Random Disney Thread

ComradesTrue · #1 02-13-2010, 10:31 PM

BUMP.

So, we will be headed to Disney in May with the kids (aged 3.5 and 1.5 at the time). We hadn't planned to go with them at such a young age, but my brother's bride-to-be has decided that that is where the wedding will be. So, off to Disney we go for a 5 day vacation.

We already have our hotel reservations to stay in the Contemporary, which we chose for its convenience to the park given the kids' young ages, and my son's fascination for all things trains. We know that we will be making a few trips back and forth to the room each day for rests, etc.

What can you seasoned travelers tell me about the dining plans? For our family, and situation (snacks in room at rest times), it just doesn't seem economical. Two of our meals will be paid for as part of the wedding festivities. In addition, I have been told that only certain places in the park take the dining plan.... not exactly something that a 3 year old and a 1 year old would understand when they want to eat RIGHT NOW!

However, every single time that I am on the phone with Disney they tell me that I am making a HUGE mistake by not getting the plan. The skeptic in me seems to think that just confirms my theory that it isn't a good economic deal, because why do they care about saving me money? I have to pay for the phone calls since they don't even have an 800 number for crying out loud!! My husband is leaning more towards the idea of getting it, just for convenience.

Anyone have experience with this, especially with young children who will just want a grilled cheese sandwich for dinner every night?

SWTXBelle · #2 02-13-2010, 10:37 PM

I am a graduate of the College of Disney Knowledge -

- and certified Disney travel planner! My take on the meal plan - which I did one time just so I could speak from experience - is that it would be great if you had teens who could eat all that food. For us, it was too much. We like a light breakfast, big lunch, and then dinner on the fly. Eating your big meal at lunch saves you money - and breakfast in the room gets you out earlier (although since you are staying at the Contemporary, there will be no avoiding Chef Mickey's. If you don' have reservations there yet, I'd suggest you get them ASAP. Maybe for your first night dinner?)

Back to the dining plan - Yes, they push it pretty hard - but just say no would be my advice. Let me know if you have any other questions.

ComradesTrue · #3 02-13-2010, 11:01 PM

Thanks Belle!

Are you suggesting Chef Mickey's for the Characters aspect? We do have reservations for a Character Breakfast that the bridal couple is hosting. However, my 3 yr old son is petrified/terrifed/wet-your-pants scared of all things that come in a suit (Santa, Chick-fil-a cow, Sesame Street Live, etc). So... suffice it to say that we only need to do a character meal that one time!

Now, if Mickey's is where the good food is, but the characters will keep their distance (!!) then I will go ahead and make reservations. Do we need to have reservations for all the dinners or can we just show up?

We also were just thinking of bagels in the room for breakfast, as we tend to eat light breakfasts anyway. Are the breakfasts in the restaurants la carte or huge buffet? Any reason that we should have a disney breakfast instead of our packed bagels?