Dining plan with toddlers worth it?

[MCK588]

I'm considering pros and cons of getting the dining option. I'll be staying at a value resort with a 4yo and a 1yo. I know that we will do Character Breakfasts and would love to do one every morning, but I know there may be some mornings we'll want to start our day bright and early. On those days where we just get a quick counter service breakfast, I will have to do a dinner to make the plan worthwhile. I'm afraid that the kids will conk out by dinner and either we won't make it out so late OR they will be grumpy and then no one is having fun. Are there places to 'send' the kids while we eat? Is that a question for another board? Sorry, if it is. And if my 4yo didn't use the dinner option that night I think I understand from what I've read that we would be able to use it on another night at a signature restaurant (w/o him once again). Is that right?

I'm thinking that besides for the character meals, we'll want to stick to loud, child-friendly places if we do get out to eat and so we may end up at a Rainforest, etc and that will make the meal plan NOT worthwhile. Did I just answer my own quesition?

 

[hercamore]

Yes, you did!

Do yo have an AP? You can purchase the DDE card and receive 20% off food a value resort food courts, plus the discount is good at table service in the parks.

You must have an AP to purchase or be a Fl res. DDE card costs $50.

herc.

 

[MCK588]

Thanks! I am not new to Disney but very new to all these abbreviations! Is there a place that I can find out what they all mean? Jill

 

[Mady/Sophiemom]

The plan will cost your family $80.00/day. Your youngest will eat free, unless you order them there own meal. At preplated, and buffets, they just get whatever.

Check out the menus at www.allearsnet.com. That is an excellent resource, which gives prices, and menus. It helped us figure out, how much we would be saving, based on our dining picks. Most character meals are fairly expensive, and the plan would prob. be a savings for those days. Keep in mind that tip, and tax are included too.

There are kids clubs available, at some resorts, but not for your youngest. They must be 3 or 4 and potty trained. They are also around 10/per kid/per hour, so can get quite expensive.

Good luck. Have fun planning.