decided against dining plan...good or bad idea?

[akayf]

DH and I just booked our vacation last week....Aug 1-8. This is our 2nd anniversary present to each other. We didn't think the dining plan was a good choice for us since DH wants to eat mainly table service meals. He is still making his list of where we should eat so we can call up and make reservations since nearly every place is table service. Plus 3 places he has his heart set on count as 2 table service meals. It just seems silly since we will use up almost all the table service credits in 3 days. Am I right in assuming that the meal plan is not good choice for the 2 of us?

 

[epcotfan]

Your theory makes sense to me. I think you did the right thing.

 

[Chuck S]

Will there be only adults in you traveling party? If so, the meal plan probably wouldn't have saved you much anyway. We recently spent 10 nights at Disney...ate sensible meals (did not always order dessert), but always had an appetizer and entree...including Calif Grill for one of our meals, and we came out a few $$$ cheaper than the dining plan would have cost us for 2 adults. We had a total of 18 table service meals, a combination of breakfast, lunch and dinner. Plus 6 counter service.

Given the dining choices you've mentioned, I think you made a wise decision.

 

[Beauty]

For you I can see your point. For us (a party of 4) its a great deal! Although I think it will be much to much food for all of us, at least we never have to worry about the 13 year old getting hungry.

 

[Cheshire Figment]

It might be worth it for one of you to get an AP. Then you can get a DDE membership. Based on your dining plans it may be worth the additional costs for that length of stay.

Also, going about halfway down this link you will find out information about a lot of other discounts and benefits to having an AP.

The only downside to having a AP is when in a drawer at home they very loudly yell "Use Me"!

 

[NewEnglandDisney]

I'm sure you know what's best for you, but remember, you don't need to use up 2 TS credits for those "signature" restaurants. They for the most part aren't worth using up 2 credits for - you'd be better off to use the credits on 1 TS meals and paying out of pocket for the "signatures".

For instance, you can easily spend $50 on a meal at Le Cellier using 1 credit. A dinner at a signature could be $60-70. You'd be better off getting 2 $50 meals using credits and paying for one $60-70.

That said, I agree with Cheshire - DDE may be the way to go for you. 20% flat discount on all table service food and drink, and it includes the counter service at AK and at the value resorts as well. Of course, you need at least one AP to get it - and that's a whole other discussion as to worth (especially if you can use it to get a room discount).

Good luck!

N.E.D.

 

[slk537]

I'm confused - isn't the dining plan free in August? If you're booking a package, I would think you could just take and then use cash for the remaining meals, saving the money from those meals over all.

If you're not on a package, but still staying on property I would agree that an AP is the way to go. You can get the DDE (we have it and love it!) and the AP room discount.

 

[fac]

I'm confused - isn't the dining plan free in August? .

I think it is free starting from 08/21, not the time when OP travels