Deluxe Dining Plan Advice Please...

[pumpkin3]

Hello,

This is not my first post; I've been a member since 2001, I have a new username (ex got the username in the divorce haha). Anyway, I have a question about the DxDP...

I'll be there for a few days with a friend and I'm considering trying the Deluxe Dining Plan. I need some advice-any suggestions would be appreciated. My stay begins early on a Saturday and ends Monday shortly after breakfast, so I figure I have from Saturday lunch-time through Monday's breakfast, and I'm wondering if I could make the DxDP work. I've never done it, nor have I done any dining plan since 2007 (back when it was a steal), and I don't normally eat at signature restaurants (or regular restaurants except for Chef Mickey with the kids).

So, I need some advice. Any advice. Where could/should I eat to make it worthwhile? 2 early lunches combined with 2 signature dinners? What restaurants (I'm staying at Bay Lake Towers). What should I order? How can I maximize my credits? What is the most expensive meal I could order (and thus maximize my credits)? What signature restaurants are best? What desserts/appetizers are the best? What else should I think about?

I'm an expert at planning in the parks, but a novice at the restaurants, so I'm looking for some of you restaurant experts to share your tips/trips... Please pour it on...

Thank you,

Pumpkin3

 

[purple figment]

With the DxDDP we found that an early lunch and a late signature dinner worked best for us.

It's hard to make restaurant/food recommendations because it depends on what food and cuisines you and your friend like, and what allergies or dietary restrictions either of you might have. One thing to keep in mind is the value of a TS credit (approx $37.50 inc tax) and that the Sigs take 2 credits so you would need to order $75 worth to cover the value. Sometimes you can get a better value by dining at 1 credit TS restaurants. You can look at menus to see what is available to help you decide what would work best for you:
http://allears.net/dining/menu
http://www.wdwinfo.com/wdwinfo/dining/diningmain.cfm

 

[pumpkin3]

I get that Purple Figment, but I want to know what YOU guys have done; what is the best appetizer/dessert/entree/drink combo you guys have tried? Brag about how much your order cost above-and-over the cost of the dxdp. I'd love some ideas. I like most foods (steak, seafood, lamb, scallops, etc.).

 

[LovesTimone]

If you are going to do early lunch or a late character breakfast works great - Chef Mickey for character breakfast - can't beat the fab 5 - and they have a really great selection to choose from, early lunches Sci - Fi is fun and has taste treats milk- shakes , choose for your drink yummy... Liberty tree tavern another great stop for early lunches. We love Chef of France for lunch with wine.. It's nice sitting and watching the park come to life.

Any of the signature restaurant's are going to give you a great meal, Cali Grill, but I have not been since the refurb. so not sure on new menu, but seeing MK firework are always and added bonus. Flying Fish - the steak and potato wrapped snapper are really good. Yachtsman we have never had a bad meal here. Narcossee (sp?) steak and lobster great view of MK.

 

[Roxy13]

We do deluxe dining and we do TS breakfast and Signature dinner. This is what I usually order using my dining credits

Kona Kafe-Breakfast
Lilikoi juice
Tonga Toast with bacon
French Press coffee[share with husband]
Pastry to go

Flying Fish-Dinner
Crab cake
Steak/ garlic mashed potatoes
Dessert
Coffee

They always seem to come out with a little special something from the kitchen compliments of the chef.

I use snack credits for something in middle of the day and since we will have 20 snack credits this trip, I get slabs of different fudge to take home [or eat there!] LOL

 

[ebradley23]

There is an article on "Disney tourist blog" that was very informative about maximizing dining credits. It lists the top 10 restaurants and what to order to get the most bang for your buck. You should be able to google it to find the article. I double checked the menus listed on allears to confirm.