Disney Vacation

I am trying to figute out how much this vacation will cost me - DH and I are going for 6-nights - How much do you think this may cost???

I know the hotel was $750.00

I currently hava a vacation package booked - its the hotel, tickets for 6-days and deluxe dining (which I am not 100% sure if we should get) for a total of $2150.00

We will also need air fare and car rental so thats another $1000 i am sure...

Then of course souveniors and extra's if necessary -

I am just curious if you think $800 for two adults is ALOT for food on the deluxe plan.. We will have a car so eating inside Disney is NOT necessary..

What do you think?

Re: Disney Vacation

I think the dining plan is A LOT of food. It also takes up a lot of time in the parks. Maybe do the simple dining plan and just have 1 meal a day there. Good luck

Re: Disney Vacation

Where are you staying?

I don't think you need the deluxe dining!

ETA: WHy do you need car rental?

Message edited 7/1/2008 8:52:19 AM.

Re: Disney Vacation

Check out these sites:
For codes for cheaper rental cars, codes for packages etc - ways to go at the best prices.
Mousesavers.com

This site has all the menus and other planning info - but the menus will help you to pick places to eat and for budgeting reasons
Allearsnet.com

Airfare - I can tell you about what it might cost - airfare will most likely run 200-300 (I think we paid $229 pp) for our upcoming trip and I notice that from LGA and JFK I think you can do about $230-350 - most likely in the $250 range pp.

Car rental - depending on the car you want and time you are going - Since you need it for only 6 days I would say you can get one from $100-200.

So I think you can definitely budget for less than $1000 for airfare and car.

If you want to eat sit down that can get expensive depending on what you like to order. I think for many of the sit down restaurants if you order an app, entree, dessert and one drink you are probably looking at $70-100 or more. Entrees run $15-30 in the sit downs (some more if you pick the higher end ones like Jiko or california grill) - apps can run $4-10, desserts can run $5-8 depending of course what you order. Counter service I think runs about 10-12 pp. If you think you will order 1 table service dinner and one counter service meal (lunch) per day I would go with the basic dining plan - which is $38 a day and you get 1 counter service meal and one table (entree, dessert, and non alcoholic drink) and one snack - which if you budget properly you can come out ahead. If you plan on eating mainly counter service or just ordering an entree at a sit down you might come out ahead by just paying OOP.

The deluxe plan is A LOT of food - since I believe you also get an app in addition to entree and dessert table service (and you get 2 table service meals a day). Keep in mind that if you are there during a busy time table service meals take up a lot of time from your touring day.

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As a resort guest, you get free parking at the parks. The last couple of times we went to Disney, we drove and it was wonderful not waiting for buses. We never had any issues getting a spot - they have lots of staff directing you. DTD is the only place it's a little hairy because there was construction at the time and there are not too many spots to begin with but still better then waiting for buses. Check out mousesavers for coupon codes at car rental companies and join their frequent rental program - I always get good prices and usually an upgrade at the counter.


As for the dining plan and whether or not it's worth it depends on your dining style on vacation. If you like to sit down & enjoy the meal then you might be ok with the Deluxe plan. If you want to eat fast and run, it wouldn't be worth it.

The Deluxe plan gives you 3 meal credits per day - they can used at table service restaurants or counter service restaurants. To maximize the benefit - most people will have a sit down breakfast (1 credit) and then do a signature dinner or dinner show (2 credits). You also get some snacks daily and a drink mug for the resort.

The regular dining plan gives you 1 sit down credit, 1 counter service credit and 1 snack per day.

Check out the sites Christine posted above - they have menus where you can price out the meals you think you may have and see how it adds up.



ETA...I see you got the rental car - great price!!

ETAA: The thrify counter is not in the airport terminal - you will have to take a shuttle. Not a bit deal it just takes extra time.

Alamo, Dollar, Avis, Budget, National, L&M & EZ Car rental are located at the terminal. I would check to see if they have a great rate to same some time.

Message edited 7/1/2008 12:19:22 PM.

Re: Disney Vacation

I am going this week. I opted to rent a car I read reviews on tripadvisor and eopinions and they said the bus is a pain. Sometimes you can be a very long wait so car rental is a good choice.

I made sure I can pick up the rental car from the terminal. If you need FM me I have codes to budget and avis that might help you. Though it sounds like thrifty gave you a good price.

Re: Disney Vacation

Posted by ilt1221

I am going this week. I opted to rent a car I read reviews on tripadvisor and eopinions and they said the bus is a pain. Sometimes you can be a very long wait so car rental is a good choice.

I made sure I can pick up the rental car from the terminal. If you need FM me I have codes to budget and avis that might help you. Though it sounds like thrifty gave you a good price.

Re: Disney Vacation

I think the deluxe dining plan is a lot of food - we usually get the regular dining plan and find it's plenty. Have fun!