Diabetes and Dining Plan

[Iloveeliot]

Hi.
My husband has type 2 Diabetes. We are trying to decide if we want to purchase the Plus Dining plan with 1 table service, 1 quick service, and 1 snack. Money is kind of tight but we definitely want to have the table service. If there is a free dining offer we will definitely take it and pay to upgrade to the 1 meal table service. I am wondering if we may make out better by not being on the dining plan this trip if there is no free dining. I understand DH can probably get a sugar-free dessert or fruit in place of the regular dessert but I'm thinking he might be happier getting a soup or an appetizer instead some meals and the dining plan won't allow for that. One of my main reasons for wanting the dining plan is that we like knowing our food is paid for and not having to keep an eye on prices. I also don't really feel I need a beverage other than water most meals. I also don't drink much soda so the refillable resort mugs kind of seem like a waste for me. Can the restaurants provide carb counts for the different dishes? I know DH won't be strict with his carbs but if he has some idea of the carbs he will probably be more willing to make better choices. I'd love some opinions from others dealing with diabetes.

 

[letsgoreds]

You shared several things that are major reasons to NOT do the dining plan. You will need flexibility (appetizer might be a better choice, not option on DP), not interested in drinks, less interested in desserts, money is tight, etc. IMO, you would be better off buying some Disney gift cards and just using those for food...if you are looking to separate yourself from the cost of the meals.

The bloggers that do 'See ya reel soon' put out an EXCELLENT guide comparing OOP vs. DDP, including often debunking the concept of 'free dining.'

If someone in your party has Type 2 diabetes, then the over-abundance of food that the DDP encourages you to order (IMO) to make the cost 'worth' it, sounds like a very bad idea.

http://seeyareelsoon.wix.com/seeyareelsoon#!dining-plan-calculator/cxc0

 

[Sadie22]

Disney will not provide carb counts. You and your DH need to make your own best guesses. With the amount of walking he may be able to consume more than at home, but this is not always true.

I have Type 2 diabetes. My DH does not. He is a big eater yet on our last trip we split meals and still had plenty of food. Two entrees and accompanying sides would have been too much. Sometimes we would split an appetizer or salad or occasionally a dessert. When we would tell the server we wanted to share, sometimes they would bring out the entree already split. At the Plaza the server gave us each full servings of sides, really more than we needed or wanted. We were also celebrating and received some free desserts.

I do not think the present dining plan makes sense for Type 2 diabetics. If the dining plan were changed to allow the choice of an appetizer or a dessert, it would be better for everyone. We're going back this summer and I will still want to plan two table service meals most days as a way to rest and refresh out of the heat, but we do not need one meal per person. One meal to share with perhaps an extra item is okay.

We would do better with a room discount than with free dining.

 

[mom3girls2000]

Hi.
My husband has type 2 Diabetes. We are trying to decide if we want to purchase the Plus Dining plan with 1 table service, 1 quick service, and 1 snack. Money is kind of tight but we definitely want to have the table service. If there is a free dining offer we will definitely take it and pay to upgrade to the 1 meal table service. I am wondering if we may make out better by not being on the dining plan this trip if there is no free dining. I understand DH can probably get a sugar-free dessert or fruit in place of the regular dessert but I'm thinking he might be happier getting a soup or an appetizer instead some meals and the dining plan won't allow for that. One of my main reasons for wanting the dining plan is that we like knowing our food is paid for and not having to keep an eye on prices. I also don't really feel I need a beverage other than water most meals. I also don't drink much soda so the refillable resort mugs kind of seem like a waste for me. Can the restaurants provide carb counts for the different dishes? I know DH won't be strict with his carbs but if he has some idea of the carbs he will probably be more willing to make better choices. I'd love some opinions from others dealing with diabetes.

You've gotten some excellent information already. I just want to point out that those desserts that you say are sugar-free, are NOT. The are NO-SUGAR-ADDED. And fruit is all carbs. I know what you mean, though. I am type 2 myself and we often have the dining plan, and I almost always ask to have a soup, salad or appetizer instead of dessert. Only once was I ever accommodated. Just my $0.02.

Good luck with the decision; I hope you have a magical trip !

 

[ttintagel]

I wonder if buying gift cards ahead of time would give you the same "it's all paid for" feeling that the DDP does, while still giving you the ordering flexibility it doesn't.

 

[davedmaine]

Hi.
My husband has type 2 Diabetes. We are trying to decide if we want to purchase the Plus Dining plan with 1 table service, 1 quick service, and 1 snack. Money is kind of tight but we definitely want to have the table service. If there is a free dining offer we will definitely take it and pay to upgrade to the 1 meal table service. I am wondering if we may make out better by not being on the dining plan this trip if there is no free dining. I understand DH can probably get a sugar-free dessert or fruit in place of the regular dessert but I'm thinking he might be happier getting a soup or an appetizer instead some meals and the dining plan won't allow for that. One of my main reasons for wanting the dining plan is that we like knowing our food is paid for and not having to keep an eye on prices. I also don't really feel I need a beverage other than water most meals. I also don't drink much soda so the refillable resort mugs kind of seem like a waste for me. Can the restaurants provide carb counts for the different dishes? I know DH won't be strict with his carbs but if he has some idea of the carbs he will probably be more willing to make better choices. I'd love some opinions from others dealing with diabetes.

Without free dining, you will be better off to pay oop. You will have much more choices available to you and you will save money

 

[lanejudy]

I wonder if buying gift cards ahead of time would give you the same "it's all paid for" feeling that the DDP does, while still giving you the ordering flexibility it doesn't.

Yes, put the money towards Disney gift cards and you'll have that "paid for" concept. We often use our Disney Rewards card, and always make out spending less than the cost of the meal plan.

Enjoy your vacation!

 

[Tink575]

Check Disney food prices online and buy Disney gift cards. You can buy them with 5% off if you have a Target red card. I did that for the trip I am on now.

Disney $50 gift cards are
in stock at Target on 192 near Orange Lake, in case anyone is down here.

I'm also Type 2 diabetic and only eat 1/2 of counter service meals, even though I walk more than at home. When we eat out off property. I also eat half and bring a doggie bag home. I schedule time for an afternoon snack. If I ate full meals on the meal plan my blood sugar would skyrocket.

Your dh's experience may vary if he is very active. I do walk around the parks, but slowly.


Posted from DISboards.com App for Android