AKV first trip Spring Break!! Dining plan or not?

[Matty B13]

The dinning plan really only makes since if you have several kids under the age of 12 (Disney Adult on Plan) and are doing a lot of Character Buffets that cost 1 TS (Table Service Credit) and no Signature Restaurants (cost 2 TS credits). The Character Buffets are very expensive out of pocket. Also we usually split an Adult QS (Quick Service) meal between our girls (6 & 4 age) for lunch and breakfast. If you use your snacks wisely you can get some pretty nice snacks (nice coffee drinks, my favorite Dole Whips, frozen non-alcoholic drinks at pool bars). Just look at the menu boards and they have the snack symbol next to the items that qualify. You can also stock up on sovereign candy or snacks and pack them up for the trip home.

We use the dinning plan currently but will definitely stop when the kids get older.

 

[kreckl]

We definitely thought it was worth it when our son was younger. Not anymore, and although I love the idea of looking at the menu and ordering what I want- like splurging on steaks and expensive items ( while on the plan) its just never worked for us. And I love knowing that we spent less, always still ordering whatever we want.
On the plan, we ate like kings and queens. Without it, we eat like normal people!

 

[DenLo]

The advantage of a dining plan is that both families equally have planned for spending the same amount on food. But if one family is not interested in spending that much money then the other family cannot have the dining plan either since the entire room is either on the DDP or off of it.