Orlando/Disneyworld Thread (Part 3)

Darren_G

camilesno1 wrote: »

I'm booked with Alamo through Expedia but i'm not sure whether any extra insurance is needed or not? It says it comes with the Liability Insurance and Additional Liability Insurance but I keep reading sites saying you might need extra cover.
What are your thoughts?

I think it is the Liability Protection that will be the main extra that makes the insurance 'better', if you already have CDW included in your price. Anything you have to pay for over there will be subject to tax too, plus, I think it is the norm for the hire companies to oversell extras that are not really essential. I've always pre-booked my car hire from the UK direct with ALAMO, so don't have any experience of booking through third parties.

One thing I would say, is Expedia will be making their cut somewhere too, so it may be worth getting a comparison quote via the link in my earlier post, as that also includes a 10% discount on their standard rates.

maemaesmummy

blue67 wrote: »

Thanks for the replies, I've done very little work in terms of haggling or shopping around as yet, nor have i hit the 'quotes' thread just a simple search on First Choice.

Just ascertaining what the typical package deal prices are and if it might be more cost effective to go indie, booking flights and self catering accom separately?.... It doesn't look like currently!

Our last few holidays have been all inclusive so it's a while since we've paid for breakfasts, lunches and evening meals... so am currently in the process of budgeting for meal costs! Ball park figures as to what a family of four might pay on average, to eat out per day will be gratefully received.

Cheers

It depends where you want to eat and at what level...meals on site at WDW are expensive we paid $160 for 2 adults, 2 kids at Raglan Rd (no booze), character meals are expensive at Crystal Palace $42 pp...it depends what you plan on doing.

We visit a lot so been there done that, not doing again lol!

We usually budget $150 per day , but we do eat at the less touristy places and sign up for all the clubs for the coupons. Also buy the sentinel.

Don't forget the tips as well 18 to 20% on top.

jeanniebeanie_2

maemaesmummy wrote: »

It depends where you want to eat and at what level...meals on site at WDW are expensive we paid $160 for 2 adults, 2 kids at Raglan Rd (no booze), character meals are expensive at Crystal Palace $42 pp...it depends what you plan on doing

In my opinion, dining in Disneyworld has changed massively in recent years. Since the advent of the Dining Plan, those not staying on site or not able to access the plan get a very poor deal. The table service restaurant meals have declined in quality and the top menu choices have disappeared from the menus altogether, presumably because too many people on the dining plans were ordering them, making them uneconomical to offer.

When we were last there in May, we decided to stay with counter service rather than leave the park for lunch, not fantastic quality, but better prices and no gratuity to add, saving the 18-20%. All other meals we tried to eat off site.

meer53

jeanniebeanie wrote: »

In my opinion, dining in Disneyworld has changed massively in recent years. Since the advent of the Dining Plan, those not staying on site or not able to access the plan get a very poor deal. The table service restaurant meals have declined in quality and the top menu choices have disappeared from the menus altogether, presumably because too many people on the dining plans were ordering them, making them uneconomical to offer.

When we were last there in May, we decided to stay with counter service rather than leave the park for lunch, not fantastic quality, but better prices and no gratuity to add, saving the 18-20%. All other meals we tried to eat off site.

We tend to spend as little as possible on eating in the parks. As we stay in a villa, we have a huge breakfast/brunch at about 11am ish, then go out. If we do eat there, it's just a snack then we eat back at the villa or pick up something on the way back. We use the takeaways too. I'm always disappointed that we can never find an Indian takeaway though !

It's much cheaper to eat at places outside the parks if you're looking for a full meal really. Our favourite place for a fairly expensive meal is The Cheesecake Factory but we'll only do that a couple of times at most on a 2 week holiday.

babymoneyblagger

maemaesmummy wrote: »

Also check where the hotel is...and check reviews there are a lot of cheap nasty hotels in LBV and Int Drive area!

I disagree with this, I think most hotels are a better standard in USA than europe and I have stayed in hotels in both areas of LBV and I-drive both have been great, I am sure that there are hotels that are not for some people due to them looking to get a cheap price and expecting the ritz!! I would say most complaints on the dibb are villas, not hotels - have a look at the recommendations and check with the brochures where they are - we found the hotels and area we preferred were around seaworld on I-drive.

babymoneyblagger

For eating out, we enjoyed golden corral in LBV right by the springhill suites and bahama breeze although go early as it gets filled up quick - meals here for a family of 5 (3 adults and 2 kids) cost between $55 - $65, depending if you use coupons which are located by the door as you come in, its buffet style and you can watch them cook your steak exactly how you want it, hot pizza, Ice-cream with sprinkles and gummy bears etc they have a really good variety and you can go up as many times as you like, servers are friendly and polite - dont forget to leave a tip!! Again have a look on the dibb for restaurant recommendations as the members are seasoned travellers and go to USA many times a year.

jeanniebeanie_2

If staying in a villa off the US27, give Manny's Chop House a try

http://mannyschophouse.com/index.php?main_page=page&id=25&zenid=1asjsl9uvkjkjv1i0ics1nadm3

Do call ahead though, it gets very, very busy!

maemaesmummy

jeanniebeanie wrote: »

If staying in a villa off the US27, give Manny's Chop House a try

http://mannyschophouse.com/index.php?main_page=page&id=25&zenid=1asjsl9uvkjkjv1i0ics1nadm3

Do call ahead though, it gets very, very busy!

one of our fave places to eat, monday and tuesday kids eat free, wednesday bogof on fajita's

maemaesmummy

babymoneyblagger wrote: »

For eating out, we enjoyed golden corral in LBV right by the springhill suites and bahama breeze although go early as it gets filled up quick - meals here for a family of 5 (3 adults and 2 kids) cost between $55 - $65, depending if you use coupons which are located by the door as you come in, its buffet style and you can watch them cook your steak exactly how you want it, hot pizza, Ice-cream with sprinkles and gummy bears etc they have a really good variety and you can go up as many times as you like, servers are friendly and polite - dont forget to leave a tip!! Again have a look on the dibb for restaurant recommendations as the members are seasoned travellers and go to USA many times a year.

A good tip to look on the dibb, as said many members spend a lot of time in Orlando a year...including me at over 10 weeks this year...soon to be 52 once the visa is stamped :rotfl:

meer53

maemaesmummy wrote: »

A good tip to look on the dibb, as said many members spend a lot of time in Orlando a year...including me at over 10 weeks this year...soon to be 52 once the visa is stamped :rotfl:

Will you be taking guests ?