Dining Plan or QS Plan

[Wonderdis]

A friend whose family consists of 2 adults and 2 boys(9 and 6) will be in WDW on the 3rd week of July and they are planning to stay 5 nights in POR or CBR resorts.

Too bad they just missed the free Gift card offer .... in hindsight, I wonder if the price of vacation packages were higher or just the same as today, now that the offer is done.

Anyhow, my questions:

1. Is it wise to buy a dining or quick service plan ?
OR
Should they just pay as they go
(how much is average cost of food per day for a family of 4 ?)

2. If you recommend buying a plan ? Which would be the best one ?
Dining Plan or the Quick Service Plan ?

3. Besides the current offer of 20% off moderate resorts .... do you know
of any other offer ?

Thanks !

 

[hsembrick]

With a family of two boys I would get one of the plans. QS is only $10 a day per child and they would easily spend that on one meal and snack. With tha being said I guess the decision is whether or not they plan on doing any sit downs. If they plan on doing character or any sitdoen dining then they should get the dining plan not quick as it will save them a lot of money.

 

[scarlet_ibis]

Tough one. I think boys that age will eat a ton, and I've heard that kids can get the adult QS meals. (That might not be right, tho.) However, they are stuck with the kid meals at the TS restaurants -- unless they do buffets. I think if the kids are big eaters or like a variety, I'd go with the DDP and aim for the buffets.

(I am biased. I love the TS restaurants at WDW.)

 

[TheDisneyingNewfie]

We certainly saved 20-30% by doing the normal dining plan. And it takes away so much stress from the ordering process - you don't have to worry about how much it'll cost so you try to cut corners and not necessarily order what you really want.

HOWEVER, if you're really on a budget, the QS is probably cheaper. But I can't imagine always ordering from quick service. We love the sit-downs.

 

[Wonderdis]

Thanks for your comments.

I guess, the Table Service with the Dining Plan would be a nice reason for a break midday or even at the end of the day.

choices .. choices .... thanks for the gift of choices

 

[skiingfast]

You are right the Table Service meals do provide a break during the day. And with that plan the kids can order the adult meals for counter service.

The real savings is when you order the higher priced a la carte items or enjoy the buffets for dinner. If you don't you may not find advantage using the dining plan at all.

Also overall you won't get much variety eating Quick Service twice a day. That may end up being a lot of pizza and burgers.