Disney Deluxe Dining Plan

[ccstrickler]

We are considering the DDP for 6 people (4 Adult, 2 girls), We will need to go to at least 2 character meals (breakfast, lunch better?). I know some require 2 credits from the plan. Is it cheaper in the long run to do the plan or pay OOP? Any suggestions?

 

[Nadjalu]

The only way to know if it is right for your family is to work the numbers.

Actually go thru everywhere you would eat, guess an approximate of what entree everyone would choose then add it all up. See what you are paying OOP, vs which plan.

Obviously the cheaper amount you have to pay for what you want is the way to go.

Sorry there isn't a simple answer, but it is the only real way of knowing for yourself.

 

[aaarcher86]

I agree with the PP. However, I will say that our costs came out much closer than I thought they would. The DXDDP was only saving us about $200 which was kind of surprising. Even if we broke even or payed a bit more with the DXDDP I think I would still end up doing it. I enjoy not having to worry about spending money while I'm down there (except for fun extras) and if we were paying OOP we would almost never get a desert and rarely an appetizer. I like getting apps, and I enjoy trying new deserts which I otherwise wouldn't.

It might be more beneficial to you since you have more adults - I think ours came out so evenly because of our small children who don't eat much. We have 2 adults and 2 kids.

 

[aubriee]

We are considering the DDP for 6 people (4 Adult, 2 girls), We will need to go to at least 2 character meals (breakfast, lunch better?). I know some require 2 credits from the plan. Is it cheaper in the long run to do the plan or pay OOP? Any suggestions?

The only 'character' meal that requires 2 credits is CRT. The other character meals Crystal Palace, Chef Mickey's, 'Ohaha breakfast, 1900 Park Fare, Cape May breakfast, Akershus, Tusker House breakfast, Hollywood & Vine breakfast, and Garden Grill are all 1 credit). There are some Signature restaurants that requires 2 credits, but they are not character meals. The dinner shows also require 2 credits.

 

[Colleen27]

As Nadjalu says, the best thing you can do is run the numbers for yourself. It is time consuming, but worth it to have a clear picture of the relative costs of your options. But generally speaking, the DxDDP is worth it if you're going to use 2/3 of your credits for table service meals (whether 1 credit or 2).

We enjoy the deluxe plan because we enjoy signature (2 credit) dining and appetizers, and for us it does come out to be a pretty significant savings because it matches the way we like to eat on vacations. If it isn't as close a fit for you, it could be a smaller savings, or just too many meals/too much planning, in which case you might be better off paying OOP.

 

[ariel_]

I have used the Deluxe Dining Plan and although I never worked out if we saved any money, I found it so relaxing not having to worry about the cost of meals for the whole holiday, and found myself trying lots of new (and expensive!) foods at the restaurants, especially signature dining. I compare this to a trip to DLRP this summer where I felt like I spent so much money on rubbish fast food!

DBF and I managed to eat at most of the character dining, many of the signature restaurants and even though some used two credits we found that by using snack credits for a quick breakfast or lunch that we had enough credits for the whole 2 weeks. Also, on the last day we had loads of snack credits left so we bought giant lollipops to bring home as gifts! We enjoyed the Dining Plan so much we've gone with it again for this year.

 

[juliebean]

We have two girls (5 & 8) and wanted to do the Norway princess meal and the Cinderella. Since that means 3 credits per person, we felt it would be worthwhile - also no tip w/Cinderella and pics with both. Out of pocket it would have been over $300 for the four of us.... I know the deluxe plan is a lot, but we do not go to DW often and intend to make the most of our time. I'm already paying a lot to go, I'm not worrying about a couple of hundred extra for the deluxe plan over what I'd pay with the regular and extra out of pocket. Have a wonderful time!