Dining Plan for DVC members

[disney junky]

I have considered buying the Dining Plan, but, to be honest, we do use our kitchen (gasp) for at least one or more meals a day, and we don't do a lot of sit down restaurants. Does anyone else feel that buying the plan is like eating the forbidden fruit? Is Disney simply after some more of my hard earned $$$$$? After all, didn' we justify our purchase by the money we would save on meals? Or am I in a minority here? Am I just a guilt ridden DVC owner?

 

[BCV23]

Actually, I think the DDP is a win/win for WDW and guests. I've seen people call it a loss leader for WDW but I doubt that myself.

Anyway, if you don't usually do TS meals it probably isn't good for you. One sad post I read complained that they didn't use a single TS credit. For that family, the DDP was very bad value!!!!

But you really should try a TS restaurant sometime. Especially at lunch, it is a wonderful break from the parks!

As for using the kitchen and justifying DVC purchase that way, I think DVCers vary a lot. It played a part in our decision because of the convenience but not for savings. We enjoy the restaurants too much. But it is great to have a full size fridge and I do usually make breakfast in the room a few times each trip.

Finally, I think allowing DVCers to purchase the plan was a GREAT change. But it is not for everyone.

 

[elijahpep]

We do the same thing Disney Junkey. Use the kitchen a lot for breakfast and dinner in the room.
We're opting for the DDE that you can purchse for $60 with your AP. It's good for a year so for the big lunches it may come in really handy. (it also allows discounts on adult beverages, the kind that take little unmbrellas) http://allearsnet.com/pl/discounts.htm (view different discounts here)
We hadn't concidered the DDP because it isn't cost effected for us. But others here love it! Hope you will have fun with the challenge in finding what best suits you and yours!

~DW

 

[Lesley]

We usually do quite a few meals in our room as well....but when I priced out the meals we'd typically have in restaurants we came well ahead on the Dining Plan. I even figured in the DDE discount, as we have that as well (used it in January and will use it next January). We would have used the dining plan in January had it been available. Next January we'll be travelling with my parents who don't like the idea of the dining plan (too much food, says Mom) so we will use the DDE.

For about the same amount of money we usually spend on meals out, I won't have to cook. I am a SAHM and this is sounding like the first real vacation I've had in YEARS. I won't have to cook!

 

[patsal]

In you case the plan may not be the best thing for you and your family. Take a look at your cooking plans--are you preparing or cooking more than one meal per day in the Villa? Do you eat at CS daily? Do you try a TS at least every other day and enjoy the Signature restaurants? Do you have at least one treat per day when you are visiting the parks? Depending how you answer these questions you will get your answer if the DP is right for you.
If the first question is a yes--the meal plan may not be for you (except when combined with three--then it would be good)
If the second question is a yes the plan may be for you
If the third question is a yes the plan may be good for you
If the fourth question is yes It may be good for you--especially now since things that could trim down your grocery budget are included--chips/dips/etc.

Think about your previous vacations and check the menus on allears, that should help you to a decision that will work best for your family.