DDP with toddler

[Boardwalk_bride]

Hi All,

I'm looking for any advice on the DDP - either counter service or the "regular" one. We will be arriving with our daughter during her 3rd bday (so 2 when we arrive). She is a big eater. Normally we don't get the dining plan, as we are vegetarian and tend to bring a lot of our own snacks. Because we have a 1 bedroom DVC we will also probably order groceries.

That said - I'm wondering if it might make sense to try and hit the buffets/family style meals since she will be free? They seem to be about $40-$60pp which makes DDP seem like a good deal. I'm also thinking the counter service combined with snacks could make large meals for all of us. We also drink - so I like that alcohol is now included.

Any suggestions? I ran some #s and just couldn't really figure out if it is worth it. My 180 days are coming up shortly - so I'm just trying to figure it all out!

Thanks!

 

[sponica]

I would definitely do the math. I went with a toddler and did NOT get the dining plan because I was going to be paying so much out of pocket for her meals.


I would plot out day by day, meal by meal in a spreadsheet. Add those totals up, if it's MORE than the dining plan, do the dining plan. If it's less than the dining plan, just pay OOP. We brought down gift cards in the amount of the dining plan as our food money.

 

[BarlowFamily]

I agree with the above, run those numbers! The quick service plan for two adults and a toddler is probably a break-even, or even lose money. Even at 2019 prices, $52.50 an adult: $5 each for two snacks, leaves $42.50 for two meals or at $21.25 value for each Quick Service meal. If you will both order alcohol with each meal then this might be worth it, there are some places that have pricey QS entrees! BUT if you won't be drinking, it can be hard to hit $21.25 for EVERY meal. We have found that 2 QS meals is plenty for DH, myself and DS4...so probably enough to share with DD2/3. In your situation, we probably would get value from the QS dining plan because we would order alcohol and would plan ahead to eat at more expensive QS. Without the dining plan we would drink less and be more frugal with our choices.

The regular dining plan is another story. This year that's $75.50 per adult. $10 for snacks again, and carry that $21.25 over from the QS plan for the QS credit...your remaining TS credit has a value of $44.25. Those character meals are a great value here! Especially paired with a pricey QS meal. AND your toddler who eats a lot is "free"?! And once again, ordering a drink with your TS meal ups the value. BUT a TS where your order from a menu might not be a great value...even at Disney I don't spend $44.25 on an entree, dessert and drink (but my hubby does!). In your situation, for a shorter trip, I would for sure chose this dining plan and maximize those QS credits with character meals. For a longer trip though, I would pay out of pocket, spread out the character meals and choose some budget friendly restaurants.

You're in an interesting situation. Most of us complain that we pay Disney prices for our children who eat a few bites. So live it up whiles she's under 3!

 

[Boardwalk_bride]

I agree with the above, run those numbers! The quick service plan for two adults and a toddler is probably a break-even, or even lose money. Even at 2019 prices, $52.50 an adult: $5 each for two snacks, leaves $42.50 for two meals or at $21.25 value for each Quick Service meal. If you will both order alcohol with each meal then this might be worth it, there are some places that have pricey QS entrees! BUT if you won't be drinking, it can be hard to hit $21.25 for EVERY meal. We have found that 2 QS meals is plenty for DH, myself and DS4...so probably enough to share with DD2/3. In your situation, we probably would get value from the QS dining plan because we would order alcohol and would plan ahead to eat at more expensive QS. Without the dining plan we would drink less and be more frugal with our choices.

The regular dining plan is another story. This year that's $75.50 per adult. $10 for snacks again, and carry that $21.25 over from the QS plan for the QS credit...your remaining TS credit has a value of $44.25. Those character meals are a great value here! Especially paired with a pricey QS meal. AND your toddler who eats a lot is "free"?! And once again, ordering a drink with your TS meal ups the value. BUT a TS where your order from a menu might not be a great value...even at Disney I don't spend $44.25 on an entree, dessert and drink (but my hubby does!). In your situation, for a shorter trip, I would for sure chose this dining plan and maximize those QS credits with character meals. For a longer trip though, I would pay out of pocket, spread out the character meals and choose some budget friendly restaurants.

You're in an interesting situation. Most of us complain that we pay Disney prices for our children who eat a few bites. So live it up whiles she's under 3!

Thank you (and to the pp). I think I will think through it more. One thing is that if we have the DP we would schedule pricer meals, whereas without it, we would just eat wherever. Being vegetarian also tends to make our food cheaper! I'm also assuming she'll eat the same - but of course we are 6 months away so who know!

 

[Faldred]

If you were eating from menu service, the math would be a no-brainer. Vegetarian options are often the least expensive ones on the menu. But fixed-price meals are a totally different story. If changing your eating plans to match the plan entitlements works for you, then yeah, do the math and make a decision accordingly.

 

[ENJDisneyFan]

One thing is that if we have the DP we would schedule pricer meals, whereas without it, we would just eat wherever.

To me, this answers your question. If you would enjoy the pricier meals, especially if they are buffet/character meals where your 2 year old would be free, then it's probably worth it to do the dining plan. But if you're totally fine eating QS or less expensive TS options then you would most likely save money not using the DDP.

 

[Pumbaa_]

It really is a math exercise. The most expensive dishes all have animal protein. With an under 3 it can be a good idea, especially if you plan on buffets or aycte

I would set up my own spreadsheet, factor in the meals you are pretty sure of, add in $12-15 for cocktails, and let the numbers decide

A $40 steak vs $20 pasta dish will be a huge deciding factor potentially. I would not use any online calculators since your situation is unique

If it is close to even, I always vote cash. Things happen and a single missed meal would swing you into the not a value decision

 

[Boardwalk_bride]

Thanks all. I did the math and it isn't worth it. I also need to remember I won't drink as much as usual on vacation now that I am bringing a tot with me!

Unrelated - do I need to be really concerned about 180 day ADRs for late Jan?

 

[Pumbaa_]

Disney is weird. Most places will not seat you without an adr. Even if they have tables

But, people cancel all the time. It is very possible to get same day adrs, especially if you aren’t super set on specific restaurants

In November on a Sunday I booked a garden grill breakfast for 45 min from the booking. I was at BC so headed over for a lovely breakfast

 

[Nancyg56]

I know you have done your math already, but just wanted to add that if you wanted to enjoy a few character meals, DDP or not, this is a good time to do so. Your little one is considered to be 2, so she is covered at meals. Even if you wont consume your "moneys worth" not having to pay for her may be a bonus and it sure beats waiting in character lines.

 

[Boardwalk_bride]

I know you have done your math already, but just wanted to add that if you wanted to enjoy a few character meals, DDP or not, this is a good time to do so. Your little one is considered to be 2, so she is covered at meals. Even if you wont consume your "moneys worth" not having to pay for her may be a bonus and it sure beats waiting in character lines.

Are toddlers generally scared of characters? I'm really not sure how she will react.

 

[sldrake3]

Each one is different. Before spending the money to add ddp for character meals specifically I would try to test her out at a local "character" event. Like Daniel Tiger at the apple orchard or whatever random things go on near you (that specific one was near us last fall)

Are toddlers generally scared of characters? I'm really not sure how she will react.

 

[Nancyg56]

Are toddlers generally scared of characters? I'm really not sure how she will react.

I have no idea how your little one will react becaus every child is different. My DGD loved the characters she met in our travels when she was that age, however we had not taken her to WDW at that time. We were nervous when we took her at 4 because we had been told stories of our friends kids, but figured if she was afraid we would just enjoy the meal and the characters could pass us by.

For your child, should you decide to book a few character meals, let her decide on her own. If the first one proves to be a disaster, cancel the rest. She may surprise you because they really are so familiar. My poor DSIL had to sprint to the gift shop in the CR on our first meal in WDW at Chef Mickey. We never thought our Kady would be so ready to get autographs and hugs from her "friends" but she was on fire! At home she was a shy and reticent child, but as soon as she saw Pluto she was ready for her meet and greets.

 

[TigerlilyAJ]

Being vegetarian puts a wrinkle into my usual advice, but I encourage you to consider taking your free toddler to character meals. And if you do, then yeah, DDP might well make sense. I would hope the buffets have at least one decent vegetarian option, and the reviews I have read really like the veggie gnocchi at Story Book at Artist's Point at WL.
Our family timed two different trips to take the kid who was the youngest at the time before they were three. They got to eat free at every meal, picking off of my plate, and we were always brought a free glass of milk. We met lots of characters in what feels like a lower-stakes setting than formal Meet & Greets. After all, we still got a meal even if it wasn't the most magical character moment.
And sometimes we did get magic, like at 1900 Park Fare with the Hundred Acres Wood crew. My DD could not get enough of Tigger and vigorously hopped with him for a solid minute.

 

[sponica]

Are toddlers generally scared of characters? I'm really not sure how she will react.

Mine did better with fur characters. Face characters creeped the heck out of her "why are we getting our picture taken with some random person?" To be fair she didn't know who snow white was...

 

[ENJDisneyFan]

Mine did better with fur characters. Face characters creeped the heck out of her "why are we getting our picture taken with some random person?" To be fair she didn't know who snow white was...

And mine were the opposite, they were fine with face characters but terrified of fur. It really depends on the kid.