Dining plan? Yes or no?

[Sandy321]

We are doing the DDP, and since the 3 of us going aren't huge breakfast people, we will be using our snack credits for muffins, etc., as our breakfast and then using one CS and one TS each day, I don't have any days planned with 2 TS meals just to cut down on when we HAVE to be somewhere at a certain time, between the one TS and the FP+ system that's enough of a schedule for me to deal with. lol

The last time we used DDP (too long ago to count! lol) we did the same thing, but we did a couple of 2TS, and we paid out of pocket, freeing up a TS for a Breakfast buffet.

There are a few strategies, but they involve math! and time. it takes time to decide one way or the other, because there isn't a "yes" or "no" "one size fits all" answer.

Thank you for taking the time to share

 

[chelseabun76]

The last time we used DDP (too long ago to count! lol) we did the same thing, but we did a couple of 2TS, and we paid out of pocket, freeing up a TS for a Breakfast buffet.

There are a few strategies, but they involve math! and time. it takes time to decide one way or the other, because there isn't a "yes" or "no" "one size fits all" answer.

Thank you for taking the time to share

I'm thinking we might do that one morning for a breakfast buffet, I have one ADR at chef mickeys for breaky that I was not sure of whether to keep or not.

 

[AndreaDM]

We have only used it twice, both times "free". The first time included apps and dessert so that was well worth it.

We just got back from a 5 night trip and paid out of pocket. We are not big on dessert at meals, would rather get a treat later, and sometimes just ordered a bunch of apps to share, also DH and I enjoy an adult beverage or 2 with our meals. So, I added up everything we spent on any kind of food & drink including $60 at Publix for water, beer and snacks for the room. We ate very well, ordered whatever we wanted and spent $200 less than what the dining plan would have cost, tips and alcohol included in that figure. DD doesn't drink soda, so she usually ordered water, sometimes lemonade. She is 11 so she ate about half from the kids menu, half from the adults but of course was charged as an adult at Biergarten (the only buffet we did). Her and I were also able to split a few meals, mostly combo platter type. So, for us at this point, totally not worth paying for. We got a great room discount and discounted tickets as well.

 

[TravelMommy]

Is having a dining plan worth it?

Pros and cons?

Thanks!

We are always looking to maximize our travel $$$ while enjoying our trip. I have used the DDP years ago and it was a lot of food and I felt too "tied" to schedule/ADR's. We would no way be eating two desserts a day and we don't drink soda. If you price out a few meals on how you would typically eat, you might get a better idea if it will work for you. Some people like the DDP. Some don't use it, like us. We definitely spend way less on food than we would have spent getting the DDP. We get Disney gift cards (and save 5% at Target) in order to save for the trip and have our own "plan" if you will. Have a great trip and good luck deciding what works best for you!