Club Level and Dining Plan Dilemma

[lizloph]

So I'm beginning to plan my November trip and my boyfriend has gotten quiet acclimated to the dining plan. We did the 1 counter/1 table service plan and it did save us a boat load and it being inclusive was really nice.

I however, figured that last trip that I hate the counter service. I really just enjoy getting waited on and I like the choices of the table service restaurants compared to the counter service.

My feeling was that If i went club level I would better utilize the amenities -- I could get my coffee and a light breakfast, grab a snack after the pool and head to the parks (I'm also a large happy hour fan). I could also get the basic dining plan which would keep my travel partner happy and if i nit pick at the counter service options it should be fine.

Then I saw this which had not occurred to me....

************************************deluxe-disney-dining-plan-value/

Do I just upgrade my dining plan and do an early lunch and good dinner each day?

Thoughts and suggestion ALWAYS appreciated.

 

[Marionnette]

So I'm beginning to plan my November trip and my boyfriend has gotten quiet acclimated to the dining plan. We did the 1 counter/1 table service plan and it did save us a boat load and it being inclusive was really nice.

I however, figured that last trip that I hate the counter service. I really just enjoy getting waited on and I like the choices of the table service restaurants compared to the counter service.

My feeling was that If i went club level I would better utilize the amenities -- I could get my coffee and a light breakfast, grab a snack after the pool and head to the parks (I'm also a large happy hour fan). I could also get the basic dining plan which would keep my travel partner happy and if i nit pick at the counter service options it should be fine.

Then I saw this which had not occurred to me....

************************************deluxe-disney-dining-plan-value/

Do I just upgrade my dining plan and do an early lunch and good dinner each day?

Thoughts and suggestion ALWAYS appreciated.

I think that if you are planning to take advantage of all of the club-level snacks, then the DxDP is overkill. Way too much food! The morning continental breakfast is nice and it's convenient to pop into the lounge on the way back to your room to grab a soda and snack. But the DxDP includes a refillable mug and two snacks per person per night. Plus, it is 3 meal credits (which can be used at either counter service or table service locations) per person per night. The table service meals include an appetizer or starter. Lots and lots of food.

I would suggested doing either club level or DxDP but not both unless you want club level for the concierge amenities and not the food.

 

[Girls1]

I think that club level may be more suited to your needs. You will be able to get your breakfast in the mornings and snacks throughout the day so that the counter-service meals would not present as big a problem for you.
If you get the deluxe plan, sounds like it might be a waste for your travel partner. Sounds like the dining plan worked out okay for him the last time.
Club level might provide the two of you with your needs.

 

[Cheshire Figment]

How often do you go to WDW. It might be worth it for one person to get an AP and then spend the $75 for a TiW Card. This is good for 13+ months and is primarily for table service, almost every TS restaurant in the Parks and Resorts (and DTD and Swolphn) for a 20% discount on Food and Beverages.

It is a really good deal, and better than a Dining Plan, if you primarily do Table Service.

Here is a working example, using $100.00 as the original bill to make the math show up easily. Note this is for Table Service. At Counter Service there is no gratuity added.

100.00 - Original Menu Amount
*20.00 - Discount
*80.00 - Subtotal
*18.00 - Gratuity Added based on $100
**5.20 - Sales Tax on $80
103.20 - Final amount charged, takes into consideration discount, gratuity and tax.

Without TiW Discount (and still figuring 18% Gratuity)

100.00 - Original Menu Amount
*18.00 - Gratuity
**6.50 - Sales Tax on $100
124.50 - Total

$21.30 - Savings using TiW Card.

(Note - At Victoria and Albert's the added gratuity is 20% instead of 18%.)
* Ignore the asterisks; they are there only so the columns/numbers line up properly.

For the complete list of locations and the rules, go to www.tablesinwonderland.com which is the Official Disney site.

 

[lizloph]

We are averaging 3 times a year. Ive been Contemplating TIW when we renew our passes.