Dining plan is it worth it?

[arvachu]

I have a question about the dining plan. Im going in September so no free dining and Im only planning on one table top service. So is it worth it to get the lower level dining plan?

 

[abdgeek]

Are you asking about getting the QS dining plan vs the DDP? How long are you staying?

If you only plan to eat at one TS restaurant, I don't see any reason to get the DDP. I've never done the QS dining plan, so I can't tell you what your savings would be if you got it.

 

[Nadjalu]

To see if any dining plan works for you, you have to run the numbers.
Meaning you have to pick out where you are wanting to eat, what you would have and calculate how much money you will spend on food for the total trip. Then compare that to the dining plan prices...only then will you know if you will save money.

For the hubby and I even paying for the dining plan puts us ahead. As we eat a CS lunch and a TS dinner each day. So on an average lunch is $15-18 per person and dinner is $35-40 per person, bring our total to $50-58 per person per day. That can certaily add up on a 7 day vacation!

 

[bdklein]

To see if any dining plan works for you, you have to run the numbers.
Meaning you have to pick out where you are wanting to eat, what you would have and calculate how much money you will spend on food for the total trip. Then compare that to the dining plan prices...only then will you know if you will save money.

For the hubby and I even paying for the dining plan puts us ahead. As we eat a CS lunch and a TS dinner each day. So on an average lunch is $15-18 per person and dinner is $35-40 per person, bring our total to $50-58 per person per day. That can certaily add up on a 7 day vacation!

$15-$18 for counter service. That seems pricey. And how r u saving money if your total per day is $50-58? Gratuity is not included.

 

[bdklein]

I have a question about the dining plan. Im going in September so no free dining and Im only planning on one table top service. So is it worth it to get the lower level dining plan?

There are so few times when it's worth getting the dining plan-just go without it. Make some ADR's however.

 

[PoohsBees]

I can't imagine the QS plan would be worthwhile. You can eat quickservice in the parks for less if you are careful. We did the regular plan with 2 adults and a just under 3 year old last year- and got excellent value out of that, but that was largely savings on the expensive character table service meals (and free eats for the 2yo)

 

[tony67]

I think the QS plan is basically break even - especially now that it is only one snack.

The main reason I get it is it is part of the package so I don’t actually pay for it for six months when I use the Disney Credit Card

The only thing is if I was paying out of pocket I would probably get a lot less desserts – not sure of that is a good thing or not

 

[nooneshome]

For our family none of the dining plans are worth it. We just don't eat that much food. We do enjoy getting FD.

 

[sunsetbeachgal]

We had QSDP in our recent stay and for us, I would not do it again unless it was free (and you are usually giving up a room discount to get it free, so not really free!). While we liked being able to choose a meal regardless of price, we didn't need or want dessert with every meal, and would have preferred an appetizer or soup or salad instead. We maximized our value by eating at Places such as Wolfgang Pucks at The marketplace.

 

[GreenCntryGirl]

First, I don't get the "giving up a room discount" vs. "free dining" I see so often on here.

If I understand correctly, room discounts are not a guarantee. So I can't see the whole "rack rate" argument. And I have seen it plenty.

If I was going during a free dining promotion and received a room discount offer, ran the numbers, discovered I would save more with the room discount, I would give up free dining. But that's and "if."

I ran the numbers for us based on where my granddaughter wants to eat. With her choices, it is MUCH cheaper to purchase the DxDP.

If it was just me and DH, cheaper to go OOP.

 

[vicki_c]

First, I don't get the "giving up a room discount" vs. "free dining" I see so often on here.

If I understand correctly, room discounts are not a guarantee. So I can't see the whole "rack rate" argument. And I have seen it plenty.

If I was going during a free dining promotion and received a room discount offer, ran the numbers, discovered I would save more with the room discount, I would give up free dining. But that's and "if."

I ran the numbers for us based on where my granddaughter wants to eat. With her choices, it is MUCH cheaper to purchase the DxDP.

If it was just me and DH, cheaper to go OOP.

Usually free dining is offered at the same time there are room discounts offered. Similarly, at peak times you will find neither free dining or room discounts. Just as you said you have to run the numbers for your own situation. Room discounts are no less likely than free dining, so I don't know why you seem to think its not a fair comparison or whatever you are saying by your "don't get it" comment.

 

[GreenCntryGirl]

Usually free dining is offered at the same time there are room discounts offered. Similarly, at peak times you will find neither free dining or room discounts. Just as you said you have to run the numbers for your own situation. Room discounts are no less likely than free dining, so I don't know why you seem to think its not a fair comparison or whatever you are saying by your "don't get it" comment.

Well, I must have been missing something. Sorry!