Disney Dining Plan - Real World Experience - May 2014

[saundedj]

Hello Everyone.

Before I left for my trip to Disney World (May 3 - 10) I did lots of reading on the boards. I’m sending out a special thank you for all the good information.

A large part of my research was around food!

I eventually decided to purchase the Disney Dining Plan for my family. I then started planning on how we would maximize the usage of our dining credits. Needless to say some plans were successful and some weren’t.

Who participated:
Me
Husband
Daughter
Son-in-Law
Grandson (Age 5)

I remember seeing lots of posts about whether the cost of the DDP was worth it. I planned on keeping track of our purchases throughout my trip and posting the results. I’ve described in detail the meal costs that my family experienced. I included both DDP covered costs as well as those that I paid OOP. Summary with final totals are given followed by gory details.

Hope someone finds it helpful.

So here goes:

1. Unless otherwise specified, the tax was included
2. I did guestimate a few of the drink prices because no one could remember and I couldn’t find exact figures online. My figures may be off by a few cents.
3. In some instances a child’s drink was included in the price and sometimes it wasn’t (go figure).
4. We did purchase 3 cases of water from Kingdom Stroller (can't remember the cost).
5. I’ve double checked my math below but I may no guarantees as I may have missed something.

Cost of the DDP for 4 adults and 1 child for 7 nights ($1774.64
Included 28 Adult table service
Included 7 Child table service
Included 35 counter service
Included 35 snacks
Included 5 refillable mugs ($89.95)

Day 1:
OOP = $70.49
DDP = $237.73

Day 2:
OOP = $108.84
DDP = $145.59

Day 3:
OOP = $339.33
DDP = $194.79

Day 4:
OOP = $70.33
DDP = $401.34

Day 5:
OOP = $55.81
DDP = $337.96

Day 6:
OOP = $40.49
DDP = $263.29

Day 7:
OOP = $76.03
DDP = $159.75

Day 8:
OOP = $47.30
DDP = $120.73

Totals:

Cost of DDP = $1774.64
Total Spend DDP = $1891.11
Total Saved = $116.47 (including the drink mugs)

Out of Pocket Expenses = $808.62

:::::GORY DETAIL ALERT:::::

Day 1:

Airport Breakfast for 5 Total = $35.54 OOP

Lunch at AK Flame Tree BBQ (4 adults/1 child) = $84.42 DDP: $4.29 OOP
CS #1: Ribs/Chicken Combo ($15.19)
Chocolate Mouse ($3.99)
Soda ($2.99)
CS #2: Ribs ($11.69)
Key Lime Pie ($3.99)
Soda ($2.99)
CS #3: Pulled Pork Sandwich ($9.49)
Soda ($2.99)
Key Lime Pie ($3.99)
CS#4: Pulled Pork Sandwich ($9.49)
Chocolate Mouse ($3.99)
Soda ($2.99)
CS#5: PBJ/Including grapes, carrots ($5.49)
Chocolate milk ($2.50)
Tax: 5 CS meals ($5.15)
Onion Rings ($4.29 - OOP)

Dinner at AK Tusker House (4 adults/1 child) = $153.31 DDP: $30.66 OOP)
Buffet Dinner included drink and dessert (Table Service used 5 = #1-5)
Tip: ($30.66 OOP)

Day 2:

Breakfast at Art of Animation Landscape of Flavors (4 adults/1 child)
= $39.26 DDP: $8.51 OOP
Meal #1: Create Your Own Omelet ($8.51 OOP)
CS#6: Steak/Eggs Burger ($8.29)
Orange Juice ($2.50)
CS#7: Steak/Eggs Burger ($8.29)
Orange Juice ($2.50)
CS#8: Kids Meal Waffle Bacon & Fruit ($4.99)
Kids Meal Chocolate Milk ($2.19)
CS#9: Waffle w/Bacon ($7.79)
Orange Juice ($2.50)
Tax: 4 CS meals ($2.54)

Snack at Typhoon Lagoon = $11.97 OOP
Note: Contrary to what I had read on the boards neither the donuts (I originally wanted 1/2 doz. donuts) or the funnel cake were considered snacks on the DDP.
Mini Donuts - Dozen ($9.99 OOP)
Dipping Sauce for Donuts ($1.25 OOP)
Funnel Cake ($0.00 - got this for free because the band scanner wasn't working and there was a line behind me waiting for food)
Tax ($0.73 OOP)

Dinner at Boatwrights (4 adults/1 child) = $106.33 DDP: 88.36 OOP
Bar: Before Dinner Drinks (2) $24.67 OOP (tip and tax included)
Long Island Iced Tea
PH Sidecar
TS#6: Prime Rib ($31.49)
Crème Brulee ($5.99)
Coke ($2.99)
TS#7: Crawfish Etouffe ($17.99)
Banana Angle Food Cake ($7.49)
Coke ($2.99)
TS#8: Pasta Bouilabaise ($20.99)
Espresso Choc. Cake ($6.49)
Coke ($2.99)
Tax: 3 TS meals ($6.92)

Meal: Crawfish Etouffe ($17.99 OOP)
French Onion Soup ($6.99 OOP)
Meal: Kids Cheese Pizza ($6.84 OOP)
Kids Meal Milk ($2.59 OOP)
Tip: 5 meals ($27.49 OOP)
Tax: ($1.79 OOP)

Day 3

Breakfast at Sci-Fi (4 adults/1 child) = $280.77 OOP Includes tax and tip
Special Star Wars Event

Lunch at Rosies Cafe (1 adult) = $12.55 OOP
Meal: Cheese Angus Fries ($8.79 OOP)
Coke ($2.99 OOP)
Tax ($0.77 OOP)

Snack at Anaheim Produce = $12.11 DDP
Snack #1-3: Pretzels

Drinks at Coke Bottle = $10.52 OOP
Coke ($2.59 OOP)
Bottled Water ($2.50 OOP)
Bottled Water ($2.50 OOP)
MM Light Lemonade ($2.59 OOP)

Bottled Water at Backlot Express = $2.50 OOP

Dinner at Mama Melrose = $175.68 DDP: $32.99 OOP
(Fantasmic Pkg. 4 adults/1 child)
TS#9: Calamari, Penne Shrimp, Drink ($37.99)
TS#10: Caesar Salad, Spaghetti Meatball, Drink ($37.99)
TS#11: Calamari, Sirloin, Drink ($37.99)
TS#12: Calamari, Sirloin, Drink ($37.99)
TS#13: Kids Meal Chicken Parmesan ($12.99)
Selection of Desserts included
Tax: 5 Table Service ($10.73)
Tip: ($32.99 OOP)

Snacks at Fantasmic Theater = $7.00 DDP
Snack #4: Popcorn ($4.50)
Snack #5: Water ($2.50)

Day 4

Breakfast at Crystal Palace (4 adults/1child) = $121.38 DDP: $22.79 OOP
Tip: 5 Table Service #14 – 18 ($22.79 OOP)

Snacks at Aloha Isle = $8.07 DDP
Snack #6: Citrus Swirl ($3.79)
Snack #7: Pineapple Van. Cup ($3.79)
Tax: 2 snacks($0.49)

Bottled Water at Speedway Cart = $3.75 OOP

Bottled Water (2) at Casey’s Jr. Cart = $5.00 OOP

Lunch at Casey’s Corner (4 Adults) = $66.39 DDP
CS#10: BBQ Slaw Dog w/Fries ($9.39)
Brownie ($2.99)
Lg. Bottle Water ($2.99)
CS#11: BBQ Slaw Dog w/Fries ($9.39)
Brownie ($2.99)
Lg. Bottle Water ($2.99)
CS#12: Chili Ch. Dog w/Fries ($9.79)
Brownie ($2.99)
Lg. Lemonade ($2.99)
CS#13: Chili Ch. Dog w/Fries ($9.79 )
Brownie ($2.99)
Lg. Coke ($2.99)
Tax: 4 CS meals($4.05)

Dinner at Chef Mickey’s (4 Adults/1 child) = $205.50 DDP: $38.79 OOP
Buffet including drinks and desserts. TS#19-23
Tip: ($38.79 OOP)

Day 5

Breakfast at Akershus Princess Breakfast = $205.50 DDP: $35.59 OOP
Buffet for 4 adults/1child including drinks. 5 Table Service used #24-28
Tip: ($35.59 OOP)

Lunch at AOA Landscape of Flavors for 2 adults = $20.22 OOP
Meal: Create Your Own Pasta ($11.49 OOP)
Meal: Pepperoni Pizza ($7.49 OOP)
Tax: ($1.24 OOP)

Lunch at Sunshine Seasons Food Fair for 2 adults/1child = $47.87 DDP
CS#14: Beef Mongolian/Fried Rice ($11.79)
Chocolate Mousse Cake ($4.39)
Sm. Bottle Water ($2.50)
CS#15: Beef Mongolian/Fried Rice ($11.79 )
Sm. Bottle Water ($2.50)
Key Lime Pie ($3.99)
CS#16: Kids Meal PBJ includes carrots, grapes ($5.49)
Kids Meal Large Choco. Milk ($2.50)
Tax: 3 CS Meals ($2.92)

Dinner at AOA Landscape of Flavors 4 adults/1child = $84.59 DDP
CS# 17: Burger w/Fries ($10.99)
Orange Soda ($2.99)
Gourmet Cupcake ($4.19)
CS#18: Surf Surf Burger Fries ($10.99)
Coke ($2.99)
Chocolate Éclair ($3.79)
CS#19: Create Your Own Pasta ($11.49)
Coke ($2.99)
Brownie Bites ($4.49 )
CS#20: Cheese Pizza ($5.99)
Coke ($2.99)
CS#21: Pepperoni Pizza ($9.69)
Cupcake ($3.19)
Strawberry Milk ($2.50)
Tax: 5 CS meals ($5.32)

Day 6

Breakfast/Lunch at Epcot Food Carts = $82.29 DDP: $6.50 OOP
Snack OOP: Pineapple Prom Pine: SS w/Myers Dark Rum ($6.50 OOP)
Snack #8: The Cottage: Rose Lemonade ($2.00)
Snack #9: The Cottage: Salmon Cheese Biscuit ($4.50)
Snack #10: The Cottage: Salmon Cheese Biscuit ($4.50)
Snack #11: Italy: Manicolti ($5.75)
Snack #12: France: Confit Canard ($5.50)
Snack #13: France: Confit Canard ($5.50)
Snack #14: France: Macaron ($5.00)
Snack #15: Smokehouse: Pulled Pork Slider ($5.75)
Snack #16: Smokehouse: Smoked Beef Brisket ($6.75)
Snack #17: Smokehouse: Smoked Beef Brisket ($6.75)
Snack #18: Smokehouse: Turkey Rib ($4.75)
Snack #19: Smokehouse: Water ($2.50)
Snack #20: Epatina Cart: Limone Sorbetto ($4.25)
Snack #21: China/Japan: Sushi ($5.50)
Snack #22: Land Cart: Frozen Strawberry Lemonade ($4.75)
Snack #23: Land Cart: Frozen Strawberry Lemonade ($4.75)
Snack #24: Image Cart: Sweet Pretzel ($3.79)

Dinner at Cape May Café = $181.00 DDP: $33.99 OOP
Buffet for 4 adults/1 child. Buffet includes drinks and desserts and tax
Table service used 5 = TS#29-33)
Tip: ($33.99 OOP)

Day 7

Breakfast at Crystal Palace (3 adults/1child) = $41.52 DDP: $76.03 OOP)
Buffet for 1 adult 1 child. Table Service #33 and #34
2 adults paid OOP
Tip: ($22.79 OOP)

Snack at Ice Cream Cart = $8.00 DDP
Snack #25: Mickey Ice Cream Bar
Snack #26: Mickey Ice Cream Bar

Snack at Westward Ho = $3.99 DDP
Snack #27: Frozen Lemonade

Lunch/Dinner at AOA Landscape of Flavors = $78.11 DDP
CS#22: Kids Meal PBJ includes Grapes, Cookie, Milk ($5.49)
CS#23: Salmon Blt w/chips ($10.19)
Brownie Bites ($4.49 )
Orange Soda ($2.99)
Tax: 2 CS Meals ($1.51)
CS#24: Surf Surf Burger Fries ($10.99)
Chocolate Éclair ($3.79)
Coke Zero ($2.99)
CS#25: Tandoori Shrimp ($10.99)
Crisp Rice Mini Chocolate ($4.99)
Coke ($2.99)
Tax: 2 CS Meals ($2.39)
Snack #28: Banana Nut Muffin ($3.73)
Snack #29: Cheesy Pesto Bread ($5.29)
Snack #30: Cheesy Pesto Bread ($5.29)

Dinner at AOA Landscape of Flavors = $28.13 DDP
CS#26: Create Your Own Salad ($10.99)
Coke ($2.99)
Mickey Kabob – Dessert ($4.99)
Snack #31: Minestrone Soup ($3.79)
Tax: 1 CS and 1 snack ($5.37)

Day 8
Breakfast at AOA Landscape of Flavors = $ 40.41 DDP
CS#27: Kids Meal PBJ includes Grapes, Cookie ($5.49)
Chocolate Milk ($2.50)
Tax: Kids Meal ($0.52)
CS#28: Build Own Omelet ($7.99)
Coke ($2.99)
CS#29: Build Own Omelet ($7.99)
HT Not Too Sweet ($2.99)
CS#30: Build Own Omelet ($7.99)
Orange Juice ($2.50)
Tax: 3 CS Meals ($2.11)

Lunch at Earl of Sandwich = $60.02 DDP: $3.18 OOP
CS#31: Pastrami Reuben ($6.49)
Chocolate Pudding ($2.49)
Bottled Water ($2.49 )
CS#32: Avocado BLT ($5.99)
Chocolate Pudding ($2.49)
Fountain Soda ($2.99)
CS#33: Chipotle Chicken Avocado ($6.49)
Cupcake Red Velvet ($2.49)
Fountain Soda ($2.99)
CS#34: Kids Grilled Cheese ($3.99)
Cupcake Red Velvet ($2.49)
Fountain Soda ($2.99)
CS#35: The Earl's Club (no tomato) ($6.49)
Cupcake Red Velvet ($2.49)
Fountain Soda ($2.99)
Tax: 5 CS Meals ($3.67)
Sm. Fruit Cup ($3.18 OOP)
Snacks at AOA Landscape of Flavors = $20.30 DDP: $12.08 OOP
Snack #32: Strawberry Banana Smoothie ($5.10)
Snack #33: Gelato ($5.00)
Snack #34: Mango Smoothie ($5.10)
Snack #35: Strawberry Banana Smoothie ($5.10)
Snack: Bottled Water ($2.50 OOP)
Snack: California Roll Sushi ($8.99 OOP)
Tax: For Bottled Water and Sushi ($0.59 OOP)

Dinner at Ruby Tuesday’s Orlando Airport = $32.04 OOP
Meal: Cheddar Bacon Burger ($12.29 OOP)
Meal: Cheddar Bacon Burger ($12.29 OOP)
Chocolate Milk ($2.99 OOP)
Muffin ($2.49 OOP)
Tax: ($1.98 OOP)

 

[smiths02]

Thanks for the detailed analysis.

$116 seems like a pretty small savings...about 6%?

 

[DisneyMomFanatic]

Ok, I'm in. I always like to see the cost comparison for oop and dining plan. We are going in July and not doing a dining plan this time. We have done the regular plan and deluxe plans numerous times. Deluxe is too much food and we love too many table service to make the regular plan this time. So for our trip I am going to check what we buy and see if it is better for us with out the plan or if we should have done it and gotten some oop. Are you doing reviews of each meal? I'd love to see those too!

 

[Quin]

Thanks for the detailed analysis.

$116 seems like a pretty small savings...about 6%?

Perspective - never mind the percentage; anything with 3 digits is real money. Great job with the financial breakdown, OP, and glad you had a savings from the DDP.

Looking forward to the food reviews.

 

[HappyGrape]

great report, thanks fro sharing it with us.

 

[vettegirl]

Love the details you provided! We did the dining plan this month also and the savings just isn't what it used to be. For our trip in Dec we are going CL and skipping the plan all together.

 

[Planning Mama]

We will be on the DDP at AoA in Sept. I see that you were able to purchase the smoothies as a snack credit. I'm guessing that means they couldn't be included as your drink? I was hoping to be able to use my drink credit for a smoothie and then just use the mugs for soft drinks, tea, coffee, etc.

 

[JakeAndHooksMom]

Thanks for the details OP! We're going in November and using the DDP for the very first time (free dining, so it will be a big savings for us, we hope)! Great to see what worked!