Dining Plan vs. OOP

[kittymasi]

Alright... this is the situation. My husband to be and I are going on our honeymoon for 13 nights next May. We have just about all our ADR's picked out, and we are doing ALOT of Table Service. We never get to go on vacations, we work constantly, we're exhausted, and we want an absolutely decadent vacation. We are looking at a HUGE food budget, like... $1800. This includes the Chef's table @ Victoria and Alberts, Hollywood Brown Derby, and several other fine restaurants. I weighed the choices, and OOP and the Dining plan would be approximately the same amount of $, because we are choosing to eat offsite a few times, too, and those would still be OOP on top of the dining plan money. So. The only advantage I see is that we would probably be getting alot MORE food, as I don't always budget for appetizers and desserts and snacks along the way. He doesn't want the dining plan, he's fine with OOP. But... I like the idea of a free mickey bar now and then. But I don't want to gain ten pounds, either, and lets face it, when its in front of you, its sooo easy just to devour. What do you guys think?

 

[bleeps]

Personally, I think that with all the meals you have planned, you'd be better off NOT using Dining Plan; I think you will be overwhelmed by the amount of food. A mickey bar is only -- what? -- 2.50 or so, so you'll be fine springing for one if the mood strikes. We just used DP for the first time for our trip the first week of this month, and we loved it, so I'm not bashing the plan at all, but my sense is that with all your wonderful dining choices, DP would be too much of a good thing.

 

[mtdevine615]

I agree, I don't think the DP makes sense for you. What I think might help is the DDE card. You didn't say if you already had your tickets, but with you staying 13 nights I think it makes sense to buy at least one AP and then get the DDE card for $50, which gives you a 20% discount at most TS and some CS restaurants in WDW.

 

[jcemom]

I agree, I don't think the DP makes sense for you. What I think might help is the DDE card. You didn't say if you already had your tickets, but with you staying 13 nights I think it makes sense to buy at least one AP and then get the DDE card for $50, which gives you a 20% discount at most TS and some CS restaurants in WDW.

I agree.

 

[pedro2112]

How can the dining plan not make sense? I'm confused. Count up the 13 most expensive meals you will order at TS restuarants that are only one TS credit. Make sure to add tips in the calculation. I'm fairly positive that the cost of those meals will be more or equal to the cost of the dining plan. Then you factor in that all your snacks and CS meals will be "free." You don't have to overeat. If, in the end, you eat what you normally would have eaten, but you paid less for it, how can that not be worth it?

 

[eculmone]

Friends of ours just got back from WDW and had the DP. They absolutely loved it, but it was TOO MUCH FOOD. They r average size (her DH) and she is a cute little peanut (perfect size 4). We on the other hand are always battling those 10 lbs and I would definitely come back 10 lbs heavier if I did the DP. I would say opt for the oop. Then you can decide when and where you want to splurge on those extra cals. By the way those Mickey Bars are totally out of my calorie allotment. I usually share one on my trip with my now 7 yr old dd. Remember it's better to leave the table feeling satisfied then feeling so full you feel sick. Our friends did it this last trip and said it was too much for them AND I'm a Weight Watchers Lifetime member. I would save my indulgences for only one to 10 times throughout my 13 day stay. ok, so maybe once a day (hee hee) afterall it IS YOUR HONEYMOON.

 

[Anewman]

I honestly think your $1800 food budget can easily get over $2k.


If you are there 13 nights(which may even be 14 days) and eat twice per night of stay, your $1800 budget would require meals to average $69 INCLUDING TIPS.

Price of plan for 2 adults/13 nights $988
Your food budget $1800.

I would buy the Plan for $988 and then pay the Diff once(if) you finish your TS credits, I can NOT see you eating an additional $800 if you are on the plan. IMO the only way you would be able to come in under your budget is with the plan and you get more food and snacks.

 

[nbodyhome]

I agree with buying the Disney Dining Experience instead of getting the dining plan. For starters, Victoria and Alberts (last I looked) was included. I'd definitely get the AP's - which should give you discounts on some recreation, shopping and such if you should want for that. The DP is a LOT of food. Think of it this way - do you plan to do one counter service, one table service (with two desserts per day) AND a Mickey bar each day? Would you normally eat 26 desserts each with the span of two weeks? Or would you maybe split one each day? If you get the DP, you are locked in for all those days of eating table and counter, and snack. I couldn't do it for 3 days. You may find that there are days that you want nothing more than a slice of pizza or a sandwich, nothing fancy.

On the DP, I felt like I had to be careful each day not to gorge, I've lost over 60 pounds and I normally eat 5 small meals. One table service meal for me can feel like I'm storing food for hibernation. I'd be surprised if you don't find that there are days that the DP is just too much, I felt like that each day (though again, it's a good deal for those who do eat that way).

Denise