Call me crazy . . . . .

[mickeysgirl17]

It all depends on the family. If your staying onsite and never plan to leave WDW, then the dining plan is a good idea. If your family eats a lot of table service meals, its a good idea. If you order appetizers and dessert usually or you want to eat like Kings on vacation, its worth having it. If you want to have a regular meal schedule like you do back at home or you have picky eaters, then you shouldn't get the plan.

 

[december]

I always get a good laugh at the concept that people are saving a lot of money with the DDP. We spend WAY less money on food, including groceries and meals out, than the DDP would cost us.

We use the DDE, and our DVC kitchen.

Why do you laugh? The plan doesn't work for you because you qualify for DDE and are DVC. But the "concept" is true for some of us. I stay at a value and enjoy the TS restaurants. I don't have a car at Disney, get picked up by ME at the airport. I won't spend $10 a day on a fridge. Most days we eat a snack for breakfast, CS lunch, and a fun themed TS dinner. It does save us money. As long as it is offered, I will buy it.

example: A kid's character meal costs about the same as the kids DDP charge per day. So we get a cs and snack for free! The adult meal is around $34 for tax and tip. So we get a cs and snack for $5. Since this is how we eat, we are saving tons of money!

 

[Katiebell]

I always get a good laugh at the concept that people are saving a lot of money with the DDP. We spend WAY less money on food, including groceries and meals out, than the DDP would cost us.

We use the DDE, and our DVC kitchen.

We'd buy the DDE if it was available to us, since it better fits the way we prefer to eat; but since it's not, the DDP should be a good option for us. It would be wonderful to have a DVC membership, but unless I can convince my family to do more housework on vacation, I'm not giving up daily maid service!

We too, have spent WAY less money eating food on vacation by buying groceries and eating in our rooms, but I don't want to cook on my vacations, or clean up. I'd rather look forward to a fun, relaxing restaurant meal every single day.

So, the DDP isn't the best choice for everyone. If your system works better for you, I promise I won't laugh.

 

[PaulaSB12]

I always get a good laugh at the concept that people are saving a lot of money with the DDP. We spend WAY less money on food, including groceries and meals out, than the DDP would cost us.

We use the DDE, and our DVC kitchen.

Why laugh at people? I don't have dvc or dde, its not worth the expense for me to get an annual pass as my next disny holiday (after 2007 with free dining) will be in 2009 as I am going to China next year. So for me the ddp makes sense, its not for everyone but it is for some of us.

 

[jodifla]

Why laugh at people? I don't have dvc or dde, its not worth the expense for me to get an annual pass as my next disny holiday (after 2007 with free dining) will be in 2009 as I am going to China next year. So for me the ddp makes sense, its not for everyone but it is for some of us.

The DDP has completely overtaken Disney dining now. Message boards, tips, obsessing how to get the most out of it...it's just ridiculous IMO. What ever happened to the FOOD??? Now all people are worried about is quantity and the feeling that they are getting some great deal, when they'd never order appetizers and desserts at every meal to begin with.

Even when I was staying at the Days Inn on International Drive I didn't rack up the dining bills that the DDP would cost my family.


Disney dining used to be great, and now it's horrible, because of the DDP and all the cost slashing it's entailed.

So all I can do is laugh, because the alternative is crying.

 

[debbiedoo]

The DDP has completely overtaken Disney dining now. Message boards, tips, obsessing how to get the most out of it...it's just ridiculous IMO. What ever happened to the FOOD??? Now all people are worried about is quantity and the feeling that they are getting some great deal, when they'd never order appetizers and desserts at every meal to begin with.

Even when I was staying at the Days Inn on International Drive I didn't rack up the dining bills that the DDP would cost my family.


Disney dining used to be great, and now it's horrible, because of the DDP and all the cost slashing it's entailed.

So all I can do is laugh, because the alternative is crying.

Very well said. I do not see how ppl can eat a snack, CS and a TS, way too much food IMHO.

Another DVC member here, usually drink a protein drink in the morning, then eat one TS between 3 and 5(no appetizer or dessert, unless if I share with a person, and NOT at everyone either), then towards fireworks, shows, a drink and extra while we await. . . .

 

[La2kw]

But I really do not understand the "value" of the dining plan. For our family of 5 it will be 194.95 per day (1169.70).

Do you realize how much food we could buy outside the park for that price ? ? ? I can see where there would be a "convenience" of purchasing the dining plan, but I fail to see the value.

Am I totally misunderstanding the concept ? ?

We don't eat offsite, and we can still eat cheaper than what the dining plan would cost us ($2027 for 13 nights). We have been to WDW many times and have never spent that much $$ on food. I don't see us spending that much this time either. It's definitely not a value for us.

 

[debbiedoo]

We don't eat offsite, and we can still eat cheaper than what the dining plan would cost us ($2027 for 13 nights). We have been to WDW many times and have never spent that much $$ on food. I don't see us spending that much this time either. It's definitely not a value for us.

There is 2 adults and 1 child in our party and for 12 nights/13 days we allow 1000 for food and never spend all of it. Which means extra for gift shops

 

[mommytothreeboys]

I am a bargain shopper and wanted to be sure we were getting our money's worth if we chose the DDP for our family of 5. I priced everything out a million different ways and figured in the inconvenience of having to go offsite to eat each meal. With the added price of a rental car and the time lost at the parks to go eat, I came to the conclusion that DDP was the best overall deal. This is a "big-deal" vacation for us and one we won't do every year or even every other, so I wanted it to be special and out of the ordinary. Also stress free... the thought of leaving the park, getting a bus back to the resort, getting in our car, traveling unfamiliar roads to find a restaurant, and eating at places I can eat in at home just didn't appeal to me. Like I said, I am all about a bargain, and the DDP seemed the best overall bargain to me. It's a personal choice though so do what makes sense for your family and enjoy your vacation!

 

[DisneyGirl4188]

Very well said. I do not see how ppl can eat a snack, CS and a TS, way too much food IMHO.

Another DVC member here, usually drink a protein drink in the morning, then eat one TS between 3 and 5(no appetizer or dessert, unless if I share with a person, and NOT at everyone either), then towards fireworks, shows, a drink and extra while we await. . . .

While it may be a lot of food to some, it isn't to others. DH and I would use our snack credits for water and sometimes breakfast (we usually wake up around 6:30-7). We would eat lunch around noon and then dinner later.

Yes, there were times that we didn't eat dessert with our CS meal, but we would get it to go (cookies, brownies, etc). That would be our snack later (if we used our snack credit for water). Dinner would usually be a TS. We went to several buffets, so we didn't have the issue of appetizer, entree, dessert (and we don't get plates upon plates of food at the buffets).

Plus, depending on where you go for CS, the portions can be smaller (Yorkshire Fish).

The DDP plan can be great for SOME people, but it isn't going to be for everyone.

 

[mrsltg]

Very well said. I do not see how ppl can eat a snack, CS and a TS, way too much food IMHO.

Another DVC member here, usually drink a protein drink in the morning, then eat one TS between 3 and 5(no appetizer or dessert, unless if I share with a person, and NOT at everyone either), then towards fireworks, shows, a drink and extra while we await. . . .

This I don't understand. At home I eat three meals per day plus two snacks. Breakfast is a protein bar, 1st snack is generally a yogurt, lunch, 2nd snack is nuts of some variety, and then dinner. Granted I don't usually do an appetizer and dessert with my home meal but I really don't consider 1 snack, 1 cs, and 1 ts to be an extreme amount of food. No one holds a gun to your head and says "finish all of those fries!!!". Just like at home you eat until you're full...

My dd6 and I are going to WDW in May for four days. We'll generally end up sharing stuff like cs lunches and breakfasts. However, we'll use all of our credits because well, we eat. A snack can be a bottle of water if you want it to be - I drink many of those throughout my day at WDW.

Anyway, I have found DDP to be a good value for my family. We always do one sit down meal per day, we always do at least one counter service meal per day, and there will be at least one Mickey Bar per day (it is Disney!). We also walk about 8-12 miles per day so we work up the appetite to support the food we eat. For $38 it's a good deal. I don't work out what we need to eat to "beat" Disney, I just eat what I want, where I want. I don't feel that I need to eat an entire appetizer simply because it's in front of me - same with entree and dessert.

Oh well - I guess I just don't get the hoopla!

 

[december]

Very well said. I do not see how ppl can eat a snack, CS and a TS, way too much food IMHO.

Another DVC member here, usually drink a protein drink in the morning, then eat one TS between 3 and 5(no appetizer or dessert, unless if I share with a person, and NOT at everyone either), then towards fireworks, shows, a drink and extra while we await. . . .

And to me, this seems like a very strange way to eat. If it works for you, that is great. And you shouldn't have much problem getting ADRs at that time. I would assume you don't have kids. Ds9 and dd7 would NOT be happy with your plan. Of course I prefer to eat my food than drink it, so it wouldn't work for me either!

That's why we all have a choice. DDP works for people like me. If it doesn't work for others, that doesn't make it bad, just not practical for everyone! Also, I'll have one "child" when we go back, and one 10 yr old "adult." So we can get 2 adult meals and one child's meal and SHARE. We may throw away some food, but we'll get to sample alot! I don't have to discourage anything my son wants, because it all costs the same on the plan. We just get to have fun, with no stress over food.

 

[eva]

Well, after reading all the posts again. I know that it doesn't make sense for DH and me right now. But I hope that they do have this plan when we take the whole gang down in a 2009. We are planning on paying for the rooms, tickets, and all meals. It will be great to have all of it pre-paid and everyone can go eat where they want without us having to be there to pay the bill. Plus if anyone wants extras or alcohol, it is on them.

Side Note: It is funny some of the misconceptions that people have of DVC members. We do not spend the day cleaning our room. The only thing I do each day is make the bed and put any dishes in the dishwasher. That all takes us about 15 minutes each morning. I guess if people are exceptionally messing, they may have to grab the vacuum and take 10 minutes to tidy up. But to be honest, I have never done that. I call the vacuum and stove decorations. The only time I have ever used the stove was to make an occasional frozen pizza late at night. We have thrown in a load of wash before going to bed too. But I used to do a load or two when staying at CBR prior to DVC. I guess I don't see pouring a bowl of cereal or toasting a bagel as much work.

 

[Slapster]

Very well said. I do not see how ppl can eat a snack, CS and a TS, way too much food IMHO.

Another DVC member here, usually drink a protein drink in the morning, then eat one TS between 3 and 5(no appetizer or dessert, unless if I share with a person, and NOT at everyone either), then towards fireworks, shows, a drink and extra while we await. . . .

I don't see how someone can have a protein drink, one entree and whatever a "drink and extra" is for their entire days caloric intake. Sounds like it's about 1000 calories total? Certainly not the way I eat.

To each their own, I guess.

 

[scootert]

We are DVC members, but prefer to eat out rather than prepare meals, except breakfast.

I also don't understand the "too much food". We will be on the dining plan for the first time this year. I see us using the plan this way: breakfast in our room (cereal, fruit, coffee); lunch at CS (salad or sandwich, beverage and probably share one dessert); dinner at TS (app/salad; entree and dessert for each of us). (This is the same approach we've always had at WDW.) Our snack credits will go for water. We're looking forward to our trip and the idea that our meals are prepaid.

 

[debbiedoo]

I don't see how someone can have a protein drink, one entree and whatever a "drink and extra" is for their entire days caloric intake. Sounds like it's about 1000 calories total? Certainly not the way I eat.

To each their own, I guess.

to explain here, I have been through many things in my life, through doctors, and everything, our bodies do not need a lot of food, but a lot of water, and I do spurlge from time to time, just because I am going to disney does not mean I am going to change my eating patterns. No living my way is not for everyone, but I have worked to long to hard, too many days and nights running on the treadmill, I want to keep the new me, and I will continue to do so, and yes I do go to a dr, have good cholestrolm, etc.

No flames here please, this has been my way of life now for 8/9 years, and I am not going back. .

oh yeah, driving in metro city with a protein shake much safer. . . .than trying to eat full course, and mentioning that I am on the road at 5:30am and start work at 6am

like I said, this is not for everyone. . .

 

[debbiedoo]

Side Note: It is funny some of the misconceptions that people have of DVC members. We do not spend the day cleaning our room. The only thing I do each day is make the bed and put any dishes in the dishwasher. That all takes us about 15 minutes each morning. I guess if people are exceptionally messing, they may have to grab the vacuum and take 10 minutes to tidy up. But to be honest, I have never done that. I call the vacuum and stove decorations. The only time I have ever used the stove was to make an occasional frozen pizza late at night. We have thrown in a load of wash before going to bed too. But I used to do a load or two when staying at CBR prior to DVC. I guess I don't see pouring a bowl of cereal or toasting a bagel as much work.

Only another DVC member can understand

 

[Katiebell]

No living my way is not for everyone, but I have worked to long to hard, too many days and nights running on the treadmill, I want to keep the new me, and I will continue to do so, and yes I do go to a dr, have good cholestrolm, etc. No flames here please, this has been my way of life now for 8/9 years, and I am not going back. .
oh yeah, driving in metro city with a protein shake much safer. . . .than trying to eat full course, and mentioning that I am on the road at 5:30am and start work at 6am like I said, this is not for everyone. . .

No flames coming from here You do what's best for you, and sounds like you are the first to admit that your eating style isn't for everyone, but it's working for you and that's great. I guess in the same vein, remember that a snack, CS meal, and TS meal per day may be way too much food for you, but not necessarily for other people. There are a lot of people vacationing at WDW who are trying to feed growing kids. Or ravenous teenagers. Or may have blood sugar issues and couldn't go on just one meal a day. And some of us don't have the opportunity to visit very often, Disney is famous for good food, and we want to try it while we can! Doesn't mean we will all lick our plates clean. Last year when we went to DL, I wore a pedometer and one day we walked 17 miles, so I feel like I'm entitled to my desserts...

Side Note: It is funny some of the misconceptions that people have of DVC members. We do not spend the day cleaning our room. The only thing I do each day is make the bed and put any dishes in the dishwasher. That all takes us about 15 minutes each morning. I guess if people are exceptionally messing, they may have to grab the vacuum and take 10 minutes to tidy up. But to be honest, I have never done that. I call the vacuum and stove decorations. The only time I have ever used the stove was to make an occasional frozen pizza late at night. We have thrown in a load of wash before going to bed too. But I used to do a load or two when staying at CBR prior to DVC. I guess I don't see pouring a bowl of cereal or toasting a bagel as much work.

No flames coming from here, either. Everyone's vacationing style is different. For example, my DH absolutely loves camping -- but all I can think of is setting up camp, hauling all that food and equipment, bugs, no plumbing, no hot showers....no THANKS! But many, many people adore it. At the other end of the scale, for many visitors it isn't a real vacation unless they stay at the GF, concierge level. For us, that would be lovely, but we only spend about 6-8 hours in our room each day -- sleeping -- and hardly any time at our resort, so we are fine with a value hotel. Some people buy into a DVC membership or have AP's, and that's wonderful! But not everyone can afford it, and it's not practical for everyone, due to location, work schedules, wanting to take non-Disney vacations, etc. If we lived closer, or could visit WDW multiple times year, it would be the way to go! Not everyone has a DVC membership or is even eligible for the DDE, so the DDP might be a good option for them -- even if it isn't for someone else, and it doesn't mean they are silly for buying the plan

 

[GC&S]

I always get a good laugh at the concept that people are saving a lot of money with the DDP. We spend WAY less money on food, including groceries and meals out, than the DDP would cost us.

We use the DDE, and our DVC kitchen.

Laugh away then. Not everyone is a DVC member and it is my understanding that not everyone can get the DDE. So if I can't get the DDE and I plan on eating TS everyday (which we do) then yes, we are saving money by using the DP. Eating out is a huge part of our vacation, not spending time in a kitchen cooking. I do enough of that at home.

To the op - the DP only will make sense if you eat TS everyday. Even before the DP, we would order an app and dessert at our dinner. To us it was a splurge - we might not have eaten every single bite of it, but we enjoyed it So the DP makes a lot of sense for us.

 

[debbiedoo]

Laugh away then. Not everyone is a DVC member and it is my understanding that not everyone can get the DDE. So if I can't get the DDE and I plan on eating TS everyday (which we do) then yes, we are saving money by using the DP. Eating out is a huge part of our vacation, not spending time in a kitchen cooking. I do enough of that at home.

To the op - the DP only will make sense if you eat TS everyday. Even before the DP, we would order an app and dessert at our dinner. To us it was a splurge - we might not have eaten every single bite of it, but we enjoyed it So the DP makes a lot of sense for us.

I will share one of my spurlges I the yachtsman steakhouse, I think it is 2TS on the DP, if you can, take the opportunity to treat yourself some of the best steak I have had