disney dining plan - is it a bargain?

[ajc]

My 22 year old daughter and I are planning a mother /daughter trip to "drink around the world" in Epcot in December. I have booked a reservation and the WDW cast member signed us up for the dining plan ( 1 CS +1 TS + 1 snack) for 5 days. Given that my daughter is very calorie conscientious and may be more inclined to small plates and appetizers (so she can save the intake for alcohol consumption) and I am not a big dessert eater, does it make sense to purchase the dining plan VS a la cart- I don't drink soda so the refillable drink mug is no big draw either as I don't plan on spending much time at the resort and we will be touring the parks mostly.

 

[rcraw45425]

My 22 year old daughter and I are planning a mother /daughter trip to "drink around the world" in Epcot in December. I have booked a reservation and the WDW cast member signed us up for the dining plan ( 1 CS +1 TS + 1 snack) for 5 days. Given that my daughter is very calorie conscientious and may be more inclined to small plates and appetizers (so she can save the intake for alcohol consumption) and I am not a big dessert eater, does it make sense to purchase the dining plan VS a la cart- I don't drink soda so the refillable drink mug is no big draw either as I don't plan on spending much time at the resort and we will be touring the parks mostly.

I'd honestly say no. Counter service offers a dessert as does dinner table service. You two could probably come out cheaper sharing an appetizer and an entree. There are counter service places in each county so you could easily snack as well.

 

[figment_jii]

My 22 year old daughter and I are planning a mother /daughter trip to "drink around the world" in Epcot in December. I have booked a reservation and the WDW cast member signed us up for the dining plan ( 1 CS +1 TS + 1 snack) for 5 days. Given that my daughter is very calorie conscientious and may be more inclined to small plates and appetizers (so she can save the intake for alcohol consumption) and I am not a big dessert eater, does it make sense to purchase the dining plan VS a la cart- I don't drink soda so the refillable drink mug is no big draw either as I don't plan on spending much time at the resort and we will be touring the parks mostly.

Based on your description, the DDP is probably not a good "deal". On the regular DDP you cannot get an appetizer in the place of the dessert entitlement. Alcoholic drinks are not included either. So, you will probably do better paying OOP.

 

[miniaudrey]

I went with my mom once and we were easily able to split CS and TS meals and feel satisfied. The portions of most meals are huge, especially for TS. I think you'd save money by NOT doing the dining plan and splitting meals or eating appetizers, etc. Have a great trip!

 

[Hitchhiking Ghost]

It may be convenient, but it certainly wouldn't be a bargain, unless you get free dining. Based on your comments I would almost guarantee for a 5 day stay that you can eat oop for less than what you are going to end up paying for the DDP.

I think Disney itself advertises that the DDP can save you up to 20%, but if you aren't eating the big portions, don't care about the desserts and the soft drinks (not just the mugs but at the meals) I would definitely cancel the DDP add-on.

Keep in mind too, they have released free dining for certain dates in December via pin codes, and now for Disney Visa Holders and soon will be available to the general public. First, you may want to see if your dates fall into the free dining dates, in which case you should be able to upgrade to free dining (as long as your check in date falls into the eligibility period. If you don't fall into the free dates I would urge caution keeping the dining, simply because people will be flooding the Disney reservations system with ADR's (advance dining reservations) and you may find yourself unable to find a reservation that you want because everything is booked solid. I don't know if you will book reservations in advance or if you do it on the fly, if the latter I would definitely avoid the DDP in December.

 

[havoc315]

The dining plan is almost never a "bargain" unless perhaps you have several children and plan to do lots of character meals. (Clearly doesn't apply to you).

For adults, the basic DDP can save a few dollars IF you are really using ALL the entitlements. Alcohol isn't included. Meaning, if you are going to pay out of pocket for a martini at dinner, instead of getting the included soft drink -- There goes the savings.

In your case, you are likely better off without any dining plan.

 

[3pletprincesses]

I would skip any paln in your situation. The plans are only worth it money wise if you eat everyhting included which also includs a desert. You will save more money by simply buying out of pocket what you both want.

 

[danceintherain]

On my honeymoon we "saved" the 20% but it was basically the desserts or non-alcoholic beverages with every meal that got us those "savings."

During our next on-property stay, we didn't get it (much to my husband's dismay) and spent less on food than we would have with the dining plan and got more of the food we wanted, when we wanted it. ie. extra F&W booth snacks, instead of desserts with meals.

So yeah...in your case...I would say it's probably not worth it.