Meal Plan not worth it anymore.

[ReelRedHead]

We are all booked for another great trip in June. As we always have, we booked the meal plan. After thinking about it and looking at menus/prices, we realized that it is not the great deal it once was.
We will end up paying less for our food if we just pay out of pocket. We would never buy a chocolate cake at every lunch, we never use up all those snacks.

When the plan first came out it was great. As they have increased prices and removed things, it is simply not worth it. Does anyone else feel this way or am I just crazy? HaHa :confused3

[zoie101]

I am still on the fence, we have used it the past 2 trips. I feel it has paid for its self those trips, just debating wheter its still a good value or not. DH likes the convience of no suprises, I like it from budget prospective. I have till 7 days before we leave to add it on. Guess if I have the extra money we will do it. (if the tax return is nice)

[goofy4tink]

At the time we are going this summer, the cost will be almost $48 a day, per person!! There is no way that is going to be worth it for us. I will renew my Tables in Wonderland card and use that.

[mythreeboys]

For us it has never been worth it. I've seen it quoted at $40/day/adult and we generally spend $50-$60/day for the four of us (last time we were there both kids were under 3 and usually split a kids meal or shared with us).

[winterman]

DH and I agree with the OP. Since they eliminated the appetizer and the tip, we do notfeel the DDP is worth it. We now only get it when it is free.

We would never get a dessert in a CS place. I love desserts in TS places but DH would often skip it. Also, I often prefer to order an appetizer and a salad, rather than an entree but that is not allowed on the DDP. DDP just does match our 'style' of eating.

:cheer2::cheer2::cheer2:

[dawnedwards]

we will totally be using it again. We have used it every year since 2006 and still feel that it is worth it.

1. Food is paid for up front, no need to worry about how much money to have everyday for food

2. No feeling that your food choices should be determined by the price on the menu.

3. Can order bigger/more expensive meals to share with under 3 kids.

4. No worries about price changes before you arrive. Recently Cape May increased their price b/c of crab and people were upset b/c they had not realized.

5. snack credits are great to keep daily expenses down, great for bakery item for small breakfast with refillable mug coffee, or late night snack or even a drink at the park.

More than anything I really just like knowing when I'm there that when it comes to food choices I can choose what I want without any thoughts about cost/budget etc.

Just my thoughts.

[gailanncreates]

Have not purchased the meal plan, nor do I intend to. You can still make ressies for any TS meals you want, but I hate to be committed to having to be at a certain place at a certain time every day for TS. We are more implusive here. Also, we too share meals a lot there, so that definitely cuts down on cost. Throw a snack in the backpack, we're good to go.:thumbsup2
That being said, I can definitely appreciate those that want to have the "all-inclusive" factor of being paid for in advance. That is the only thing I would like to do, but not enough to change my mind. I go to WDW for the entertainment factor, not for the food.

[Momof2Disneyboys]

The DDP was a great deal when the appetizer and tip were included. Once those were eliminated it was an okay deal and we still came out slightly ahead by using it. But now that DS10 is considered an adult and will be charged as one, it's not a good deal for us anymore and we will be paying OOP. I will miss the convenience of having it, but I think I will just get a Disney gift card before we go and load it with money for food.

[Maggie'sMom]

It's still a good deal for me as long as DD is under 10. Once she turns 10, that's the end of the meal plan for us. I save a lot of money on her food, especially since we like to do a lot of character meals. But I just barely break even on my food, and like others have said I wouldn't buy a desert with every meal so I'm probably losing a little on mine. It is nice to have it prepaid so I don't think about the cost at every meal, but the real cost advantage of the plan for adults has disappeared.

[Deffenm]

It is not worth if for us anymore because we have a 10 year old and he is considered an adult. He wont eat off of the adult menu so why should I pay over $40 a day for him when he wants the $5-$7 kids meal. My daughter also does not eat a lot so her and I share so it works out better for us to pay out of pocket. I don't look at prices we eat what we want and it is still cheaper for us.

[FlightlessDuck]

I disagree. Just this pass July, we got, on average, $166.67 in free food per person (comparing what we paid for the dining plan and what we would have paid out of pocket) while on the dining plan.

And we don't have to worry about making sure we have enough money for food when we actually get to WDW.

[kaffinito]

When I go with DH it's not worth it. Most of the time he eats light on our trips or just gets a salad. :upsidedow

But when I go with the kids it's a little different. I got a little OCD and decided to go over the menus for this trip and pick out what I thought everyone would order. Then I totaled everything up and came up with $1180.43 not including tips where applicable. (DS9 will only eat adult meals now so I have to get him the adult meal plan)

This total reflects the table service and counter service meals plus snacks per person per day. Now the DDP will only cost us $785.76 for 3 adults and 1 child for 6 nights. DN4 eats more than I do so I figure the snack credits will go towards him. :)

For us, it's worth it. I'll save $394.60 if I get the DDP this trip. :goodvibes

[stepdisney]

We've always gotten it for free so it's worth it to us :cheer2:. We could use the gift card and eat just as well though. We would probably NOT have a TS every night. It definitely changes HOW you eat when you are there.

[The Hendies]

We have only done the DDP once. Was it a good deal for us? That one time, it was. We ate at TS we might not have concidered before and definately ate our money's worth. However, normally we don't eat at TS every day, maybe only twice per trip. We usually eat a big breakfast at the condo and have a late afternoon counter service. Now if we went during free dining......

[joannalh]

I have never done the dining plan but am all signed up for it for March. I'm starting to rethink it a little over the last few days, because of reading threads like this. Both of my kids are under ten though... I'm hoping that makes it worth it. If I paid out of pocket, I'm not sure I'd spend 46.99 every day per adult, but I'm pretty sure I'd spend more than 12.99 per day per child. Maybe I should do the math more carefully and really price out what I think we'd spend if not on the plan.

[Momof2Disneyboys]

I have never done the dining plan but am all signed up for it for March. I'm starting to rethink it a little over the last few days, because of reading threads like this. Both of my kids are under ten though... I'm hoping that makes it worth it. If I paid out of pocket, I'm not sure I'd spend 46.99 every day per adult, but I'm pretty sure I'd spend more than 12.99 per day per child. Maybe I should do the math more carefully and really price out what I think we'd spend if not on the plan.

If your kids are under 10 and you plan to do a lot of TS and character meals then it is probably a good deal for you. It was for us!

But now that we've done nearly all the character meals (some several times) and DS is 10, it doesn't work for us anymore. Even if free dining is offered when we go it is a better deal for us to take a room discount.

I think it just depends on each individual family, the age of your kids, and what type of touring you do.

[MsStinkerBelle]

It really depends on your personal vacation style but for DD and I the meal plan works for us. Dining out is something we really only do on vacation so for us it's a big deal while at Disney. I like having the meals pre-paid for and the flexibility to go from restaurant to restaurant without having to scrutinize the prices. Granted the value has dropped due to the tips no longer being included but it still works for us.

DD is now 10 and frankly the Deluxe DDP works for us because last year all she seemed to want was items on the adult menu and couldn't order because she was a 'child' on the meal plan.

[fireman1]

It really depends on your personal vacation style but for DD and I the meal plan works for us. Dining out is something we really only do on vacation so for us it's a big deal while at Disney. I like having the meals pre-paid for and the flexibility to go from restaurant to restaurant without having to scrutinize the prices. Granted the value has dropped due to the tips no longer being included but it still works for us.

DD is now 10 and frankly the Deluxe DDP works for us because last year all she seemed to want was items on the adult menu and couldn't order because she was a 'child' on the meal plan.

Agree 100%.

[FlightlessDuck]

Just read that they plan has different prices now, and that the prices are also different based on season. Wow:


1/01/10 - 2/11/10, 4/11/10 - 6/03/10, 8/15/10 -12/16/10 is $41.99 per night per adult or junior (ages 10-17), $11.99 per night for children (ages 3-9).

2/12/10 - 4/10/10, 6/04/10 - 8/14/10, 12/17/10 - 12/31/10 is $46.99 per night per adult or junior (ages 10-17), $12.99 per night for children (ages 3-9).


So I will have to investigate more. The prices in 2009 were worth it, though...

[Praying Colonel]

It's definitely not the deal it was when it first came out, but those days are gone and (as I have to remind myself whenever a DDP thread comes up ;) ) complaining won't change it.

On our last 2 trips we priced it out going with DDP and no DDP and chose accordingly. In 08 it made more sense for us to stay at SOG, get our tickets through military ITR and pay for meals out of pocket. For our November trip we got free dining and so it worked out better to go with DDP.

Another factor for us is the food quality keeps sliding. For example, the CS dessert choices are fewer and we find generally they're just not as good as they once were. So what good is it to get a CS dessert as part of the plan if you're not going to enjoy it?

It's just not the no-brainer it was back in the heyday of the original plan, at least for us.

[gonesaleing]

I am in 100% agreement with Gailanncreates. I, too, like to be spontaneous on vacation and can't bear to be on someone elses schedule, having to be somewhere at a specific time.

We always rent a villa and eat all our meals in it. It takes is a bit of planning but I have been doing it for so many years that I have it down to a science. It's not for everyone but it works great for my family.

IMHO - I think that Disney is slowly and quietly closing all the loopholes to increase revenue. When we were there during NJ week, I took pictures of all the empty parking lots. They are feeling the economic downturn like everybody else.

[jessica29]

I have never done the plan but I am going for 10 days with my husband, and children 5 and 9, and I think it was gonna cost like 1200.00($120 a day). Unfortunatly That is not what I think I will spend for one or I will break even at 1200. Hopefully I am not wrong.

2. It seems like a lot more food than I want to eat. I hardly think that I need a dessert everyday. I am trying to lose wait.:lmao:

3. Since I paid for it I would over eat "to get my moneys worth" like a buffet.:sad2:

4. Even though I am doing several charater meals and a few TS. When I calculated my days it did not matter. Some days I will go over 120.00 a day but others I may only spend 75.00. (I plan to bring snacks +water)

5. A lot of places I want to eat at are not on the plan. :mad:

6. I want to be able to order what I want, not what they want me to choose from. If I want a soup or appetizer for dinner for 10.00 then so be it. I shouldn't have to get entree,etc. Also, my kids will not be wanting a kids meal at everymeal. Maybe they will want soup.

7. My husband didn't want to risk missing out on his credits. It seemed very stressful to him. (He has never been to disney and doesn't understand the plan). He thought he might lose out on getting his dollars worth and didn't want to plan a TS everyday.

8. My kids don't eat that much food! One child may share with us. Last time they shared with each other and still had food left, from one meal. Though 12.99 is a good deal for them, I guess, I will not be using 47.00 on myself everyday. I don't even really eat snacks.popcorn::

9. If I was on the plan I would do more TS meals than not on the plan which means more money for a tip.

10. Finally, I just paid $4,000 for tickets, hotel, and air. Without the plan I can save money 45 days out for food and not pay upfront.

It seemed like a better deal in the past but not since they raised the price.

[rotlex]

We have been either buying, or using, the DDP since it's inception, and feel it is still an incredible value. We have two kids, one is 7, the other 1 1/2. At that rate, it is less than $100 per day for food on the plan. There is NO WAY we would spend less than that out of pocket.

As we are normally fairly strict with our diets, and exercise, we really let loose when going on vacation. Not total slobs mind you, but dessert with every meal is a good thing. ;) We truly enjoy one table service meal per day, and frankly, that alone pays for the plan. The addition of the snacks and CS meal take it over the top.

Now, once our kids are over 10, it may be a different story, but for now, we think it's great! :thumbsup2

[Planogirl]

I travel with a teen usually but occasionally DH goes. The meal plan has never been worth it for us even if we ate TS every meal. It's even less worth it now.

But then the restaurants are really getting pricey. I'm not sure yet how to handle that.

[goofy4tink]

The ONLY way to know for sure if the ddp is going to be worth it for your family is to sit down with menus and compare prices.
I always do this....it's the only way I can know for sure. But, we seldom do snacks during the day, so that's a wasted expense for me. In fact, I usually have to head to the resort shop on my last day and use all the leftover snack credits on stuff I can take with me.
I usually have the TiW card (I can get that since I always have an AP). This basically saves me the tip on table service meals.
So...I sit down, with a list of where I plan to eat. I then jot down the price oop for each day. I include each meal and snack per day, for each person. I usually know, going in, what we would normally eat at each meal. I also have to add in the cost of buying the TiW card each year...but I only do that for one trip since I usually save enough on one trip to cover the original cost.

Then, after I total that, I compare it with the cost of the ddp for all of us. But, don't forget to add in the tips with the ddp...it isn't included and it can be a sizable amount at the end of the trip.

If the difference is less than $100, I will go with the ddp. Otherwise, I don't..I just pay oop with the TiW card at table service spots.

I have never felt tied down due to using the ddp. I have to eat anyway...and I always have one adr for us for each day. Those have to be made in order to eat where we want to eat.

[swald91]

I have to say I really enjoy hearing how everyone feels about this...when it first came out w/ appetizers & tips included it was great. Honestly, alot of those restaurants I don't think I'd go to unless we had the dining plan-and as far as kids go....:rotfl: I prefer the QS plan. Alot of variety to choose from-you get a dessert & no tips to leave. I really do like not having to pay out of pocket when there...

[kinggoofy]

We did the DDP last August. It was our 1st time. We liked it only because it gave us the opportunity to eat at the nicer places and also order dinner that we never would have.

That being said....we wont do it again. The nicer places you eat...the higher the bill....the more expensive the tip is. When we use our Tables in Wonderland card...the discount basically covers the tip plus we usually add a few bucks more when the service is good.

I dont want to say we are conservative people BUT we certaininly dont get excited or "nose up in the air" about ordering an expensive dinner either.

PLUS...with the way the ADR's are nowadays, everything fills up way too fast and you dont get what you want with or without being on the DDP.

So for us...(no children), the Tables in Wonderland 20% off discount is a far better deal.

The other thing we found annoying was...there is way too much "dining" planning needed when you are on the DDP.

KG

[singnring]

As PPs have said, it all depends on the people using it.

For us, a normal trip to WDW consists of some CS meals, a snack maybe every couple of days, never soft drinks, never desserts, and no TS meals.

We prefer to eat out in town more than on property, and we have never been really big breakfast eaters.

We take our own snacks, that way everyone has what they like.

So for us, the DDP is not a good deal.

That being said, we do go for FD in Sep each year. Not because it's "free", because it isn't.

We run the numbers, and it is close before tips. It gives us one time/year to do things a little different. I don't have to pack food and drinks because they're taken care of.

However, we eat @ character breakfasts, not lunch/dinnner restaurants, so the value of the DDP isn't as great due to that fact. BTT we pay tips, it actually costs us more than our usual style of eating would. Each year, we all agree it's fun to do something different, so we opt for FD over a room discount.

So, to wrap it up, if you eat in the style of DDP, it probably saves you money. If you're like us, and you're happier doing your own thing, and you frequent less expensive venues and eat lighter, it might not be such a deal.

[jenseib]

We like it. We don't save a ton, but we do save some. I considered going OOP next trip (whenever that may be) and I did the math. Our costs were not much less than the dining plan, and we got alot less. We like TS alot. We love character meals. We almost always do dinner, which means the price is higher.
The big factor for us is that it is prepaid. We don't have to hear DH grumble each meal. That is a big plus! LOL! For some CS desserts, we get something we would like to eat later as a snack and save it. Or even for breakfast the next day. We sometimes have snack credits left over, but we don;t mind taking some yummy snacks for the plane ride home. It works well for our family, but I really wish if they keep raising the price, they would go back to including the tip. It only went down a few bucks when they did away with it and then they have raised the price each year after.

[Pooh&OurHunny]

It was worth it when tip was included...my husband does not like the DDP and said lets just pay as we go. I'll be getting an AP for first time (gives me a reason to go back) and get the TIW (when I was doing a rough estimate the TIW works bettter for us).

[Native NYer]

I think the dining plan's worth really depends on the family and their eating habits. The only reason why we book our package with dining is to prepay our meals. We love going on vacation knowing the only thing we have to budget for is airport transportation/parking at home and souvenirs. For us, it's all about convenience.

[ReelRedHead]

OP here...
I think the TS meal plan is still a very good value. That is the plan we gave always used. This time around we were going to try QS because going to a sit down every night with 2 small kids would be too much.
I really feel the QS plan is not a great value.
I would agree, as many of you have said, that it is nice to have it pre-paid and not have to worry about it while you are there.
I took it off our ressie last night. That saved us almost $800. We will just bring that money down with us. It will be interesting to see how much we really spend.

[Muppet_Girl]

We did the QS last March and are doing it again this March. It really worked well for us- we're college students.

Here are some of the pluses for us:
1) Eat whenever and pretty much wherever- there are lots of locations
2) Paid for up front
3) Maybe too much food- so we would get desserts like cookies that were prepackaged and we would stash them in our backpacks for later; we would also get bottled drinks at meals and stash them in the backpack too
4) The snack credits are really a God send- 2 a day ;) We got to get all of our fav park treats without an additional cost per day
5) It helps us in saving up for trips because we know what everything will cost
6) It caused us to try new places- such as Yak and Yeti and the CS in World Showcase


I really loved it and so did the people I was with. It worked great for us. Sure, it's dependent on your situation. However, this was really ideal for us.
Besides- we're college kids and we're used to meal plans :rotfl:

[MelanieC]

For us the regular DP wouldn't pay us because we don't eat desserts. We did however enjoy having the DP during free dining last year. Even DH agreed it was nice to have. This year we are trying the QSDP. The kids are excited to have so many snack credits, and it's nice knowing the kids can get whatever they want in snacks without dishing out cash all the time.

[zoie101]

Just read that they plan has different prices now, and that the prices are also different based on season. Wow:


1/01/10 - 2/11/10, 4/11/10 - 6/03/10, 8/15/10 -12/16/10 is $41.99 per night per adult or junior (ages 10-17), $11.99 per night for children (ages 3-9).

2/12/10 - 4/10/10, 6/04/10 - 8/14/10, 12/17/10 - 12/31/10 is $46.99 per night per adult or junior (ages 10-17), $12.99 per night for children (ages 3-9).


So I will have to investigate more. The prices in 2009 were worth it, though...

wow I did not know prices changed for seasons!

[YesMickey]

For us the regular DP wouldn't pay us because we don't eat desserts. We did however enjoy having the DP during free dining last year. Even DH agreed it was nice to have. This year we are trying the QSDP. The kids are excited to have so many snack credits, and it's nice knowing the kids can get whatever they want in snacks without dishing out cash all the time.

We are doing the QS this March. It is a much better deal for us. We have done the DP for the last 4 trips and are just over it. Not only do you feel obligated to over eat, but for some reason I end up spending $30-$40 or more out of pocket for drinks, or something my daughter wants and tips. Also when it is all said and done you are spending about 2hrs waiting to be seated, eating etc. With the QS I shouldn't spend anything OOP unless I want a drink or something and no more 18% gratuity, also we are done in about 30-45 mins. That's just about a whole extra day (8hrs) at the park on our 5 day trip.:thumbsup2 Would never get the dining plan for a 10-15yr old anyway, Probably not even if it were free.

[SWAMPBO]

the last 2 times we have not used all our snacks and we waste...we have also found that our 4 yo and 7 yo do not eat their full meal and could have split one...Going easter week and have decided to just pay as we go...

Plus I do not like being tied to eating dinner at a full serve when I may want QS...or vice versa...plus I don't feel guilty when we go to Dinasaurs in Downtown Disney knowing there is already a meal paid for...

[Disneylvr]

I think the dining plan's worth really depends on the family and their eating habits. The only reason why we book our package with dining is to prepay our meals. We love going on vacation knowing the only thing we have to budget for is airport transportation/parking at home and souvenirs. For us, it's all about convenience.

Us too! I have never done the actual math to see if it was worth it monetarily. But like you we continue to book it for convenience and peace of mind. That alone makes it worth it to us.

[joannalh]

If your kids are under 10 and you plan to do a lot of TS and character meals then it is probably a good deal for you. It was for us!

But now that we've done nearly all the character meals (some several times) and DS is 10, it doesn't work for us anymore. Even if free dining is offered when we go it is a better deal for us to take a room discount.

I think it just depends on each individual family, the age of your kids, and what type of touring you do.


Thanks. I've done some of the math now, not all, but it looks like since we were planning a few character meals, the dining plan may be reasonable-I'm not sure we'll actually save a lot money, but it doesn't look like we come out behind either.

[MerryFlora]

I really wanted to try it because of the pre-pay convenience and what someone else said, that my DH always orders the cheapest menu item instead of what he wants. That drives me crazy! I like to splurge on vacation! But I have done the math many many times and its quite a bit more than OOP, even ordering things we never would otherwise. We plan to do 3 or 4 TS but I just dont see the savings :confused3 (not even including oop tips)

[TJA]

We have done regular DDP once and it was indeed a great value for us, but we also ate a TON more than we usually do. Next trip we did not to the DDP and brought our spending money and we spent about the same amount of money as the DDP cost, but we spent it in different ways. Like we skipped dessert and got appetizers instead.

Next trip we are trying the DxDDP because we want to have one signature meal and one character meal per day. I think it will work well for us, especially being that the appetizer is included and we can skip dessert and still feel like we got a value.

Taking a gift card to disney is a great idea as posted above. Another thing we personally do is having the disney visa, we transfer our points and take with us and use for our meals. Works in the same way as the gift card.

[goofy4tink]

wow I did not know prices changed for seasons!

That's relatively new. Just started doing it. Disney isn't stupid. They give us something reasonable. Then, once we all get 'hooked' on it, they start taking stuff away from it...no more appetizers for instance. Then, they raise the price, but take away the tip that was included. Then, they raise the number of credits needed for the Candlelight Processional...they gave free dining at this time of year for the first time so needed to prevent everyone from booking the CP dining pkg on free dining....instead of a restaurant being 1 credit it became 2 if you booked CP...and they raised the oop cost as well. But, they gave us preferred IllumiNations viewing.
Now..they've increased the daily cost for ddp, with it being higher during the busier times of year...summer vacation for instance. Rather than pay that increased price, we'll just change our dining habits. It may be time to start renting a car and buying food offsite.
Even the TiW card has changed...the cost has gone up when it got popular. It's enough to drive you nuts.

[kristenandrick]

This trip will be my first and probably last time using the DDP. The only reason I finally decided to get it is because we will be doing a lot of character dinners. I knew that if I had to pay $60+ for one meal for myself and DD13 my eyes would roll out of my head:rotfl:. When my husband and I went last Feb we shared apps and an entree OOP. WAAAAY more economical :thumbsup2.

Enjoy your trip!

[Stitch2244314]

I don't think that Disney would offer a dining plan (or anything for that matter) that does not allow them to profit in some way.

I often hear people saying that the DDP is too much food-- but from what it looks like, it doesn't seem like it would be enough food for our family. You only get 1 Table Service Meal, 1 Counter Service Meal, and 1 Snack per day. Eliminate the snack because that's a bottle of water. For us, we really enjoy eating a good breakfast, so we would have to skip lunch in order for this dining plan to work out for us at all. Still, I think it's too much money.

We also priced out the DxDP, and while I do think that is a better value than the DDP, it's very expensive, and we would be pre-paying to eat at places that we would normally never eat at anyway. So at this point, we're thinking we're probably going to pay OOP like we always do. As 4 adults from DP standards, it just doesn't make sense for us.

Doesn't Disney realize that most people like to eat Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner? I guess they must and that's why you can only have three meals a day when you buy the deluxe plan.

[jordancej]

Not worth it anymore, and its just way too much food anyway. Did it back with appetizers and tip was included, and also when they didnt include them. I also found that I had alot more time on my hands, instead of running from one dining reservation to another. I usually bring snacks and eat one good meal at the parks each day, usually counter service.

[Lynne M]

Moving to the Dining Plan board.... :)

[owenbyd]

Chiming in on our thoughts:

Family of 4 including 2 boys, one 5, one 7.

We are doing the QS dining plan. We don't plan to 'do' disney again for some time and we have been at a place in life where this trip is a celebration of where we are as a family and what we have accomplished. For us, trips revolve around food and the QS plan will allow us to be the 'fun' parents (allowing more snacks and going out to eat which rarely happens in the real world), pre-planning and some flexibility to add in a TS restaurant if desired. Plus, we got a great discount on our room and opted for the dining plan with a value resort vs. no dining plan if we went moderate.

Could we have saved money without it? oh yeah, more than likely. But this is how we choose to spend this vacation and I am so excited at the prospect of having it!

[TDC Nala]

I definitely agree with the OP, but I like quite a few restaurants that don't accept the plan, and I don't like being limited to entree and dessert when ordering. This outweighs any "convenince" prepaid meals might have for me.

[dessay13]

My DH and I went in 2008, and it was definitely a great value. But we have no kids, and LOVE food and look very forward to a nice sit-down experience when we have dinner. We do WDW like an adult luxury vacay, so we planned our schedule around eating in the best places with great wine, etc. We didn't opt for the Deluxe or wine included, just the basic TS DDP, and we were very happy. We felt it was a tad too much food, but not by much.

We did switch 2 fancy meals for 2 of our TS's (Narcoossie's was one of them, as I remember), and we felt that was worth it as well. I LOVE appetizers, though, so I'll have to sit down and crunch some numbers before we go in May again.

[TDC Nala]

I love food too. But I don't want to have to worry about using credits on the deluxe plan (too many credits) and I want the option of ordering two appetizers and no entree if that's what I want. Plus, I like some of the restaurants that don't take the plan at all (including a lot of what I think are the best places - Victoria & Albert's, Bistro de Paris, La Cava del Tequila, Bluezoo, House of Blues, Wolfgang Puck Upstairs and I want to try Il Mulino - I'd never try it if I were on the plan) and I don't want to write those off on my trips.

[OhThePain]

I will be using this for the second time on my upcoming trip. There really isn't too much financial benefit to using it. I worked the numbers last night. If everything works out as I figured, for a 9 day, 8 night trip, I think I'm saving $6 a day per person, which in reality is not that much. I just like not having to think about paying for those meals.

[MagicalKingdom]

Basically, they're only worth it if you eat a lot and if you were going to have the bulk of your meals in the parks anyway. Note that the pricier plans include sit-down meals that'll take up a lot of time. Time that might be better spent on riding rides and enjoying laser shows.

[JustAGirl]

Even if it isnt worth it money wise i still like the fact of having all my meals covered and payed for as soon as i get there. I only got the QSDP but I feel great comfort in having it and knowing that even if i spent all my money we can still eat twice a day and have snacks

[GOOFYsince71]

Basically, they're only worth it if you eat a lot and if you were going to have the bulk of your meals in the parks anyway. Note that the pricier plans include sit-down meals that'll take up a lot of time. Time that might be better spent on riding rides and enjoying laser shows.

Very good point...A LOT of time is spent getting TO these reservations, especially if they are at another Resort...sometimes it would take an hour to get there, another 2 hours to complete the meal and another hour to get back to your resort or the park you were at. After doing the "dining" many times,,the next trip is going to be...footloose and fancy free,,,eat where I want when I want and be done!!!popcorn::

[jelyfi]

It is not worth if for us anymore because we have a 10 year old and he is considered an adult. He wont eat off of the adult menu so why should I pay over $40 a day for him when he wants the $5-$7 kids meal. My daughter also does not eat a lot so her and I share so it works out better for us to pay out of pocket. I don't look at prices we eat what we want and it is still cheaper for us.

We are heading to Disney in May and I'm trying to figure out whether it's worth it to get the meal plan. Doing the math, it looks like we're getting charged $95.96 per day for the meal plan for a family of four (two adults, DS7 and DD5). That's only $23.99 per person per day. Can that be right? It seems everyone here is quoting around $40 per person per day....


Also, I know gratuity is no longer included, but tax is, right? So our only OOP will be gratuity?

[Cassie Dean]

The plan is less expensive for your children than it is for adults. We have done the dinning plan the past two years for our family of five. (2 adults, one junior who is considered an adult and 2 children) It seems to work well for us. We do alot of meals in the parks and most of them have characters, so for us the meal plan is the way to go. Although I can understand the points that others are making about wanting to go to restaurants that don't accept the plan, etc...I think alot of it is personal preference.
We always have some quick service meals left over on our last day because some of the meals are so large that we split them...so we always hit the quick service restaurant in our hotel before we go to the airport. That way the kids have something to munch on while we are sitting in the airport waiting for our flight and we don't have to pay airport prices...lol
Good luck and have a great trip!


We are heading to Disney in May and I'm trying to figure out whether it's worth it to get the meal plan. Doing the math, it looks like we're getting charged $95.96 per day for the meal plan for a family of four (two adults, DS7 and DD5). That's only $23.99 per person per day. Can that be right? It seems everyone here is quoting around $40 per person per day....


Also, I know gratuity is no longer included, but tax is, right? So our only OOP will be gratuity?

[Cassie Dean]

For the standard dining plan...one quick service, one table service and one snack a day
$41.99 for adults
$11.99 for kids

We normally dont eat breakfast, but I pack granola bars and poptarts in our suitcase to have in the room in case anyone wants something. I also bring fruit snacks and some other type of individually wrapped snacks to put in the kids backpacks for in the parks during the day if they want something. Other than that we eat in the parks or at the resorts...

Hope that helps...

[DisGirl23]

It's worth it to us. We eat 3 meals a day at home so we would eat 2 meals a day on vacation. We like to have a TS meal each day to get out of the chaos for a little while. When we dine at another resort, I've made the reservation for a day we weren't going to be at a park, that way we could get there without rushing and enjoy that resort for a little bit. And we usually had the desserts with that meal.
At he QS meals, we were able to get something packaged like a cookie or carrot sticks that we could snack on later. And the snack credits we didn't have a problem using. Even if it was just for a bottle of water or soda. But I liked using them for the Dole Whips best! Yum! :lovestruc
We liked not having to worry about what to order. And we tried restaurants that we may not have otherwise.

[jenseib]

I find that for us, we like the time it takes out of the day. It gives us a break and offers a different scene. It give DD a chance to rest too. It works for us now, but who knows what we'll think in the future.

[TDC Nala]

We are heading to Disney in May and I'm trying to figure out whether it's worth it to get the meal plan. Doing the math, it looks like we're getting charged $95.96 per day for the meal plan for a family of four (two adults, DS7 and DD5). That's only $23.99 per person per day. Can that be right? It seems everyone here is quoting around $40 per person per day....


Also, I know gratuity is no longer included, but tax is, right? So our only OOP will be gratuity?

That isn't right. Two adults and two children on the basic plan in May will be $107.96 per night of your resort stay. I think you left off one of the children on your calculation.

This is based on adult plan $41.99 per night, child plan $11.99 per night.

[DisneyBamaFan]

We are not big eaters. We are all pretty small and live at a healthy weight. We tried the DDP last August, since it was free. We booked all the nice restaurants and had a blast - but we were full all day long, and that was leaving half servings on the plate most of the time.

If you normally eat that much food, I guess it would be worth it. For us, we wouldn't do it again for free. I am glad that we tried it once, but never again...

[dd50]

I tried the dining last year and it was way to much food and my kids didn't hardly eat any thing. So paying the $40 a day each was a waste. I also found that it took so much time away from the parks and I was so full that we never had a snack until the day we were leaving. We used most on soda's. I was thinking about doing the QS this time but decided not to as sometimes I will split a meal or sometimes the kids just want a side of fries.

[harpinjean]

I'm going to Disney with DH, son who is graduating from college, and his girlfriend. I think I am going to get the plan because I want everyone to feel free to get what they want at the TS meals. DS hasn't been in 7 years and his girlfriend has only been once to one park. I want this to be a special trip and want to have a TS every day so it will work good for us. It doesn't save a ton, but I still think it is a good deal for us.

[Belle5]

I remember the threads before the DDP removed appys...everyone complained about all the wasted food-it was just too much food. So, Disney removes the appy's and now everyone says it's not as a good a deal--and it's not especially since the tip is not included, there is less food and the price keeps climbing.


If we were a young family again--we would probably do the QS plan and then pay OOP for a few TS meals. However, we have passed that era. Because we have been to WDW so many times, the food (rather than attractions) has evolved to a place of importance to our sons. Dining at new and interesting places is what keeps WDW "fresh" for us. To be able to say to our college and high school aged sons, "Order whatever entree, beverage and dessert you want" is such a treat for them! I love that I don't have to nudge them toward ordering the chicken if they want steak or salmon. I love that they can order a French press of coffee without me raising an eyebrow. Same with the desserts. Food is very important to older boys--it's the way to their heart!:love:

Oh, yes--at their ages--they would want at least one snack each day so that is a plus. (When they were little it was a granola bar while waiting in line for a ride)

[harpinjean]

I remember the threads before the DDP removed appys...everyone complained about all the wasted food-it was just too much food. So, Disney removes the appy's and now everyone says it's not as a good a deal--and it's not especially since the tip is not included, there is less food and the price keeps climbing.


If we were a young family again--we would probably do the QS plan and then pay OOP for a few TS meals. However, we have passed that era. Because we have been to WDW so many times, the food (rather than attractions) has evolved to a place of importance to our sons. Dining at new and interesting places is what keeps WDW "fresh" for us. To be able to say to our college and high school aged sons, "Order whatever entree, beverage and dessert you want" is such a treat for them! I love that I don't have to nudge them toward ordering the chicken if they want steak or salmon. I love that they can order a French press of coffee without me raising an eyebrow. Same with the desserts. Food is very important to older boys--it's the way to their heart!:love:

Oh, yes--at their ages--they would want at least one snack each day so that is a plus. (When they were little it was a granola bar while waiting in line for a ride)

Well said!! :thumbsup2

[suse66]

We really like the dining plan. When we went down last year we did the deluxe plan and that was a LOT of food. Just too much for us, even with several signature dinners. I think it's because American portion sizes are very large. This year we are trying the basic plan. I am ordering water and some small snack items from Garden Grocer. We are doing 2 character breakfasts, 5 TS dinners and 1 signature dinner. We are paying OOP for catergory 1 seating at Spirit of Olaha and dinner at Victoria and Albert's.

We tend to have an early breakfast and spend time in the parks until 1 or 2 pm. Then we like to head back to the resort to swim and relax for a few hours. I find the resorts so beautiful, with lovely amenities. We are then refreshed to enjoy a nice meal and some more park time in the evening. Our total per day is $132.95 or $26.59 per person. This covers our expenses for dinner alone, so the snacks and CS are a bonus for us. Now things may change next trip when my oldest is 10. I do really enjoy having everything paid up front.

It's great to have all the options to choose from, that way each family can decide what works best for them.

Susan

[DisneyFamily123]

There is little difference in price between the regular (Plus) DDP and the deluxe DDP. We also do a lot of table service because...

(1) we like dining, especially at the fun restaurants with music, characters, entertainment, and

(2) at table service, the chefs meet with us about our DS's food allergies and prepare special items so we know it is safe. Counter service offers fewer options with the food allergies and is more difficult to figure out.

(3) compared to using the regular DDP, the additional cost of a 2 or 3 non-covered TS meals, some appetizers, additional snacks, the refillable mugs... about equals the cost of going deluxe. The only way I can imagine not saving money on the DDP is if we were just eating counter service all the time but there's even a DDP for that.

and most important...
(4) It's vacation, so let's pig out and enjoy appetizers and desserts with every meal!!!!! I don't want counter service hot dogs, nuggets, burgers and the like... I want some really good food and the fun stuff like belly dancing at Marrakesh, breakfast with the characters, biergarten music and dancing, etc...

[Cookie Princess]

Just read that they plan has different prices now, and that the prices are also different based on season. Wow:


1/01/10 - 2/11/10, 4/11/10 - 6/03/10, 8/15/10 -12/16/10 is $41.99 per night per adult or junior (ages 10-17), $11.99 per night for children (ages 3-9).

2/12/10 - 4/10/10, 6/04/10 - 8/14/10, 12/17/10 - 12/31/10 is $46.99 per night per adult or junior (ages 10-17), $12.99 per night for children (ages 3-9).



This price "uptick" during our stay for the basic DDP just makes me feel even better about upgrading to the DXDDP. We love the DXDDP and I was glad that they didn't add a "summer surcharge" to that plan.

[palavra]

I have never done the dining plan but am all signed up for it for March. I'm starting to rethink it a little over the last few days, because of reading threads like this. Both of my kids are under ten though... I'm hoping that makes it worth it. If I paid out of pocket, I'm not sure I'd spend 46.99 every day per adult, but I'm pretty sure I'd spend more than 12.99 per day per child. Maybe I should do the math more carefully and really price out what I think we'd spend if not on the plan.

Unless you guys are really light eaters, you can easily spend $46.00 at ONE TS meal per person. Food prices are outrageous at Disney. If you are planning on eating in the room or off site, you could significantly reduce your food budget, but the DDS actually still makes sense for many people eating three meals a day (some CS and one TS) on Disney property.

[coconutprincess]

Now... I typically go during free dining. But the cost is what gets us. I know we pay for tips, and we are okay with that. When we go, we truly eat at nicer places. I rarely eat steak at home, there, I get it practically every other night!


If we were to go during a regular time, as long as we planned to eat at our standard places, we'll get it because its well worth it (Okay, maybe try to add in 2 trips to Le Cellier if we had to pay for the DDP):goodvibes.

We are big water drinkers, and we have no kids yet so we just buy bottled water for the room (I hate florida water), and we always use up our snack credits. No problem with that here! I LOVE MY SNACKS!

[disneymom06]

We are all booked for another great trip in June. As we always have, we booked the meal plan. After thinking about it and looking at menus/prices, we realized that it is not the great deal it once was.
We will end up paying less for our food if we just pay out of pocket. We would never buy a chocolate cake at every lunch, we never use up all those snacks.

When the plan first came out it was great. As they have increased prices and removed things, it is simply not worth it. Does anyone else feel this way or am I just crazy? HaHa :confused3

I have to agree that for my family, the DDP has lost its value. I do look at the monetary value as priority. But I am first to acknowledge, that I LOVE the convenience. To have the meals prepaid with no limits on what everyone can order is HUGE but I look at the money.

We have 4 kids, 3 of whom are over 9. Thats $249 or $221 a day for food depending on the season. I look to make sure that we get what we have paid for because it is easy to not meet those numbers with children. They like steak and can order it when on the plan but then really aren't hungry for a dessert at every meal. I allow them to splurge with soda at meals but would normally include water a few times, if we were OOP. One is picky, so its chicken strips, FF and water, every meal. (Or waffles!)

I find that on every trip, there is a point on vacation, that everyone needs a down day at the resort, no running, no TS that day so now we need to do 2 in one day to use the credit.

The last trip, I tried not to keep track and just "let it all happen" . With leaving one dinner not taken, we had breakfast as a replacement and we just about broke even on the plan. I expect that to use the plan that there has to be a financial benefit for me to have to prepay everything, especially 45 days in advance.

This does not even address tips that we paid on desserts and higher priced entrees, that we wouldn't have ordered. So our tips were more that they would have been had we paid OOP. (And I have a TIW card, which would have saved me money on the bill)

I loved the plan when apps and tips were included. I didn't worry about getting my moneys worth because the plan was terrific in that category. I did. I like the convenience of the plan. I will take FD over a room discount when given the option. But this next vacation, we will use my TIW card and not pay for the plan as we did last year .

[Hockey Mom KQ]

Unless you plan on eating hot dogs and potato chips, I don't know how you would dine for any less. The implication that overweight people or people who over eat use the plan is ridiculous! If you plan on attending any character dining or dinner shows, you will be spending a fortune. Also, you don't have to order everything just because it is included. Of course, each person should make the best choice for their family.

[ReneeA]

We've done the DDP 4 times now. My kids are still considered kids on the plan now, so for us, it's still worth it.

I've used all the tools and menus to add up what we would be likely to order if we were paying OOP, and it consistently comes up to about $80 a day. That's not eating a TS everyday, and not buying dessert or drinks for everyone individually. The DDP only costs us $25 more a day, we get to eat a TS meal for that price everyday, and everyone gets their own meals and don't have to share drinks, etc.

Talk to me in 2 years when DS8 is a "disney adult" and I'll probably be singing a different tune. Of course, he's already an adventurous & big eater at his age, so I often lose my adult meals to him...so it may be worth it when he's an adult. Time will tell, I guess.

[jacksmom]

We have done the DDP on our last few trips and liked it! Though, it was a lot to eat! :rotfl: But with the price increase for our Easter trip, we have decided not to do a plan this time. We are DVC members and eat breakfast in the room, and bring plenty of snacks! We also really prefer to have our larger meal at lunch for a nice break! So, for us I don't think we will spend near as much paying oop! We really don't want all those deserts anyway!:scared1: And, may not eat at a TS everyday anyway!:idea:

[TDC Nala]

No, you don'thave to order anything just because it is included. For example, you do not have to order the included desserts. But every included item you don't order knocks down the value of the plan for you, if you purchased it with a view to saving money on meals.

[Virtucomp]

This is our first time using the DDP. In the past we did not include it since the price for a family of four seemed excessive. Also when we went in June and August our interest in eating was low. Many times we would split CS meals since it was so hot and humid.

Now we are going without he kids :lovestruc so we only have to pay for two. No picky eaters to waste table service orders on. We want to have more TS meals since we will be "just the two of us".

We did the math and I agree it is a lot of money on food but we would probably go over the price if we paid OOP. I also REALLY like the idea of ordering whatever I want without first looking at the price. DW and I would definately be limiting our meal choices if we did not do the DDP. Thats jsut what we do.

[GOOFYsince71]

x

[DisneyFamily123]

I agree that vacations, especially Disney, are not the best place to save money. I'd rather save money on other things like driving my used car another year or packing my lunch instead of buying.

Maybe Disney is giving out more substantial discounts now than in the past? I agree that we don't want to let discounts determine where we stay. But I also would never pay for a deluxe resort without some major discount.

There are differences with the package discounts. For our next trip, 40% off the deluxe room only rate saves $1800 over 9 nights. But if we stayed at a value resort, the discount is only 30% off and saves only $233 because the cost is less. At the deluxe resort, if free dining were offered, that would save $768, much less than the room discount of $1800. If the buy 4 nights, get 3 free were offered, it would save $1500, still less than $1800.

On our 2009 trip, we had the free dining offer. But a discounted room rate was later offered so we changed to that offer and saved a few more hundred dollars.

[mmorrison]

We have done the DDP on our last few trips and liked it! Though, it was a lot to eat! :rotfl: But with the price increase for our Easter trip, we have decided not to do a plan this time. We are DVC members and eat breakfast in the room, and bring plenty of snacks! We also really prefer to have our larger meal at lunch for a nice break! So, for us I don't think we will spend near as much paying oop! We really don't want all those deserts anyway!:scared1: And, may not eat at a TS everyday anyway!:idea:

I do not believe that DVC members are charged the usual surcharge. We are not being charged one and we will be going during the summer. Good Luck and call DVC member services!

[Tammy296]

this is why currently we are considering a free dining only vacation. Otherwise Im not sure :rolleyes1

Disney has gone backwards on their DDP. Took away the free tip and appetizer (and the appetizer option was our fav!) plus they changed their food options greatly. John is a light eater and we would not eat the way we do if we were paying OOP anyway. And we never get dessert anwyay. If we did not DDP we would probably eat a lot of SNACKS. popcorn:: which is something we seem to enjoy the most while at Disney!!

So this time if no REAL GOOD DEAL we might just skip the DDP altogether and pay OOP.

[nansmama]

-------------------------

[LeahA]

We are going during spring break so there is an upcharge on the regular dining plan. My dh and I went through every menu of all our ADR's copy and pasted them to an Excel spreadsheet. We picked out every meal, including, appetizers (if we wanted one) main meal, drink, dessert (if we wanted one) and totaled it all up with tax and tip. The DDP would cost us 200.00 + dollars more.

We calculated in snacks, counter service, ADR's, tax and tip for 5 people.

[Mike Bartenhagen]

Unless you plan on eating hot dogs and potato chips, I don't know how you would dine for any less.

You must be buying really expensive hot dogs and chips.


We have done the dinning plan the last two trip but won't be doing it this year. I think one consideration that makes a big difference is kids that move into the adult catagory but don't eat like adults. We will be going for 8 days in October and with a family of 5 (kids 8, 11, 13) the cost for us would be about $200 a day if you include a tip each day or $1400 for the week. We will still eat when we want and eat what we want but won't feel obligated to eat three meals a day and sit down at one meal. When on the meal plan it always seemed as though we were planning our trip around meals rather than planning our meals around our trip. It's fun to go out to Chef Mickey, Ohanas, and Whispering Canyon Cafe but for us it is also just as fun to walk around DTD and grab a bite at McDonalds or go back to the room and rest a little bit and order some pizza.

[zebsterama]

we will totally be using it again. We have used it every year since 2006 and still feel that it is worth it.

1. Food is paid for up front, no need to worry about how much money to have everyday for food

2. No feeling that your food choices should be determined by the price on the menu.

3. Can order bigger/more expensive meals to share with under 3 kids.

4. No worries about price changes before you arrive. Recently Cape May increased their price b/c of crab and people were upset b/c they had not realized.

5. snack credits are great to keep daily expenses down, great for bakery item for small breakfast with refillable mug coffee, or late night snack or even a drink at the park.

More than anything I really just like knowing when I'm there that when it comes to food choices I can choose what I want without any thoughts about cost/budget etc.

Just my thoughts.

I would agree with you completely ... it must be a Canadian thing. :laughing:

Since we don't make the trip very often, we tend to splurge and pick more expensive restaurants -- and what can I say :rolleyes1 --- we eat like pigs :sad: because we're on vacation! :banana: :dance3:

We take advantage of the refillable mugs & we certainly use up all the snack credits, considering we always go in the summer & it's hot :scared:, but obviously it depends on your family. :grouphug:

We take the Deluxe Dining - it just makes sense for us - and one of the most important aspects (at least from a personal perspective) is that when I go to Disney (this sounds worse than it is) I refuse to worry/think about things too much. So point number 2 above is really important to me, at least when I'm on vacation! :cool1:

Good luck with your choice.

Cheers,
Zebsterama
:hippie:pirate:

[Belle5]

I love Disney more than the average WDWManiac!!:banana:
After 35 years of planning trips for myself,,,my family and my friends,,,
You can calculate till you drop,,,,,and it will always come out....pretty much even....This means...after you add the discounts,,subtract the costs, and step back and open your eyes,,,it pretty much all comes out the same. Just know what level you can afford.
I just chose the % off deal....It was $1 different than the "Cash Back" deal..
Don't make yourself :scared1: crazy,,,,Find the resort you can afford,,
add any plan you want as long as you will be using all the perks,,,and enjoy your vacation!!! It's gonna be expensive,,,,but hey,,,you could have chosen to go anywhere else,,,,But we don't because................WE DO DISNEY!!:love:

Couldn't disagree more.;)

[GOOFYsince71]

[QUOTE=Belle5;35158861]Couldn't disagree more.;)[/Now I know why I stopped
writing on this board a year ago...

[Belle5]

seriously?


Yep. Our family is getting ready to take our 25th trip to the world together. Disney does discount and there is a difference in our final cost using different discounts. We have saved a ton of money depending on what offer we're using. Right now I am getting a 35% off discounts off two rooms over an eight day period (that's sixteen nights for the average family of four). You bet that adds up. Last year I got the 4/3 offer plus a gift card for my mom. You just can't beat a deal like that! Discounts matter and they are not all the same.

[julirina]

I think one consideration that makes a big difference is kids that move into the adult catagory but don't eat like adults.

Again, that must be based on each individual family's situation -- I, for one, have a nearly 10yo daughter (who BTW is a stringbean) than can eat me under the table. She is sooooo excited to get the adult dining plan this time! And since my 5yo is also a big, adventurous eater, we do a lot of buffets to accomodate their more adult tastes, and they always surprise me with the choices they make. My kids are not of the nuggets-and-fries crowd.

After all that walking and riding, my family likes the opportunity to sit down together and eat a nice supper just like we do each night at home. We go during Sept for FD, but even if we had to pay for it, we'd still get the DDP so Mama wasn't sweating the meal budget. We find the DDP to be very freeing for everyone. Most valuable? Dollar for dollar, maybe not, I've not crunched the numbers -- but it gives us peace. :hippie:

[jenseib]

I agree it depends totally on each individual family. I have read many people don't want to be tied down to resevations and take time out, but for us, that is what we like. We like to take that time out and rest up and eat a good meal. We go in knowing that we are NOT going to be able to do it all, and just try to make the most of it. And for us, eating like pigs on vacation is part of the fun. LOL!
I must admit my DH complains the whole trip how full he is, yet at each buffet we go to, he doesn't slow down. I told him just becuase it is all you can eat, doesn,t mean you have too! LOL!

[happymomof1]

We have been to WDW 6 times and used the dinig plan 4 years ago when appetizer/tip wasincluded. We decided to do it again this year(may) because 1.-I was able to get ADR's at amazing places like Le Cellier/Coral Reef etc 2. DS is turning 7 and eats great, will want his own meal, not just to share mine all the time.
3. I see WDW food prices have gone up. Even Buffets like Boma are now $35
4.No, at home we do not normally each get our own dessert, but it's a vacation! And we're definately walking off the extra calories.
5. It's good to "have to " take a break for a healthy sit down meal once a day. We like to go-go-go, and without a scheduled break, mid week, we're likely to come down with exhaustion. Especially DS, he doesn't always want to take extra time to even ask for a snack most of the the day while busy riding rides, but if he doesn't get enought to eat, watch out-here come the crabzillas! (me too)

So, does it save a TON of money, no. Ut yes, some and it "makes you" eat enough while doing disney. Disney can take a lot out of you without proper nutrition and rest!

[happymomof1]

Again, that must be based on each individual family's situation -- I, for one, have a nearly 10yo daughter (who BTW is a stringbean) than can eat me under the table. She is sooooo excited to get the adult dining plan this time! And since my 5yo is also a big, adventurous eater, we do a lot of buffets to accomodate their more adult tastes, and they always surprise me with the choices they make. My kids are not of the nuggets-and-fries crowd.

After all that walking and riding, my family likes the opportunity to sit down together and eat a nice supper just like we do each night at home. We go during Sept for FD, but even if we had to pay for it, we'd still get the DDP so Mama wasn't sweating the meal budget. We find the DDP to be very freeing for everyone. Most valuable? Dollar for dollar, maybe not, I've not crunched the numbers -- but it gives us peace. :hippie:


I see our families are a lot alike!:yay: I'm proud to have a 6year old who loves crab, California rolls, Lamb and hummus (no, not at the same time):)

[MissBritt]

We did DXDDP for 3 nights in December and saved $104.10, and are doing QSDP for 1 night this weekend and may save about $15. However, with the increases in price and exclusions, I don't plan to add the dining plan to any future reservations.

[jenseib]

We did DXDDP for 3 nights in December and saved $104.10, and are doing QSDP for 1 night this weekend and may save about $15. However, with the increases in price and exclusions, I don't plan to add the dining plan to any future reservations.

How can you do it for 1 night? I thought you had to have a minimum of 3 nights to get any of the dining plans.

[hbehrman]

We did it the last year it included appetizer and tip and that was a deal. The next year we did it when it was they said you had to pay tip and it was alright. The next year was no appetizer and you pay the tip. Right now with our kids being young it is not worth as they do not eat as much.

We may try it when they are teenagers, can serve themselves and can eat one out of house and home. The it may be worth it.

:rotfl:

[TDC Nala]

How can you do it for 1 night? I thought you had to have a minimum of 3 nights to get any of the dining plans.

The 3 night minimum is for the free dining promotion. If you're paying for the dining plan, you can have it for one night.

I did QSDP for one night once, pretty much just to get the mug on a split stay, and saved about $25. However, that's based on what I would have spent if I'd ordered everything I was entitled to on the plan. Had I not been on the plan, I would not have ordered desserts with the CS meals, and would have gotten a cup of water as a beverage. Nor would I have eaten the 2 snacks (both went for candy) and I wouldn't have purchased the mug at all.

[jenseib]

Good to know. Thanks!

[Jen12573]

We just returned on Saturday, 1/23 and did the DDP for 8 days. Overall we saved $87 by being on the DDP. I like not having to think about what we're paying for meals while were in WDW, and it was really the snacked - when used properly - that put us over the top. So, all in all it was quite worth it for us, we will definitely do it again!

[aubeone]

Our last couple of trips we traveled with other families who were also on the plan. I am not sure we saved money, but it sure was nice to simply split the cost of tip and move on. No worries about who ordered more etc.

My wife and I will bring our teenage daughter and her 2 friends in August. We are covering hotel and flight, but the girls are paying for food and park tickets. The DDP will make things much easier.

[kehlyrsmom]

We have always gone to WDW during the free dining since we have been taking our kids. We always stay at a value resort and the offers that we have gotten the free dining even paying rack rates for the room has always worked out for us to be the better deal. Even though you have to pay tips now it is great to be able to do the character meals. We would never be able to eat at the restaurants that we do without it.

I have been looking into a trip for just my husband and myself for our anniversary this May and if we do actually get to go I will probably just get the QS meal plan for the two of us. I like the ideal of knowing our meals are paid for and if we do get to go just the two of us it will be just for a long weekend so I really don't want any strict schdules to go by as far as dining reservations.

[Petraman]

If you are willing to make your dining planning an integral part of your trip (making TS reservations in best places to maximize value, etc), and if you really put some effort into planning to take advantage of the program, then you can truly save money.

The problem arises if you don't do the planning. We have done the Basic DDP 3 times now. The first time our 2 dd's were on kids menu and the appetizer and tip were included. We saved a TON! I ate the best steaks, seafood etc available. 2nd trip one dd was now adult menu and not tip or appetizer. We still worked hard, booked amazing restaurants, and ate the best they offered and saved as well. The last time, both kids were on adult menu, and this time around, my dw and girls tended to order light.... salads, no dessert, etc., and we ended up with 2 qs and 4 snacks unused simply because they didn't feel like eating like there would be no food tomorrow :). On the 3rd trip we almost broke even, but not quite.

So, IMO DDP used to be a nobrainer, but now you really do need to plan your meals and take full advantage to have the real $$ value. I will say even the 3rd year, we still weren't disappointed we used it simply because the convenience of not menu watching .... it was all taken care of upfront, and that is nice in itself, especiall on your dream vactation.

We weren't going to do DDP in March, but now we ended up booking 3 TS reataurants that we haven't done and wanted premium seating for Illuminations and Fantasmic, so once again, we will be getting basic. I am confident we will get our money's worth again :)

[deerhart]

it really does depend. My two kids will eat dessert at EVERY meal, and in fact would fight over mine (since I am not a big dessert eater all the time), but then I woudl also order soup first before my meal.

We never thought it was too much food and our average ts ticket for 4 was $100.00 and the average qs was over $40 a day, then snacks on top of that (avg $10-$12). We saved about $50-$60/day buy purchasing the dining plan. Part of our vacation is dining!

Splitting meals doesn't work for our family. Neither DH and I could take eating at QS the entire trip. We did pay several TS meals out of pocket last year and we still spent the same or DDP meals. Once I paid for 2 adult entrees, 2 kids meals, and 2 desserts (for the kids), plus 4 drinks.

Also, many people talk about taking breaks and going back to their resort in the middle of the day. My family doesn't do that. Our break is our sit down meal. So some take a 3-4 hour break in the afternoon, we take a 2-3 hour break for dinner.

I really can't complain when the cost of a kids dinner at O'hanas is $13.99 per kid and you've only paid $11.99 for all their food that day! Plus I love not having to look at prices, eating what I want versus considering cost when I order.

This year our savings won't be as great because the oldest is at adult pricing. But it also means no more fighting over MY dessert (since we will get three now), which is worth its weight in gold LOL

[sowhat598]

I felt like the dining plan was worth it for my family. We were able to do alot of character meals that we would not have been able to afford otherwise. And it is nice to be able to try new things on the menu without having to worry about what the bill is going to be when it comes. It would be nice if the tip was still included though.

[julirina]

I really can't complain when the cost of a kids dinner at O'hanas is $13.99 per kid and you've only paid $11.99 for all their food that day!

Great observation...!

[msce2]

My 2cents. We did the DDP in May and saved a bundle. We had 2 adults, 2 children and a 2yo who was free. I had planned 5 TS meals and we had already surpassed the cost of the DDP. Basically the kids ate CS and snacks for free.

We are already planning for 2012 and my DH said there's only 1 thing he wanted and that was the DDP. :rotfl2: Well I thought for sure it wouldn't work for us since my oldest DS is now 10 and we'd have to pay for our now 3 year old. But I priced it out and we would still save. DS10 (lineman on his varsity football team) is so excited he will be on the adult plan and get to order a variety of foods. (He ate and liked calamari at 2). And DS3 is following in his footsteps.

It totally depends on your personal preferences and what you enjoy on your vacation. Price it out and if it saves you money....:thumbsup2. If not, pay OOP, TIW or however else. :goodvibes

[PrincessAurora]

I have used Disney dining on every trip since 2001. This year it is not worth it. I do a cost analysis on each trip. I plan where I plan to eat, check out the most up to date menus, select what I would choose on dining vs. ala carte then add in that isn't included on dining (tips, booze, extra non-covered meals since I like Signature dining for dinner a great deal).

I also would not get a chocolate cake or use snack credits but feel obligated since I paid for them upfront and don't want to waste. I don't drink soda, I rarely eat processed food or junk food (chips, hot dogs, etc).

This year it was $150 cheaper to just keep to a budget and eat out of pocket.

My ideal plan would put tip back in and give you the option of appetizer, soup, salad or dessert with your main. I don't want a main and dessert. Many times I would like a soup or salad instead of a sweet but don't have the option to get that.

[rubato]

We didn't do the dining plan the first two times we went to Disney. We did use it this time.

NEVER AGAIN!!!!

What a waste! I brought home 20 of our 21 snacks and all of the desserts that could travel. The ones that couldn't got eaten for breakfast or thrown away. I felt way too full most of the time. We don't do soda or bottled water, so we couldn't use our snack credits for those things. And, dessert for lunch is just foreign to me.

Plus, we spent about $350 on tips when all was said and done. Divided out over the 7 days, that's another $50 a day added to the cost of the dining plan.

Next time, hubby and I will split a CS meal for lunch. We won't get a dessert and only get a glass of water (because this is how we eat at home). We will have a TS dinner with an appetizer but no dessert. We may just get an appetizer and no entree even. Again, glass of ice water. I will probably save $300-$400 over the course of my week.

[mom2wyattnaaron]

we us ethe meal plan for the first time in Jan and loved it we are going again in Sept and wouldnt go back without it

[Smiling Cheshire Cat]

Sadly I have to agree with you OP. DH and I may buy deluxe when we take our 20th anniversary trip next year since we want to eat at a lot of signature restaurants, but I don't see us buying the regular DDP for our family trips anymore. We really enjoyed the convienence and experimentation of it all but I always feel guilty for eating more than I really want and it was only saving us $50-$100 before the price increase.

[WDWjen]

and sat down and looked at what we ate and what we spent. We saved $75.00 by doing the DDP. So if saving money is the ultimate goal, then the DDP could be a good thing.

However, as previous posters have said, the dining plan as it stands now doesnt give you much freedom at all. If dining freedom while on vacation is your goal then dont do the DDP and just pay OOP.

For example. Now that so many people choose the DDP it is almost impossible to get a walk up table, you have to have a reservation. So that means choosing where you want to eat weeks or months in advance. We booked our ADRs in Oct. Now while we were there last week it was not crowded at ALL and some restaurants alllowed walk ups but that would never happen at a busy time! One day we were in the MK and didnt want to leave to get to Epcot for our Le Cellier and we couldnt switch so we had to cancel :( we wound up getting Nine Dragons, which was good but it wasnt what we really wanted.

Also - ALL the meals include a soda and a dessert. I would choose an appetizer anytime over a dessert. I wound up choosing a cookie that I could take with me.. and shared it w/my kids but if I were paying OOP I wouldnt have bought a dessert. So no freedom to choose there!! And my kids got an app, meal and dessert! They wouldnt eat that much at home!

The credits must be tracked - you dont want to wind up with 2 days remaining and no credits left, so I found we were stingy with credits in the first half of the trip and more than generous at the end! (we used leftover snack credits for the plane ride home)

SO if I could do it again I would budget the same amount for the week and pay OOP and just charge everything to my room. This way you can keep track of what you are spending...

Hope this helps. Wish I knew all this before I left

[MissBritt]

I take back part of my previous post- we saved $65 by using the QSDP for a one night trip, 3 adults.

[Dixiemom]

It's going to be worth it for our family. I originally had us booked with the DxDDP, but I didn't like the fact that you had to use those 3 meals that day or lose those credits. Since we really aren't big breakfst eaters I switched us to the DDP since we'll just grab something quick in out room for breakfast. Changing saved us $420, which more than covers our hotel on the way to Orlando and back. I also like that those credits DO roll over, it goes by credits not days. Just made sense and we will still be able to do CRT without paying OOP.

[MissBritt]

It's going to be worth it for our family. I originally had us booked with the DxDDP, but I didn't like the fact that you had to use those 3 mealas that day or lose those credits. Since we really aren't big breakfst eaters I switched us to the DDP since we'll just grab something quick in out room for breakfast. Changing saved us $420, which more than covers our hotel on the way to Orlando and back. I also like that those credits DO roll over, it goes by credits not days. Just made sense and we will still be able to do CRT without paying OOP.

Your credits don't expire at the end of the day, they expire at midnight on the day you depart. No plan has credits that expire before then.

[MissBritt]

Your credits don't expire at the end of the day, they expire at midnight on the day you depart. No plan has credits that expire before then.

And I know this because DH and I did DXDDP in December for a 4 day/3 night trip.

[fairestoneofall]

we love the dining plan, if for no other reason than we don't have to worry about it while we're there. that being said, we are skipping it on our next trip. i am running the half-marathon next january and we will have four park days. we have one-day passes left over from a previous visit (from a split-stay) and will upgrade those. it is going to save me $750 to do this. i can't imagine we'll spend $750 on food in five days. so, we're skipping it and going to pay OOP. we won't do as many table service options as we normally would. but, the money saved is worth it.

[Trinity524]

For us, it's definetely worth it. It's just my hubby, my 2 year old and myself this year :cheer2:. We are never a family who gets PIN (bitter party of one, much?) so the free dining is the best deal we can get. The room is 82 dollars a night for a value resort, so the free dining basically pays for the cost of the room. I wish is that you could add a dining plan and stay off site, or have a plan that's 2 CS and 1 TS. As for the tipping part that people don't like, We choose the CRT or MBB to count them out for at least one time per stay. We typically use the snack credit as Breakfast with our mugs, the CS for lunch and dinner it's the TS.

Hope this helps!

[wildcatfan]

I certainly think if you are getting free dining it is worth it. We have gotten dining the last 5 years and have loved every minute of it. However, this year we are going to try and pass on the dining plan. We are now a family of 4 adults (DD11, DS18) and the cost has gotten a little over budget, especially with the add on of the "hoilday season". I tried to run figures and got around $1500 with tip for a 7 day trip. Now I realize that we will not eat as nice as before but I feel we will still be full and not go hungry. I still think with a small family or children it is well worth the price, however if you are not planning desserts every meal then perhaps you should refigure. I will say the best part of the plan for me was not having to worry about paying for the meal oop. I loved the fact that it was already paid for when I arrived.

[Dixiemom]

Your credits don't expire at the end of the day, they expire at midnight on the day you depart. No plan has credits that expire before then.

Then someone should explain that to the 2 different dining agents I spoke with :confused3 Just checked again, and apparently the agents I spoke with had not had enough coffee when I spoke with them.

[MissBritt]

Then someone should explain that to the 2 different dining agents I spoke with :confused3 Just checked again, and apparently the agents I spoke with had not had enough coffee when I spoke with them.

I get how frustrating that can be. When we planned our December trip I got a lot of bad info from CMs, too. The DXDDP is great, and if you think you will order apps, want lots of table-service, or pay out of pocket for extra meals after the DDP credits, it's a great way to go.

[sue and co]

It just so much depends on your family. For us if free it is ok but otherwise it is no way a good deal. Given our style and pattern of eating it is not worth the cost so we are far better off paying as we go, however I know for some people the maths is different so the only answer is to sit down and work out your families rough meals using the menus and then see how it works for you.

[jenseib]

It's going to be worth it for our family. I originally had us booked with the DxDDP, but I didn't like the fact that you had to use those 3 meals that day or lose those credits. Since we really aren't big breakfst eaters I switched us to the DDP since we'll just grab something quick in out room for breakfast. Changing saved us $420, which more than covers our hotel on the way to Orlando and back. I also like that those credits DO roll over, it goes by credits not days. Just made sense and we will still be able to do CRT without paying OOP.

I've never heard that either. As far as I know all credits roll over and will expire at midnight the day you checked out. Are you talking to TA's or to CM's. I had a TA once tell me that you got a days worht of meals per amount of park days you had on your ticket. So if I stayed 3 nights but had 5 day tickets, I got 5 days worth of food. Once I found out how wrong she was (this was the first time we were going using the plan) I quickly found another agent to work with.

[Belle5]

I also like that those credits DO roll over, it goes by credits not days.


This is incorrect information. Your credits may roll over--but will expire at midnight the day you check-out.

[jenseib]

This is incorrect information. Your credits may roll over--but will expire at midnight the day you check-out.

I think that is what she meant. Just didn't word it properly.

[Ka' eo]

I have gone without kids and it was worth it. Adult leisurely time at meals, really was a major focus of the trip. It has not been worth it for our kids. We much prefer the room discount. We are lucky we have $700 Disney accrued for our trip. That will cover most everything for us!

I have to say, I felt full and bloated all the time eating all that food. I also did not like having to be somewhere every night. The spontaneity is lost.

We will be there 8 days and nights. We are probably going to eat TS 3 or 4 times. We'll fill in with CS meals, and a few snacks and water that we'll bring (or get).

I have cooked many times on my vacations. I DO NOT want to do that.

We also would have had to buy unneeded 1 day tix to get the dining plan. That really made it not affordable. Next time we go, we'll need tix, our kids will be over 10 and perhaps it might make sense.

[TDC Nala]

All dining plans, including the deluxe, go by the rule that you receive all of your credits as soon as you check in, and you have until midnight after you check out to use all of them. There is no requirement that you must use 3 deluxe dining credits per specific day of your stay.

Probably what was meant is that you receive 3 credits per person per night, and if you don't use them all during your trip, then you don't get refunds - they're just gone.

[stogs2]

We are all booked for another great trip in June. As we always have, we booked the meal plan. After thinking about it and looking at menus/prices, we realized that it is not the great deal it once was.
We will end up paying less for our food if we just pay out of pocket. We would never buy a chocolate cake at every lunch, we never use up all those snacks.

When the plan first came out it was great. As they have increased prices and removed things, it is simply not worth it. Does anyone else feel this way or am I just crazy? HaHa :confused3

We definitely feel it is not worth it anymore. We did the plan the first year it came out when it included appetizer/entree/dessert/drink and gratuity. Now that it does not include appetizer or gratuity it's not worth it. There are also a lot more "Signature" options than there used to be. Cinderella's Royal Table used to only take one credit.

[TDC Nala]

We definitely feel it is not worth it anymore. We did the plan the first year it came out when it included appetizer/entree/dessert/drink and gratuity. Now that it does not include appetizer or gratuity it's not worth it. There are also a lot more "Signature" options than there used to be. Cinderella's Royal Table used to only take one credit.

and Le Cellier and Coral Reef used to be two.

[honeydiane1953]

I do not want the Plan. Making the dadgum ressies then hurrying to prob another park or resort to make it. Not a vacation to me. My daughter and I will eat at Earl of Sandwich, and a couple of nice places but this hurry up and wait is w o r k

[cjsm&d]

We are all booked for another great trip in June. As we always have, we booked the meal plan. After thinking about it and looking at menus/prices, we realized that it is not the great deal it once was.
We will end up paying less for our food if we just pay out of pocket. We would never buy a chocolate cake at every lunch, we never use up all those snacks.

When the plan first came out it was great. As they have increased prices and removed things, it is simply not worth it. Does anyone else feel this way or am I just crazy? HaHa :confused3

I agree. I actually sat down and figured out what we paid for package vs what we would have paid on our own for our week. Saved $210 on what the meals would have cost us out of pocket. However! If we take away the $5+ deserts at all those meals (we don't do desert at most meals), the savings was negligible. Plus, I feel like we spend too much time focused on meals and ADR's and whatnot.

Also, our son is 9 and gets extremely bored with the same kids menu at almost every restaurant. You can only eat som much mac n cheese, and chicken fingers....

We are skipping the dining plan this year. I'll post back to see if my figures are correct. :lmao:

[goofy4tink]

Here are the costs for 3 adults..our various choices, based on the ADRs we have already made for our 8 day trip this summer (I haven't heard that DVC gets to pay less, so I'm figuring on the upped price)...
Cost of DDP for all three (dh, myself, and 16 y/o dd).....$1152, add to that 18% tip for TS meals..you have $1274. Then add the $100 I will be paying for two oop meals....$1374.
Okay...
OOP plan, with TiW card (which will be bought just prior to this trip and then used for the next year).....
TS costs...$783
C/S costs...$288
snacks...$120..for a total of $1191. Add the $75 for TiW card...$1266

So, it's $1374 for the DDP vs $1266 OOP with TiW, a difference of $108. No tips are included in the oop costs because they are offset by the 20% TiW discount.
It's almost a wash....It will most likely be even a greater difference simply because we don't usually do snacks during the day..but I put in a snack for each of us, every day, so the comparisons would be correct. But, in all reality, the snack costs will more likely be about $50 not $120!

Yes, I liked it when the DDP was all inclusive..tip, appetizer, entree, dessert, beverage. And it was a lot cheaper then. I don't use it nearly as much when traveling with the family now..it just isn't worth it for all three of us..dd just doesn't eat enough to offset her cost. The TiW card works better for us, in most cases.

[Tammy296]

We're on the fence right now.

Last 2 years we have gone with the Full Service MP. It has always seemed beneficial. In 2007, it was a GREAT deal and well worth the money spent as appetizers were included as well as desserts, drink and your meal. In our 2009 trip, a lot got cut out and we had to pay tips. If we had not had the gift card from the 4/3 deal to use we probably would not have made out good. This year, there is no real spectacular spring deal going. The current deal isn't that great compared to years past. And a lot more has been cut as far as what's "included" Goofy's treats are no longer included like they were last year (March 2009) So I'm not sure we'll go with it this trip. I'm considering for us to pay OOP. We'd never eat a dessert at every meal normally and John would be happy with hot dogs and hamburgers (like he is at home). I'm really the only one who likes to eat "well portioned meals" (my size would never tell you that though :laughing: ) In any event, I'm going downhill on my thoughts with the Disney DDP.

Question is: How much should we set aside for $ to pay OOP for dining? I'll be figuring that up soon!!


Tammy

[Danislee]

My parents have been coming to Disney for a long time, and when we kids came along (4 of us) they continued to come. During the first year of the dining plan when appetizer and tip were included it was absolutely a homerun for all of us. Mom and Dad aren't sure about the current Dining Plan. Had it been around when we were kids, they probably wouldn't have done it, I was the only big eater, although a turkey leg was plenty. We never ate TS meals except if we went to the HDDR for a special occasion. So, they also feel very tied down just for a meal.

Now, my husband and I like the dining plan, but both times we've lucked out with free dining. I like food, and I can eat quite a lot, but I would never order a dessert at TS or QS if I were paying out of pocket, and I would probably go to one TS type meal per trip and stick to QS.

[Earlylite16]

We went to WDW 4 years ago when my older daughter was 8 and though my husband was on the fence to start....by the end of the trip we more than got our money's worth and ate very well......we do not go on vacations every year (though the next 3+ years I will be attending a doctoral program in FL so it's more likely) and I hate to worry about counting pennies and not being able to order what I want due to cost.

Since then our family has grown with the addition of another daughter who will be 3 in June...I planned the trip before she was 3 because she eats like a bird....her sister will be considered an adult but, at $126/day for the four of us to eat is very reasonable. We are planning to do Cindrella's Castle and will also do the Rain Forest Cafe so we'll have to pay out of pocket and use 2 TS for the other but, all in all...it should work out well.:cutie:

[fireman1]

We've did it both ways in the last two years, with and without. For us, it's much easier using it. For example, I look at things on the menu for myself that I normally wouldn't look at because of price. With it, I don't have to worry about the price and can just relax. It is a vacation after all.
Yes, I know in the end the price may not be much of a difference, but by paying up front you don't worry about the little things, like menu item prices.
I guess the ones who don't like the DP will continue not liking it, and the ones that do like it, will continue to do so.

[Cinderella3]

I think that the dining plan is worth it, it was alot easier when everything was in the packet but nevertheless, I feel it is worth the money.
We always try to do a character meal for ts, so it saves from having to stand in line to get those characters to sign the autograph books.
:wizard:

[aussietravellers]

We did the dining plan last trip and loved it. I really want to do it again, but DS is 10 now and he still likes the kids menu so it will just not be worth it for us this trip :sad1:

We are big TS eaters, not big eaters just enjoy TS meals, we like to take the time to have a break, sit down and relax. Sometimes we may just have an appertizer, not an entree say for lunch or even dinner, but still like to sit down at TS and we are not really big dessert eaters. Last time we had the DDP and found that we had to pay for an extra TS meal each day as we usually ended up having two TS and a QS daily and sometimes one of those TS meals was a Signature, so we didn't have anywhere near enough TS credits. So if we were to do it again it would be the DxDDP. But again with DS being 10 he will not eat over $70 a day!

So whilst I love the idea of the plan, it just doesn't suit us this trip and we are going for 21 nights, so we are going to do OOP with TIW and we will actually save much more than getting the DxDDP.

[Cinderella3]

can you tell me what TIW is

[aussietravellers]

TIW is Tables In Wonderland.


Here is some info
http://www.wdwinfo.com/disneydiningexperience.htm

[jacksmom]

I do not believe that DVC members are charged the usual surcharge. We are not being charged one and we will be going during the summer. Good Luck and call DVC member services!

Thanks!:woohoo:

[bluenosemickey]

I've done the DDP when it was much better back in 06 and all of our kids were considered kids. Once our oldest turned 10 and they removed the tip, it made the decision really difficult. We still used it but found that we didn't really save any money. We just ate more!

So we went without DDP and found that to be great. We had only 3 adrs and ate when and where we wanted with some of the better CS locations. I found that a lot of the time, at least one meal was shared and supplemented with a snack or dessert instead of ordering a full meal. I still worried about what we spent, but that's worth the sacrifice for the freedom of eating what and where you want for CS.

Then they introduced the new QSDP, I found that it can be a good value to us and just add in the TS that we would like. Our kid have done DDP many times and therefore don't need to see those characters as much anymore. We are not that into TS dining at this stage of our family lives. Someday....:worship: but just not now. For now, it's about the rest of disney and the food is a very small part of the experience. I know some don't feel the same, so it's an individual thing.

The best compromise I have found so far is to do split stays with DP of some kind for the first part and to stretch the credits over the last day of the plan (departure day of first resort). Therefore getting an extra day out of it to increase the value to us. We are AP holders and DVC so we don't have to worry about the ticket issues. So we get to do some TS dining, and then save some money at the end of the trip with OOP dining and enjoy the freedom of no adrs. On QSDP we get to buy up a lot of snacks on the last day to last us for a few more days (like cakes and pastries) out of our room fridge. And at the front end, we buy the stuff that needs to be eaten right away like icecream and dole whips:love:. Once I get my fix I'm usually good for the rest of the trip.

So as you can see, we have tried it many different ways. There is no perfect answer at least for us. We just mix it up from trip to trip. Next year my second kid turns 10 and so I suspect that will spell the end of the DDPs of any sort. There's no way our family of 5 would need to spend that much on food every day. Some days, yes, but most days, no.

Sorry for the long post:scared1:

[2Tiggies]

We still used it but found that we didn't really save any money. We just ate more!:

This is exactly what you need to decide to see whether it will work for you. As soon a you are working to make it work, you can take that as a confirmation that the DDP is not right for you. Ideally, all factors need to be weighed up for each trip as families change as do our habits and needs on a coninuous basis. What works great in one year may be completely unsuitable in the next.

For now, it's about the rest of disney and the food is a very small part of the experience. I know some don't feel the same, so it's an individual thing.

I feel the same. It is a season. I am making the most of it so I dont' miss out. In the years to come, I am sure DD and I will enjoy many wonderful restaurants together. :)

[nooneshome]

It is only worth it if it is "free". It is just too much food and you end of planning for your meals instead of the attractions.

[hotcarib]

while I too miss the appetizer and gratuity (esp. the gratuity!) we still buy the DDP.
The reason(s)?
I am so darned cheap that if we don't have DDP I go hungry ` seriously!
I can't help myself, when we pay OOP I run a constant tally in my head that makes dining less than enjoyable. Makes it hard for DH because he's in the position of constantly exhorting me to eat.
DDP lets me eat without worrying about money.
Yes, I know it's a psych, but for us it works.

[Heidijs]

We just got back, we had the regular plan with the TS meal...I liked it because I didn't have to worry about a budget on food...just spending money...we could order whatever we wanted and I didn't have to say, order something cheaper! :rolleyes:It totally took the stress of a budget away with the dining plan...now granted...my DD4 hardly ate ANYTHING...so a lot of her meals went to waste...she could have easily aten off my plate at QS meals and we both would have been stuffed...

And why don't kids get a dessert? Only the adults did??? Not like we ate them, we were too full...so she got ours...or they went to the room with us...

I remember someone saying you had to pay tax...we never did...one thing that I didn't like was QS meals you never got a copy of the reciept showing what you paid...just all zeros...and sometimes our TS meals just required a signature...no total...so I never got to keep tabs on what we actually spent on our dining plan...I would have liked to have known but the few I did figure up, I know it paid for itself...

I didn't care for the desserts at the QS meals...blech! Like containers of lard...we usually took a couple bites and tossed them...

[rosiep]

Just back from a trip using the DDxP for the first time. I spent more on the dining plan than I would have OOP but I honsetly loved not looking at prices and utilizing room service several times. We never worried about getting the most for our dollar; it was more about the ease and convienience.
My daughter (23) and I enjoyed trying signature restaurants and character meals as well as eating breakfast in our room and several late night meals. We used every last credit before leaving.

[Cinderella3]

Thanks for the information aussietravellers

[seadd67]

we are going for 10 days and we signed on for the DxDP for the frist time. This will be the frist time we have done the Dinning plan and In fact we are doing the DxDP. Now in years past It was strictly OOP and what we usually do Is eat two TS a day,and thats what Ideally of course I wich Disney offered:goodvibes.
Cost wise I think we will save a little(compare to are normal OOP expense) if not break even. We normaly do not eat two meals a day,although we will on this trip(so eating the three meals and two snacks we will save a ton!!:cool1:).We love the sit down and take your time and eat meals, and even for three meals a day Its time well spent together(me and my 16yo DS). The Dinning plan gives us the freedom to look at a menue and eat what we want compare at looking at a price frist. To try the desserts:cool1: that normaly we would never be able to afford.To try places we would normaly just pass by knowing(like hoop de doo) we could not afford It. Yes we could nickel and dime It(and have done before) and save money but at Disney and for us! Its something that we feel Is worth It to us.
I have read alot of post really for It and reall against It, and (IMOP) It really depends on you and your Familys wants and needs and what you can afford. Its not weather you like It or not,weather Its that Disney feel,or you feel forced by someone elses posts here.Your not going to go wrong regardless the food at disney Is so wonderfull regard less of TS or QS!. Have fun planing:cool1:

[Brer Shay]

For us it seems that if you have kids under 10, it's a decent deal, otherwise, not so much. That goes for the DDP and the QSDP. Definitely not what it once was though without the appy and tip. I do like that it makes budgeting super easy though.

[jenseib]

We just got back, we had the regular plan with the TS meal...I liked it because I didn't have to worry about a budget on food...just spending money...we could order whatever we wanted and I didn't have to say, order something cheaper! :rolleyes:It totally took the stress of a budget away with the dining plan...now granted...my DD4 hardly ate ANYTHING...so a lot of her meals went to waste...she could have easily aten off my plate at QS meals and we both would have been stuffed...

And why don't kids get a dessert? Only the adults did??? Not like we ate them, we were too full...so she got ours...or they went to the room with us...

I remember someone saying you had to pay tax...we never did...one thing that I didn't like was QS meals you never got a copy of the reciept showing what you paid...just all zeros...and sometimes our TS meals just required a signature...no total...so I never got to keep tabs on what we actually spent on our dining plan...I would have liked to have known but the few I did figure up, I know it paid for itself...

I didn't care for the desserts at the QS meals...blech! Like containers of lard...we usually took a couple bites and tossed them...


Deserts are included wit hthe kids as well. The yhave to order off the kids menu though. Some just come with a standaerd dessert like a cookie or something though.

And tax is included with the plan, just not tips.

[persimmondeb]

No question, it's not as good a deal as it was in '07, but it's still a pretty darn good deal for us. We don't mind being tied to ressies (and like the structure they give to the vacation) and definitely LOVE being able to get whatever we want, whenever we want it, without worrying about what it costs. Of course we wouldn't get all that if we actually had to pay for it OOP, but that doesn't mean that we don't want it, and wouldn't cheerfully eat it. And we LOVE Disney food! Last trip we stayed off-property and didn't have the plan and it was painful to have to stick to a budget and not just go "Ooh, I want one of those!"

Now, we're big eaters who enjoy spending time in restaurants, and we're feeding a teenage boy/human garbage disposal, so it probably works better for us than it does for many people.

[catne]

Deserts are included wit hthe kids as well. The yhave to order off the kids menu though. Some just come with a standaerd dessert like a cookie or something though.

And tax is included with the plan, just not tips.


seems like most reviews I've read, at the TS restaurants kids' dessert is usually the ice cream with the sprinkles. Maybe the poster was talking about the kids meals at CS that have fruit as the dessert (you have to ask for the cookie instead is what I've read.)

[DCDisney]

I think the DDP is still a pretty good value if you have a few kid aged kids but once our kids got to be 10 and up it really wasn't a good value unless you maiximize your TS meal each day and eat at places like Coral Reef and Le Cellier for dinner. We have found that we like doing a mixture of TS B,L, and D and my tween kids love some of the cheaper places like 50"s Prime Time, Whispering Canyon, Beaches and Cream, and Sci Fi. No way to even come close to making your DDP money back at those places or character breaskfasts. We had it free last year from a pin in late fall and basically broke even on the price it would have cost but got lots of stuff we didn't want and need. This year I'm saving so much more with a large room discount, GAD ticket discount saving $80 per person basically, and feeling free to eat our TS meal whenever and wherever ;) The only thing my kids missed was the idea of the snack credits so I'm buying each kid one of those wrist gift cards from the Food and Wine Fest and they can get anything they want for snacks even the make your own stuff at Goofy's....

[humboldthny]

I was wavering this trip...When we first started using the DDP apps and tip were still included and it was a fantastic deal. Like another pp, I added up what I thought we might eat and we came out a little bit ahead only because we have so many character meals/buffets booked for our dd (6). If it hadn't been for those I think I would drop it.

I do wish they would let you choose between having an app or having dessert at TS...I'm not a huge sweets person and almost always I would much rather have the option of an appetizer of that of dessert...

My guess is that once dd grows out of the character meals we'll be done with the DDP.

[angelmav]

In a similar situation, really on the fence about the DDP. Totaled everything up based on what we would get based on where we have booked and the plan for 7 saves about 200 bucks, but we could shift a couple of meals around and save about 800 bucks over the plan cost while still having a daily TS. Tough call, especially with all the kids over 10yrs. Most of that savings over 8 days is the CS desserts, which we dont always want. Used to be a no brainer, now I know I will regret whatever decision we make! Frustrating!

[dd50]

In a similar situation, really on the fence about the DDP. Totaled everything up based on what we would get based on where we have booked and the plan for 7 saves about 200 bucks, but we could shift a couple of meals around and save about 800 bucks over the plan cost while still having a daily TS. Tough call, especially with all the kids over 10yrs. Most of that savings over 8 days is the CS desserts, which we dont always want. Used to be a no brainer, now I know I will regret whatever decision we make! Frustrating!

If you can save $800 with out the plan then that should be your answer, no?

[angelmav]

If you can save $800 with out the plan then that should be your answer, no?

Yes and no. Its not apples v apples as we would drop a couple of expensive dinners in favor of bfast/lunch on a couple of days. Plus losing the convenience factor as well as reintroducing the price argument at meals.

In order to get savings with the plan we booked the places that give the most bang for the buck (and that we would cringe at paying oop), potentially we could do better with the plan on THOSE places, buuuut, we could eat TS and have as many meals for less. Way less. Could still save some money by sticking to the original plan though. Just gives me a headache!

Probably wouldnt even be hedging had they not nickel and dimed the seasonal upcharge on the plan (and buffets) the day our trip starts. Made me rethink everything top down.

[dawnmommy]

We are preparing for our first trip, and for our family the DDP isn't worth it. I can see that it might be for lots of families, but it doesn't fit with the way we eat.

We aren't big dessert people, and we do really enjoy appetizers. We also split a fair amount of meals, as we just don't eat giant portions. (my kids do better eating a number of smaller meals per day).

We are doing 1-2 character meals, but I can see that if you are doing a lot of them, it would be worth it.

If we could chose between dessert or an appetizer it might be worth it for us, otherwise it isn't

DH wanted it because it sounded "convenient", but once he learned you can charge all meals to your room key anyway (all purchases, really), then he was cool with it.

We don't feel the need to pay in advance for any particular "budgeting" reason. We'll have the money whenever we go, all the same to me, so we'll just pay at check out (or more frequently if we hit some Disney-limit? if there is such a thing?)

[Minnie0621]

I am having some of the same issues...I have ds 11, ds 8 & dd 5(turning 6 while we are there)....not sure if I should get ddp or not...this is what we have on our schedule so far

Sat -April 3...DTD - not sure where to eat..I've seen lists of rest. that participate but still not sure -ANY SUGGESTIONS
Sun- adr at Akershus
Mon- adr at Tusker House
Tue - we will be off-site (so will have to make up these)
Wed - adr at CRT (2 credits)
Thur - water park.....no adr...and can't get any for the places we want to go (Chef Mickey's) -ANY SUGGESTIONS
Fri - Primetime 50's..

So....bottome line, I have to be choosy on where I book because ds 11 needs to be able to order SOMETHING off the adult menu...not always easy-and..are the places we already have booked worth the amount of money for ddp???? really struggling. DH up for either way..

What does everyone think?:confused3

[disneymeces]

I agree with dawnedwards, it is worth it for us, family of 6! Even though we have 2 kids 3yrs and under, sometimes we can split a meal, and use the extra meal for breakfast, so it really works for us! But most of the time we get the free DDP!

[kazmomma]

I have never done the dining plan but am all signed up for it for March. I'm starting to rethink it a little over the last few days, because of reading threads like this. Both of my kids are under ten though... I'm hoping that makes it worth it. If I paid out of pocket, I'm not sure I'd spend 46.99 every day per adult, but I'm pretty sure I'd spend more than 12.99 per day per child. Maybe I should do the math more carefully and really price out what I think we'd spend if not on the plan.

I'm right there with you... It will be DH, myself and 3 kids (all 6 and under)... I can't decide if it is worth it or not. The kids, it seems to be but for DH and I just don't know. :confused3 We are going in 8 days and need to make a decision!!!

[kazmomma]

wow I did not know prices changed for seasons!

Price is still $41.99 for adult, $11.99 (under 9) for DDP if you are a Vacation Club Member. So season does not matter for us in that respect. I wish we could participate in the TIW program instead but we are not annual pass members. :sad2:

[kazmomma]

me again... I took your advice and did some quick math to see if it would be worth it for us and since we are doing 4 different character meals with the 3 small kids, it definitely seems to be in our favor to do the DDP. Even on the days when we want Ohana's or Teppan Edo, etc. it seems to be worth it.

Thanks for everyone posting their thoughts... all information is so helpful!!! :lovestruc

[wdwobsessed]

There is little difference in price between the regular (Plus) DDP and the deluxe DDP. We also do a lot of table service because...

(1) we like dining, especially at the fun restaurants with music, characters, entertainment, and

(2) at table service, the chefs meet with us about our DS's food allergies and prepare special items so we know it is safe. Counter service offers fewer options with the food allergies and is more difficult to figure out.

(3) compared to using the regular DDP, the additional cost of a 2 or 3 non-covered TS meals, some appetizers, additional snacks, the refillable mugs... about equals the cost of going deluxe. The only way I can imagine not saving money on the DDP is if we were just eating counter service all the time but there's even a DDP for that.

and most important...
(4) It's vacation, so let's pig out and enjoy appetizers and desserts with every meal!!!!! I don't want counter service hot dogs, nuggets, burgers and the like... I want some really good food and the fun stuff like belly dancing at Marrakesh, breakfast with the characters, biergarten music and dancing, etc...

This is EXACTLY how I feel. I keep going back and forth between DDP and DxDP. We will eat 3 meals a day and have a type 1 diabetic who has to eat three meals a day ...especially in the heat.

With the DDP if we wanted to do a Character meal in the AM OOP, our 1 CS for lunch and our 1 TS for dinner ...that character meal is going to cost close to the $25 to upgrade (peak season) to the Deluxe plan! So if I get the deluxe plan I have the added benifit of having an extra credit that can be used to CS or TS or as an extra credit for a 2TS place. Plus a mug ...plus an extra snack. And my kids always want snacks.


I think it's going to be DxDp for us

[tinacaplan]

Its so funny because I thought I had it all figured out before my husband and I went in February and had the DxDDP. What we found:
1. We ended up eating in a way that we would NEVER eat if left to our own devices.
2. Generally, we would have had more fun eating snacks/popcorn/etc. during the day and had one really great meal at night.
3. Even though we thought we left plenty of time between lunch and dinner, we often found we weren't up to ANOTHER big meal at the end of the day.
4. We ended up spending a LOT more on alcholic beverages than we might have otherwise.
5. Tips add up!
We probably spent another $500 on morning coffee that wasn't included, tips, and "adult" beverages that weren't included. Not so sure it saved us so much money.

I'm not sure the convience was all that convient, either.

Now, our next trip will include our three year old son and I'm wondering whether or not the reg. DDP will be worth it. I can see us doing a number of buffets, as my son enjoys those and will LOVE the character interactions. If we do that, it would seem the plan would pay for itself (and that's all I want it to do in the end) That said, we would end up paying OOP for some things, which makes me question in the end if the plan would be worth it all.

A PP mentioned that isn't worth it when your TS credits go to places like Sci-Fi, which is another interesting point to ponder. In the end, I think I'll just have to open up Excel and crunch some numbers.

This is an interesting thread, though. That's for sure!

[CrabbyPatty]

We're upgrading from bounceback free dining to DxDP this year because DD is 9 and it's $150 for me to upgrade and $45 for her. That way, we can get every show out of the way (we're doing Spirit of Aloha, CRT and Hoop-De-Doo!) plus Le Cellier, Ohanas, Akershus, Teppan Edo and more.

That way, I figure when we go next summer when DD is a Disney-adult, we can just go w/o the DDP and graze at various CS places throughout the day and try some DTD spots. We'll have APs by then so a discount will probably be cheaper than getting DDP with a package and having to purchase a ticket.

So I guess as far as the DDP being worth it, right now it's very much worth it to us - for the entertainment value as well as the food. But continuing on down the line, I can't see doing the DDP every year.

[lucyem]

Sort of worth it for us. We have 2 adults and 2 kids. I sat down one evening and wrote out what we would eat and where for the ddp at the regular (non peak) price. We saved less then $100 BUT we would be forced to eat in a way we do not normally eat. I think if we did hoopdeedoo and some other more expensive sit down meals it would be more worth it.

This year we are getting an AP and TIW to cover our next two October trips. (I spent a lot of time playing with a spreadsheet that night :laughing:)

[2DisPrincesses]

This year we are getting an AP and TIW to cover our next two October trips. (I spent a lot of time playing with a spreadsheet that night :laughing:)

I came the the same conclusion- so excited for APs and TIW!!!

[Donald4Life]

I really think the dinning plan and its worth depends on what you want for meals and how you want to eat while staying:confused3! Many people enjoy the dinning plan because they prefer to have a SS, QS and TS each day. They want to have each kind of service, and its worth it to them in that way(for that particular dinning plan). Some people have posted that the dining plan is not worth it overall~ but in my opinion, if your saying its not worth it maybe you should be saying its not worth it for you to use personally. One thing I enjoy with the dinning plan is not having to carrying around a lot of cash or credit/debit cards while I'm out and about. I guess like I said, the dinning plan in my opinion, is a little more of a personal preference than just an overall better deal~:thumbsup2

:wizard:

[VAN]

I just read the original post. Yes, I also agree.

However, for anyone thinking about it, I would suggest they calculate the numbers for themselves.

[cmm]

"This year I'm saving so much more with a large room discount, GAD ticket discount saving $80 per person basically"

What is a GAD ticket discount?

[TDC Nala]

GAD = Give A Day Get A Day promotion.

[lisam427]

We have been either buying, or using, the DDP since it's inception, and feel it is still an incredible value. We have two kids, one is 7, the other 1 1/2. At that rate, it is less than $100 per day for food on the plan. There is NO WAY we would spend less than that out of pocket.

As we are normally fairly strict with our diets, and exercise, we really let loose when going on vacation. Not total slobs mind you, but dessert with every meal is a good thing. ;) We truly enjoy one table service meal per day, and frankly, that alone pays for the plan. The addition of the snacks and CS meal take it over the top.

Now, once our kids are over 10, it may be a different story, but for now, we think it's great! :thumbsup2

i agree!!! for our family the dining plan works. we wouldn't go without it. for me its worth it to have everything paid upfront and to be able to order any entree i want. we are on vacation. i'm not going to Disney to inhale food but we do enjoy trying new things. i want to be able to eat desert even if its a fruit cup. i enjoy having to have my dole whip or my ice cream cookie sandwich and not worry about the cost. we enjoy having a table service everyday and without the dining plan there would be no way i could afford it. we had 3 adults, 1child (16 y.o.) on the dining plan this past September. our sit down meals averaged between $160-$200 (1 entree, desert, and drink) . this didn't include our counter service meal or snacks. to me, even if the dining plan only saved me $100.00 thats $100.00 in my pocket.

[TDC Nala]

we had 3 adults, 1child (16 y.o.) on the dining plan

16 years old is a dining plan adult - I'm guessing this is a 6 year old.

[MyTwoPrincesses]

I think DDP is worth it for us now. That is because we are 2 adults, 2 DDP kids and 1 baby. We wouldn't eat as much dessert without DDP, but we would DEFINITELY spend more than $12.99 per day per kid - especially with character meals and buffets. You spend more than that with 1 meal. We also know that we wouldn't share meals with the kids. That's not how we eat at home, so we know we wouldn't do that on vacation. Once DD1 and DD2 hit 10, it won't be worth it anymore.

[luvdisney00]

It is definetely worth it for our family of 5. We like the sit down meals and the buffets/character meals and my 2 older kids (13 &15) like to eat nice meals. They will order steak or fish entrees for a TS and not chicken fingers or burgers. Each meal we ate on our last trip was well over $100 (TS). We also split CS meals because we can't finish all of the food, so maybe 3 CS meals for lunch for the 5 of us, including dessert, and then we have 2 credits left over to get 2 breakfast platters the next morning to split for breakfast. It works out really well. Could we do it cheaper OOP? Yes, but if we ate the way we all wanted to, it would be more expensive. I don't want to nag the kids to order a cheaper entree, or order one myself to save money on vacation, and it is so nice to have it all paid for upfront. The last 2 years we had FD and that makes it even bettter!

[jakespop]

Depends on the size of your fam and what you want to do. For us, taking time out to make reservations at character meals and nicer resort resteraunts made it worth it. We would not have tried these if not for the DDP

[llqool]

We are lucky that we can add the plan w/out having to add tickets (we have had an AP and have also had military tix), so that really helps make it "worth" it. But I *did* calculate the costs of the QSDP for our upcoming trip, and even if I don't count the refillable mugs (which we wouldn't ordinarily purchase) we come out just a teensy bit ahead. It's worth it to us this time b/c usually we drive and bring some of our snacks and drinks w/us. This time we are flying, so we can't bring much of anything. That makes it a better deal in this particular situation.

[Happy Mom2]

We used it on our trip, and it more than paid for itself. We loved it, and will use it again in the future.

[seadd67]

I agree with another post where stated that could you save a little more OOP.ya sure. But I to like that when you open the menue you do not have to automaticaly search out the prices before the meal. We are diffently a sit down typ of family,dont get me wrong the counter service i like to,but the restraunts in and around Disney our almost appart of the parks them selfs. This year we are doing the DxDDp,and can not wait. I love the Idea that you get apptizers with this one and desserts to top it off. Part of the fun of going to WDW for me at least Is the food,wondering what the next meal will bring. Plus eatting gives us more of a chance to slow down, my DS will be 18 when we go In Oct,not a big eatter but to likes takeing breaks(Now!) to catch our breaks. Really my only regret Is that Rainforest cafe and T-rex our not on the list.