5/27/06 "Il pochi il fiero i blabbermouths" We *will* sail again Part 12

[ohiominnie]

I need opinions on the WDW Dining Plan. Is it worth the extra money? We've never done it. There is a $600 difference (for 6 nights) between room-only plus tickets vs. package with dining. I'm torn. I know that we can eat cheaper than $600 but that also means eating mostly, if not all, counter service meals, which I know gets old ... that's what we've always done. If you do the dining plan, then how much can I plan to come out of pocket for that extra meal that's not covered? We're not big eaters, so is possible to cover all meals if you split some? Thanks. I know y'all are a wealth of information!

Ang

We opted to not do the dining plan. While I haven't crunched any numbers, I feel like we came out ahead. We were just down there for two weeks and there were a couple of days we did not do a table service meal. I would have been stressed knowing we may be throwing away those credits!!! We also shared on several occasions. In fact, one night at Mama Melrose, we got 3 appetizers and 3 meals and 3 desserts for our party of 6. Everyone walked out of there comfortably full, but not stuffed to the gills. My mom was with us and she really needs to watch what she eats (diabetes) so having all of that food "available" would not be a good thing for her (she's a "clear your plate kinda person even if she's full!)
There were actually even times we split some counter meals. KT and Nick shared a hot dog and fries at Caseys. That's another thing....little bitty 12 yr old KT is charged as an adult. No way she eats adult portions...heck, sometimes she doesn't even eat kid portions!
I also liked the option of getting dinner at one place, then getting dessert somewhere else. For example, we eat dinner at a place in World Showcase, walk around for an hour or so, then get dessert at the bakery at Norway. I did not like the idea of HAVING to get dessert at the same time as the meal.
We also have the Disney Dining Experience card, so that gets us 20% off at LOTS of places including most sit down meals.
I know there are lots of people who get great use out of the dining plan but for us, I think paying OOP worked better. HTH.

 

[kikipug]

You are GOING? Have fun....sorry your team lost...I did not have any favourties left...

I'm working the Bud events that are leading up to the SuperBowl in South Beach and at Finnegan's River ... I don't actually have a game ticket (yet...)... I might end up watching the game from my hotel bar, if nothing else- but I'm sure there will be plenty of people in the same boat.

 

[WVMD]

I'll post the differing opinion on the Dining plan. Each time we've gotten (3 times) - I kept close watch on the costs/receipts and found that we came out $100-200 ahead each time. We did eat counter service - and some sit down meals - but for us the cost was well worth it.

First time it was Frances, Lauren, Lauren's friend and me.

Second time it was just Frances, Lauren and me.

Third time - and this was the $200 savings - it was Jason, Kristin, Lauren and me.

You have to pay attention - and get your money's worth. You can split meals - etc... You get credits - and you use the credits as you want. If you want to use them all at once - fine... if you want to spread them out... fine....

Virgil

 

[scuba diver]

Third time - and this was the $200 savings - it was Jason, Kristin, Lauren and me.


Virgil

And us!

 

[Dancind]

We've done the dining plan a couple of times, when we were there for short stays. We usually split meals and eat at the "double credit" places. For instance, we went to California Grille and used four credits for the three of us. We split two orders of sushi, two entrees, and two desserts. Yes, it was more than enough! I think maybe we got a flatbread and some wine on a separate ticket. I'm positive we got wine, anyway.

On the other hand, we had the Gold Plan or whatever it was on our first trip to WDW, when Alicia was 8. She and Kevin both kind of complained about "having to" go sit at a restaurant every night. So it depends on your kid's tolerance for restaurants I think. Most of the character meals are a single TS credit, that might work for you.

You could use your snack credit for a bagle or muffin at breakfast time if you go to the right places. That would cover three meals a day. You get dessert with the CS meals and the TS meals, so I don't think many people would want a mid-afternoon snack!

I usually figure out where we would eat if not on the plan, what we would be likely to order, and what it would cost. Then I compare. There's a web site with menus and prices called Deb's Unofficial WDW Insider Guide. Hope I can say that!

 

[BWVPam]

A great place to eat on the plan is Captain Jack's at DTD. We used 3 TS credit there last year and I shared with Ashley. We had 3 orders of lobster tails, with shrimp cocktail appetizers and 3 desserts. I believe that the ticket was close to $200 for that one meal. All we payed for was a cup of clam chowder and a lemonade. Well worth the price.

I am having a hard time deciding on whether or not to do the plan on our upcoming trip over spring break. I started weight watchers a few weeks ago and am afraid if we do the plan, i will eat more than I should

 

[tinksdad]

And another one

Ahhh! I see you saved my camera lens cleaning instructional photo!!!

 

[ohiominnie]

Moose is not coming to our house. After sleeping on it, we (as a whole family) have come to the conclusion that we like Mowana just like he is and we don't want to risk his personality changing by bringing in another cat. We were caught up in the cuteness and playfulness of this kitten, but when we really stopped to think about it, it just isn't a good idea for us and for Mo. Too many stories about the older cat getting weird and having issues (mainly litterbox) and I just don't need that....none of us do.

Little Nick, who has the most tender heart for animals, even is saying he doesn't want the cat. He wants Moose to go to a good home, but he doesn't want Mowana to change. I expected tears and resistance from him when we talked about it, but he was completely serious in his decision about not brining the cat home. I've called the shelter and took him off of hold.

 

[dzneprincess]

Hey guys quick question please...
The blue man group is coming to Columbus in March.....Is it worth the $50 pp to see/hear them? Does one need "good" seats for the blue man group or just being to hear them is good enough?

 

[justmestace]

Ahhh! I see you saved my camera lens cleaning instructional photo!!!

You are a man with an answer for everything!

 

[justmestace]

Hey guys quick question please...
The blue man group is coming to Columbus in March.....Is it worth the $50 pp to see/hear them? Does one need "good" seats for the blue man group or just being to hear them is good enough?

Just stay far enough away that they can't spit on you!
Actually, I've never been to see them....it's just what I've heard.

 

[justmestace]

Moose is not coming to our house. After sleeping on it, we (as a whole family) have come to the conclusion that we like Mowana just like he is and we don't want to risk his personality changing by bringing in another cat. We were caught up in the cuteness and playfulness of this kitten, but when we really stopped to think about it, it just isn't a good idea for us and for Mo. Too many stories about the older cat getting weird and having issues (mainly litterbox) and I just don't need that....none of us do.

Little Nick, who has the most tender heart for animals, even is saying he doesn't want the cat. He wants Moose to go to a good home, but he doesn't want Mowana to change. I expected tears and resistance from him when we talked about it, but he was completely serious in his decision about not brining the cat home. I've called the shelter and took him off of hold.

Everyone should put that much thought into getting a pet! You guys are great! Mowana is a lucky kitty.

 

[MarkRG]

Just stay far enough away that they can't spit on you!
Actually, I've never been to see them....it's just what I've heard.

Actually the 'tour' show is a lot less messy. The only thing they launched into the audience last tour was confettti. They only do some playing with food in the two permanent locations, and even that's been toned down some. Only saw the first tour on DVD and don't have any shot at seeing this tour in person either as the dates just don't work for us.

Now is it worth it? It's a bit hard to explain, but the mixture of music and theater effects really pulls it off. There's really nothing that I can think of to compare it to, it really is its own event.

 

[chip&dale&fun]

I'm working the Bud events that are leading up to the SuperBowl in South Beach and at Finnegan's River ... I don't actually have a game ticket (yet...)... I might end up watching the game from my hotel bar, if nothing else- but I'm sure there will be plenty of people in the same boat.

You'll have fun regardless....we are watching the game at home....we sent an invite for a chili party to those who want to watch but are not serious sports fans....If you have seen our TV set you will understand that it will not be the "full game experience"....

 

[chip&dale&fun]

Morning All --- no Dining Plan for us.....We have had the Disney Dining Experience card for years, which lets us have 20% off all table service and food courts in hotels where there is no sit down resturant. Although the price has increased over the years, we still find it works well.....You used to need to be a Florida resident to purchase it...I think that has relaxed but you may need to be a passholder to qualify. I have no clue if the cost would work for a visit, just what you need, more options and numbers to crunch - right?

We do not eat dessert, and often I eat appetizers, so the selections on the Dining Plan do not match eating preferences. Plus, Experience card applies to food and drink.....Can you say Smithwicks?

Here is a question -- was there ever a "cents" key on the keyboard...you know, my 2 cents - or, in the olden days of the typwriter, was that the "c" key and you would backspace and type a "l" ?????

Anyway - Good Tuesday Morning.

 

[RachelTori]

Morning All --- no Dining Plan for us.....We have had the Disney Dining Experience card for years, which lets us have 20% off all table service and food courts in hotels where there is no sit down resturant. Although the price has increased over the years, we still find it works well.....You used to need to be a Florida resident to purchase it...I think that has relaxed but you may need to be a passholder to qualify. I have no clue if the cost would work for a visit, just what you need, more options and numbers to crunch - right?

We do not eat dessert, and often I eat appetizers, so the selections on the Dining Plan do not match eating preferences. Plus, Experience card applies to food and drink.....Can you say Smithwicks?

Here is a question -- was there ever a "cents" key on the keyboard...you know, my 2 cents - or, in the olden days of the typwriter, was that the "c" key and you would backspace and type a "l" ?????

Anyway - Good Tuesday Morning.

Morning, Irene! I seem to remember there was a 'cents' key on typewriters. (remember the IBM Selectrics?!! mine was blue!! )

Here's another vote for the Disney Dining Experience card. AP holders can get it for $60/yr (unless there's been a recent price increase).

 

[CajunGirl2]

Thanks for all the input about the dining plan. Seems like there are pros & cons. I'll have to discuss with Bruce to see what he wants to do.

Hope everyone has a great day!
Ang

 

[kikipug]

They only do some playing with food in the two permanent locations, and even that's been toned down some.

Stacey-
I've seen it twice in Boston, which is a permanent location... once sitting towards the back (and out of the 'splash zone...OK... too much time at SeaWorld... sorry), and once sitting about 3 rows from the front. I watched the 'arena' show on HDNet... looks a whole lot 'cleaner', but a lot more impersonal, too.

Like Mark said- its hard to explain... either you'll love it, or sit there going, "What the $#*!". But knowing you, I think you'd be in the first category.

Hey! An early AM U-TOP with Mark, Stacey and Blue Men.

 

[BWVPam]

looks like we are having a delayed school start this morning due to snow and ice. Yeah, that means I am going to have a delayed start this morning as well.

 

[kikipug]

If you have seen our TV set you will understand that it will not be the "full game experience"....

My parents (who are staying with us for the winter) have really taken to mostly watching tv in their room at our house... they said they don't like watching tv in our family room because the screen is TOO BIG???!!!!! Huh? They'd rather watch a 13" than a 61"... I don't get it... I thought that when your eyes got old (which mine already are) you needed print, screens and various other things to be BIGGER to be seen???