How to figure if the dining plan is worth it

[JenniD44]

The last time we went in 2009, there was an excel spreadsheet that someone shared with me (and others here on the DIS). You could put in about what each person's meal would cost, after looking at some of the sample menus, and it would calculate your totals. Then at the bottom it compared to the cost of the dining plan and the deluxe dining plan so you could decide what was better to do. Is this spreadsheet still floating around? I'd love to get it again. I'm sure I could do something similar on my own, but it was really nice.

[Tigerlulu]

I'd love it too if you locate it!!!

[figment_jii]

I don't have a spreadsheet, but this is the rule of thumb that I use for this year (2012).

Cost of DDP: $51.50
Assumed Average QS Cost: $15
Assumed Average Snack Cost: $4
"Value" of TS Credit: $32.50
Tax Rate: 6.5%
So the pre-tax TS sub-total: 1.065x = $32.50 => x = $30.52

So if you're pre-tax TS sub-total for the drink, entree, and dessert is more than $30.52, you're breaking even or doing better on the DDP.

[FencerGirl]

There is a user on here called Cafeen (I think) who has a spreadsheet that does what you're looking for. He's got a link in his signature.

[JenniD44]

Thanks for the info.

[yarlin]

Hi there, I've used the one in this page, it has the calculator and the link to menus w w w . dadsguidetowdw.com/walt-disney-world-dining-plan.html

[Cafeen]

Originally Posted by FencerGirl

There is a user on here called Cafeen (I think) who has a spreadsheet that does what you're looking for. He's got a link in his signature.

Yep. Although this post may not have it as I'm on my phone riding ME back to MCO . Should be able to get there through my user info though.

[fuzzlekins]

Originally Posted by figment_jii

I don't have a spreadsheet, but this is the rule of thumb that I use for this year (2012).

Cost of DDP: $51.50
Assumed Average QS Cost: $15
Assumed Average Snack Cost: $4
"Value" of TS Credit: $32.50
Tax Rate: 6.5%
So the pre-tax TS sub-total: 1.065x = $32.50 => x = $30.52

So if you're pre-tax TS sub-total for the drink, entree, and dessert is more than $30.52, you're breaking even or doing better on the DDP.

I think what you'd normally eat has to be considered too. In the end, I determined that the DDP is probably rarely a true savings unless you really like to eat a lot of snacks and do indeed normally order a dessert with every meal and typically order one of the most expensive things on the menu. Having said that, we've booked the DDP b/c it was nearly free based on the discounted Play/Stay/Dine pkg. That kind of makes it a no-brainer I think.

[disneychristmasx3]

I consider what we normally would eat...then I consider the way we would like to be able to eat while on vacation. I would like to let my family order dessert if they want it, and I would like to let them order a lemonade or a fruity specialty drink instead of ice water if that's what they want. I would like vacation dining to be more special than what we normally eat, and finally I would like to not have to think about the cost or look at prices when ordering for myself. I am one of those people who will order the pasta instead of the steak every time to save $4 on my entree. But if I didn't have to look at prices I would order the steak without a doubt. Since what we normally would order only saves a small amount over the dining plan I would go with dining plan every time and live it up. Especially when it's offered free! My kids looked at me with the widest eyes the first time we had the dining plan and they found out they could order whatever they wanted without asking permission. I wish I could have captured that disney magical moment!

[fuzzlekins]

Originally Posted by disneychristmasx3

My kids looked at me with the widest eyes the first time we had the dining plan and they found out they could order whatever they wanted without asking permission. I wish I could have captured that disney magical moment!

Awww It really seems to be a psychological thing for a lot of people (myself included). I really struggled with it when I was comparing b/c I'm similar to you. I always go for the cheaper options, share desserts (if at all), stash some PB&J in the backpack, only drink water, etc. So the DDP would make me relax over the prices. On the other hand, it creates a different kind of stress - I think I'd feel the need to "get my money's worth" out of the plan and would wind up eating too much and gravitating to the more expensive things on the menus. <sigh> It's just the avid couponer/frugal person mentality. I'm hoping that getting it for virtually free also frees my brain to just eat what I wanna eat without pressure in either direction!! It's tough being neurotic.