Dinning Dilemma

[1GR8DISNEYFAN]

I just can't decide what to do. Four years ago my family (me, dh and 3dds) took our first trip to WDW. Had a great time, tried to save money every step of the way and ate on a budget. Shared meals and drinks, took our own snacks, ate breakfast in our room, you name it, we did it. Well two years ago we went on our second trip and were lucky enough to go during free dinning. What a difference. It was even better than our first trip. It was such a treat for us to eat out at wonderful resteraunts, and for each of us to get to choose our own meal and dessert and not have to share. Even the snack every day was so much fun to look forward to. We live our life on a budget. We would never eat out at a resteraunt that would cost $25 - $30 each. Well, we are going to WDW in Aug., but missed free dinning by one week. I think we could go to all the resteraunts we want, order what we want, include our snack every day and have the counter service we want and break even, or maybe even spend a little less, with what the dinning plan would cost us. The problem is, while ordering our meals we will be thinking steak, $25, too much, go for the chicken, $5 for dessert, forget it, don't need dessert. It is just not in our nature to spend that kind of money on food. So what shoud I do, splurge on the ddp, or try to teach my family that they can order what ever they want?

 

[TDC Nala]

You should also be advised (if you didn't know already) that if you are on the basic DDP, you now have to pay tips on your TS meals, and appetizers are no longer included for adults.

 

[Krmrr]

I feel your pain. I have a very hard time paying these prices. ($26 for chicken, green beans and mashed potatoes, ok they're French and were flown in first class from Paris) But, if I buy the DDP, I don't worry about it. The vacation is pre-paid. If your DDs are still Disney kids, then it's a much better deal to get the DDP. $10 per day for them is a bargain.

The only way to be sure is to look at where you might be eating, add up the estimated cost and compare with the cost of the plan.

It's very nice not saying "Wouldn't you really rather have the >>>, " When you truly mean, that's too expensive!

Whatever you decide, have a Happy Trip!

 

[Harmonysmomma]

I would def. at the very least add on the DDP. How many people do you have going? Any kids? I believe that you can easily save the amount you will spend thru out the next few months. Cut out a few coffees, or when you go out to eat, use a coupon, etc.... all the money you save while at home for the next few months use that to pay for the DDP. I am SUPER DUPER cheap but i do splurge for the eating plan, it is soo much less to worry about, and great to be able to eat whatever you want!!

 

[justplaingoofy]

I think it depends on if you want to do a sit down meal every day. If so, then it would probably be worth it to add on the dining plan.

If your family only wanted to do a couple of sit downs it might be less $ to pay out of pocket and maybe get a box of donuts for breakfast....bring along some cereal cups and buy some milk at the resort...

 

[Topo Bella]

I have to say that the single biggest reason that I get the DDP is because they prices on the menu make me nervous. I cannot handle paying those prices for what is sometimes mediocre food, especially the counter-service meals. We stayed off property a couple of trips ago and I remember eating at Pizza Planet and paying over $75 for a few pizzas and drinks. Even if it were to work out to the same amount of money, there is a mental difference between getting the check and having to pay it and just giving over a room key. I treat the DDP as just part of my vacation cost.

 

[srdipert]

Buy the dining plan....order what you want and have a great vacation without the worry at the time.

 

[My2Angels]

If your 3 DDs are under 9 years, it is a no brainer! You simply cannot feed each of them for under $10 a day at Disney unless you eat some Pb&J sandwiches in the room! I say go for it!

 

[SunnieRN]

I'm going to WDW for the first time. After reading the boards I knew which restaurants I wanted to try. I looked at the lowest price meal and the highest priced meal and found the dining plan would be a great deal for our family group!
Have a wonderful vacation and enjoy, whichever way you decide to go!!