Did Anyone Actually Save Money Using the Dining Plan?

[JimmyV]

Not sure if some people are ordering groceries in for brakfast etc and dont count that expense as part of food or not.

For many people, (ourselves included) , breakfast groceries are a "constant" so it doesn't matter if you add in that cost or not. Since we use CS at lunch and TS at dinner, even if we were on a Plan, we would still be on our own for breakfast, so the added OOP cost for groceries would be added to both the OOP calculation and the DP cost calculation evenly. But for the record, my example above includes all groceries in the OOP number and assumes that we would have bought the same groceries had we been on a Plan.

 

[rdearth]

Did you read the post before yours??? She didn't go cheap, but OOP she got a lot more bang for her buck than the DDP.

Paying OOP does not mean you "go cheap." It does mean you plan your eating strategy and stick to it. You have to stick to it on the DDP if you're going to get any value out of it, so why would planning to pay OOP be any different.

Yes, I read that. You seem upset about something that isn't there in my post. I'm not for or against anyone going with or without the plan. There are many strategies to make either option work for you depending on how you travel.

I was raised to go super cheap on vacations to the point of skipping meals, sharing meals, eating vending machine food for a meal (and sharing that, etc.). So, first off, I don't want to go on vacation and put my family through that stuff. I'd rather not go at all than do that to them.

Unfortunately, that strategy is still kind of ingrained in me and I lean toward saving pennies when I have to make a decision about where to eat and physically reach into my pocket and pay for something. But when it's all part of the upfront expense, it doesn't bother me at all.

Then you throw in that you are paying premium prices for what amounts to Golden Corral quality buffet food when you go to Chef Mickey's, etc. and, on top of that, your 3 year old eats half a chicken nugget and a saltine cracker and says he's full, that three figure bill is a little hard to swallow when you see it right there in front of you in black and white.

But, don't get me wrong, I love providing the character dining experiences for my kids and it's a must do at this stage of their lives. So, it's just easier to pay it upfront and then stop doing the math once you're on vacation.

I guess I should have added that in my previous post as well. If you are looking at doing character dining, the Dining Plan seems to work better for that as well...at least psychologically.

 

[rdearth]

In my opinion, a big part of planning a vacation is trying to come up with ways to circumvent issues that are known to make you negative, or whiney, or upset about something while you are supposed to be relaxing and having fun. A lot of people clearly don't understand that, but they should put more emphasis on it.

If you are a person who is really bothered by the costs of things to the point that it kind of ruins your vacation or puts you in a bad mood, then as much as you can afford to do so, you should probably pay for things up front and then try your best to forget how much you paid...at least at a specific level (like, try your best to forget that you are supposed to eat $50 worth of food per meal because that's what you pre-paid on with a Dining Plan).

Besides, even when considering the "savings" when you go to the high-priced Disney options (just as with any restaurant in the world), we all know the reality is, the cost of the food you are eating is not really the price you are paying. The cost of the food is whatever Disney decides it is, so there is no real "savings" or coming out ahead with the Dining Plan, or any time that you choose to go out to eat.

So, do what you need to do to make sure you and your family has a fun time on vacation. That might mean the Dining Plan, it might not. It depends on who you are.

 

[sharonabe]

Sorry, RDEARTH, I was a little upset. Your first post made it sound like there were only two options: DDP or go cheap, but that doesn't excuse my attitude. Please forgive me.

I was also raised with packing our own food and RARELY did we buy anything to eat when at a tourist spot, not even from the vending machines.

My adult carry-over from that is to do my homework and spend accordingly. I know prices are going to be higher at Disney than I can do on my own, but we still want to eat in the park and enjoy it. The DDP doesn't do that for us because we don't eat the way the plan dictates. We don't pack our own food, but eat what we want at the places we enjoy.

 

[rdearth]

Sorry, RDEARTH, I was a little upset. Your first post made it sound like there were only two options: DDP or go cheap, but that doesn't excuse my attitude. Please forgive me.

I was also raised with packing our own food and RARELY did we buy anything to eat when at a tourist spot, not even from the vending machines.

My adult carry-over from that is to do my homework and spend accordingly. I know prices are going to be higher at Disney than I can do on my own, but we still want to eat in the park and enjoy it. The DDP doesn't do that for us because we don't eat the way the plan dictates. We don't pack our own food, but eat what we want at the places we enjoy.

No problem. It's my fault for not being more clear.

 

[mommyofsamson]

Yes, I read that. You seem upset about something that isn't there in my post. I'm not for or against anyone going with or without the plan. There are many strategies to make either option work for you depending on how you travel.

I was raised to go super cheap on vacations to the point of skipping meals, sharing meals, eating vending machine food for a meal (and sharing that, etc.). So, first off, I don't want to go on vacation and put my family through that stuff. I'd rather not go at all than do that to them.

Unfortunately, that strategy is still kind of ingrained in me and I lean toward saving pennies when I have to make a decision about where to eat and physically reach into my pocket and pay for something. But when it's all part of the upfront expense, it doesn't bother me at all.

Then you throw in that you are paying premium prices for what amounts to Golden Corral quality buffet food when you go to Chef Mickey's, etc. and, on top of that, your 3 year old eats half a chicken nugget and a saltine cracker and says he's full, that three figure bill is a little hard to swallow when you see it right there in front of you in black and white.

But, don't get me wrong, I love providing the character dining experiences for my kids and it's a must do at this stage of their lives. So, it's just easier to pay it upfront and then stop doing the math once you're on vacation.

I guess I should have added that in my previous post as well. If you are looking at doing character dining, the Dining Plan seems to work better for that as well...at least psychologically.

When I was growing up, we didn't go to places like Disney World. We always had a cooler with drinks. We always drove and we always had sandwiches. It was out of pure convenience to have everything and to save money.

But I will tell you this. I am not like that. I hate driving (especially road trips) because when we grew up, our "family" car was a Mustang for me and my sister (7 years older than me) sitting in the tiny backseat.

I am doing the dining plan because I do not want to have to worry about how much we are spending. We are going to have to pay for 2 year old's meals because he eats like a true kiddo. When I worked there, I always chose the cheapest meal, but now I am choosing the vacation I want because I will be saving up for it.

This is not a rant (seriously) but something that us with "cheap" parents have to get over as a new generation. (BTW, my parents are so cheap that even their phones have been outdated for four years, when I've had 2-3.)

 

[rdearth]

When I was growing up, we didn't go to places like Disney World. We always had a cooler with drinks. We always drove and we always had sandwiches. It was out of pure convenience to have everything and to save money.

But I will tell you this. I am not like that. I hate driving (especially road trips) because when we grew up, our "family" car was a Mustang for me and my sister (7 years older than me) sitting in the tiny backseat.

I am doing the dining plan because I do not want to have to worry about how much we are spending. We are going to have to pay for 2 year old's meals because he eats like a true kiddo. When I worked there, I always chose the cheapest meal, but now I am choosing the vacation I want because I will be saving up for it.

This is not a rant (seriously) but something that us with "cheap" parents have to get over as a new generation. (BTW, my parents are so cheap that even their phones have been outdated for four years, when I've had 2-3.)

I remember times when we used to fight over who got to lay on the ledge of the back window.

There is no doubt that my kids benefit hugely from my bad experiences traveling with my parents who saved at every opportunity and never really had a plan for what to do once we got somewhere. It was a different generation though, so it's somewhat understandable, and their focus was at least on trying to give the kids memories and fun things to do, but it was just kind of wrongheaded and poorly executed.

My dad worked for the airlines, so we could fly for virtually free and save even more money by staying places off season (traveling off season is a good thing I learned and carried over), so we traveled often and saw a lot of things, but there was never money to do anything or eat once we got there. On top of that, my dad, by nature, is one of those people who wants to see if he can survive on say 90 cents a day everyday just to say he can, whether he has the money or not. That can be an interesting quality on an individual level, but when it's impacting little kids, it's something different.

My siblings and I would much rather have traveled far less often if it meant when we did go we'd have more money to eat, or rent a car that could actually hold five people, or not have to have one of us hide on the floorboard when we checked into a motel just in case the manager checked on how many people were in our room (and then sleeping on two chairs put together). There were also countless times where the decision was to walk instead of getting a cab or other transportation, like from the airport, just to save money, or not pay the extra surcharge for taking a taxi from the airport.

So, when I see people talking on message boards about money and how to save a few dollars, it does spark something in me from my childhood. That isn't to say if people absolutely need to save money or cut corners here and there because they just don't have the money that they shouldn't learn how to do that, or to just blow money for no reason...no one's saying a Disney trip is cheap. But I guess I'm hoping some people aren't going crazy overboard on trying to save money when they don't really have to because that kind of attitude just might ruin some of the magic they were hoping to create with their vacation...and that absolutely is not meant to be directed at any one specific person on here or anywhere else, just a general statement.

But, hey, some people know how to have fun and enjoy life within their means, and some people absolutely do not and never will and there's nothing anyone can do about it.

 

[mommyofsamson]

I remember times when we used to fight over who got to lay on the ledge of the back window.

There is no doubt that my kids benefit hugely from my bad experiences traveling with my parents who saved at every opportunity and never really had a plan for what to do once we got somewhere. It was a different generation though, so it's somewhat understandable, and their focus was at least on trying to give the kids memories and fun things to do, but it was just kind of wrongheaded and poorly executed.

My dad worked for the airlines, so we could fly for virtually free and save even more money by staying places off season (traveling off season is a good thing I learned and carried over), so we traveled often and saw a lot of things, but there was never money to do anything or eat once we got there. On top of that, my dad, by nature, is one of those people who wants to see if he can survive on say 90 cents a day everyday just to say he can, whether he has the money or not. That can be an interesting quality on an individual level, but when it's impacting little kids, it's something different.

My siblings and I would much rather have traveled far less often if it meant when we did go we'd have more money to eat, or rent a car that could actually hold five people, or not have to have one of us hide on the floorboard when we checked into a motel just in case the manager checked on how many people were in our room (and then sleeping on two chairs put together). There were also countless times where the decision was to walk instead of getting a cab or other transportation, like from the airport, just to save money, or not pay the extra surcharge for taking a taxi from the airport.

So, when I see people talking on message boards about money and how to save a few dollars, it does spark something in me from my childhood. That isn't to say if people absolutely need to save money or cut corners here and there because they just don't have the money that they shouldn't learn how to do that, or to just blow money for no reason...no one's saying a Disney trip is cheap. But I guess I'm hoping some people aren't going crazy overboard on trying to save money when they don't really have to because that kind of attitude just might ruin some of the magic they were hoping to create with their vacation...and that absolutely is not meant to be directed at any one specific person on here or anywhere else, just a general statement.

But, hey, some people know how to have fun and enjoy life within their means, and some people absolutely do not and never will and there's nothing anyone can do about it.

Our family vacations were to see family and we had an RV most of the time. I like staying in Hotels now. I even like the packing and unpacking. I am trying to save money but not so much that I can't have fun. I do try to save money, but never skimp. If it is something that is more important to me, then I will spend a little more money on (like a camcorder) but I will have saved that money. That is what I love about Disney! They have something for every budget.

For example, to save money this trip, we are going in off season (January), staying at a value resort (Pop), and using the dining plan so I don't have worry about the money. I will also be buying our traveling things on sale when I can. (I would drive but I can't bring myself to drive 2 days with a toddler by myself.) I also am flying/going before my son turns a age I really have to pay for (2/3). It may make me seem cheap, but we are just being wise with our money.

I do like seeing that there were other people who did not turn out like their parents. I hope people realize that there are choices.

 

[disneydacey]

sleeping on two chairs put together:

As the daughter of a true cheapskate, I understand this well. My mother squeezed 3 adults and 4 children into deluxe rooms my entire childhood, even though we got a 40% AP discount. It was the only way to afford Disney every year. Was it right? No. But I can make a mean bed out of chairs, luggage racks and vanity stools!

 

[ctl]

If you are doing the DP then you need to count the large tip amount that goes with each meal. If you do the QS plan then you do not pay a tip as it is counter service. I found with the DP that we were ending up eating a lot more at sit down restaurants than we might otherwise have done, but the cost of tips for the week came to over $500, which is a lot. I am happy to leave a good tip if it is warranted but to be honest in some places I wouldn't even have left a 15% tip because of the poor service and attitude. When the server heard dining plan it was as if they didn't have to try becasue the 18% or 20% tip was automatically tagged on.

 

[aaarcher86]

If you are doing the DP then you need to count the large tip amount that goes with each meal. If you do the QS plan then you do not pay a tip as it is counter service. I found with the DP that we were ending up eating a lot more at sit down restaurants than we might otherwise have done, but the cost of tips for the week came to over $500, which is a lot. I am happy to leave a good tip if it is warranted but to be honest in some places I wouldn't even have left a 15% tip because of the poor service and attitude. When the server heard dining plan it was as if they didn't have to try becasue the 18% or 20% tip was automatically tagged on.

It's not automatically added unless you're a party of 6+.

Less than that there I pare suggested tip amounts (18%/20%) on the bottom of the receipt but you can still choose the actual amount you give.m

 

[Shir Kahn]

I honestly have no idea if we save money doing the dining plan, nor do I care in the slightest. I like having the meals paid for in advance. It's less cash I have to bring with me, it stops me from looking at the prices on the menu and stressing over it, even though we can afford it. The prices really don't matter, but I can't help myself. When I'm looking at the menu prices, I'm much more likely to pick a mid-range item, even if I really want the expensive option. With the dining plan, I don't worry about it at all, because of course a burger costs the same as a steak, 1 credit.

 

[RyannB]

I honestly have no idea if we save money doing the dining plan, nor do I care in the slightest. I like having the meals paid for in advance. It's less cash I have to bring with me, it stops me from looking at the prices on the menu and stressing over it, even though we can afford it. The prices really don't matter, but I can't help myself. When I'm looking at the menu prices, I'm much more likely to pick a mid-range item, even if I really want the expensive option. With the dining plan, I don't worry about it at all, because of course a burger costs the same as a steak, 1 credit.

That's exactly how I feel about it.

 

[mom2my3kids]

With free dining its totally worth it..but to pay for it probably not..But I can see doing it for convience, I am one of those that look at prices..We went in Dec and we paid OOP I always was looking at prices..I know we can eat cheaper so I am up in the air for next year june 2015..We will be having two rooms so even thinking about putting dining plan (quick) on one and not on the other...I think its up to the person..

 

[North of Mouse]

I cannot see how the current dining plan prices saves anything at all. What am I missing? Are the dining prices higher than what I think?

If the regular dining plan (not quick service or deluxe plan) is about $61 per night for adults and $19 for kids per night, how is it possible to spend more than than? For adults, I'd think most table service meals (including fixed price buffets and character meals) range in price from $30 to $45. And a QS meal, maybe $12-15, and a snack $3. This doesn't seem like a deal to me.

And most of the time, we do not eat dessert.

Thanks.

The DDP 'does not' save us money. We do much better oop. We, too, usually do not prefer desserts with our meals. We much prefer eating (and choosing) what and where to get our desserts/snacks.

I get the impression from reading a lot of these posts that people think you are eating/being cheap if you eat oop. We are not huge eaters, nor do we like soft drinks with our meals (actually prefer water - at home also) nor, as above do we get desserts. But, we order anything else according to what we want regardless of price. We still come out 'way' cheaper than the DDP or from what I see that most other people do.

I hate to see wasted food! I have commented to dh when dining near some families that you can tell they are on the DDP as lots of their food is barely touched, including their desserts. And no, we aren't keeping tabs on what everyone else eats, LOL, just observances here and there.

So, basically, we've come to the conclusion that most people are doing it for convenience, not savings, and that's what Disney is counting on.
Plus, sounds like a lot of people 'cannot' seem to order 'what' they want unless they are on the DDP - guess I don't understand that mindset - but whatever!

Also, for those that are 'choosing' purposefully, the most expensive menu items to 'maximize' their 'savings', they also have to tip on the higher bill whether they eat it or not.

Noticed the pp saying it was worth it with 'free' dining. Nothing (especially with Disney LOL) is 'free'!! You usually have a choice of percentages off of resort room - with 'free' dining you must pay 'rack' rate - so definitely a misnomer - no 'free' dining! It's true with several children under 9 it can work out better to take the dining, but not for most Disney adults.

 

[starousse]

That's exactly how I feel about it.

Same here!

We've actually done Deluxe Dining two years in a row and definitely saved a few hundred dollars, but it was also nice knowing that everything (minus tip) was already taken care of. We're leaving in three weeks and have opted to do the regular dining plan this time.

 

[PEC]

I have done the math before and found if just adults OOP was the better option. With kids involved (even just 1) then the DDP was the better option. That said you have to be doing Character meals and ordering items on the higher cost of the menu for a savings with the DDP. Askerhus is the biggest savings by all my estimates.
Now all that said, even if the cost of DDP is higher, you do not seem to get the sticker shock of about $140 - $200 for 4 adults (DW, 2 DD age 13 and myself) for a table service meal.
Also my experience is every year it seems the savings is less and less with the DDP. Maybe that is a perception but for me, it seems like the case.

 

[mi*vida*loca]

If we ate the way the DDP is laid out sure we would save money. Most expensive snack, high price QS meal with a soda and dessert and a TS meal with soda and dessert or lots of character buffets. DDP saved us money years ago when my kids were under 9.

We don't eat a dessert with every meal. Or soda with every meal. I prefer water in the heat. And so do my kids. We don't do a TS everyday. My kids whine after so many TS meals. They want to be in the parks. We like apps and sometimes do apps as our meals.

 

[Tinkabon0813]

This is my 76th trip in 22 years, I have saved a lot of money when the fd first came out. This trip I am hoping for free dining as I am paying for my father and my daughters bf and my family of 5. So I am crossing my fingers that sept 23 thru sept 30 the free dining is going to be available. I have already made my dining plans and I am ready to go either way. I just really like never having all my meals paid for in advance.

 

[ctl]

I clicked the link to
http://seeyareelsoon.wix.com/seeyareelsoon#!calculator-download/c16yz
which was kindly put on the boards to help folks figure out if dining plans are worth it for them, but the current prices are not up to date so I cannot calculate the costs accurately. I wondered if anyone had a more current updated link with the new prices $41.99 cs, $60.64 DP?