans so you can be more flexible with your time.

 

[mrtoad]

Hello Gerard,

I am with Belle on this. Don't do the upgrade as you are only there 4 days. I don't know much about the upgrade other than what is being listed here as being included. WDW is huge, really huge and all 4 parks will take all your time (especially this time of year). I think you should focus on the parks and the things you can't do everywhere else in the real world. I would do as Belle said and try to upgrade to Port Orleans Riverside (which is beautiful) with the money you will save. At least this is what I would do.

No matter what you decide. Enjoy your trip!
Mike

 

[Moonshadow1]

I tend to agree with eveyone above. Being that you only have four days if you want to see all four parks in entirety you will barely have time for one round of golf. The gold plan would be a waste at this time for you. After you know what you like from experience you will be able to use the gold plan more to your advantage. We are strange in the fact that we like eating well on vacation and do eat three sit down or even fine dinning meals a day. Always make time for Mouseboats (at least three or four hours at a time). To us the meals are what makes it worth it. If I were paying for all my meals they would not all be as grand. And we would be clock watching on our watermice rentals.

also:
quoted from ClemsonTigger

I estimated that it was close to equal to what you would pay, but no bargain, just the convenience of prepay (with the guilt of a lesser tip for the wait staff than we would have left if paying cash) :veryconfu[/QUOTE]



You always have the option of leaving extra in cash if you feel necessary. (We usually do)

 

[AkiraRaptor]

I estimated that it was close to equal to what you would pay, but no bargain, just the convenience of prepay (with the guilt of a lesser tip for the wait staff than we would have left if paying cash) :veryconfu

Actually, if you use the plans to there fullest like tours, golf, spa, etc and not just the meals, you can save alot of money. But that is the trick. If you do not take advantage of the extras, it would be no different than pre-paying. Or worse yet, cost you more if you're useing wishes and use them at cheap places to eat.

My point...you must plan out how to take full advantage of the "extra" plans, or you're just giving you bux to the mouse without getting value in return.