What we missing? Dining Plan not adding up

[Disney Dreams]

Hi All,

Okay, first the vitals:
Who: Me and DH
How long: 8 days

We were at WDW two years ago. We did not use the dining plan. We enjoy dining in many of the "nice" restaurants, not Rose and Crown nice, but Le Cellier, etc....

DH took our ADR list and added up how many dining points would be used up. He then looked at the menus and did a guess of what each meal would cost us if we paid cash. We then compared the weekly total to the cost of the DP for the week. The DP is a LOT more expensive. Are we missing something?

A lot of our meals are 2 TS credits because they are either character buffet or "nicer" places. We just don't see the DP value. Are we missing something?

Thanks!
Dreams

 

[Cafeen]

Hi All,

Okay, first the vitals:
Who: Me and DH
How long: 8 days

We were at WDW two years ago. We did not use the dining plan. We enjoy dining in many of the "nice" restaurants, not Rose and Crown nice, but Le Cellier, etc....

DH took our ADR list and added up how many dining points would be used up. He then looked at the menus and did a guess of what each meal would cost us if we paid cash. We then compared the weekly total to the cost of the DP for the week. The DP is a LOT more expensive. Are we missing something?

A lot of our meals are 2 TS credits because they are either character buffet or "nicer" places. We just don't see the DP value. Are we missing something?

Thanks!
Dreams

Most character meals (other than CRT) are 1 credit, not 2. Other than that, probably the raw amount of 2TS meals tanked the value for you. Rarely will a 2TS break even on the plan, so stacking them on DDP will bring your average to below cost pretty quickly.

The value is there if you focus your TS meals on dinners and/or pricey one credit meals, if you're aiming for the top half of the menu, you prefer desserts and soft drinks with your meal, and if you're limiting (or excluding) any sharing. Beyond that though, the value is difficult to achieve.

If it doesn't work out to your advantage, no worries, you know that you're better off and saving more by going OOP, so it works .

 

[SignMeUp]

The only character meal that is 2TS is CRT. If you are counting all character meals as 2TS, that may be where you're off track. The DDP is more expensive now than it was 2 years ago, but I'm sure the food prices are too.

 

[MickeyMomTo2]

Also keep in mind that with your table and counter service meals you get a drink and dessert, and don't forget to calculate the price of your snack each day. You don't just get entrees with the DDP. If you only order the main course, paying OOP might work out in your favor, but you get the extras with the plan.

 

[Disney Dreams]

Most character meals (other than CRT) are 1 credit, not 2....

The only character meal that is 2TS is CRT. If you are counting all character meals as 2TS, that may be where you're off track....

Yes, 1 credit. My error. See, I told you that DH did the whole analysis, not me. Seriously, though, you are both, of course, correct. 1 pt on character meals (except CRT) and that's what he counted. I just got it wrong here.

Other than that, probably the raw amount of 2TS meals tanked the value for you. Rarely will a 2TS break even on the plan, so stacking them on DDP will bring your average to below cost pretty quickly.

This must be a huge part of it. A lot of the places we are checking out this time around are 2 TS credits. Thank you for your comment on how that affects the value.

Also keep in mind that with your table and counter service meals you get a drink and dessert, and don't forget to calculate the price of your snack each day....

That's a good point. We aren't huge dessert people so we are not getting the value there.

Thanks, everyone for your helpful input. If anyone has any other comments to help us on deciding whether to use the DP or not, please feel welcome to chime in.

- Dreams

 

[mom to minnie&mickey]

Also keep in mind that with your table and counter service meals you get a drink and dessert, and don't forget to calculate the price of your snack each day. You don't just get entrees with the DDP. If you only order the main course, paying OOP might work out in your favor, but you get the extras with the plan.

Exactly, also you have to remember that with the ddp tax on your meal is included whereas you would have to pay that oop. Did you add that in your calculations?
Don't forget the refillable mugs as well. They are about $15 each plus tax.

I myself am planning a vacation for next summer for 4 disney adults and am really on the fence about getting the QSDP as it is even more difficult to justify than the regular plan.

 

[Dean]

Hi All,

Okay, first the vitals:
Who: Me and DH
How long: 8 days

We were at WDW two years ago. We did not use the dining plan. We enjoy dining in many of the "nice" restaurants, not Rose and Crown nice, but Le Cellier, etc....

DH took our ADR list and added up how many dining points would be used up. He then looked at the menus and did a guess of what each meal would cost us if we paid cash. We then compared the weekly total to the cost of the DP for the week. The DP is a LOT more expensive. Are we missing something?

A lot of our meals are 2 TS credits because they are either character buffet or "nicer" places. We just don't see the DP value. Are we missing something?

Thanks!
Dreams

As a rule and speaking only in $$$, it's difficult to get value out of any DP unless you plan, hit the more expensive places and order the most expensive options, esp assuming one follows the rules. Using the more expensive snack options and getting specialty drinks like smoothies when allowed will add some value. For example, it's almost impossible to get value out of the quick service plan unless you include Wolfgang Puck Express and Pepper Market as a major part of the equation. The Basic plan is difficult but possible if you work at it. The deluxe plan is easier to get value if you do mostly table service but more difficult to use up the credits for many. IMO, one needs to either save 20% over what you would have paid OOP and/or get that much in value of things you want but wouldn't have paid for in order to justify the plan cost wise.

 

[maxiesmom]

As a rule and speaking only in $$$, it's difficult to get value out of any DP unless you plan, hit the more expensive places and order the most expensive options, esp assuming one follows the rules. Using the more expensive snack options and getting specialty drinks like smoothies when allowed will add some value. For example, it's almost impossible to get value out of the quick service plan unless you include Wolfgang Puck Express and Pepper Market as a major part of the equation. The Basic plan is difficult but possible if you work at it. The deluxe plan is easier to get value if you do mostly table service but more difficult to use up the credits for many. IMO, one needs to either save 20% over what you would have paid OOP and/or get that much in value of things you want but wouldn't have paid for in order to justify the plan cost wise.

I have to disagree with you. I've used the regular dining plan a few times, and never had to work at it in order to get value for my money. All it takes is a few character meals, and I'm spending less than I would have out of pocket.

 

[Dean]

I have to disagree with you. I've used the regular dining plan a few times, and never had to work at it in order to get value for my money. All it takes is a few character meals, and I'm spending less than I would have out of pocket.

I don't see that as a disagreement but rather an agreement. More expensive options with planning. However, about the best $$ return you can get is $42 for the Princess meal, $26 for WPE and $4 for a snack. That's $70 for a daily price of $51.50 and that's a fair deal but it's all downhill from there and even this is barely a 20% savings which is my cutoff. I think the important take home message is to actually look at the menu's and run the numbers and consider savings (what you spent vs what you would have spent without the DP) and value (what you get extra for the extra cost). Then look at the worst case scenario such as you have to leave early due to emergency or people are sick for a day or 2.

 

[maxiesmom]

I don't see that as a disagreement but rather an agreement. More expensive options with planning. However, about the best $$ return you can get is $42 for the Princess meal, $26 for WPE and $4 for a snack. That's $70 for a daily price of $51.50 and that's a fair deal but it's all downhill from there and even this is barely a 20% savings which is my cutoff. I think the important take home message is to actually look at the menu's and run the numbers and consider savings (what you spent vs what you would have spent without the DP) and value (what you get extra for the extra cost). Then look at the worst case scenario such as you have to leave early due to emergency or people are sick for a day or 2.

The previous poster had stated it was difficult to get your value out of the regular dining plan. I don't agree with that statement. Maybe because for me if I am going to do sit down meals, many of them will end up being character meals, because I like them! I don't have to look at each menu and pick what I will eat in order to get the most out of the plan. That happens on its own.

 

[Dean]

The previous poster had stated it was difficult to get your value out of the regular dining plan. I don't agree with that statement. Maybe because for me if I am going to do sit down meals, many of them will end up being character meals, because I like them! I don't have to look at each menu and pick what I will eat in order to get the most out of the plan. That happens on its own.

It may not be for you because of your choices, it isn't for me because I plan accordingly or I skip it for those trips but for many it is. The other situations that tends to increase the value are kids 3-9 and and shorter stays. Once you stray from the most expensive options (character meals and more expensive meals), the basic plan quickly becomes break even at best for many situations.

 

[maxiesmom]

It may not be for you because of your choices, it isn't for me because I plan accordingly or I skip it for those trips but for many it is. The other situations that tends to increase the value are kids 3-9 and and shorter stays. Once you stray from the most expensive options (character meals and more expensive meals), the basic plan quickly becomes break even at best for many situations.

It sounds like you come at it from the opposite end that I do. I look at the meals I have planned, and then see if the plan makes sense. I don't get the plan and then force myself to eat a certain way in order for it to make sense cost wise.

Some trips the plan makes sense and others it doesn't. That is why it is always smart to run the numbers. I can't imagine forcing myself to eat large, expensive meals just to get my moneys worth from the dining plan. Yuck!

 

[Dean]

It sounds like you come at it from the opposite end that I do. I look at the meals I have planned, and then see if the plan makes sense. I don't get the plan and then force myself to eat a certain way in order for it to make sense cost wise.

Some trips the plan makes sense and others it doesn't. That is why it is always smart to run the numbers. I can't imagine forcing myself to eat large, expensive meals just to get my moneys worth from the dining plan. Yuck!

Not really, but the reality is it's one and the same. I look at it as an opportunity to get things I wouldn't get and try to do so without overeating as we often share meals and stretch the basic plan to get 3 meals including day of arrival and departure. Regardless my statements are beyond my personal usage. However, the fact remains that unless you make certain choices for whatever reason, the Basic plan does not yield a value or does not yield enough value to justify the risk, IMO. AI resort info and the previous Disney Food n Fun program info suggests that after 3 days people start to worry less about what they eat and forego options that were included (paid for).

 

[POB14]

I agree with everybody.

Last trip we did the dining plan for the first time.

Did we spend less on food WITH the DP than we would have without it? Absolutely not.

Did we spend less on food WITH the DP than we would have ORDERING THE SAME FOOD AT THE SAME RESTAURANTS without it? Absolutely.

We ate more restaurant meals, and at nicer places, and ordered more steaks and such, than we would otherwise have. Whether that made it "worth it" is something we're still discussing.

One tip: When you order dessert, get something that will travel well and take it home for the next morning's breakfast. (We did several of the cheese plates.) Also, get snacks and have them for breakfast. Do not use your credits for actual breakfast (except character meals); it'll kill the value.

 

[MickeyMomTo2]

I agree with everybody.

Last trip we did the dining plan for the first time.

Did we spend less on food WITH the DP than we would have without it? Absolutely not.

Did we spend less on food WITH the DP than we would have ORDERING THE SAME FOOD AT THE SAME RESTAURANTS without it? Absolutely.

We ate more restaurant meals, and at nicer places, and ordered more steaks and such, than we would otherwise have. Whether that made it "worth it" is something we're still discussing.

One tip: When you order dessert, get something that will travel well and take it home for the next morning's breakfast. (We did several of the cheese plates.) Also, get snacks and have them for breakfast. Do not use your credits for actual breakfast (except character meals); it'll kill the value.

This is exactly right. If we didn't do the dining plan, we would tend to be tightwads--counter service, very few snacks, sharing entrees, etc... Having the dining plan means we can say YES to so much more because we are not nickel and diming everything. Yes, we pay more than we would if we were paying OOP, but we get more, and it makes the trip more enjoyable.

 

[CraigInPA]

Make no mistake, you can eat cheaper at WDW than $51 per day. But, that requires you to have QS lunch, very light breakfast (if at all), and an entree for dinner. Basically, what you might eat if you were eating at home. There's a thread on here about dining on $40 per day if you care to see how it can be done.

The DDP is designed for a typical family who would eat heartily because they've trudged through the parks all day. The DxDP is designed for "super eaters" (those capable of having 3 sit down meals a day) and "gourmet eaters" (those who want to eat signature meals for dinner and a table service for lunch or breakfast).

I, personally, have never had a problem getting 20% savings or more out of DxDP. And, my wife and I don't sit there and analyze which appetizer/entree/dessert combination maximizes our savings. It helps, of course, that my wife likes Lobster, and I like a nice filet, typically the most expensive items on the menu.

 

[bdklein]

This is exactly right. If we didn't do the dining plan, we would tend to be tightwads--counter service, very few snacks, sharing entrees, etc... Having the dining plan means we can say YES to so much more because we are not nickel and diming everything. Yes, we pay more than we would if we were paying OOP, but we get more, and it makes the trip more enjoyable.

Maybe its me, but this just doesn't make logical nor financial sense.

 

[Cafeen]

Maybe its me, but this just doesn't make logical nor financial sense.

People look at it in two different ways with (or without) the plan. Some look at the menu and see more choices than they would have when OOP, since they can trend toward the higher end of the menu. Others see just the opposite, that they are "forced" to dine on the top end of the menu, when what they want may be less. Neither is wrong, and that's what makes the choice of DDP one that doesn't fit all.

The second side of that, is the spend more to get more thing. A good example of this is my upcoming trip. I am using the DxDDP for 9 nights, total cost (if I had paid for it) would have been about $765, adding in tips and stuff that's not covered, I'm looking at just about $1000 for food over those 9 days. Now, the question is, what am I getting for that $1000? When doing the math out, it came out to be about $1250 worth of food.

Now, the second question (to the second side for those keeping score at home) is "Would I actually eat all that OOP?" The answer to that is "No, I wouldn't."

Why? I'm in the first category that I described above. I would choose to skimp on meals that I wanted, skip out on restaurants that I was interested in, and more than likely get more CS than TS than I had planned. This would be an overall cheapening (in more ways than one) of the vacation as a whole. All said and done, this would have come to around $800 after skimping and skipping. So, that's about $200 cheaper than with DxDDP, that must mean that going OOP would save money right? Not exactly.

Now, I take a look at the two plans. I'm getting ~$450 more worth of food and experience (since I cut back on some of the signatures that I wanted) for only $200 more OOP. To me, that's worth it. For others, it may be the reverse. That's why taking your dining interests and general menu item trends into account is very important. There simply is no simple answer to the age old "is it worth it?" as it's far too intertwined with how the individual (and the party itself) visualize their trip.

So, in the end, I can go cheaper by going OOP, that's not always desirable nor ideal though. The point isn't getting out as cheaply as possible, but getting what you want out of your vacation without paying more than you should. If I wanted to get out super cheap, I'd pack some PB&J sandwiches for every meal, but that's not what I'm looking for.

(As a note, the above also includes the fact that the plan fits how I plan my trip and what I want out of it and the fact that I do trend toward the higher half of menus due to my taste preferences and the fact that I don't eat fish, chicken, or pork).

 

[usd2bmd]

This I know is probably going to gain criticism, but for me the idea that I do not have to worry about budgeting for food while on vacation makes the plan worth it. Do we look at the menu and eat the most expensive items, no. But knowing it has all been paid for already and I only have to worry about money for souvenirs and tips makes it a win for us.

Sent from my iPhone using DISBoards

 

[dzneelvr]

Before I do any trip to WDW totally OOP, try the Tables in Wonderland dining card! We've used this forever (had a different name years ago) and find it perfect for our eating habits: loads of TS, resort, and occasional character meals; not big eaters but want to enjoy the experience; not snackers but occasional "beverage". Saves 20% off everything (cocktails included) and over the years there's hardly any mainstay not included. With an AP it is a discounted purchase fee; good for a full calendar year, so we schedule 2 trips within a 12 month period. Loads of savings and the CMs love the ease at check out and in ordering.