Did anyone do the dining plan and wish they hadn't??

[MomNeedsVacay]

I'm trying to figure out whether to do the dining plan or not, and I'm wondering if anyone has gotten and regretted getting it??? and why?
THanks!

 

[tejasranger]

We just got back Feb 2nd and we did the deluxe plan. We were glad we did it but my husband did not like the premade reservations he felt rushed to be at a certain place at a certain time. Although the signature rest. we would not been able to get if we did not reserve.Lunch res. was the one we felt rushed. Dining I ended up chging from 6:00 to 8:00 because he wanted to take a nap before dinner after a day in the park.

 

[disneyfan2]

i think if you are set on a sit down meal each day then it is fine. We are doing the DDP this trip but won't in the future. not quite a good value compared to 2007. But next trip i think over a week i might just do 2 or 3 sit down meals. So that way 2 meals a week would be quite a cost savings and you can order what you want and pay what you want.

 

[Stinky_Pete]

I did the DDP for the first (and last) time in 2007. One reason I will not do it is because with the changes in the plan (no tips and no appetizer) I don't think it is as good of a value. There were two other aspects of being on the plan that I didn't like:

I found the plan very limiting
I didn't like all the stress over using up the CS and snack credits.

It was limiting in that I didn't always want a TS and/or a CS meal. One night I wanted to have drinks and appetizers at the WL lounge as dinner. I did it but obviously that didn't count as a credit. I also wanted to go to Spoodles and split a flatbread, the dip appetizer and each order a salad for dinner but that wouldn't work with the plan so we didn't do that.

About half way through our trip I realized that we would really have to focus on using up our CS and snack credits. I would make a note of our activities for the next day before going to bed and would write at the top how many CS and snack credits we had left. It was usually more credits for each of us than there were days left for our trip.

I always thought of myself as a pretty hearty eater but one order of Figaro Fries (for example) would suffice for lunch for me, and with dinner at a TS, where would I use my CS for that day? Or if I had a big CS meal then I didn't want a snack later. And I'm one of those people who just cannot let something like credits I paid for go to waste.

I think that even if the plan still included the tip and appetizer I probably would not use it for future trips. It just doesn't suit how we eat at WDW.

 

[ShannonP]

I've been researching this a lot since we're tossing around the idea of going back to WDW in July.

On our last trip in 2006, we did a lot of TS meals, so I thought we'd probably do DDP this time around, but now I'm thinking we probably won't. With the removal of appetizers and tips, it just doesn't seem like it'll be a good deal for us. We don't usually order dessert with each meal, and even if we do we mostly split. Lord knows I could eat the desserts, but I'd like to not gain a ton of weight on my vacation.

I'm sure I'll go back and forth o this issue a few more times before I make a final decision.

 

[Tricia1972]

I did the DDP for the first (and last) time in 2007. One reason I will not do it is because with the changes in the plan (no tips and no appetizer) I don't think it is as good of a value. There were two other aspects of being on the plan that I didn't like:

I found the plan very limiting
I didn't like all the stress over using up the CS and snack credits.

It was limiting in that I didn't always want a TS and/or a CS meal. One night I wanted to have drinks and appetizers at the WL lounge as dinner. I did it but obviously that didn't count as a credit. I also wanted to go to Spoodles and split a flatbread, the dip appetizer and each order a salad for dinner but that wouldn't work with the plan so we didn't do that.

About half way through our trip I realized that we would really have to focus on using up our CS and snack credits. I would make a note of our activities for the next day before going to bed and would write at the top how many CS and snack credits we had left. It was usually more credits for each of us than there were days left for our trip.

I always thought of myself as a pretty hearty eater but one order of Figaro Fries (for example) would suffice for lunch for me, and with dinner at a TS, where would I use my CS for that day? Or if I had a big CS meal then I didn't want a snack later. And I'm one of those people who just cannot let something like credits I paid for go to waste.

I think that even if the plan still included the tip and appetizer I probably would not use it for future trips. It just doesn't suit how we eat at WDW.

Well I could just sign on here and say YES! We had problems with all of the above using the DDP in 2007.

I went through and figured out what we would want to eat doing Disney our way. On a one week trip for 5 Adults, 1 Child and 1 Infant, we'll save $450-$500 over the cost of the DDP by doing it our way. Not only will we not be limited, but we will be saving money. Bonus for us!

Le Cellier - Total $181.22
Appetizer - $10.99, Appetizer - $10.99, Beverages - $15.00, Entree - $19.99, Entree - $28.99, Entree - $21.99, Entree - $28.99, Entree - $28.99, Kids Meal - $7.49
Sub Total - $173.42
With Tax - $184.69
Gratuity - $31.22
DDE Discount - (34.68)


Beaches and Cream - Total $101.66
Appetizer $1.89, Appetizer $1.89, Appetizer $1.89, Appetizer $1.89, Appetizer $1.89, Entree $7.49, Entree $8.99, Entree $9.89, Entree $8.99, Entree $7.99, Kids Meal $7.49, Beverages $15.00, Dessert $21.99
Subtotal $97.28
With Tax $103.60
Gratuity $17.51
DDE Discount ($19.46)

Tony's - Total $123.77
Entree $17.99, Entree $27.99, Entree $17.99, Entree $17.99, Entree $19.99, Kids Meal $7.49, Beverages $15.00
Subtotal - $118.44
With Tax - $126.14
Gratuity - $21.32
DDE Discount ($23.69)

Jiko - Total $206.91
Appetizer $9.00, Entree $26.00, Entree $37.00. Entree $37.00, Entree $37.00, Entree $37.00, Beverages $15.00
Subtotal - $198.00
With Tax - $210.87
Gratuity - $35.64
DDE Discount - ($39.60)

Crystal Palace - Total $146.25
Adults $24.99 x 5
Children $15.00 x 1
Subtotal $139.95
With Tax $149.05
Gratuity $25.19
DDE Discount ($27.99)

Pinocchio's Village Haus - Total $45.36
Figaro Fries $3.19, Figaro Fries $3.19, Sandwich $6.99, Sandwich $7.29, Sandwich $6.99, Kids Meal $4.49, Beverages (5) $10.45
Subtotal - $42.59
With Tax - $45.36


Backlot Express - Total $53.67
Sandwich $7.09, Sandwich $7.09, Sandwich $7.09, Sandwich $7.09, Kids Meal $4.49, Beverages (5) $10.45
Subtotal - $50.39
With Tax - $53.67


Wolfgang Puck Express - Total $44.72
Flatbreads (3 x $9.25) $27.75, Kids Meal $4.49, Beverages (5) $9.75
Subtotal - $41.99
With Tax - $44.72

Flame Tree BBQ - Total $44.45
Sandwich (5 x $7.29) $36.45, Kids Meal $4.49, Beverages (5) $10.45
Subtotal - $51.39
With Tax - $54.73
DDE Discount ($10.28)

Earl of Sandwich - Total $48.14
Hot Sandwiches (5 x $5.75) $28.75, Kids Meal $3.95, Beverages (5) $12.50
Subtotal - $45.20
With Tax - $48.14

Artist's Palate - Total $43.07 x 2 - $86.14
Adult Meals (5 x $7.29), Kids Meal $3.99 (No Beverages - home resort will eat in room with soda there)
Subtotal - $40.44
With Tax - $43.07

OOP Cost INCLUDING Gratuity $1,082.28
DDP Cost for 7 nights $1,399.58 + Gratuity $130.88 = $1,530.46
Savings OOP vs DDP for us = $448.18

Now this is figuring a little low, because we'll probably skip at least one if not both meals I have figured for Artist's Palate, but to make it a fair comparison DDP vs OOP (that may apply to others) I figured we'd eat those meals there. This is where I figure a savings for us up to $500.

I have no snacks figured in, but we don't really eat that many snacks in the parks. We bring our own soda or water in with us, and bring munchies in our diaper bag. We'll buy a few Mickey Crispy Treats and Dole Whips, but beyond that probably not a lot of things will be purchased in the park by us. Even figuring snacks allowed on the plan we're entitled to about $126.00 worth of snacks on the DDP. Adding that into our OOP Cost still leaves us a substantial savings and we won't feel pressured that we have to use all of our snacks.

 

[ssawka]

We just got back Feb 2nd and we did the deluxe plan. We were glad we did it but my husband did not like the premade reservations he felt rushed to be at a certain place at a certain time. Although the signature rest. we would not been able to get if we did not reserve.Lunch res. was the one we felt rushed. Dining I ended up chging from 6:00 to 8:00 because he wanted to take a nap before dinner after a day in the park.

Needing ADRs is true whether you're on the DDP or not.

 

[Tricia1972]

Needing ADRs is true whether you're on the DDP or not.

This is absolutely true. However I can see feeling more tied to your reservation when on the DDP because it's pre-paid.

If you're paying OOP and have a reservation, but are having fun and want to cancel and eat CS - call and cancel. Who cares that you miss a TS? You're doing what you want.

If you're on the DDP you're more likely to feel that you have to leave even though you're having fun where you're at. You have to use that TS and you can't get in anywhere else for a TS meal at a different time.

Though the pressure is no more real with the DDP than paying OOP, you may feel more obligated when you have the DDP.

 

[MomNeedsVacay]

Well I could just sign on here and say YES! We had problems with all of the above using the DDP in 2007.

I went through and figured out what we would want to eat doing Disney our way. On a one week trip for 5 Adults, 1 Child and 1 Infant, we'll save $450-$500 over the cost of the DDP by doing it our way. Not only will we not be limited, but we will be saving money. Bonus for us!

Le Cellier - Total $181.22
Appetizer - $10.99, Appetizer - $10.99, Beverages - $15.00, Entree - $19.99, Entree - $28.99, Entree - $21.99, Entree - $28.99, Entree - $28.99, Kids Meal - $7.49
Sub Total - $173.42
With Tax - $184.69
Gratuity - $31.22
DDE Discount - (34.68)


Beaches and Cream - Total $101.66
Appetizer $1.89, Appetizer $1.89, Appetizer $1.89, Appetizer $1.89, Appetizer $1.89, Entree $7.49, Entree $8.99, Entree $9.89, Entree $8.99, Entree $7.99, Kids Meal $7.49, Beverages $15.00, Dessert $21.99
Subtotal $97.28
With Tax $103.60
Gratuity $17.51
DDE Discount ($19.46)

Tony's - Total $123.77
Entree $17.99, Entree $27.99, Entree $17.99, Entree $17.99, Entree $19.99, Kids Meal $7.49, Beverages $15.00
Subtotal - $118.44
With Tax - $126.14
Gratuity - $21.32
DDE Discount ($23.69)

Jiko - Total $206.91
Appetizer $9.00, Entree $26.00, Entree $37.00. Entree $37.00, Entree $37.00, Entree $37.00, Beverages $15.00
Subtotal - $198.00
With Tax - $210.87
Gratuity - $35.64
DDE Discount - ($39.60)

Crystal Palace - Total $146.25
Adults $24.99 x 5
Children $15.00 x 1
Subtotal $139.95
With Tax $149.05
Gratuity $25.19
DDE Discount ($27.99)

Pinocchio's Village Haus - Total $45.36
Figaro Fries $3.19, Figaro Fries $3.19, Sandwich $6.99, Sandwich $7.29, Sandwich $6.99, Kids Meal $4.49, Beverages (5) $10.45
Subtotal - $42.59
With Tax - $45.36


Backlot Express - Total $53.67
Sandwich $7.09, Sandwich $7.09, Sandwich $7.09, Sandwich $7.09, Kids Meal $4.49, Beverages (5) $10.45
Subtotal - $50.39
With Tax - $53.67


Wolfgang Puck Express - Total $44.72
Flatbreads (3 x $9.25) $27.75, Kids Meal $4.49, Beverages (5) $9.75
Subtotal - $41.99
With Tax - $44.72

Flame Tree BBQ - Total $44.45
Sandwich (5 x $7.29) $36.45, Kids Meal $4.49, Beverages (5) $10.45
Subtotal - $51.39
With Tax - $54.73
DDE Discount ($10.28)

Earl of Sandwich - Total $48.14
Hot Sandwiches (5 x $5.75) $28.75, Kids Meal $3.95, Beverages (5) $12.50
Subtotal - $45.20
With Tax - $48.14

Artist's Palate - Total $43.07 x 2 - $86.14
Adult Meals (5 x $7.29), Kids Meal $3.99 (No Beverages - home resort will eat in room with soda there)
Subtotal - $40.44
With Tax - $43.07

OOP Cost INCLUDING Gratuity $1,082.28
DDP Cost for 7 nights $1,399.58 + Gratuity $130.88 = $1,530.46
Savings OOP vs DDP for us = $448.18

Now this is figuring a little low, because we'll probably skip at least one if not both meals I have figured for Artist's Palate, but to make it a fair comparison DDP vs OOP (that may apply to others) I figured we'd eat those meals there. This is where I figure a savings for us up to $500.

I have no snacks figured in, but we don't really eat that many snacks in the parks. We bring our own soda or water in with us, and bring munchies in our diaper bag. We'll buy a few Mickey Crispy Treats and Dole Whips, but beyond that probably not a lot of things will be purchased in the park by us. Even figuring snacks allowed on the plan we're entitled to about $126.00 worth of snacks on the DDP. Adding that into our OOP Cost still leaves us a substantial savings and we won't feel pressured that we have to use all of our snacks.

Wow...thanks for that break-down...
I think we are not going to do the DDP..... If it were the same as 2007, I would consider it, but neither me nor my parents would EVER order dessert..I would much rather have a side salad or appetizer.....

 

[DW-Admin]

The way it worked out for us is that the DDP worked great. We used our snack credits to get bottles \ cans of pop for the room (they have 6 packs of pop at the gift shops of the resorts) And then we had water bottles in the park that we refilled. This was more than enough and we actually left without using 3 snack credits between us. We also ordered the most expensive things on the menu to make it worth it. But if you are a conservative person OOP might work better, but I know for a fact DDP if the way to go for us and this will be another trip in which we include it!

 

[mickey&minniealways]

Okay Help my out here. I am still new to these boards. I know DDP stands for Disney Dinning Plan, and DXDDP is for Deluxe Disney Dinning Plan. It took me a while to figure our that OOP was out of pocket, but what the heck does DDE stand for and what is it? I know I am being a little dense here but please help. We have been debating DDP and I like to know what I am dealing with.

 

[Tricia1972]

Okay Help my out here. I am still new to these boards. I know DDP stands for Disney Dinning Plan, and DXDDP is for Deluxe Disney Dinning Plan. It took me a while to figure our that OOP was out of pocket, but what the heck does DDE stand for and what is it? I know I am being a little dense here but please help. We have been debating DDP and I like to know what I am dealing with.

The acronyms are tough when you first start reading. Even now some still take me a few minutes to puzzle out.

DDE is Disney Dining Experience - it's a discount card that's available for Florida Residents and Annual Passholders. For $60 you purchase this card and you get 20% off of at all TS meals and a few CS meals. (There is a location list available of who accepts the card and who doesn't if you're more interested.) If you are using the DDE card, you are charged an automatic gratuity of 18% for your party, regardless of party size. Since you'd have tipped anyway it's not a huge burden to pay the auto gratuity.

 

[mickey&minniealways]

Thanks for the help Tricia. My mother is in FL and is going to be staying with us so this might be an option. Things have changed so much since I first started going to Disney. My first time was in "78". Right after the Blizzard here in NE.

 

[mommyofthreeboys]

I am thinking of buying a pass just so I can buy the DDE but I can't decide yet.
One reason I want to buy the DDE is because my DH and I drink alcohol at every TS that serves them. We will be with a party over 6 so gratuity is all ready going to be added.
Second, we are going in June and when I get hot, I don't like to eat!
Agh! I just can't decide!

 

[PictureJumpr]

I went through and figured out what we would want to eat doing Disney our way. On a one week trip for 5 Adults, 1 Child and 1 Infant, we'll save $450-$500 over the cost of the DDP by doing it our way. Not only will we not be limited, but we will be saving money. Bonus for us!


OOP Cost INCLUDING Gratuity $1,082.28
DDP Cost for 7 nights $1,399.58 + Gratuity $130.88 = $1,530.46
Savings OOP vs DDP for us = $448.18

Now this is figuring a little low, because we'll probably skip at least one if not both meals I have figured for Artist's Palate, but to make it a fair comparison DDP vs OOP (that may apply to others) I figured we'd eat those meals there. This is where I figure a savings for us up to $500.

I have no snacks figured in, but we don't really eat that many snacks in the parks. We bring our own soda or water in with us, and bring munchies in our diaper bag. We'll buy a few Mickey Crispy Treats and Dole Whips, but beyond that probably not a lot of things will be purchased in the park by us. Even figuring snacks allowed on the plan we're entitled to about $126.00 worth of snacks on the DDP. Adding that into our OOP Cost still leaves us a substantial savings and we won't feel pressured that we have to use all of our snacks.

For clarity, and no other reason (I too prefer not to do the plan, myself): Please note that the totals here are for five table service meals and not seven, as would be included for a seven-night trip on DDP. Also, while these figures include an appetizer that would be OOP for a DDP user, they do not include desserts and/or beverages in the CS figures.

Again, just clarifying - no other intentions here. I have seen friends, family, and people on these boards agonizing over the DDP or not DDP question, and I simply think clear information is the best guide.

Personally, I prefer not to use the program because it does not correspond to the way I like to eat - I am a snacker, could live a whole day on fruit and rolls and ice cream and such, and will only eat a full TS-style meal maybe twice in a week. If they had a plan with 8 snack credits a day and 2 TS a week, I'd be the first one to sign up! Imagine that, trying to figure out how many snack credits have to be pooled to buy a dinner at the Castle...

 

[Toledolurch]

We were there for 5 fabulous days in January 2008 on the dining plan. I would not use the dining plan again as it is currently structured.

I did save money on what I ordered vs. what we paid. It did change our ordering habits. We would not have ordered a desert for each person for each meal. The snacks were also difficult to figure out how to use.

I thoroughly enjoyed going to the TS restaurants and especially the character meals, so I really can't say I would change my restaurant choices...

 

[Stinky_Pete]

Thanks for the help Tricia. My mother is in FL and is going to be staying with us so this might be an option. Things have changed so much since I first started going to Disney. My first time was in "78". Right after the Blizzard here in NE.

Someone else touched on this but I just wanted to point out that the 20% discount with the DDE applies to the total bill, including any alcohol you may order. So you could save a bundle if you enjoy a cocktail or wine with dinner. I think some people even use it in conjunction with the DDP if they will be ordering drinks.

 

[Stinky_Pete]

I did save money on what I ordered vs. what we paid. It did change our ordering habits. We would not have ordered a desert for each person for each meal.

I think this is one of the most important considerations when deciding if the DDP is a good "value" for your group. Does the plan fit your style of eating at WDW? Would you have ordered what you did if it wasn't included?

Personally, I'm not really into desserts right after dinner. I might have a Mickey bar or a Dole Whip if the mood strikes me a couple of hours later. When I was on the DDP I did order desserts because they were included but if I were paying OOP I would not have ordered them. So if I'm trying to figure out if the DDP is a good value for me I would not include the dessert as an OOP expense.

 

[KimberlyC]

For my family DDP is a good value because of the cost of character meals. Granted it isn't as good a value as it was last year and the year before, BUT it is still a good value for us. Here's how I figure it... DDP or not, my DS loves the character meals. We do at least one a day. The child character buffet cost is on average $12.99-$13.99. The child DDP cost is $9.99. Our DS barely eats anything but we are paying for Winnie the Pooh to hug him without standing in a long line...priceless. We save $ buying our child the DDP just on the one meal, then he also gets the CS and snacks. The adult character buffet cost is on average $27.99. I don't/can't eat even close to $27.99 worth of food so buffets are generally wasted on me but I am paying to see Winnie the Pooh hug my child without standing in a long line...priceless. DH will eat his money's worth. Since I don't eat what my DH and DS typically eat, we don't typically share so we'd be buying CS meals for each of us anyway and throwing part of it away - wasteful I know, but I'm not eating red meat and they aren't eating salads. I figure we'd spend at least $10 each on a CS and snacks for both DH and myself so the DDP makes sense.

I'll re-evaluate our need for the DDP when DS is able to sit through a nice dinner without character entertainment. For now, it makes it slightly cheaper for us.

 

[Tricia1972]

For clarity, and no other reason (I too prefer not to do the plan, myself): Please note that the totals here are for five table service meals and not seven, as would be included for a seven-night trip on DDP. Also, while these figures include an appetizer that would be OOP for a DDP user, they do not include desserts and/or beverages in the CS figures.

Excellent point. Yes we do not include Desserts at the TS restaurants or the CS's because we wouldn't order them.

We do include beverages at all CS locations except for Artist's Palate (lumped together in one sum in my calculations) Artist's Palate is not included because as I noted we would be dining in our room and would not need to drink their beverages (Why drink Coke when you have Pepsi in the room? )

I actually did another chart with the 7 meals that we'd be entitled to, even though we would not want to eat that many, and our savings would be cut down to $250. That figure is also a bit misleading as we're ordering appetizers that aren't included on the plan, but they are included in my calculations comparing DDP vs OOP. Our appetizers total roughly $50 that would be OOP even with the plan, and we do waste the money in the plan figured for desserts.

This is the reason that I think it's so important for everyone to figure out what they would eat, not what they could eat with the plan, and really everyone needs to do it on their own. My figures will not work for everyone else, but I certainly don't think that we'll be starving while we're at Disney.

For us we'd miss out on two great dining opportunities outside of Disney if we had the DDP. We'd feel the need to use our credits, and we'd also feel pressured to eat the desserts that we don't really want.