DDP works for me!

[sz9144]

I know the new DDP sucks in terms of no appetizer and no gratuity. but I just ran the numbers and for us it works. There are 2 adults and 2 six yr olds. Using the menus from the ADR's we have, plus our favorite CS places, I tabulated how much we would spend for the same 6 TS and 6 CS- and we broke even at 9 meals (out of the 12 TS/CS total). so I feel happy with our choice of the meal plan.

can't wait to go- I wish july would get here already!

 

[bangzoom6877]

It will work for us as well. We will be saving a lot of money. We save so much without even the snack each day per person that is included. So add that on and it is even more savings. We are doing a few character meals so it really pays for us to do the dining plan. And we are doing all you can eat meals for each table service meal so we can try whatever we want. Plus, our younger son is under 3 so he is free, and eats free at all you can eat TS meals. And he can eat from our meals at CS meals for lunch because I hear they give a lot of food, and I can't imagine wanting to be stuffed in the middle of the day in Orlando in July!!

The dining plan works for us, at least this trip since we are only doing Disney Parks. If we were also going to Sea World and Universal, we may not have done the dining plan. However, we will still consider it on future trips when we do visit those other non-Disney parks so we can maybe try out some signature restaurants when the kids are older and use 2 TS credits for it.

Bonnie

 

[sz9144]

you're right- I forgot all about the snacks as well! I read on the snack list that milk, oj, and donuts are included- so we plan to stock up our fridge at CSR with that stuff and have it for a quick breakfast before hitting the parks!

 

[andyjack]

I think it's going to work out well for us as well. I will have 3 kids under 9 and then there will be 2 adults. We'll be able to eat really well and I won't have to worry about paying some huge bill at the end. I really don't mind having to pay tips.

 

[sandym718]

you're right- I forgot all about the snacks as well! I read on the snack list that milk, oj, and donuts are included- so we plan to stock up our fridge at CSR with that stuff and have it for a quick breakfast before hitting the parks!

For 2008, it sounds like only Single serving items are being allowed as snacks. So an individual milk, OJ carton or donut would likely be allowed as a snack credit, a 1/2 gallon of milk, box of donuts, etc. will not. Everyone has their own snack credits, though, so you can definitely still do some breakfasts with snacks I think (not a drink + an item, though)

 

[sz9144]

For 2008, it sounds like only Single serving items are being allowed as snacks. So an individual milk, OJ carton or donut would likely be allowed as a snack credit, a 1/2 gallon of milk, box of donuts, etc. will not. Everyone has their own snack credits, though, so you can definitely still do some breakfasts with snacks I think (not a drink + an item, though)

we're costco people, and we're driving down- so we plan to stock up on nonperishable breakfast stuff, and use the snacks for milk, oj to go with it

 

[sandym718]

we're costco people, and we're driving down- so we plan to stock up on nonperishable breakfast stuff, and use the snacks for milk, oj to go with it

That should work great!! We drive down too and just brought a bunch of stuff for the room for breakfast. Really helps to get to the parks quicker!!

 

[mickeystoontown]

For the last two years, we had the DDP. When the 2008 plan came out, I ran the numbers and, again, the plan seems like it will still work for us. We will have two adults and an 11 year old (who is an adult in Disney's eyes). Last year, our son wanted burgers and pizzas for his lunch and, because of some of the kids' meals didn't include those, we ended up paying out of pocket for those meals. We didn't let those credits go to waste though...we used them for our breakfasts.

To get the most bang for our buck, I always use our counter service meals for lunch and our table service meals for dinner. Our snack credits are used for colas, ice cream, water, etc.

With the dining plan, I have found that we are more apt to eat at different restaurants and to order different foods.

I also like knowing that everything is paid for prior to arriving. It's just so nice to not worry about setting enough money aside for meals.

We also drive and we have a refrigerator in our room so we are able to brink along sodas and bottled water. We bring snack cakes, pop tarts, crackers, etc. for a quick breakfast in the room.

 

[LSchrow]

us too
2 adults, eating as if on vacation ~ for $76 a day?! the tip doesn't change it much for us, either (agreed that the prior DDP was an amazing deal, but it really was "too good to be true". DH said he felt like he was stealing lol ).
i think we are actually going to enjoy the 2008 DDP more, b/c there will be less uncertainty about getting both an appy & dessert (it really was too much food, & we frequently skipped dessert). & i hope this doesn't sound mean , but the restaurants should finally be less crowded again
CS for b'fast or lunch (we norm don't eat both), an iced mochacino every day , TS every night (we norm stay at BWV's, & do a grocery run on the first day for bottled water, milk, coffee, etc)..........exactly the way a vacation should be

btw, i norm put money on disney gift cards every week or so, & use the GCs to pay for the DDP at check-in (i hate coming home to big CC bills ). this year, i plan on putting a bit extra on each time, & use the GCs for the tips also