yoMickey said:
We typically do not order appetizers and dessert with every meal.
The dining plan reminds me of that "Supersize Me" documentary on McDonald's.
Yes, it's a good deal, it's a great deal....if you have an 8000 calorie/day metabolism.
We did it last year and we decided against it this year. We will pay cash and eat where we want when we are hungry not because we have 12 more quick counter service credits or snacks left.
We also looked at the menus and think we'll be ahead of the game by sharing meals when neither of us are that hungry but want to try something. The kid's meals are great for the older kids. Ours are 6 and 4 they can split a kids pizza and be happy.
To each his own. The goal is to make the right decision for your pocket book and your cholesterol level.
We absolutely love the dining plan and have used it on our last two trips. I agree that it is a
lot of food and you're sometimes eating more because you have to than because you want to.
As much as we've loved the plan, I think we're going to give DDE a try next year to compare. Yes,
DDP saves a lot of money when you look at how much it would have cost you to eat what you did. I think the true comparison, though, is comparing the cost of the plan to the cost to eat what you
want to eat.
We plan to use studio rooms mostly, so it doesn't apply to us. For other
DVC members, though, you also have to figure in how many times you might have used the kitchen if you hadn't been on the DDP. There's a great deal to be said for the opportunity to experience as many Disney restaurants as possible during a trip. There's also something to be said for a quiet bowl of spaghetti around the dining room table.
If we had kids, I'd also be wary of the fact that most restaurants are now converting to the new kid's menu. This means, unless you've selected a buffet or family-style restaurant, kids will have to choose from the same menu for practically every meal. How many times can you expect a little one to want chicken tenders or mac & cheese?
We may be right back on the DDP in 2008. But for 2007, we're going to give it a pass.
(He then pointed out numerous examples to us..... )
