Dining plan on a really tight budget...

[ShellieR]

I'm heading to WDW in January and I see that they now have a quick service dining plan. We currently have the regular dining plan on our package, should I switch it to the quick service dining plan? We really didn't want to eat table service once everyday but that is what the regualr dining plan offers. Would paying out of pocket for 1 table service meal at Chef Mickeys for our family and switch to the quick service dining plan save us money? We are staying 7 nights.

 

[inkedupmomma]

well it depends how many are children and how many are under 2. need more info por favor

 

[ShellieR]

Well I have 3 boys...a 9 yo. 4 yo. and a 2 yo. I think the 2 yo. isn't on the plan.

 

[TDC Nala]

Whether or not it will save you money depends on what you would order if you were not using any plan. the 9 and 4 year old would be on the children's plan, the 2 year old would not be on the plan at all.

If you don't want the table service meals, then you could probably save some money going with counter service plan and one OOP TS. Chef Mickey's is a buffet. The kids can still pay kids' price for the buffet and the 2 year old would be free.

The regular dining plan would be best if you know you want at least 1 table service meal per day.

You should probably look at whether or not you want your two older children restricted to the children's menu at most CS.

 

[ShellieR]

Well they aren't picky and if it comes to my 9 yo getting tired of mac n cheese or chicken nuggets, I can just give him food from my plate and I'll eat off of his plate. Is there any info on how much the regular dining plan is per meal compared to quick service plan per meal?

 

[TDC Nala]

The regular dining plan is $39.99 for 10 and over, $10.99 3-9, per night of your stay. 1 TS, 1 CS and 1 snack per night.

The counter service plan is $29.99 for 10 and over, $8.99 3-9, per night of your stay. 2 counter service meals and 2 snacks per night, plus a refillable resort mug per person.

That is per night of your stay, it isn't broken down per meal. What you would spend per meal depends on which restaurants you go to and what menu items you'd order.

A counter service meal on the plan is 1 entree or combo meal and 1 dessert, plus 1 non-alcoholic beverage.

 

[Tricia1972]

7 Nights x $10 savings = $70

7 Nights x $2 savings = $14

2 Adults - $140-Savings
2 Children - $28-Savings

$168 Savings by doing the CS plan and not the regular DDP

$22.99/Adult - Breakfast
$12.99/Child - Breakfast

$29.99/Adult - Dinner
$14.99/Child - Dinner

Tax Rate is 6.5%

$76.64 - Breakfast at Chef Mickey
$95.81 - Dinner at Chef Mickey

Plus you mention that you're on a tight budget - you'll get 2 snacks per day with the CS plan plus the mug, and that may be a better fit for your group. (Kids go through TONS of water down there)

 

[ShellieR]

Thanks for the info

I guess I need to decide if I really want to try all of the TS restaurants that I've read about with 3 rowdy and loud boys. (will we be able to enjoy the restaurant if the boys are acting up) Or do all CS dining and pay OOP for 1 TS at Chef Mickeys'. Ugh