DDP seems to save us $$$ while kids are "children". Anyone else have that experience?

[MamaBear12]

I made a sample 7-night (8-day) dining plan and ended up "saving" about $240 versus if we paid out of pocket.

Assumptions:
-no AP discount or TIW discount if we paid out of pocket
-Kiddos typically split an "adult" QS meal (making their credits essentially worth more) and rarely order off the children's menu for QS.
-$3 snack value (I know most sites say $5, but I figured I'd undervalue them in case we end up sometimes getting cheaper snacks). If we average more expensive snacks, then our savings goes up.
-Coffee at resort using refillable mug in the AM
-I'm not factoring in tip, but that would be an addition to both the DDP and paying out of pocket, so basically a wash.

TS restaurants included Akushus (lunch), Tusker House (dinner), Boma (dinner and breakfast), Mama Melrose Fantasmic package (lunch), and Cinderella's Royal Table (lunch)

I was able to use a combo of QS and Snacks to cover breakfast on mornings we don't have a restaurant planned (BOG and Boma), so this DDP would cover all our food the entire trip.

I can't see this making sense once our kids are Disney "adults", and I don't anticipate doing multiple character buffets every trip, but to get in lots of character/special dinning while the meal plan is relatively "cheap" for the kids, it seems like a money saver.

Has this been other people's experience as well? Anything I'm missing?

 

[Eureka]

When my kids were "Disney kids" it saved us money, even on the DxDP. When one was a "Disney adult" and the other a kid, I think we broke even more or less. When we went and they were both "Disney adults" we went OOP. It still cost a lot because we like doing sit down meals for the break. But I think we saved money.

 

[eeyoresmom]

You're not missing anything. The ddp for kids, especially with expensive character meals is usually a money saver.

 

[supersnoop]

I can't see this making sense once our kids are Disney "adults", and I don't anticipate doing multiple character buffets every trip, but to get in lots of character/special dinning while the meal plan is relatively "cheap" for the kids, it seems like a money saver.

Has this been other people's experience as well? Anything I'm missing?

Yup, that's the way it works. A single buffet costs more than the kid's plan for an entire day. Once they're "adults," its rarely worth the price. I think lots of people get sucked in when they have kids and dining plan saves them lots of money, that they never bother to do the math when the children turn 10.

 

[TwoMisfits]

Although it only "saves" you money if you were gonna eat that way anyway...many people can eat under the cost of the DDP (and if they eat offsite or buy groceries, they can do it by a substantial amount)...