affordable disney vacations

Disney Savings Round-Up for September 17, 2010

Nancy Uncategorized , , 0 Comment

Disney has a NEW FREE Dining promotion for much of 2011. See below for details!

You can get some great savings from using Restaurant.com at selected Disney property restaurants! Plus, start your Halloween and Holiday shopping with the promotions at Disneystore.com. In addition, be sure to also note the great sales at Hotels.com, and Travelocity for more ways to save money. 

Restaurant.com Promotions

Did you know that you can use Restaurant.com Gift Certificates to save up to 60% off on some meals at Walt Disney World? When you go to the Restaurant.com site and enter “Lake Buena Vista, FL” into the search field, you will find the following Disney property restaurants participating: Todd English’s bluezoo, House of Blues,  Garden Grove,   Kimonos,  Shula’s Steak House , and Il Mulino New York Trattoria.

This week’s promotion: Save 70% off Restaurant.com $25 Gift Certificates! Use code SPORK at checkout through 9/19/10.

You can also use Restaurant.com Gift Certificates for local restaurants or any place you happen to be traveling. We have used the certificates on a number of occasions: it’s easy and it is a great way to save money! This is a great chance to stock up for gifts, and get a few for yourself,  in addition to using some for your Disney vacation.

DisneyStore.com Savings and Promotions

Get FREE Shipping on your entire order when you buy any costume at DisneyStore.com with Promo Code: TREAT.

To find the right Disney costumes: Dress Up In Dreams – Find Exclusive Disney Costumes in Our Halloween Shop

PLUS: Start that Holiday Shopping early while you’re at it. Check out the Disney Store Sale. Save up to 50% on your favorite Disney Items!

Don’t forget: Buying Disney items at home BEFORE your Disney trip is a great way to save money. :)

And remember that you can save $50 when you become a Disney Rewards Visa Cardmember at DisneyStore.com

Travelocity Special Promotions:

Be sure to check this out to see if any might be a savings for you: Top Hotel Deals in Orlando

Hotels.com Special Promotions

Orlando from $99 at hotels.com! Book by September 30, 2010

Fall Sale: Save 30% on Major Hotels This Fall! – Expires 10/11/10

Walt Disney World Savings and Promotions:

  • Book a Disney Vacation Package and Get FREE Dining!  NEW DATES ADDED Through 2011!!: Book a full price 3-night or longer vacation package for stays most nights 10/1/10 – 10/7/10, 10/22/10 – 10/28/10, 11/12/10 – 11/18/10, 11/27/10 -12/2/10, 12/10/10 – 12/21/10, 1/1/11 – 1/5/11, 1/9/11 – 1/13/11, 1/21/11 – 2/3/11, 2/11/11 – 2/17/11, 2/25/11 – 3/3/11, 5/27/11 – 6/2/11 and 8/19/11 – 9/29/11. Stay at a Value Resort and receive Free Quick Service Dining Plan. Receive Free Basic Dining when you stay at a Moderate or Deluxe Resort. Minimum 3 night stay, with 2 day ticket.  You must book by December 20, 2010. For more information, visit www.disneyworld.com and click on “Special Offers”.

  • Summer/Early Fall Room Discounts: Stay August 15, 2010 through Oct. 2, 2010. Get a 30%-40% discount off regular room rates. You should know that some blackout dates do apply and that not all rates are available at all resorts. You must book by 10/2. For more information, visit www.disneyworld.com and click on “Special Offers”.
  • Fall/Winter Room Discounts: NEW DATES ADDED Through 2011!! Stay October 3, 2010 through November 23, 2010, November 27, 2010 through December 25, 2010, and January 1, 2011  through February 16, 2011. Get a 25%-40% discount off regular room rates. You should know that some blackout dates do apply and that not all rates are available at all resorts. You must book  by November 21, 2010. For more information, visit www.disneyworld.com and click on “Special Offers”.
  • Get a FREE Disney Gift Card for up to $500 when you book a full price vacation package, including hotel room and theme park tickets. Stay October 3, 2010 through November 23, 2010, November 27, 2010 through December 25, 2010, and January 1, 2011  through February 16, 2011. You must stay at least 5 consecutive hotel nights with at least a 2-day Base Ticket. Value resorts receive a $200 Disney Gift Card. Moderate resorts receive a $300 Disney Gift Card. Deluxe/Deluxe Villa resorts receive a $500 Disney Gift Card. You must book  by November 21, 2010. For more information, visit www.disneyworld.com and click on “Special Offers”.

That’s it for this week. Happy Savings! 🙂

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Disney Savings Round-Up for September 10, 2010

Nancy Uncategorized , , 0 Comment

Disney has a NEW FREE Dining promotion for much of 2011. See below for details!

You can get some great savings from using Restaurant.com at selected Disney property restaurants! Plus, start your Halloween and Holiday shopping with the promotions at Disneystore.com. In addition, be sure to also note the great sales at Hotels.com, and Travelocity for more ways to save money. 

Restaurant.com Promotions

Did you know that you can use Restaurant.com Gift Certificates to save up to 60% off on some meals at Walt Disney World? When you go to the Restaurant.com site and enter “Lake Buena Vista, FL” into the search field, you will find the following Disney property restaurants participating: Todd English’s bluezoo, House of Blues,  Garden Grove,   Kimonos,  Shula’s Steak House , and Il Mulino New York Trattoria.

Now get 80% off Restaurant.com $25 Gift Certificates! Use code TOUCHDOWN at checkout through 9/13/10.

You can also use Restaurant.com Gift Certificates for local restaurants or any place you happen to be traveling. We have used the certificates on a number of occasions: it’s easy and it is a great way to save money! This is a great chance to stock up for gifts, and get a few for yourself,  in addition to using some for your Disney vacation.

DisneyStore.com Savings and Promotions

Halloween will be here before you know it! Take a look at the Disney costumes: Dress Up In Dreams – Find Exclusive Disney Costumes in Our Halloween Shop

PLUS: Start that Holiday Shopping early while you’re at it. Check out the Disney Store Sale. Save up to 50% on your favorite Disney Items!

Don’t forget: Buying Disney items at home BEFORE your Disney trip is a great way to save money. :)

And remember that you can save $50 when you become a Disney Rewards Visa Cardmember at DisneyStore.com

Travelocity Special Promotions:

Travelocity has some great deals this week! Note that several are only good through mid-September:

Book a cruise with Disney Cruise Line and receive up to $100 Onboard Credit. Ends 9/16.

Book a room at the Regal Sun Resort across from Downtown Disney! Rates start at $55 a night. Ends 9/12.

And be sure to check this out to see if any might be a savings for you: Top Hotel Deals in Orlando

Hotels.com Special Promotions

Fall Sale: Save 30% on Major Hotels This Fall! – Expires 10/11/10

Walt Disney World Savings and Promotions:

  • Book a Disney Vacation Package and Get FREE Dining!  NEW DATES ADDED Through 2011!!: Book a full price 3-night or longer vacation package for stays most nights 10/1/10 – 10/7/10, 10/22/10 – 10/28/10, 11/12/10 – 11/18/10, 11/27/10 -12/2/10, 12/10/10 – 12/21/10, 1/1/11 – 1/5/11, 1/9/11 – 1/13/11, 1/21/11 – 2/3/11, 2/11/11 – 2/17/11, 2/25/11 – 3/3/11, 5/27/11 – 6/2/11 and 8/19/11 – 9/29/11. Stay at a Value Resort and receive Free Quick Service Dining Plan. Receive Free Basic Dining when you stay at a Moderate or Deluxe Resort. Minimum 3 night stay, with 2 day ticket.  You must book by December 20, 2010. For more information, visit www.disneyworld.com and click on “Special Offers”.

  • Summer/Early Fall Room Discounts: Stay August 15, 2010 through Oct. 2, 2010. Get a 30%-40% discount off regular room rates. You should know that some blackout dates do apply and that not all rates are available at all resorts. You must book by 10/2. For more information, visit www.disneyworld.com and click on “Special Offers”.
  • Fall/Winter Room Discounts: NEW DATES ADDED Through 2011!! Stay October 3, 2010 through November 23, 2010, November 27, 2010 through December 25, 2010, and January 1, 2011  through February 16, 2011. Get a 25%-40% discount off regular room rates. You should know that some blackout dates do apply and that not all rates are available at all resorts. You must book  by November 21, 2010. For more information, visit www.disneyworld.com and click on “Special Offers”.
  • Get a FREE Disney Gift Card for up to $500 when you book a full price vacation package, including hotel room and theme park tickets. Stay October 3, 2010 through November 23, 2010, November 27, 2010 through December 25, 2010, and January 1, 2011  through February 16, 2011. You must stay at least 5 consecutive hotel nights with at least a 2-day Base Ticket. Value resorts receive a $200 Disney Gift Card. Moderate resorts receive a $300 Disney Gift Card. Deluxe/Deluxe Villa resorts receive a $500 Disney Gift Card. You must book  by November 21, 2010. For more information, visit www.disneyworld.com and click on “Special Offers”.
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Affordable Disney World Dining: the Basic Dining Plan

Nancy Disney Dining Plans, Saving Money on Food , , , , 0 Comment

Perhaps the most popular of the Disney Dining Plans is the basic or standard plan. As with all of the Dining Plans, this is an add-on to a Magic Your Way package, or as an added purchase to your room reservation for DVC members or Annual Passholders. And as with all of the Dining Plans as well, this may….or may not….be a good choice for your family. For the family with young children who are reluctant to sit for long meals, or for those who don’t want to take the time for table service meals, this is a plan that may not be right for you. But for those of you who, like our family, enjoy the chance to sit down each evening for a nice dinner, or wish to do several Character Meals, then the Basic Dining Plan may very well be a money saver for you. I know it has, undeniably, been for us.

So, having said all that, what exactly do you get on the Basic Dining Plan? This plan provides for each person in your room the following items:

  • One table-service meal or buffet
    • Breakfast: includes entrée, juice and non-alcoholic beverage OR full buffet, and tax
    • Lunch and Dinner: includes appetizer (for kids 3-9 ONLY), entrée, dessert and non-alcoholic beverage OR full buffet, and tax
    • Gratuity is no longer included for table-service meals on the Disney Dining Plan. An 18 percent gratuity will be added automatically for parties of 6 or more; a gratuity may also be added for items not included in the Dining Plan, such as alcoholic beverages
  • One counter service (counter service or “fast food”) per night. Choose one entrée/combo meal, one single non-alcoholic beverage, and either dessert (lunch/dinner) or juice (breakfast).
  • One snack There are a large number of snack items throughout the Walt Disney World resort theme parks and hotels. What is available as a snack item is easily identified on the menu at all snack shops and counter service restaurants by the DDP snack item logo. Examples of the kinds of things you can get for a snack credit are ice cream (including Dole Whips and Mickey bars!), fruit, popcorn, chips, muffins, baked items, as well as a number of hot and cold drink items. As I mentioned in a previous post, I have found that more items ARE snack credits on the DDP than not, but when in doubt, just ask the castmember at the register.

You can read more information about the various table service meals at Disney World here.

 

And you can read more about the counter service meal choices and snack choices at Disney World here.

 

What Does the Basic Dining Plan Cost?

In 2010, the Basic Dining Plan prices depend on the time of year:

  • Adults (ages 10 and up) $41.99 and Children (ages 3-9) $11.99
    • Cost is per person per night for the following dates: 1/01/10 – 2/11/10, 4/11/10 – 6/03/10, 8/15/10 -12/16/10
  • Adults $46.99 and Children $12.99
    • Cost is per person per night for the following dates: 2/12/10 – 4/10/10, 6/04/10 – 8/14/10, 12/17/10 – 12/31/10

You can download the 2010 Basic Dining Plan brochure here.

You can download the 2011 Basic Dining Plan brochure here.

As previously in Disney Dining Plan 101, everyone in the room must be on the same package. In addition, there is no charge for children under 3: they may share an adult meal, or you may pay separately for them. Children ages 3-9 must order from a kid’s menu when available. All dining credits must be used by midnight the last day of your stay, otherwise they expire.

Tips for Using the Basic Dining Plan

Table service credits can be used for any sit-down restaurant, character meal, buffet or dinner show. Note however, that the following locations/experiences will cost you two TS credits:

  • Cinderella’s Royal Table
  • Any of  the Signature Dining Experiences
  • Any of the  Disney Dinner Shows – You can reserve Category 2 or 3 seating at either show, or Category 1 seating at the 9:30 pm Hoop-Dee-Doo Musical Revue (gratuity that gratuity IS included here)

Probably the single most important tip to using the Basic Dining Plan is to make Advanced Dining Reservations (ADRs). It is strongly recommended at all table service restaurants, character meals, and dining experience restaurants throughout the year….but at certain times of year (peak season, holidays, Free Dining) it is imperative: during these times, it is highly unlikely that you will have your choice of restaurants and/or times. In fact, it is quite possible you will have virtually no choices if you wait and try to do a walk up. Paying to eat at table service restaurants…and then not being able to do so is certainly not how anyone wants to spend their money at Disney World, or anyplace else for that matter.

As mentioned previously, only you can decide if the Basic Dining Plan is the right choice for your family. Consider the ages of your children, everyone’s eating habits, likes/dislikes, and then decide if the cost is worth it for you. It’s not a savings for everyone, but for many, like with our family, it unquestionably is.

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Affordable Disney World Dining: Quick Service Dining Plan

Nancy Disney Dining Plans, Saving Money on Food , , , , 0 Comment

Continuing our discussion about the Disney Dining Plans, today’s post is about the Quick Service Dining Plan. The Quick Service Dining Plan is the least expensive Dining Plan choice, and as such is the easiest way to plan affordable meals while at Walt Disney World. This plan provides for each person in your room the following items:

  • 2 Quick Service Meals (counter service or “fast food”) per night. Choose one entrée/combo meal, one single non-alcoholic beverage, and either dessert (lunch/dinner) or juice (breakfast).
  • 2 Snacks per night. There are a large number of snack items throughout the Walt Disney World resort theme parks and hotels. What is available as a snack item is easily identified on the menu at all snack shops and counter service restaurants by the DDP snack item logo. Examples of the kinds of things you can get for a snack credit are ice cream (including Dole Whips and Mickey bars!), fruit, popcorn, chips, muffins, baked items, as well as a number of hot and cold drink items. It has been my experience that more items ARE snack credits on the DDP than not, but when in doubt, just ask the castmember at the register.
  • One refillable resort drink mug. With this mug you get unlimited drink refills at any RESORT HOTEL only.

You can read more information about counter service meal choices and snack choices at Disney World here.

What Does the Quick Service Dining Plan Cost?

The Quick Service Dining Plan prices for 2010 are: Adults $31.99 per person per night; children 3-9 are $9.99 per person per night. This fee is added on to the cost for the Magic Your Way package (if not already included), or to the room cost for Annual Passholders or Disney Vacation Club members.

You can download the 2010 Quick-Service Dining Plan brochure here.

You can download the 2011 Quick-Service Dining Plan brochure here.

As already mentioned in Disney Dining Plan 101, everyone in the room must be on the same package. In addition, there is no charge for children under 3: they may share an adult meal, or you may pay separately for them. Children ages 3-9 must order from a kid’s menu when available. All dining credits must be used by midnight the last day of your stay, otherwise they expire.

Tips for Using the Quick Service Dining Plan

It’s important to realize that while each person has the above noted credits for each night, you are by no means REQUIRED to use them that way. In other words, if on one day you want to have 3 counter service meals, and the next day just have 1 counter service meal and 4 snacks each, you can. You can also, of course, supplement the food options in the Quick Service Dining Plan with other meals/food that you pay out of pocket for (say you want to eat at a table service meal one night). Just be careful and think about this first, as a lot of supplemental meals can make this not such an affordable choice.

You can also feel free to be creative, and consider sharing meals, as you will find that it is a lot of food for many folks. Consider also getting dessert to go, or getting fresh fruit or a muffin as a healthy snack for later, or for breakfast the next day.

And if you find you have leftover snack credits, use them for non-perishable treats like Mickey Krispie treats that you can take home with you…or to snack on during your journey home. 🙂

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Disney Savings Round-Up for August 27, 2010

Nancy Uncategorized , , 0 Comment

Disney has a NEW FREE Dining promotion for much of 2011. See below for details!

You can get some great savings from using Restaurant.com at selected Disney property restaurants! In addition, Expedia.com is still running summer sale that expires at the end of August. And be sure to also note the great sales at Hotels.com, and Travelocity for more ways to save money. PLUS the Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin are having a great promotion for the month of September as well!

Restaurant.com Promotions

Did you know that you can use Restaurant.com Gift Certificates to save up to 60% off on some meals at Walt Disney World? When you go to the Restaurant.com site and enter “Lake Buena Vista, FL” into the search field, you will find the following Disney property restaurants participating: Todd English’s bluezoo, House of Blues,  Garden Grove,   Kimonos,  Shula’s Steak House , and Il Mulino New York Trattoria.

Save 80% off Restaurant.com $25 Gift Certificates! Use code CLEARANCE at checkout Expires 8/31/10.

You can also use Restaurant.com Gift Certificates for local restaurants or any place you happen to be traveling. We have used the certificates on a number of occasions: it’s easy and it is a great way to save money! This is a great chance to stock up for gifts, and get a few for yourself,  in addition to using some for your Disney vacation.

Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin Promotions

Book the beautiful Walt Disney World Dolphin, a 4-star Disney Resort, September 1 – 11 including Labor Day Weekend starting from only $99!
Rates from $109 September 16-21, and September 26-28. Rates from $149 September 22-25.

Book the beautiful Walt Disney World Swan, the Dolphin’s sister 4-star Disney Resort, September 1 – 11 including Labor Day Weekend starting from only $109! Rates from $119 September 16-21, and September 26-28. Rates from $169 September 22-25.

Must be booked by Sept. 3, 2010. Book online using rate code TZOO

DisneyStore.com Savings and Promotions

Halloween will be here before you know it! Find great discounts on your favorite Disney Costumes at Disney Outlet!

And you can also receive FREE Shipping on your shipment of $50 with Promo Code: SHIPFIFTY Expires 8/31.

Don’t forget: Buying Disney items at home BEFORE your Disney trip is a great way to save money. :)

And you can save $50 when you become a Disney Rewards Visa Cardmember at DisneyStore.com

Expedia.com Special Promotions:

Last weekend to save up to 40% on hotels with Expedia’s  Summer Sale – Expires 8/31/10

Travelocity Special Promotions

Travelocity has some great deals this week! Note that several are only good through mid-September:

Book a cruise with Disney Cruise Line and receive up to $100 Onboard Credit. Ends 9/16.

Book a room at the Regal Sun Resort across from Downtown Disney! Rates start at $55 a night. Ends 9/12.

And be sure to check this out to see if any might be a savings for you: Top Hotel Deals in Orlando

Hotels.com Special Promotions

Summer Sale – Save up to 40% on hotels. Plus book 4+ nights at select hotels and get a free Flip™ camcorder! Use code FLIP5 at checkout.

Walt Disney World Savings and Promotions:

  • Book a Disney Vacation Package and Get FREE Dining!  NEW DATES ADDED Through 2011!!: Book a full price 3-night or longer vacation package for stays most nights 10/1/10 – 10/7/10, 10/22/10 – 10/28/10, 11/12/10 – 11/18/10, 11/27/10 -12/2/10, 12/10/10 – 12/21/10, 1/1/11 – 1/5/11, 1/9/11 – 1/13/11, 1/21/11 – 2/3/11, 2/11/11 – 2/17/11, 2/25/11 – 3/3/11, 5/27/11 – 6/2/11 and 8/19/11 – 9/29/11. Stay at a Value Resort and receive Free Quick Service Dining Plan. Receive Free Basic Dining when you stay at a Moderate or Deluxe Resort. Minimum 3 night stay, with 2 day ticket.  You must book by December 20, 2010. For more information, visit www.disneyworld.com and click on “Special Offers”.

  • Summer/Early Fall Room Discounts: Stay August 15, 2010 through Oct. 2, 2010. Get a 30%-40% discount off regular room rates. You should know that some blackout dates do apply and that not all rates are available at all resorts. You must book by 10/2. For more information, visit www.disneyworld.com and click on “Special Offers”.
  • Fall/Winter Room Discounts: NEW DATES ADDED Through 2011!! Stay October 3, 2010 through November 23, 2010, November 27, 2010 through December 25, 2010, and January 1, 2011  through February 16, 2011. Get a 25%-40% discount off regular room rates. You should know that some blackout dates do apply and that not all rates are available at all resorts. You must book  by November 21, 2010. For more information, visit www.disneyworld.com and click on “Special Offers”.
  • Get a FREE Disney Gift Card for up to $500 when you book a full price vacation package, including hotel room and theme park tickets. Stay October 3, 2010 through November 23, 2010, November 27, 2010 through December 25, 2010, and January 1, 2011  through February 16, 2011. You must stay at least 5 consecutive hotel nights with at least a 2-day Base Ticket. Value resorts receive a $200 Disney Gift Card. Moderate resorts receive a $300 Disney Gift Card. Deluxe/Deluxe Villa resorts receive a $500 Disney Gift Card. You must book  by November 21, 2010. For more information, visit www.disneyworld.com and click on “Special Offers”.

That’s it for this week everyone! Happy savings! 🙂

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