should I upgrade to AP from package with free dining?

[smile750]

Ok - I'm a past premium AP ticket holder (we frequent the disney quest and water parks and love the 20% discount on "stuff") but have been expired for about 6 months. I've decided to do a short trip from 11/12 - 11/17 that includes me (Jen) and my two boys, ages 5 and 6. I plan on returning in April for at least 4 days and for 10 days following a Disney cruise at the end of August so having a premium AP again because of the 3 trips seems like a no brainer. I'm just wondering if it makes sense to book the the first trip in November as a package with free dining and just upgrade the tickets to premium AP's or should I buy the most appropriate tickets from UT, book an AP discounted room only package and upgrade after I first use my tickets. I can't figure out if there's any sort of discount by doing the package with free dining (I see that I can buy more expensive tickets - up to 10 day no expiration hopper WP Fun and More... even though I'll only be there 5 days. Then I would just pay the upgrade to the PAP's -

Do I at all come out ahead because I'll get free dining?

Jen

[blyday]

You really need to do the math on this one. Would you get the dining plan without it being free? Where are you staying?? Typically, room discounts are better at Deluxes then Free Dining is so look at the numbers and see which one is really giving you the best value for your money. Another thing to look at is to see how much money you will spend for food. With the savings you have with the AP be more then you will spend on food?

Ultimately......the only way to know if you will save money with Free Dining or AP discount is all about crunching the numbers. You have to take all things into consideration and then go with whatever deal saves you the most.

[MichaelColey]

Definitely do the math, but it's PROBABLY a good deal if you're staying at a value or moderate for the initial reservation.