To go Deluxe or Not?

[angel23321]

I'm not sure what to do. We like to have TS for breakfast and dinner. That being said, we are staying club level and scheduled three non TS breakfast days and will eat in the lounge. But with my ADR's I have, we would have to pay OOP for at least 3 meals while we are there with the regular plan.

I know there is big debate on whether it's too much food or not but I'm just purely looking at $$'s. I don't mind not getting an app if we're not that hungry. Since several of our reservations are buffet's, I can figure out the costs. And it looks like before even snacks, we'd at least break even on the deluxe plan. I guess I'm looking for reassurance that it's not overkill.

 

[Disneyadore]

It's really no overkill .
We had CL and dedeluxe plan for ten days and loved it.
We managed to use all points on several good restaurants and had every morning a breakfast at the lounge.

As far as the "to much food" argument we never had a waiter standing behind us with a gun forcing us to eat everything we ordered.
Looking at the $$ we had a room bill fore over thousand dollar just for the tips so the deluxeplan was worth every penny we payed for it. ( and the waiters loved us )

 

[walkdmc]

I agree with the DxDP not being too much food. It all depends on the choices you make. And, we have a 9 yo in the party who could out eat all the adults. However, his food choices are limited to the usual chicken nuggets and such. So, I let him pick my appetizer. And we never finish our dessert and rarely finish our main course. Plus, we're staying for 12 days and during that time, have planned very special meals. We're doing about 6 character meals, along with the Hoop Dee Doo Review, the Brown Derby and California Grill. We would NEVER do those things if we had to pay OOP.

We were there last year and our room bill was also nearly $1000 in tips! And I agree, the servers LOVED us. Their faces lit up when they saw we had the DxDP, LOL. We rarely had a rude server (matter of fact, can only think of one at Ohana's).

 

[Theta]

Club Level and DxDP, oh my, IMHO that is crazy, WAY too much food. $1000 in tips? Good gravy.

Any time anything is left, it is too much food. Yes, I know you don't need to order it.

 

[Disneyadore]

I agree with the DxDP not being too much food. It all depends on the choices you make. And, we have a 9 yo in the party who could out eat all the adults. However, his food choices are limited to the usual chicken nuggets and such. So, I let him pick my appetizer. And we never finish our dessert and rarely finish our main course. Plus, we're staying for 12 days and during that time, have planned very special meals. We're doing about 6 character meals, along with the Hoop Dee Doo Review, the Brown Derby and California Grill. We would NEVER do those things if we had to pay OOP.

We were there last year and our room bill was also nearly $1000 in tips! And I agree, the servers LOVED us. Their faces lit up when they saw we had the DxDP, LOL. We rarely had a rude server (matter of fact, can only think of one at Ohana's).

Thank you,thank you I'm not alone.
I was always under the impression I was a DxDP "Snob"

 

[Disneyadore]

Club Level and DxDP, oh my, IMHO that is crazy, WAY too much food. $1000 in tips? Good gravy.

Any time anything is left, it is too much food. Yes, I know you don't need to order it.

Again why WAY to much food? We like to taste everything and see no harm in letting the plate remove even if we didn't eat it all. When we left we even had 50 snack points we never used so what?

At this moment I can't wait to book again ,CL an DxDP and just splurge on the food.

And yes we talked about the size of the portions with the waiters and they agreed the portions are just to big but if they tried to reduce them hell would break lose.

The portions at Victoria and Albert's are much smaller but you don't leave there hungry. It all boils down that it is the costumers fault the portions are way to big but not the menu, so don't blame it on those who use the deluxe plan. The American costumer demands big portions and doggie bags.

 

[angel23321]

I agree with the DxDP not being too much food. It all depends on the choices you make. And, we have a 9 yo in the party who could out eat all the adults. However, his food choices are limited to the usual chicken nuggets and such. So, I let him pick my appetizer. And we never finish our dessert and rarely finish our main course. Plus, we're staying for 12 days and during that time, have planned very special meals. We're doing about 6 character meals, along with the Hoop Dee Doo Review, the Brown Derby and California Grill. We would NEVER do those things if we had to pay OOP.

We were there last year and our room bill was also nearly $1000 in tips! And I agree, the servers LOVED us. Their faces lit up when they saw we had the DxDP, LOL. We rarely had a rude server (matter of fact, can only think of one at Ohana's).

See...I was thinking about the appetizers/sharing desserts with the kids thing also. My girls like chicken nuggets, etc but they also like steak, clams, etc. They may get nuggets once a month at home and I can't see them wanting to eat them every day at Disney.

And we're not getting the CL for the food. LOL. Especially with the cutbacks we've heard about. We are getting 40% off with the military discount and so it was a once in a lifetime thing. I like the convience of grabbing some fruit, etc and DH likes the idea of grabbing a couple beers without counting what it's costing us. We know upfront what the CL is costing us.

 

[Tiger926]

We did DxDP when it first came out for 11 nights, and then the last 5 nights were club level, so we switched to Reg DP (that was our longest trip at 16 nights/17 days). We've also done regular DP and Dx several other trips as well, but no more DPs for us as we much prefer TIW card. I can't imagine having $1,000 in tips for those many nights - you all must have had a big parties as those numbers don't make any sense to me.

That being said, it depends upon how you eat and what you eat in order to determine if it's too much food.

One of my big problems is the wastage - I find people have no problem ordering an entire plate of something, just to take a bite, and then it goes in the garbage. That's very irresponsible, IMHO. We only ordered what we could eat, plain and simple.

If you think you can properly utitlize all credits without too much wastage, and you can afford the tips, then go for it. But as the last poster mentioned, not using 50 snack credits is not good at all - that would imply that it is too much of a plan for you.

Good luck and happy eating, Tiger

 

[Disneyadore]

If you think you can properly utitlize all credits without too much wastage, and you can afford the tips, then go for it. But as the last poster mentioned, not using 50 snack credits is not good at all - that would imply that it is too much of a plan for you.

We looked at this different. 50 snack points not used is all money in the pocket of Disney.

​

We made up for a lot of mug re-users.

 

[Tiger926]

We looked at this different. 50 snack points not used is all money in the pocket of Disney.

​

We made up for a lot of mug re-users.

So, why is this a good idea again? Why would you want to give Disney more money for products not used - they are counting on this, and in fact, this is why the DPs make them so much money. Unused credits make them money...doesn't make sense to me why a guest would think this is a good idea?

I'm not following...Tiger

 

[Disneyadore]

So, why is this a good idea again? Why would you want to give Disney more money for products not used - they are counting on this, and in fact, this is why the DPs make them so much money. Unused credits make them money...doesn't make sense to me why a guest would think this is a good idea?

I'm not following...Tiger

Well sorry but it is our money that we buy the plan with.

We did not steal it ,we did not break any rules or cheated to get it. We spent ,or do not spend ,the points as we like it. Last year we left with 12 dinner points unused but still found the plan a bargain and were fully satisfied.

We like to spoil ourselves once a year and work and save to accomplish this goal. That includes the dining plan. No worries were ,when or what to eat.
Not worrying about money is on of the things we like on out vacations. If some body else thinks that's wrong or that we are not not frugal enough or give Disney our money so be it.
I get a lot more from Disney than a few lousy dollars to take home.
BTW on the same level lies the question why stay in a Disney Resort at club level and spend 900 dollar a night when you can stay at hotel the Cockroach for maybe 40 dollars a night. Its all about what some one likes and has money for.

What always strikes me as odd is the fact that whenever the DXDP turns up there always so much negative comment. It always seems like your committing an outrages sin if you dare to buy this plan and God will strike you with the plague if you give into the urge and get the plan.

 

[ReggieB]

My family did the deluxe plan a couple of years ago, it worked out great at the time. It involved way too many ADR's though. It was a bit time consuming also!! For us it was too much food. We don't really want much for breakfast, so instead we now have been staying on the concierge level, and paying OOP. Have plenty for breakfast in the lounge, and then will have an early dinner, with a few snacks along the way. We have saved money that way. It was kind of concierge or deluxe dining plan. Though I do miss having all the snack credits to use up at Epcot's F&W festival!! Plus it's nice to have food all pre paid.

It's going to work for some people, and not for others. I do agree that it can work out very nicely for Disney (they aren't going to have a scheme which they run at a loss!) but as another poster said, it is up to the individual how they spend their money.

 

[TDC Nala]

If you WANT to give Disney extra money for stuff you might not use, that's your choice. The previous is an example of a guest who purchases a dining plan for the convenience, not for savings. For many, the prepayment is the important part. Disney loves these customers. Nothing wrong with it as long as they realize they're giving money to Disney when they leave credits behind.

Personally I can't see how leaving 50 snack credits and 12 meal credits unused is a "bargain" but the previous poster sees it that way. Some people value the idea that they can grab a snack whenever they feel like it without opening a wallet more than actually planning to grab the snacks.

For the OP it will depend on what they really want - they want all the meals they want to book covered by dining credits because they see that as more attractive than paying out of pocket for them, and they would have to upgrade to deluxe to achieve that. If the prepayment is what's really important to them, they will know that they don't have to use all the credits, order everything to which they are entitled, or finish the meals they order.

 

[Disneyadore]

If you WANT to give Disney extra money for stuff you might not use, that's your choice. The previous is an example of a guest who purchases a dining plan for the convenience, not for savings. For many, the prepayment is the important part. Disney loves these customers. Nothing wrong with it as long as they realize they're giving money to Disney when they leave credits behind.

Personally I can't see how leaving 50 snack credits and 12 meal credits unused is a "bargain" but the previous poster sees it that way. Some people value the idea that they can grab a snack whenever they feel like it without opening a wallet more than actually planning to grab the snacks.

For the OP it will depend on what they really want - they want all the meals they want to book covered by dining credits because they see that as more attractive than paying out of pocket for them, and they would have to upgrade to deluxe to achieve that. If the prepayment is what's really important to them, they will know that they don't have to use all the credits, order everything to which they are entitled, or finish the meals they order.

Try to get two meals like that for 70 dollars in Europe

Considering the price difference between Europe and the US eating in Disney is a steal so why sweat about a few dollars on a vacation?

 

[triciari]

If you WANT to give Disney extra money for stuff you might not use, that's your choice. The previous is an example of a guest who purchases a dining plan for the convenience, not for savings. For many, the prepayment is the important part. Disney loves these customers. Nothing wrong with it as long as they realize they're giving money to Disney when they leave credits behind.

Personally I can't see how leaving 50 snack credits and 12 meal credits unused is a "bargain" but the previous poster sees it that way. Some people value the idea that they can grab a snack whenever they feel like it without opening a wallet more than actually planning to grab the snacks.

For the OP it will depend on what they really want - they want all the meals they want to book covered by dining credits because they see that as more attractive than paying out of pocket for them, and they would have to upgrade to deluxe to achieve that. If the prepayment is what's really important to them, they will know that they don't have to use all the credits, order everything to which they are entitled, or finish the meals they order.

My perspective is slightly different:

Last year we stayed Club Level and got the regular dining plan. We used all of our credits - using "unused" snacks and a couple of CSs to bring home a bunch of mickey rice krispies treats for friends and family. But, we also paid extra to do Hoop Dee Doo and a couple more table service meals that we wanted (we were there for 7 nights.) This added about $400 to our meal costs. We did not like the CS meals we tried - too loud, too hectic. So this time, we're doing Deluxe dining. We'll be 3 adults (me, my husband, and my mother) and 3 kids (all under 9, but one still under 3 - so free.) The cost for 7 nights on Deluxe = $1805.65. HDDR and dinner at CRT alone will cost 458.43, so the value I need to get on our 17 remaining TS credits is 1347.22. I've chosen 17 TSs - not even the most expensive ones, and come up with an additional "cost" of $1832.96. So, by paying $1805.65 unfront, I'm getting 2291.39 in table service meals. And, we'll have 70 snack credits too!

I've priced out the average costs of the following restaurants, using the menus on allears:
*The "@" stands for "about."

Deluxe Dining Review:

(2TS)California Grill (@70/@25) $260
Coral Reef - lunch (@40/8) (@40/8) $132
50’s Prime Time Café - (@30/7.50) (@35/7.50) $105
Chef Mickey’s - breakfast 35.99/12.99 $133.95
TuskerHouse - breakfast (A: 20.23/K: 11.71) lunch (25.55/13.84) $84.11
Crystal Palace (Adults B/L/D: 19-21-29) (Kids B/L/D: 11-12-14) $79
Biergarten - (Adults L/D: 20/33) (Kids L/D: 11/14) $127
Akershus Norway Princesses - (Adults L/D: 30.99/35.99) (Kids L/D: 18.99/20.99) $130.95
Park Fare - (Adults B/L/D: 23/40/?) (Kids B/L/D: 13/20) $95
Rose & Crown (@28/7.50) (@32/7.50) $111
Liberty Tree Tavern (@25/7.50) $90
(2TS) Citricos (55/10) $185
(2TS) Narcoossee’s (55/16) $197
O'Hana breakfast (24.99/13.99) $102.95

For me, the biggest benefit is paying ahead and just not thinking about the cost when we're there! Sure, we'll pay the tips as we go (20% - which we'd be paying anyway, since we don't like CS), and for our beer and wine, but that's easy! For us, the dining plan makes for a very relaxing, easy-breezy vacation!

-Tricia

 

[Tiger926]

Well sorry but it is our money that we buy the plan with.

We did not steal it ,we did not break any rules or cheated to get it. We spent ,or do not spend ,the points as we like it. Last year we left with 12 dinner points unused but still found the plan a bargain and were fully satisfied.

We like to spoil ourselves once a year and work and save to accomplish this goal. That includes the dining plan. No worries were ,when or what to eat.
Not worrying about money is on of the things we like on out vacations. If some body else thinks that's wrong or that we are not not frugal enough or give Disney our money so be it.
I get a lot more from Disney than a few lousy dollars to take home.
BTW on the same level lies the question why stay in a Disney Resort at club level and spend 900 dollar a night when you can stay at hotel the Cockroach for maybe 40 dollars a night. Its all about what some one likes and has money for.

What always strikes me as odd is the fact that whenever the DXDP turns up there always so much negative comment. It always seems like your committing an outrages sin if you dare to buy this plan and God will strike you with the plague if you give into the urge and get the plan.

Nope, I didn't say any of this - I just find it odd that people are ok with wasting so much food, whether that be overordering or leaving the parks with 50 unused snack credits. Once you factor in this variables, you may in fact be overpaying for the plan.

For sure it's your money to do with as you wish...Disney makes millions this way.

As I said, you are getting annoyed with the wrong person, as we have done Dx several times, but no longer as TIW is a much better fit for us.

Not trying to attack or judge you at all, just not sure I understand the logic of putting more money in Disney's pockets...I don't follow that logic, but if you feel that's a great value for you, so be it.

Thanks, Tiger

 

[Disneyadore]

Nope, I didn't say any of this - I just find it odd that people are ok with wasting so much food, whether that be overordering or leaving the parks with 50 unused snack credits. Once you factor in this variables, you may in fact be overpaying for the plan.

For sure it's your money to do with as you wish...Disney makes millions this way.

As I said, you are getting annoyed with the wrong person, as we have done Dx several times, but no longer as TIW is a much better fit for us.

Not trying to attack or judge you at all, just not sure I understand the logic of putting more money in Disney's pockets...I don't follow that logic, but if you feel that's a great value for you, so be it.

Thanks, Tiger

I'm certainty not attacking you. Its just a common thing that as soon as the DX plan is mentions a lot of people start yelling : to much food.

About putting money in Disney pockets. Look at it this way: If I buy a bread and don't eat it completely but feed it half at the birds t is not the fault of the baker because he sold me a large bread.

I love discussing with you but have to end for to night. The moon in peeping into my window and tomorrow at six the alarm will go off to call us for work and earning money for Disney.

 

[TDC Nala]

Try to get two meals like that for 70 dollars in Europe

Considering the price difference between Europe and the US eating in Disney is a steal so why sweat about a few dollars on a vacation?

It's not about paying for meals in Europe versus paying for meals in the United States - it's about paying for meals at Disney yourself as opposed to prepaying for them with the dining plan and leaving credits behind, meaning you did not get all the food that you paid for. But you have established that you don't use the dining plan for monetary savings, you use it because you like the convenience of having the meals prepaid. Most dining plan users make plans to use up all their credits because they will realize some sort of savings over paying for the same meals with cash at the time they order them. They don't see why someone would leave so many credits unused.

of course the beauty of Disney's point of view is that if you leave WDW with 50 unused snack credits that you already paid for, NO food has been wasted but Disney still got the money.

Look at it this way: If I buy a bread and don't eat it completely but feed it half at the birds t is not the fault of the baker because he sold me a large bread.

The fitting analogy for this discussion would be calling the baker to order a loaf of bread and paying for it in advance, then never showing up to get it. You already paid for it and you can certainly change your mind and decide you don't want it, and now the baker can sell it to someone else and get paid again. (This is one reason why Disney loves the dining plan, although with rising costs it appears they will either have to raise prices or cut things to keep it viable)

 

[Tiger926]

I'm certainty not attacking you. Its just a common thing that as soon as the DX plan is mentions a lot of people start yelling : to much food.

About putting money in Disney pockets. Look at it this way: If I buy a bread and don't eat it completely but feed it half at the birds t is not the fault of the baker because he sold me a large bread.

I love discussing with you but have to end for to night. The moon in peeping into my window and tomorrow at six the alarm will go off to call us for work and earning money for Disney.

Have a restful sleep! Tiger

 

[walkdmc]

What's the TIW plan?

We're driving to WDW this time so our snack credits will not go unused. We'll load up on Mickey Bars, if we have anything left over.

It's more than the volume of food, IMO. I enjoy the DxDP because I am exploring WDW. We've only taken one full-fledged family vacation at WDW and I want to see it all. I want to try all the "good" restaurants. And, this time around, I'll be traveling with my mom and 4 young children. So, to keep everyone together while one person orders and makes multiple trips to carry the food to the table won't work for us in a crowded park. It's so much easier to have a waiter when you have young kids in tow. I also want to try every single one of the character meals while my kids are young.

Plus, (and I may get flamed for this but oh well) once I pay for the plan, I don't think a whole lot about how much it all costs. So, when the bill arrives and I have to leave a tip, I always tip a lot. I'm sure WDW has studied the psychology of the DxDP and frankly, it doesn't bother me. In one case, my tipping habits got us fantastic seats for the Illuminations show at Epcot. Some people give CM appreciation cards to their servers, I give cash.

When my kids are older and we split the party up while they do their own things, I'll most likely get the regular DDP. But while they're young, I value the DxDP for many reasons.