Completely Confused On DDP

[21hearts]

My husband called last night to get a price on some resorts with the military discount. While on the phone he asked about the Dining Plan. The CM told him it was $44 per adult & $12 for our 3 year old (per night). Hubs asked if there were options and the CM told him no... I went online and see that there are three... But it doesn't seem like any of them are $44 for an adult... So I am completely lost.

Where can I find more information on the different dining plans? I'm trying to figure out which would work the best for us.

We're a family of 5 (but 1 is in infant that is not on solids). We want to get a plan where we can feed the four of us and not be hungry after. Our son will be 3 and our daughter will be 20 days shy of turning 2.

 

[Nadjalu]

This thread tells you everything you need to know about the dining plans.

http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=2353648


There are other "sticky" threads at the top of the forums to explain other things as well.

Good luck and have fun!

 

[Faldred]

Note also that packages purchased via a military discount may have different rates and rules apply to them than normal public offers. $44/$12 sounds pretty close to the basic DDP prices, and that appears to be the package being offered -- basic DDP includes 1 table service meal, 1 counter service meal, and 1 snack per person, per night for guests 3 and over (guests under 3 do not get/are not required to have dining packages).

 

[havoc315]

As noted, the child's plan is for ages 3-9. You could probably buy the plan for your 2-year-old, but then you may also have to buy a park ticket. So it may be much cheaper to skip the dining plan for your younger children.

Remember, you are not required to buy the dining plan. You can eat at the restaurants without it. The DDP absolutely can be a savings for some people. For others, the savings are negligible or even non-existent. (You pay more for the plan than OOP)

 

[Eeyore's Wife]

Since you are military, you can eat meals at Shades of Green. Even if you are not staying on site, you have the option of eating meals there. It is a short walk from the polynesian, or a short drive if you have a car. The food there is not fancy, but a lot better priced.

You could also stay there. Price it both ways. If you are going during Disney's value season for hotel pricing, it is cheper to stay on Disney in a value. If you are there during High season, Shades of Green is less expensive. It is a lovely resort with large comfortable rooms. They offer transportation around the world, but you can also just walk to the Poly and use the monorail/boats.

My father in law is a retired Navy man, and while this place isn't quite as great a deal as the Hale Koa in Hawaii, it is a wonderful option at Disney.

Have a great trip, and Thank You for the service your family provides our country?

Edited to add this link: http://allears.net/menu/menu_sogbuf.htm The food here is as good as almost all the buffets at Disney, but the prices are so much easier on the pocket book.

 

[blessedby3]

Your 2 year old would eat free at any buffets. I would think that you could share everyone elses meal with her. A bit of this and a bit of that from other plates (when you arent at a buffet) or just buy an extra side. My dd3 barely eats anything. We are on free dining in May, and I think we will be eating most of her meals. She would prefer a side of yogurt or fruit and a granola bar to most anything else.

 

[Mrs D]

I like the way mousesavers.com lists the dining plan prices. Here is the link to view info on each of the dining plans. Just click on Quick Serve dining, Plus dining or Deluxe dining links.

Feel free to come back and ask any more questions.

HTH!