Dining Plan for DVC

[Elevatorguy]

Hi,
I am wondering if anyone here can clear up some confusion. We are going to rent points and stay in a DVC timeshare in January. We are interested in buying the regular (1 table service, 1 quick service, 1 snack) dining plan. The confusion is with exactly what is included. On the links to the 2 most popular DVC rental websites, David's and the **************, they both state that an appetizer is included with each table service meal for kids ages 3-9 (not for adults). I cannot find confirmation of this anywhere on the Disney website. Is this an error on BOTH sites or is it a "perk" for DVC members? Any and all information is appreciated and all responses are welcomed. Thanks in advance.

 

[Dwheels]

No that's correct for the most part. Most kids menus include an appetizer with the meal. It's usually something like a small salad, fruit cup or veggies and dip. Because it's part of the meal it's included in the plan. So yes kids would get an app then but not adults. Only some restaurants have this option

 

[Elevatorguy]

Thanks for the reply Dwheels. So, it is not like I was assuming, which was that each kid could order a regular appetizer from the menu and have it be included as part of the meal plan. Again I appreciate the information.

 

[CarolMN]

The Deluxe Dining Plan (the more expensive one) DOES include an appetizer, as well as an entree, dessert & non-alcoholic beverage.

 

[Elevatorguy]

Understood CarolMN. We did that plan on our last trip and ended up not using a lot of the credits. For the money, I don't think it's worth it unless you plan on doing 3 sit down meals a day, every day. Thanks for the reply.

 

[jerseygal]

We had fun doing the Deluxe Dining Plan ONCE...We love tableservice, we did a lot of signatures, but for our family, it ended up being a little too much food!

When we do DDP, we usually combine 2 table service, for one signature dinner!

Enjoy your trip!

 

[Dean]

Understood CarolMN. We did that plan on our last trip and ended up not using a lot of the credits. For the money, I don't think it's worth it unless you plan on doing 3 sit down meals a day, every day. Thanks for the reply.

As a rule the DP is not worth it for most people. The exceptions tend to be very specific circumstances mostly centered around high end options and having kids on the plan 3-9. It's most difficult to get value from the quick service plan and easiest to do so from the deluxe plan if you can use most of the credits. I'd suggest you look at the menus and see what real savings you might or might not have. As a rule you need real savings (I say 20% minimum) or real added value around that much to justify the risk. As you've already learned, it's use or lose. What if someone becomes ill or you had to leave early for a family emergency?

 

[jco_direwolf]

I have to agree. The Dining Plan use to be an okay deal. Now without a lot of preplanning, it's hard to get value out of it.

Most people that claim there is a lot of value in the D*DP are ones that make sure they order the most expensive thing on the menu every time they order, regardless if it's what they want. Ironically since it doesn't come with built-in tip any more, they are paying the most for it at sit-downs.

Some days when I hit TS, I just want an app or 2 and call it a meal, it's hot, and I don't feel like eating much. Other days I don't feel like TS at all (yes I can go to CAGrill and burn 2 TS, but that is it's own fiasco.)

I can't tell you how many times I've seen posted to various forums "Help we are leaving today, how do we turn our left over QS credits into snacks so we can pack our suitcases with Rice Crispy Mickey bars?"

 

[Millionaire2K]

As a rule the DP is not worth it for most people. The exceptions tend to be very specific circumstances mostly centered around high end options and having kids on the plan 3-9. It's most difficult to get value from the quick service plan and easiest to do so from the deluxe plan if you can use most of the credits. I'd suggest you look at the menus and see what real savings you might or might not have. As a rule you need real savings (I say 20% minimum) or real added value around that much to justify the risk. As you've already learned, it's use or lose. What if someone becomes ill or you had to leave early for a family emergency?

The only time I ever thought dinning plan was a true deal is was in 2007 when I got FREE dinning at POP with 4 adults in 1 room. We didn't get the AP discount of about $25 per night. But 4 adults did get the FULL dinning plan with 1QS 1 SD & 1S. Also the tip was included back then.

OH the memories.

 

[Dean]

The only time I ever thought dinning plan was a true deal is was in 2007 when I got FREE dinning at POP with 4 adults in 1 room. We didn't get the AP discount of about $25 per night. But 4 adults did get the FULL dinning plan with 1QS 1 SD & 1S. Also the tip was included back then.

OH the memories.

I often can make it a good deal but it does take some planning. To me it's like a game to a degree. Often the things I'd like to order are the more expensive options though they are often not things I'd order otherwise. We also often have more than one villa allowing us to group those who would get more value vs though who wouldn't. I do try to use it rather than letting it use me. We also tend to arrive early day one and leave later on the day of departure.

 

[CarolMN]

The only time I found the Deluxe Plan to be a deal was for a 1 night stay in December (we did a split stay that trip). The nightly rate for Deluxe was just a few dollars more than the cost of the CP Dinner Package, which is 2 credits and a must for us. Essentially, we got another table service dinner (on check out day), a mug and 2 snacks for about $10. Great value (if you ignore Disney's inflated prices for food, LOL).

I wouldn't do the Deluxe for more than 2 nights and I wouldn't do a 1 night split stay again except under duress. :twwth: