Advise regarding Disney Dining Plan

[ckcurtis]

Ok here's my situation, We rented points for our upcoming stay from 2 different DVC owners, first night we will be at AKV attending the MNSSHP that night, then moving to the Boardwalk Villa for our second night. We are possibly going to Epcot that day not sure yet, then we will be going on a Disney Cruise. We are a Family of 4 (3 adult price & 1 Child price) Typically when we go to Disney we always add the Dining plan, but this time my husband is thinking that we would come out better not buying the dining plan. I am completly undecided on this matter. He seems to think we will save by eating outside the park, but I just don't know. Does anyone have an opinion on this as to which way is best for us? ( please note that we have no intention to do character meals this trip)

 

[TDC Nala]

If you're not doing character meals, you have a car, and you are willing to go offsite to eat, then yes you can save over the DDP. Besides, it looks to me like you are only staying 2 nights. If you're not interested in TS meals I don't think you would need a dining plan.

 

[dvcHammer]

for a short stay I don't think it's worth the effort to add DDP to a DVC rental. There would be a few extra hoops to jump through. Pay OOP and save the hassle.

 

[havoc315]

Using the dining plan is never the cheapest way to dine. Especially if you're willing to go offsite.

The advantage of the dining plan, amounts to a moderate overall discount IF your eating habits conform to the design of the plan. For most cases, it amounts to paying full price for TS and CS meals, with snacks and desserts being discounted. (In other words, if the DDP cost $46, you may be getting about $30-$35 worth of "real food," about $5 of beverages, and about $10-$15 in desserts and snacks. -- So if that's how you like eating, on Disney property, it saves you a few dollars. So 1 way of looking at it, is paying full price for meals, with desserts and snacks at half-price).