Need Help please...

[isobar]

We are going to Disney World next May from the 20th thru the 27th. There will be 8 of us. My question is what would be most economical. Annual Passes and Room only reservations, Dreammaker packages, or just basic reservation with park hopper passes? We will be staying on property. Thanks.

 

[ILOVEDISNEY]

We are going to Disney World next May from the 20th thru the 27th. There will be 8 of us. My question is what would be most economical. Annual Passes and Room only reservations, Dreammaker packages, or just basic reservation with park hopper passes? We will be staying on property. Thanks.

If you are staying at least 8 nights and visiting the parks each day the AP is the best way to go. In addition, an AP can get gift discounts at World of Disney, etc. and restaurant discounts for up to 4 in a party. Also, the room discounts almost pay for themselves with AP. A legal adult AP holder can only reserve 3 rooms for one stay.

If money is no object and you don't want the hassle of making room and ticket reservations, the a package would be better.

You didn't say whether you are driving or flying. If you are flying you have to think about transportation to WDW (taxi is cheapest) from the airport, etc.

Beware of the restrictions about reservations with Disney Travel versus using the CRO (central reservations office). There are numerous paid/commission services to help you including www.kingdomkonsultant.com and www.mousesavers.com which has a lot of free info about the questions you are asking. If you are AAA member they also offer WDW travel planning.

Have a great trip. :wave:

 

[Yellow Shoes]

I am a big fan of a la carte when it comes to putting together a WDW vacation.

Be forewarned that it will take a little (ok...a lot) more effort on your part.

The Ultimat Park Hoppers that are included in most packages are good from midnight the day you arrive until midnight the day you leave. Generally speaking, you are not going to get a full day's worth of use from the first & last day.

For example, if your plane lands in Orlando at 3 PM, figure 2 hours from touchdown to check-in at the hotel (a towncar might get you there in a little over 1 hr with no grocery stop). If your flight home leaves at noon, you won't have time to get to a park (well...ok... maybe a princess breakfast) before you have to head to MCO.

My strategy is to have hoppers for all the middle days only. There is plenty of non-park stuff to do the first and last days--dinner at any resort (Boma, 'Ohana, Chef MIckey's, Cape May, anyplace on the Boardwalk or Downtown Disney). Check out your hotel. Check out other hotels. Get to bed early and be in line waiting for the parks to open on your first full day.

RE the silver add-ons. You can calculate the value of the wishes and compare it to the costs of meals, boat rentals, etc. People have kept track of their spending and you can come out ahead, but not if all you use them on is meals. The bigger savings is when wishes are used for outside the park activities.

 

[Rcoaster809]

I am a big fan of a la carte when it comes to putting together a WDW vacation.

Yeah, this is so true. I just got back and I am wondering where I got all the time to do the planning.

Anyway, with 8 days it is difficult to decide whether the AP would be the best option. Probably at least one person should get it so you get the room discount, then buy park hoppers at the Disney Store, or somewhere else where you can get a discount. If you do the park hoppers instead of the AP, there are plenty of things to do that are not in the parks (as was already mentioned) including mini-golf.

If you are planning another trip within a year, then you must do the AP. Check on all the benefits, if you plan on eating at some of the nice restaurants, you can get 10% off for lunch, and in some cases dinner.

Good Luck!

 

[Kadee]

I am a big fan of a la carte when it comes to putting together a WDW vacation.

Be forewarned that it will take a little (ok...a lot) more effort on your part.

Isn't this part of the fun???? :sohappy: Ok...not everyone is as OCD as i am , but I LOVE planning my WDW vacation. The more time it takes, the better. It is part of the excitement, anticipation and Magic of a WDW vacation.

I know.....I'm a very sick individual!:dazzle:

 

[wannabeBelle]

Isn't this part of the fun???? :sohappy: Ok...not everyone is as OCD as i am , but I LOVE planning my WDW vacation. The more time it takes, the better. It is part of the excitement, anticipation and Magic of a WDW vacation.

I know.....I'm a very sick individual!:dazzle:

I am right there with you , Kadee!!!! Belle