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View Full Version : Thumbs Up for the QSDP... really saved us money!


drpeterson8
04-19-2009, 01:48 PM
We just got back from Disney and I just wanted to say that I LOVED the QSDP. We were on the fence about whether or not we should try and "wing it" and pay OOP for our food or get a dining plan. Well, we decided to try the plan because it meant we didn't have to budget so much and do all that "calculating" and "figuring" for how to split meals and save money.

I kept up with every receipt we had and just added it all up. We saved money using the plan and the best part was that we never had to say "no" to the kids when they wanted cotton candy, etc. I always feel so bad making them "share" snacks and meals and this time, they always got what they wanted.

By the 2nd or 3rd day, we had figured out how to get 3 meals out of the plan by using our snacks/desserts for breakfast. We learned that at our resort (All Star Sports), we could order 2 breakfasts and use the "juice and beverage" for the kids. CM's didn't care what we picked in place of the "juice and beverage"... so we could use our refillable mugs for drinks and get 2 of any other item of our choice (we usually got bagels or cinnamon rolls).

We only purchased two meals OOP and that was because we wanted to try out Planet Hollywood and a buffet for more variety. BUT, we didn't have to... we could have made it all week and almost have a different type of meal everytime. Lots of choices for counter service (in my opinion).

I had to explain to the kids that only in Disney will they ever be able to get every snack they want... back in the "real world" we will have to limit their choices!

teach22180
04-19-2009, 02:22 PM
Thanks for the feedback; it's good to know it worked out well for your family!

Stacymck
04-19-2009, 04:59 PM
Thanks for sharing this, this is the dining plan that we decided on finally! My family didn't want to be "tied" to being at a restaurant at a certain time to eat. With 2 teens in the mix, I gave in.......glad it works.:thumbsup2

marcyinPA
04-19-2009, 05:07 PM
I'm glad to hear that you liked it! We decided to use it on our June trip. What restaurants did you end up eating at? I've got a list in mind: Pepper Market, Wolfgang Pucks Express, Sunshine Seasons, Tangerine Cafe, Yak and Yeti,
etc.

La2kw
04-19-2009, 05:10 PM
By the 2nd or 3rd day, we had figured out how to get 3 meals out of the plan by using our snacks/desserts for breakfast. We learned that at our resort (All Star Sports), we could order 2 breakfasts and use the "juice and beverage" for the kids. CM's didn't care what we picked in place of the "juice and beverage"... so we could use our refillable mugs for drinks and get 2 of any other item of our choice (we usually got bagels or cinnamon rolls).

You were able to substitute the two drinks for food items? I didn't know you could do that. Did you try this at any other restaurants besides the ASSports food court?

drpeterson8
04-19-2009, 06:50 PM
You were able to substitute the two drinks for food items? I didn't know you could do that. Did you try this at any other restaurants besides the ASSports food court?

I didn't try it in the parks, mainly because we did need the drinks... however we did substitute some desserts for the fruit that came with the kids meals (instead of cake w/ our meals, we would get grapes or carrots, etc). We were never told no. Several times my DH substituted his dessert for extra orders of fries.

At our resort, the breakfast was supposed to come with the entree, a juice and a beverage. Since we had our refillable mugs, we asked if we could get something else instead of the drinks... they said anything that was considered a snack would be ok to substitute. So, we would get the bagels, fruit or pastries instead... it really helped stretch the QS meals.

drpeterson8
04-19-2009, 06:58 PM
I'm glad to hear that you liked it! We decided to use it on our June trip. What restaurants did you end up eating at? I've got a list in mind: Pepper Market, Wolfgang Pucks Express, Sunshine Seasons, Tangerine Cafe, Yak and Yeti,
etc.

My favorites were Sunshine Seasons, Starring Rolls Cafe (OMG, the cupcakes were Heaven), Aloha Isle (not food, but snack... pineapple float, need I say more), Tomorrowland Noodle Station, Cosmic Rays (chicken and ribs were delicious), and Wolfgang Puck Express...

Really, all the food was good. I took other people's advice as to some of the places to avoid. I can tell you that I didn't eat one single cheeseburger the whole time and I never had the same meal twice (except once for breakfast, loved the Mickey Mouse waffles). I was pleased with the food at our resort, it had a lot of variety...

Koren34
04-20-2009, 09:13 AM
Glad to hear it worked out and saved you money :)

We are doing the QSDP in August so it's really nice to hear postive experiences :thumbsup2