Disney Dining Plan

[Mr and Mrs Happy]

Sooo much information. Mr Happy and I will be at WDW for the 1st time (ever) between May 30th and June 2nd. I'm trying to figure out if the dining plan would be beneficial (cost wise) for us.

We arent picky eaters, are okay with buffets and most likely will be looking at eating during lunch, and snacks while at the park(s). Plus if we could avoid carrying cash or using our card, that would be great as well.

 

[ajwolfe]

Your answers on this are going to vary wildly from family to family. For my family we love the dining plan. We love the idea of knowing it's paid for when we get there, that the kids can eat what they want without us worrying about the cost and just the general ease of it. We've crunched the numbers a couple times and came out ahead or broke even.

I will say I have 2 growing boys that are bottomless pits, so if you have smaller appetites this may be way too much food for you.

 

[Mr and Mrs Happy]

Your answers on this are going to vary wildly from family to family. For my family we love the dining plan. We love the idea of knowing it's paid for when we get there, that the kids can eat what they want without us worrying about the cost and just the general ease of it. We've crunched the numbers a couple times and came out ahead or broke even.

I will say I have 2 growing boys that are bottomless pits, so if you have smaller appetites this may be way too much food for you.

Hi there!

I was just on WDW's website and on there it seems as though you can only purchase dining plan if you're doing the Magic Your Way package. Is that correct? I purchased the annual pass but saw no option to purchase a dining plan.

 

[tinka-belle]

You want what is called a "ticketless package". Those can only be booked by phone. Of course trying to call today and maybe tomorrow is gonna be looooong hold times since free dining was just opened up for Aug - Dec.

 

[Mr and Mrs Happy]

You want what is called a "ticketless package". Those can only be booked by phone. Of course trying to call today and maybe tomorrow is gonna be looooong hold times since free dining was just opened up for Aug - Dec.

Yeah I just called and first got a "all circuits are busy" and then called again and ended up hanging up...LOL!

 

[loves to dive]

It depends on the way you eat, the dining plan isn't designed to save money unless you do character meals, buffets or order the most expensive thing on the menu. It doesn't work for us because we just don't eat that way. I'm a light eater and more often than not at a TS will eat an appetizer and soup or a salad, if eating at a QS will eat a kid's meal. It has nothing to do with cost for us, heck my son and I ate at V&A's to the tune of $700 for one meal. Sometimes we like to split a couple of appetizers or split a dessert. Sometimes we don't eat an actual meal all day. We rarely ever snack between meals. I only drink water unless I'm drinking a refreshing adult beverage.

 

[Marionnette]

Hi there!

I was just on WDW's website and on there it seems as though you can only purchase dining plan if you're doing the Magic Your Way package. Is that correct? I purchased the annual pass but saw no option to purchase a dining plan.

If you have an annual pass (AP), you might be better off just taking advantage of AP discounts at select restaurants. They usually run about 10%.

Or, you might want to purchase a Tables in Wonderland (TiW) Card. The cost to AP holders is $150 but it entitles you to 20% off the cost of your TS meal, pre-tax. An 18% gratuity is automatically added, but if you usually tip in the 18%-20%+ range, it's a non-issue. The discount can also be applied to the alcohol portion of your bill and includes all menu items. It is also good at some resort CS locations where there are no TS restaurants (like the Value Resorts and POFQ). TiW card holders also get free valet parking by showing your card and receipt from your meal.

 

[eeyoresmom]

OP, do you and/or DH drink alcohol with your meals? That's a big consideration with the money savings aspect of the dining plans. If you think you will do a buffet or character meal each day and drink alcohol I would buy the plan. We visit very often and usually don't buy a DDP but for a first timer I would encourage you to do some fun sit down meals, they really are attractions in and of themselves . Check out the menus at allears.net for prices and do the math but I would definitely consider it in your case.

 

[Mr and Mrs Happy]

OP, do you and/or DH drink alcohol with your meals? That's a big consideration with the money savings aspect of the dining plans. If you think you will do a buffet or character meal each day and drink alcohol I would buy the plan. We visit very often and usually don't buy a DDP but for a first timer I would encourage you to do some fun sit down meals, they really are attractions in and of themselves . Check out the menus at allears.net for prices and do the math but I would definitely consider it in your case.

We tend to drink one drink with our dinners. We're light weights these days. We've decided not to do any character meals and skip the buffets, so we're focusing on I guess the quick service type places. Thats really more of our speed. We did make reservations for sit down meals (lunch and dinners) at Epcot. I will check out allears.net as well. Thank you.

 

[Mr and Mrs Happy]

If you have an annual pass (AP), you might be better off just taking advantage of AP discounts at select restaurants. They usually run about 10%.

Or, you might want to purchase a Tables in Wonderland (TiW) Card. The cost to AP holders is $150 but it entitles you to 20% off the cost of your TS meal, pre-tax. An 18% gratuity is automatically added, but if you usually tip in the 18%-20%+ range, it's a non-issue. The discount can also be applied to the alcohol portion of your bill and includes all menu items. It is also good at some resort CS locations where there are no TS restaurants (like the Value Resorts and POFQ). TiW card holders also get free valet parking by showing your card and receipt from your meal.

I saw that some of the places I was looking at for meals, offered 10% off as an annual pass holder. I guess something is better than nothing. I will also check into the TiW card.

 

[ajwolfe]

If you are focusing more on quick service meals, then I don't think the DDP would be a good deal for you.

 

[eeyoresmom]

If you are focusing more on quick service meals, then I don't think the DDP would be a good deal for you.

And TIW certainly won't.

 

[Mr and Mrs Happy]

I was looking over the menu at some of the places. I do feel the DDP wouldnt be a good deal for us. I had surgery awhile back and can only eat so much without feeling miserable. I may just stick with something light and then nibble off hubby's food since he is a big eater. I appreciate the advice/help.