Dining plan strategies for a newbie

[Torontogal]

We are DVC members who are trying out the dining plan for our upcoming April trip.

Never did a dining plan before and looking for strategies and tips for your best table service meal recommendations. We are 3 adults. Any suggestions on your favourite table service meals? We are not into steak or burgers and try and eat somewhat healthy (no pork or beef). Thanks.

 

[Mle8308]

Start looking at menus and see what appeals to you. Remember that tips are not included, and you tip based on the full amount of the check (drinks included). Be aware of the few restaurants that are 2 credits, there are a few out there. You literally have hundreds of options out there!

 

[🍀TwinsMom]

Are you QS plan or Deluxe? If DDP, you definitely want to be drinking alcohol at your two meals, especially if you're not big protein eaters. Go for whatever salmon/bass/tuna is on the menu. Use snack credits at Epcot for festival hut foods. You can hoard them all for your Epcot day(s).

I know folks don't think Cinderella's Royal Table is a good use of points since it eats 2pp, but you get a great wine menu to pick from ($$) and the tip is included in the DDP. I have done it twice and enjoyed my meal each time. Bonus if you can go during fireworks for a very unique experience seeing them shot off from INSIDE the castle. Book the time an hour to 1:15 before fireworks and leave enough time to get around to the back of the castle through the parade throngs.

Wailulu is excellent and expensive enough for lunch to justify the burger (excellent) or poke bowls with a cocktail.

Topolinos breakfast, I believe, is only 1 credit, and it's an awesome meal/value.

Bring your resort mug with you everywhere. Since it's all adults, if you bar hop around BW/BC/YC, you can refill it at any resort on the loop with soda/juice/coffee. You can't fill them in the parks, but it's nice to have one if you're window shopping or looking at resorts/decorations.

Boma is DELICIOUS and is a good TS usage, IMO.

 

[bakerworld]

We have found that looking for a table for 4 - regardless of the actual group number - has been more successful in finding availability.