31 Days of Disney Wrap Up

It’s November! I am finding myself both disappointed and relieved that 31 Days of Disney has come to an end. I loved the idea of it, but in reality, blogging about the same topic every day while keeping up with other writing and work obligations was a bit challenging. Thankfully I blog about Disney often anyway, so I know that there will be many opportunities to cover Disney related topics in the future that were missed in the rush of last month. I am especially excited to share pictures and stories from the New Fantasyland grand opening December 6th and will also be able to share my experiences staying in the new Disney’s Art of Animation Resort.

Giveaway

Congratulations to our Sofia the First giveaway winner, Christine! I’m sure she will enjoy her Sofia the First drawstring bag and goodies.

How May I Help You

It’s time for the answers to your Disney questions!

Haley asked: 

Hi Amy,

Here is my question. We leave in 8 days (OMG!!!) and while this will be my 3rd trip so I’m pretty set on things like scheduling days in the parks etc… I was wondering something.

This is my first time with the dining plan that includes 1 table service, 1 counter service, and 1 snack per person, per day. This is a big change because in the past we got the Deluxe plan.

With the exception of 1 day on this trip, I have us doing counter service for lunch and table service for dinner each night.

So my question is how much money should I set aside for breakfast each day and perhaps a few extra snacks?

Thanks for your help!

Answer:

While Haley has already gone on her trip (no worries – I answered her question privately before she left), I thought this was a great question to share with everyone planning a trip.

A family of four can find a delicious breakfast in the parks or resorts for $35 or so each morning, but we actually opt to take our own breakfast items and snacks. Many resort properties come equipped with a refrigerator in the room, but all resorts offer this upgrade option for as little as $10 a night. We pack our favorite cereals, plastic bowls, spoons and cups, and purchase milk in the resort store upon our arrival. This not only allows us to save money each day, but it also gives us the chance to have a quick breakfast and make it to the parks for rope drop.

As for snacks, we also bring some of our favorite snacks such as granola bars and small boxes of raisin, and then we purchase fresh fruit at the resorts. We take refillable bottles of water, a piece of fruit and some granola bars into the parks to again save both time and money.

Kandace asked:

How far in advance should you book hotel reservations if you’re planning on staying at a Disney World property (like the new Art of Animation)? Also, do you have any information on purchasing trip insurance? We’re taking our first trip next fall with our children and taking my grandparents (their great-grandparents) with us. Though they’re both in excellent health, my grandfather insists that we get trip insurance “just in case”.

Answer:

Kandace, I have never purchased trip insurance – living fast and loose around these parts! – so I unfortunately do not have information about that. However, I do have information about how far in advance you should book your resort! Walt Disney World is very unique in that they book from the top down. That means that their most expensive options actually book full faster than their value resort rooms. We have made reservations nine months prior to visiting the world and as last minute as four days out. I have never been unable to make a Disney Resort reservation, but I have been unable to book my first choice of resort or room type.

One thing to keep in mind when deciding when to make your reservation is that there are a variety of busy times at Walt Disney World. These busy periods are a bit more expensive and tend to be more crowded.  To see the price season calendars for 2013, I suggest you check out this handy page from MouseSavers.

Enjoy your trip!

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1 Comment

  • Great advice. We’re going to Disneyland next week (yay!). I’m a vegan, so I’m used to bringing along my own snacks. But I’ve always been impressed with the service at Disney restaurants because they’re so nice about serving me a vegan meal even if it’s not on the menu.

    We’ve never purchased trip insurance either. I might consider it for a big reunion or a wedding.