WWYD - QS v. TS dining plan - just not sure

[bas71873]

Having a hard time deciding on which dining plan, if any to do.

We've done the TS dining plan and loved all the character meals (and we did a lot of them). That was a little over 2 years ago. Only downside was that DH HATED and I mean HATED being tied to ressies everyday. I sorta see his point especially after having such a liesurely time at Universal Studios last summer and so I'm trying really hard to plan a more laid back WDW vaca (easier said than done).

So, we are booked for another trip this October. The plan is to arrive late evening on Thursday and we will depart on Monday afternoon, so we tentatively will do DHS on Friday, AK on Saturday and then hang out and do MNSSHP on Sunday night. I am planning to do 1900 Park Faire for breakfast on Monday morning before ME pickes us up at noon for departure. Oh, and I'm not doing hoppers. We will either do DTD for swim in the evenings.

My dilemma is, go with QS and just eat when we want, where we want and have it all paid for before we go, or just wing and pay for all eating OOP? I lean toward QS only because being able to eat for $29/day is a steal for my family and getting the refillable mug is a plus, but, I am thinking that maybe in Oct we might be able to do a walk up TS at say, 50's Prime Time if we wanted?

UGH!!! So many decisions. Anyone have any experiences or advice?

[Princess Disney Mom]

Go with the QS plan. You won't be there long and the ADRs do take up a lot of time. Going to them, waiting, eating. Also with QS you won't have the added cost of the tip and you can more easily eat anywhere anytime.

[MissBritt]

First things to remember: QSDP is $31.99 per person per night (not day). The mug is a great incentive if you all drink sodas. That alone drops your price to $18.50 for meals (when $13.49 mug price is decucted). Depending on where you go, a CS meal with drink and dessert for one can easily cost you that much.

I took my 2 teenage siblings for their birthday last week, and we used the QSDP, only one night's worth, for lunch, dinner, and breakfast (snack credits), and saved $65.

That said, I personally prefer table service, and find eating in TS places to be relaxing rather than bothersome. DH and I did DXDDP in December and loved having lunch and dinner ADRs for each day.

I don't personally find the regular DP to be very cost-effective, especially since you don't get the mug. I would suggest you go with QSDP and pay OOP for any TS meals you decide to take on, or just wing it for the whole trip. Having everything paid for in advance is a big draw for me, though.

[tndisneyfan]

We did the regular DDP a couple of times and really liked it. But we started feeling the same as your DH, we didn't like being tied down to an ADR every single day. So we have been doing the QSDP. On shorter trips we do the QSDP and do one or two TS meals OOP. On longer trips we usually do a split stay, the first part with the QSDP and the second part without. Then we just pay OOP for whatever.

For a shorter trip like you are taking, I think you would be better off with the QSDP and pay OOP for any TS meals you may want.

[gobraves39560]

Go with the QSDP!!! 2 years ago we did the reg. one. While it was nice, my hubby like yours hated having to leave what we were enjoying to go eat at a table service. Last May, we need the QSDP and he was right!! It is AWESOME!! We ate great, and did not have to plan our days!! Wolfgang's Pucks is a Must. We ate there 4 time. BTW!! We were there 8 days, and never missed table service. Also, think of the tip money you are saving!!!
Hubby told me to book for May, and will only go if we get this plan again. I say go for it!!!!! The mugs are great. Have fun!!!!

[bas71873]

Go with the QS plan. You won't be there long and the ADRs do take up a lot of time. Going to them, waiting, eating. Also with QS you won't have the added cost of the tip and you can more easily eat anywhere anytime.



Kinda where I'm leaning....

[bas71873]

First things to remember: QSDP is $31.99 per person per night (not day). Right. I knew that. The mug is a great incentive if you all drink sodas. AND COFFEE. Don't forget the coffee which I must have in the AM :). And DH, DDad like their soda and I need 1 a day, DD and DMom too, so the mugs are worth it for us. That alone drops your price to $18.50 for meals (when $13.49 mug price is decucted). Depending on where you go, a CS meal with drink and dessert for one can easily cost you that much.

I took my 2 teenage siblings for their birthday last week, and we used the QSDP, only one night's worth, for lunch, dinner, and breakfast (snack credits), and saved $65. :thumbsup2

That said, I personally prefer table service, and find eating in TS places to be relaxing rather than bothersome. It's not that we find it bothersome, it's just that with a 6 year old and we don't like to stick to a "plan" inside the park, meaning I just go with HER flow and not have to do this and have to do that, so HAVING to be at a ressie at a certain time is what DH finds bothersome. Not the meal itself, but they do take up precious time. DH and I did DXDDP in December and loved having lunch and dinner ADRs for each day. If it were just DH and I (which we might do for our 10 yr. anniversary, we'd do this too :cloud9:

I don't personally find the regular DP to be very cost-effective, especially since you don't get the mug. I would suggest you go with QSDP and pay OOP for any TS meals you decide to take on, or just wing it for the whole trip. Having everything paid for in advance is a big draw for me, though. ME TOO. I love not having to look at menu prices, be it QS or TS :thumbsup2

Lots to consider :confused3

[bas71873]

I think you guys may have me convinced to go QSDP and if we want to eat a TS, we'll OOP it. I may make a ressie or 2, definately one for our departure AM for breakfast with Alice (and it's one we've never done).

Thanks for all the advice :)