dining plan like at wdw?

[lynetteSC]

i am sure this has been asked before, but i can't find any info ... is there a dining plan like at wdw at dl?

thanks!

 

[LavenderPeach]

I don't have experience with either dining plan but here's the quick answer for you that I know from reading other posts. Yes, there is a dining plan but no, it's not the same as WDW. Most people think it's not a very good deal because of the way they do the vouchers. I'm sure someone can fill in the details but that will give you a general answer.

 

[ballarinamom]

At WDW the meal plan is on your park hopper. You get one counter service meal, one snack and a table service meal. You are given a credit for each. Very simple. At DL, they give you vouchers. Character meals get a voucher. Some of the other table service uses these vouchers as well. However, if you exceed the value of a character meal while at a table service rest., they will charge you the difference. For counter service, they give you vouchers that range from $5-10. If you have change that should come back to you, you do not get it. So if you spend $6 and you give them $10 voucher, you eat the $4
That's why many here on the Dis use Disney Dollars or Disney gift cards to help "prepay" for their meals. That's what we did. We had Disney Dollars and gift cards plus, we did prepurchase the character meal vouchers. There are various places to buy these, WDT, GAT, Ares.

 

[kokotg]

So what's the advantage of getting the meal plan instead of just paying as you go?

 

[ballarinamom]

It's an easy way to prepay. There are some here who do like the plan. Disney tested a meal plan closer to the one at WDW a few months ago. I haven't heard how it went or if they will offer it again, One of the benefits of the Dis is to see how others plan. Disney Dollars are great for the kids too. The Easter Bunny, the Tooth Fairy and Santa bring us Disney Dollars. We ask friends and family for Disney Gift cards for birthdays and Christmas. DD is an only child and only grand child on DH side. She gets o much stuff throuhgout the year. Disney Dollars are so awesome for her! DH and I give each other DD and gift cards to each other. It's easy to stock pile money for pur next trip!

 

[hurleysweety]

There really isn't an advantage or discount by using the vouchers - you could actually end up spending more money by using them if you're not careful enough. By buying the character meal vouchers and using gift cards, like others mentioned, just help keep the dining budget under control.

 

[Lakewood]

No DDP.

 

[mechurchlady]

http://www.disneymouselinks.com/disney-dining-plan.aspx
That shows 2007


http://www.mousemisers.com/2008/2009-disney-world-dining-plans/
Tha has a basic rundown of WDW. At WDW, as was stated before, you get a credit to use on any day up to midnight of the day you check out. You can use the snack to buy anything from pretzels to sundaes. Eating the most expensive thing on the menu is allowed.

Adult vouchers ($92.05 per adult):
1 - Character Breakfast
1 - Breakfast in the Park
3 - $5.00 Vouchers
2 - $10.00 Vouchers
1 - $15.00 Voucher

So you give them $92.05 and they give you a character breakfast, one meal in park and $50 in vouchers. This is the 2007 rates. It sounds good but for $42 you got two meals in the park and had to use the vouchers in such a way that you used them entirely which means going over budget. Back then that was a savings of $4 tops unless you did Goofy's Kitchen.

WDW does not save that much either but at least is convenient. Instead of DLR vouchers you just hand your key card and eat. It dos not matter if it is fancy or a hot dog, all is on your key card. DLR you get a hot dog and Coke for under $10 so there goes you money.

 

[MichaelColey]

WDW does not save that much either but at least is convenient.

The WDW Dining Plan is a marginal deal if you have to pay for it, but it's an INCREDIBLE deal if you get it for free. They've offered it free with packages most of August and September the last several years (and are offering it this year 8/16 - 10/3). Our family of four is going for TWO WEEKS for UNDER $2500, including 14 nights at All Star Movies, 10 days of park admissions, water parks for the other days, 56 total table service meals, 56 total counter service meals, and 56 total snacks. We figure we'll eat close to $2500 worth of food, so that essentially makes our vacation half price.

For the table service meals, you have something like 100 different restaurant choices, including a myriad of character meals, buffets, some steakhouses, a tepanyaki place, and even a Fantasmic dining package. For the counter service meals, some of the restaurants include rib and chicken combos, pizza, huge deli sandwichs, Asian combos with several items, etc. It's also good at Wolfgang Puck Express. Some of the more expensive things you can get with the snack credits are shakes, waffle cones, cheesecake, floats, smoothies, and pasteries. They can also be used during the Food & Wine Festival for many great food samples.