Cancel DxDP and pay OOP

[DisMom829]

We're booked with a LARGE family trip June 2015 for 14 days. We're well seasoned in the in's and out's of the dining plans. Hubs and I were just there in August and had FD. Thing is we left credits on the plan. We're not huge eaters during the hot weather and prefer water to drink. Thing is we are going with some first time family members and of course they want to experience the character meals with their kids. And we're perfectly cool with that! Some of the meals we will attend with our kids, but other's my kids have said, "Mom we've DONE that before, do we have to eat there again?" (spoiled I know)

After running the math on several scenario's, it seems like canceling the DxDP will save us money in the end. I have a Disney Visa and plan on using it to gain the 10% off at some restaurants and earn rewards at the same time.

My grand plan is to start off with the $4980 I would have paid for the dining plan in the bank. Have my DV ($2500 limit) at a zero balance before leaving the house, (not touching the $4980 to do this). Use the DV for all meals. I know this will be a tiny pain with the kids, as some evenings we are planning on letting the "bigs" take the "littles" to the park so the Mom's and Dad's can do some fine dining (Narcoossee's). But on those 3 planned evenings, I'm fine letting the kids put their meals/snacks on their MB and me paying that off with my DV at the resort. When my DV gets close to $2K, zeroing it back out with money intended for DxDP.

Does this seem logical?? I'm an extreme over thinker, but after doing several of the dining plan calculators, I am 99.99% sure I can save by not using the DxDP. I know this is over 6 months away, but like I said, I'm an overthinker.

 

[PiperGirlInWondrland]

Yes - i have used the dining plan many times in the past. I was scared to try without since I like to have everything prepaid but now that i have i will never get it again! Your plan is perfect - take the $$ you would have spent and set it aside. you will come out ahead. If you can - run the numbers and you may wish to consider getting one annual pass and buying a Tables in Wonderland card so you can get 20% off meals. If you spend $500 plus the discount pays for the card. I have saved a great deal of $$ doing the TIW card and will use this every time going forward.

 

[Belle612]

Another vote for Tables in Wonderland! If you do have an annual pass or can justify the cost of an annual pass, TIW will get you 20% off at almost every (some exceptions) restaurant on property, INCLUDING alcohol. This can add up to a ton of savings, sometimes more than what you would get with the DDP.

 

[DisMom829]

Another vote for Tables in Wonderland! If you do have an annual pass or can justify the cost of an annual pass, TIW will get you 20% off at almost every (some exceptions) restaurant on property, INCLUDING alcohol. This can add up to a ton of savings, sometimes more than what you would get with the DDP.

I'm going to have to read up on the annual pass. So far I think I've figured that since we are staying so long, I would have to get the premium. With the TIW card, if my spouse gets the 2nd TIW card, does he also have to get the premium AP?

 

[purple figment]

I'm going to have to read up on the annual pass. So far I think I've figured that since we are staying so long, I would have to get the premium. With the TIW card, if my spouse gets the 2nd TIW card, does he also have to get the premium AP?

The Premium AP also includes the water parks, Disney Quest, and Oak Trail Golf Course. If you are not planning to go to any of these places you can get the regular AP.

The TiW card is good for up to 10 people so your spouse wouldn't need one unless you're planning to dine separately or you want to cover more than 10 people. It will cover any food or beverage including alcohol that is being paid for OOP. Here's the TiW website with a list of restaurants where it can be used and the blockout dates at some restaurants during June 2015:
http://tablesinwonderland.com/

TIW will get you 20% off at almost every (some exceptions) restaurant on property, INCLUDING alcohol. This can add up to a ton of savings, sometimes more than what you would get with the DDP.

Just a clarification: TiW is good at almost all Table Service restaurants, but only a small number of counter service restaurants (food courts in 7 value or moderate resorts and 3 CS in AK.)

 

[lauradis]

OP how long will the DV take to post the payment? Any bank holidays when your traveling? I would make payment at 1500 not 2000 mark just in case.

Because that gives your breathing room of 1k on card and min of 500 at resort charging (depending on where you stay)

 

[DisMom829]

OP how long will the DV take to post the payment? Any bank holidays when your traveling? I would make payment at 1500 not 2000 mark just in case.

Because that gives your breathing room of 1k on card and min of 500 at resort charging (depending on where you stay)

DV payment takes 24 hours to post on weekdays. Good point though, we will be heading home on July 4.