Dining Plan ?'s

[Helen1203]

We are going to be on property for 7 nights however we are going to spend two of the days at Universal/IOA - Therefore, I'm thinking that it isn't worth purchasing the Dining Plan - however, with two boys (14,12) they have days when they can eat non stop so maybe it will be worth it. Has anyone done this - pay for the dining plan even though you are spending two days off property - how do I make sure I don't have unused credits? Thanks for your help.

 

[december]

We are only spending one day off property-at Sea World. But I'm also doing the Hoop Dee Doo Review, which is 2 credits. We'd have to pay for the extra meal anyway, so eating it offsite won't be a big deal. Maybe you could try a few of the signature (2 credit) dining places. Or book a few character breakfasts to eat up the extra credits? For the extra cs, you could eat an early breakfast at the resort before you head to Universal.

 

[Helen1203]

Thanks - that's what I think I'd do; plan a few 2 credit ts dinners - I'm just concerned that the whole week will be scheduled around the next meal - which for the 14 year would be fine -

 

[december]

But planning those meals is half the fun for me! I've planned, and replanned!, all my meals. I don't go until Nov-can't even make ADRs until May 19. I live in a rural area, so getting to eat at so many diverse places is great. We do a long sit down meal instead of a break. When we went last year, it was so nice not having to worry about the check after our meals!

 

[thunderbird1]

We spent a day off property last trip, though we did return for a late dinner at WCC. But we somehow managed to use up all our credits. Just stay on top of them, and let those boys eat whatever snacks their hearts (or stomachs) desire, because those snack credits don't go as fast as you think they will.

Some have reported using CS credits to get "grab and go" meals at their resort shops. These apparently are premade sandwiches and sides that you could take with you to IOA. I know that's not everybody's style, but most hungry, teenage boys will eat almost anything, and it might help cut your offsite food bill. You could also get breakfast sandwiches and juice to take with you in the car to eat while driving to IOA.

For TS, I'd probably try one 2 credit restaurant and add an extra breakfast to another day. A TS breakfast + a TS dinner is a lot, but I'm sure somehow the boys could manage. If it's too much for you and your dh, you could split either the breakfast or dinner (as long as it's not a buffet), but then you'd have more of those pesky extra credits.

 

[Helen1203]

Thanks for the feedback. I haven't added it to our trip yet. We are going at the end of April - how far in advance of the trip does it have to be added? I'm just wondering if I decide at the last minute to add it if that will be okay? Thanks.

 

[calypso*a*go-go]

I believe they told me it needed to be added at least five days before arrival.

 

[bicker]

It varies between five days or four days or three days, but Disney does make it clear that folks need to add the Dining Plan some time before they arrive. Better safe than sorry. Make your final decision a week prior to your trip, and call Disney at that time.

 

[WETWHISTLE]

We're spending one day off site at Universal Studios and we have the DDP. I'm sure we'll have no problem using up all of our credits. One day we are doing a Character Breakfast and then a TS dinner so that will take care of that extra TS. We'll have to pay for our meals off site OOP but I don't mind that at all. We'll be saving a lot of $$ as is by purchasing the DDP.

 

[MSSANDRA]

If you do not wish to spend a .lot of OP money on the off sites days you could all eat a really good CS breakfast before you to and them your TS when you reaturn to WDW. You could all also grap a mickey rice crispy treat or something like that to stick in your bag for a snack. then only a light lunch would be needed off site. Just do not let them see you eating a mickey treat at universal