$39.99 a day for QSDP?

[mrzrich]

I was just quoted $39.99 a day to add QSDP to my upcoming trip. When the plan was 31.99 I thought it was a pretty good deal. When it was $34.99 I could still se a some value. But $39.99? I just can't wrap my mind around it. You would really have to work hard, ordering the MOST expensive meals and the MOST expensive snacks to make it worth the money.

What do you think?

 

[mrzrich]

Oh, and I forgot to add, I had the pushiest CM I ever had the pleasure of speaking with try to tell me I was crazy not to get the QSDP. He kept going on and on about how it was a great value. I tried to explain to him that I am on weight watchers, I don't eat a lot of deserts, especially at lunch, and that my family sometimes shares CS meals. He just kept talking and actually talked over me at one point. He wasn't listening to what I was saying.

 

[GoofyforDisney3]

If you are someone that likes to have everything paid in advance, it is good. If not, don't do it trying to save money because you aren't necessarily going to.

 

[WaltD4Me]

Wait...QSDP, the Quick Service plan is $39.99 a day??? Didn't it start out at $19.99? That's ridiculous.

 

[NickNElliesMom]

I booked the qsdp, and am having 2nd thoughts. Even if we order the most expensive item on the menu, plus 2 snacks a day, is it really worth the cost? Unless we find a way to eat at Wolf Gang Express every day that we're there, then we might get our money's worth.

 

[mrzrich]

Wait...QSDP, the Quick Service plan is $39.99 a day??? Didn't it start out at $19.99? That's ridiculous.

Yes QSDP! Now I'm not sure if this a SEASONAL Price increase, or if this is the new price. The CM wasn't sure. If its a seasonal increase, I call foul, because CS don't raise their prices at peak times like some TS do.

 

[kkyle60]

Sounds like the CM was mistaken. Typically they won't break down the price for you over the phone. They only give the total cost. Is should be $34.99 per night.

FWIW when the QSDP was introduced in 2009 it was $29.99 per night.

 

[mrzrich]

He did give me the price separately because I was booking an AP Discounted room only, and he was trying to convince me to add on the QSDP. There are other threads started by others who have been charged $39.99. See Post # 8 on this thread. Then on the second page of the thread, others concur that they too were quoted or charged $39.99

http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=2655546&highlight=qsdp+price+increase

 

[WaltD4Me]

Yes QSDP! Now I'm not sure if this a SEASONAL Price increase, or if this is the new price. The CM wasn't sure. If its a seasonal increase, I call foul, because CS don't raise their prices at peak times like some TS do.

Who eats $40 a day in counter service every day their whole trip????
I can't believe they could have the nerve to charge that. Unbelievable.

 

[dmwang9]

If you are someone that likes to have everything paid in advance, it is good. If not, don't do it trying to save money because you aren't necessarily going to.

I'm one of those people, but on my last trip, I just couldn't bring myself to pay that much for the QSDP. Instead, I loaded a Disney gift card with the equivalent amount of money and used that for my meals. I wound up saving a decent amount and still had the "prepaid" convenience.

 

[Cherinva]

I'm one of those people, but on my last trip, I just couldn't bring myself to pay that much for the QSDP. Instead, I loaded a Disney gift card with the equivalent amount of money and used that for my meals. I wound up saving a decent amount and still had the "prepaid" convenience.

You know...preloading a Disney Gift Card for food is a great idea....I hadn't thought of that....thanks.....(and I'm one of those that likes "everything" paid for in advance)

Oh, and IMHO....$39.99 a day for QS seems to be a lot...I'll have to run the numbers for myself and see it's worth it

 

[Sparkie]

This is my last post from the other thread.

OK.... its me again....

I got a response to my email regarding my amount charged for my QSDP. The "snippy" disney rep told me that I was being charged $32.99 (Annual Pass Discount with an AP room and dining plan package) and that I was "NOT" being charged 39.99.

When I tried to explain that I had called twice and both times was told that I was being charged 39.99 she proceeded to inform me that "nobody" told me I was being charged 39.99 that i was told it was "less than 39.99/person/day"

At this point I just said ... OK.... but I wonder.... was she on the phone listening when i called because I know what I was told and it was not "less than" anything it was "the price is"

What I dont understand is why does Disney have to be so secretative about what they are charging? Its the same as room rates. It varies with season, location and accomodation reserved so just advertise the dining plan in the same way..... if the dining plan (without AP discount) is 34.99 to 39.99 depending on the time of travel then advertise it as such.

I feel like I was being scolded for asking for clarification of my bill.


I dont know what is going on but I agree that $40 seems excessive for quick service. At this point .... I have decided for all future trips, i will preload gift cards, and have my prepaid option without feeling like i'm being ripped off. Nothing I can do about it this trip.

 

[EddieMccoy2]

In January this year, we paid 34.99 per Adult for the plan. At that price, it is still a good deal if you like to eat all that it provides. We found it too much food, and decided to just stick with paying out of pocket and Tables in Wonderland, which is good at some resort food courts.

 

[mrzrich]

I truly think it is a Seasonal Price due to Spring Break. Again, I cry foul because CS don't raise their prices during peak times. (Not Yet anyway)

 

[BriarRosie]

Good for you! I would have no problem calling back and reporting that CM to a supervisor for the hard sell. I always make a point of getting the "stage name" when I've called.

And the DDP is NOT always the best deal, for the reasons you mentioned. I did the plan last July when I was rooming with a couple friends. We thought it was easier all around if we all were on the plan, but I usually don't have a problem paying my share of any bill. I personally didn't like all the desserts I "had" to order with every meal. And snacks! I don't buy enough snacks (in beverages or food) to justify the entitlements.

I know yours was QSDP, but all those desserts still apply! I bet you can do much better on your own.

 

[mainegal]

I totally agree with Lori. Paying with your own money gives you the freedom to buy only what you want to eat and drink and he flexibility to add a table service meal to your counter service vacation. If having food paid for in advance in necessary, fill up a pre-paid card. If it is not a Disney card, then you can spend it any where and not be forced to spend it at WDW. Now, that would really be saving money!

 

[boufa]

I know its a small number of people who would qualify, but the QSDP during the food and wine festival would be a good idea. The large number of snack credits can be used for the non-alcohol items. In this case the snack credits can be worth $5 - 7 each.

My kids would be thrilled to eat snack we bring in from home most of the time. So 56 snack credits over 6 days is a huge amount. But being able to "Snack Credit" around the world during Food and Wine would be a great way to burn off 20 or so of them (at least) and get real value.

$650 total cost (2 adults, 2 kids 7 nights, 6 days in the park using the $34.99/11.99 pricing)

$120 in F&W snacks (based on $6 each and last years menus)
$90 in regular snacks (avg $2.50 each mostly pop and ice cream)
leaves $31.50 per QS meal
A quick look at Cosmic Ray's shows an eyeballed average of 7.89 for entree, 2.25 for desert and 2.25 for a drink, per adult and $5.00 for each kids meal. For a total of $34.78 per meal.

$34.78 per meal, when you need $31.50 per meal to make it work (at least during food and wine, and in my case) is close enough for me. I chose average items, there certainly will be days when I will go with the more expensive items on the menu (ie at Cosmic Rays despite doing the math with an average price of 7.89, I would likely get the Chicken and Ribs combo for $13.99!).

In this case there really is no "wrong decision" and that does not even take into account the "free" resort mug (4 of them actually). Worth it... maybe, maybe not, but not a huge mistake either way.

P.s. if you are NOT going during food and wine, then the snack benefit changes from $210 to $140, changing the money left to break even per meal to $36.... a total over spend of approx $15 on a 7 night stay, if you stick to my averages. Not a significant amount, and easily overcome by occasionally ending up eating something more expensive once in a while, or if you end up having to eat at a location without a kids menu where the kids meals would effectively be more expensive than average.

 

[DaParkers]

We're doing the QSDP during F&W this year. Cost isn't a factor because it's only costing me $20 a day per person for the plan. We've gone during free dining 4 times and love the dining plans, but would not pay full price for them.

@boufa Are you going for 6 nights or 7? You said 6 days, but multiplied your credits and overall cost by 7. Just wondering which is it? Also, you'll surpass that $31.50 per meal. Other places will bring that average up. Taking a look at WPE menu, the average adult price for an entree is about $13 and the kids meals are $7. Drinks are $2.65 x 2(kids meal comes with drink), and desserts average $2.50. That comes to $55.30. Could be more if you order the more expensive entrees. This is why it is my favorite CS place. We ate there 3 times in Jan.
Edited: I see you are going for 7 night, but only 6 days in the parks. Don't forget that you don't have to use those credits just in the parks. There's the resorts and Downtown Disney.

 

[mjohnson96]

I just did a double check on our trip in June we are being charged the $34.99 for adult for QSDP. I would rather do the QSDP other the reg plan just because that way I don't have to worry about TS meals and planning those. I the past I felt we spent more time going to, waiting at, eating at, and leaving from those TS meals than we did at the park

I also like to have everything prepaid. Yes I know I can just put it all on a preloaded credit card and that I might pay more in the long run. But I just like to have it done.

 

[jensen]

I remember the first year they offered the dining plan, it was $36.99 then and it included appetizers and the tip... we've used it every year, but it's becoming less and less valueable... and now our 10 year old is an adult.

I think they've finally priced me out of Disney dining... and maybe even Disney vacations. We didn't go back this year... I was hoping to next year, but probably only if we get free dining.