Dining Plan 2010 peak season worth it?

[soontobewed07]

We are debating the dining plan this year 46.99 seems like alot of money to put out compared to the last few years. Will it even out? I like the plan to not have to worry about cash in the park, but it just seems kinda high.

I just thought Diser's might have a better take on it. Also I should add if we are not doing dining DH thinks maybe staying of property is a better idea? Just to experience something different maybe swan or mahi mahi aka dolphin (karajeboo that was for you :lmao:)

[koolaidmoms]

We are debating the dining plan this year 46.99 seems like alot of money to put out compared to the last few years. Will it even out? I like the plan to not have to worry about cash in the park, but it just seems kinda high.

I just thought Diser's might have a better take on it. Also I should add if we are not doing dining DH thinks maybe staying of property is a better idea? Just to experience something different maybe swan or mahi mahi aka dolphin (karajeboo that was for you :lmao:)

It all depends on how you eat. If you and your family would eat one TS, one CS and one snack EVERY day then it would probably still be worth it as they raise the restaurant prices during that time. But, if you are going to share meals or go off property for meals then no, I would not get the DDP. Especially if you are staying off property you can eat sometimes better meals for cheaper.

Hope this helps some. :)

[2Tiggies]

As said above, it really DOES depend on how you eat and considering the fact that it will cost you more at TS OOP during peak anyhow. Also, I wouldn't be surprised to see some menu item increases in the next six months at many of the places so that is something to keep in mind. You really need ot look at your budget and see what you are able, and decide what you are reasonably willing, to spend on meals there. Disney food is never as simply as just considering what it costs - there always seem to be tons of other factors that come into play both using and not using the DDP. I would reckon that if you usually save with the DDP out of peak season, you are likely to save similarly during peak. It also depends on the ages of your party as your indivdual use vs cost of the plan will affect it's value differently to each family/group.

[soontobewed07]

I didn't even think about the raised prices. :lmao: I guess my brain isn't working so well today :worship: to diser's. We do like to have the the option of CS and table service everyday. I think you have sold me on it. I LOVE the dining plan just disappointed in some of the changes. :worship:

[emacek]

Question about holiday surcharges....

I'm not DDP because I tend to graze--eat 2 apps rather than an entree.
Are the holiday surcharges across the board is it just on buffets and character dining?

[2Tiggies]

They never used to be across the board, but when we were there in April they did seem to affect many table service restaurants. I couldn't tell you if it was all of them but certainly the character buffets we attended.

I am also a grazer and so is DD(7). I can NOT eat a sit down meal every day. I don't really mind taking the time out because after a long day in the parks, I think anyone has earned the right to rest over dinner and take an hour or so time out from the parks. My problem is that I could never finish an entree and NEVER EVER order and appetiser or dessert. If I have an appetiser, it is as my main meal and dessert is the kind of thing that makes a good light meal with a coffee if need be.

What we have found is that the QSDP is great and if you are grazers you may want to consider that. You don't get the TS meal with it but there is still too much food for us. Have a good look at the figures and your eating patterns, ages of your group, etc. DDP is the answer for some and not for others, but it works for us. I use snacks as and when we need/want anything. I know some people like to save their snack credits to spend at the shop for on the way home, but I find that using them as you need them for all those waters and the odd pretzel or icecream still brings you out ahead of OOP. I still see a saving even though we pay for a couple of TS a week OOP. We all have different needs and expectations of what making the Dining Plan "work" entails. For me, if I break even, I have gained convenience and it is still worth it. Having said that, you will probably find that you still save even with a few OOP purchases where needed. Oh, and another thing about QSDP: No peak surcharges!