2013 disney dining plan - do i want it?

[tinkermommyof3]

We are staying Poly Club Level in July 2013. I have run the numbers per se for many OOP meals. With 3 children that are Disney Adults it is a lot of $$$ for food. I really did not want to do the dining plan. But maybe we should. For those who have used the 2013 Dining Plan, have a family with children that are Disney Adults and may be staying CL. What do you think? It is a lot of money to add. But it is still a lot of money OOP for food. Thanks!

 

[TDC Nala]

The problem you have is that your children are Disney adults. While it's almost certain that families with kids under 10 will save money on the plan if they do one table service a day (especially buffets, all you can eat and character meals), it requires more work with adults. You're club level, will you be using the club offerings as meals? Will you be doing a lot of fixed price meals? If you do a la carte, does everyone want their own dessert at every meal? Does your party generally order expensive items?

It's going to come down as to why you think you might want the dining plan. If you put any value on the prepayment aspect at all, it could push you toward the plan, even beyond the actual monetary value.

 

[bdklein]

We are staying Poly Club Level in July 2013. I have run the numbers per se for many OOP meals. With 3 children that are Disney Adults it is a lot of $$$ for food. I really did not want to do the dining plan. But maybe we should. For those who have used the 2013 Dining Plan, have a family with children that are Disney Adults and may be staying CL. What do you think? It is a lot of money to add. But it is still a lot of money OOP for food. Thanks!

Go OOP. Either you save a bunch, or spend a bit more. Not locked in to what Disney dictates what you have to eat. Worth the gamble, IMO

 

[sharonabe]

We are an OOP family BECAUSE my two are now Disney adults. Think about it, do you really want FIVE desserts at every TS meal, not to mention FIVE pre-packaged desserts at every QS meal?

Check out the $50 a Day at Disney thread over on the restaurant forum. It might give you some ideas for your family to still eat well, but for less than the DDP would cost. And since your staying club level, you could subtract the breakfast costs from the $50 or use that $$ for more expensive meals.

 

[tinkermommyof3]

Thanks everyone! It does seem like OOP is the best for our family.