Dining plan

[Jays2013]

So, my family has only gone to Disney before, but we're planning a Universal-only trip next year. My husband and I visited back in ... 2003, I think .... but this is our first on-site stay and the first time our kids have visited. We're planning 4 nights, with 3 days at the parks.

We're fans of the dining plan at WDW. In doing research for this trip, I discovered Universal also has a dining plan, albeit only at the parks. My husband really wants to do this ... he's a big fan of having as much as possible paid for and taken care of in advance. I'm uncertain.

Thoughts on the Universal dining plan? We do not worry about having too much food. The boys eat like small horses; leftovers don't last long. (And they're SO skinny! )

Does it work just like the Disney plan? Do you order from the general menu? Are the offerings limited for the table service and counter service meals? I browsed menus at Touring Plans, so I have an item what snack items are available.

Any advice appreciated!

 

[kohlby]

I'm guessing you're talking about the plan that can be bought as part of a package? I've never done that one but this link should have more info for you: https://www.universalorlando.com/Restaurants/Dining-Plan.aspx

 

[Jays2013]

Yeah, I looked up all the info. I just wonder if anyone who's done it had any thoughts. I'm of the opinion that loading a gift card with money and using that will achieve the same results with more flexibility.

 

[damo]

I'd go the gift card route.

 

[angierae]

I've looked at the dining plan packages left and right and I don't see any way they'd work for me and my family. We'll get refillable mugs, so getting a drink later doesn't do any good. With the Freestyle machines, even if you don't have a freestyle cup, you can get ice water without having to wait in line.

 

[heidijanesmith]

We also really like the WDW dining plan, it just works for our family.

I looked into the Universal dining plan and it looks like it would NOT work for us. We like to dine at our resort. I see that none of the HRH dining choices are listed on the available Dining plan locations.

We also like to dine at City Walk and I noticed that our favorite eateries are not on the list either.

Maybe if Universal adds some locations we would try it.

 

[squirrel]

Can you buy the dining plan at the restaurant if you decide it's a better deal? Do they have both the CS dining plans or just one?

 

[JustCallMeMommy]

Can you buy the dining plan at the restaurant if you decide it's a better deal? Do they have both the CS dining plans or just one?

I was offered it at the register for a meal when it worked out cheaper. I saved a couple of bucks and got another drink later. I don't know if there were choices though - none were mentioned.

 

[Jays2013]

Thanks, folks. We decided against it. Going to gradually buy gift cards as we put away money before our trip for we have dedicated funds set aside.

 

[kohlby]

We have done the in-park one - the quick service plan. It can be a great deal - or a terrible deal. It depends on what you'll eat. We do it on the day we eat at Three Broomsticks and get Butterbeer. Butterbeer is not cheap - and counts as a snack credit. The chicken and ribs meal at Three Broomsticks is one of the more expensive options, and we share a couple of those for our family. It would be a terrible deal if we had to buy the meal plan for everyone in our party and use it that day - but we don't! Someone said you don't even have to use it up that day, so that's an option to save the drink. We usually just buy two adult plans on our Butterbeer/chicken and ribs days.

Also- I noticed that there's a special going on if you have an annual pass- but you have to buy it in the park. If you buy the meal deal with the drink, you get another one half off.

 

[houseofthrees]

We have been debating the deal for pass holders. It looks to be a pretty good deal, but we already have 2 freestyle cups, so not sure it would really save us much.

 

[Seeker615]

We did the dining plan and overall really liked it. There were several places at Citywalk where you could use it and we did our sit down meals there. Plenty of food and a real nice dessert as well. There were plenty of choices for quick service in the parks as well. We used our snack credits for breakfast at Cinnabon! Plus with the extra drink we got bottles of soda to take back to our room. We did three days of the dining plan and also had a Harry Potter Breakfast and the golf and dine package as well. Worked out great.