Disney Dining vs. Non-Disney Dining

[McIsaac]

We've been going to Disney since 2008 and have stayed on site for each year with the exception of one. We've always have bought a Dining Plan each time we stayed on Resort.

On this year's trip, we opted out of the Dining Plan (2 adults, two children (15 and 11) ) thinking it would be more cost effective since we normally do not eat overly big meals and anyways we always cab it to Wal-green/Wal-mart to pick up supplies/snacks, etc..for the extent of our trip. (Vacation planned next year for Hawaii - 2 weeks..need to make this an economically sensible trip)

Has anyone ever ever did both..(used a dining plan and other times have not) and was it cost effective to you..

Thanks!

 

[RCMommy]

I will say I am not sure I would say it is cost effective for us to buy the dining plan but we always opt for it. I do not want to eat the same foods everyday that I can eat at home and I love dining out while on vacation. We don't want big or fancy meals everyday but it is nice to have a few while away. Our kids also enjoy the character meals which are pricey and we would never do more than one say if paying out of pocket, but with the dining plan we can have at least a few.

I also like the fact that I am not looking at the prices of every single food item on the menu and deciding if I should or shouldn't. Even though you pay for the dining, it is pay once and you are done.

If I had to, I would opt for the basic plan and then by grocery items to eat in our room each morning to save at least one meal cost a day if I want to save money. We are not big snackers so we would get away with that cost as well.

 

[Disney Addicted]

We use free dining and receive the DDP staying at CSR in the past.

Next time we go (now pushed to 2013) we are staying at Bonnet Creek with 8-day wp & ph YES tickets and pay OOP for meals.

Our family rarely eats at restaurants and look forward to this on our vacations. With that in mind, I set up a spreadsheet comparing staying on-site with free DDP versus Bonnet Creek and paying OOP. Because we do NOT want to cook on our vacations we are talking same restaurants, same meals. Surprisingly - there's only about a $100 difference!

Until I was able to show the comparison to my husband, he was balking at staying at Bonnet Creek. I love Disney resorts, but there is just no way I want to spend 14 nights in a cramped room with the 4 of us again.

 

[bankr63]

We use free dining and receive the DDP staying at CSR in the past.

Next time we go (now pushed to 2013) we are staying at Bonnet Creek with 8-day wp & ph YES tickets and pay OOP for meals.

Our family rarely eats at restaurants and look forward to this on our vacations. With that in mind, I set up a spreadsheet comparing staying on-site with free DDP versus Bonnet Creek and paying OOP. Because we do NOT want to cook on our vacations we are talking same restaurants, same meals. Surprisingly - there's only about a $100 difference!

Until I was able to show the comparison to my husband, he was balking at staying at Bonnet Creek. I love Disney resorts, but there is just no way I want to spend 14 nights in a cramped room with the 4 of us again.

I read that alot now over on the Trip Reports board. DDP used to be a good value, but now you are doing it pretty much for the convenience. Unless your group eats like a pack of hungry wolves all the time, you may be better off just making ADRs, eating reasonably and paying OOP.

That said, we are offsiters, so we don't ever do DDP. We do a combo of Restaurant meals on or off-site and light cooking. Our food costs are pretty minimal. If I were to ever stay onsite, I would seriously question getting the DDP; a room discount would probably be more meaningful for us than free dining.

 

[GrtWtNorth]

We have travelled several times, but only used the dining plan once, and that was only because "free dining" was a slightly better deal than our 15% room-only discount.

We found that when we had the quick-service dining plan, we ate "to the plan" and consumed a lot more empty calories than we normally would.
* we got dessert with two meals each day. Normally, we would eat dessert once every day or two. We accumulated a lot of desserts in our cooler at the hotel, and threw a several away at the end of the trip.
* we ordered soft drinks with two meals every day. Normally, we drink a lot of water or kids-size juices and only have soft drinks once per day.
* Except for DD3, everyone ordered adult meals when on the dining plan. These are large portions. On previous trips, my wife and I would order child meals at least once per day because they were smaller portions, included healthier sides, and included a small drink. Child meals are also $3-4 cheaper than an adult meal, and the adult meals don't include drinks.
* while we didn't hesitate to use our snack credits throughout the day, we found we didn't snack nearly as often as Disney expected us to. On the last two days of our 8-day vacation, our family of four "blew" 15 snack credits at Epcot's Food and Wine Festival, as well as another +20 credits on cookies and candy at the Pop Century gift shop. (We had about 64 snack credits -- less than half were used before we started snack-binging.) Some of those snacks are still in our cupboards, five months later.

For our family, even "free dining" isn't a good deal. We'll run the numbers to compare each deal, but we won't use Disney's numbers. For our family, the Quick Service Dining plan doesn't replace $35 worth of daily meals: we only get about $20-25 of benefit. Similarly, if we were offered the regular dining plan, we wouldn't value it at $52 per person per day, but more like $30-35 per person per day. We just can't (or shouldn't) eat enough to get full value from the Disney Dining plans.

 

[McIsaac]

We have travelled several times, but only used the dining plan once, and that was only because "free dining" was a slightly better deal than our 15% room-only discount.

We found that when we had the quick-service dining plan, we ate "to the plan" and consumed a lot more empty calories than we normally would.
* we got dessert with two meals each day. Normally, we would eat dessert once every day or two. We accumulated a lot of desserts in our cooler at the hotel, and threw a several away at the end of the trip.
* we ordered soft drinks with two meals every day. Normally, we drink a lot of water or kids-size juices and only have soft drinks once per day.
* Except for DD3, everyone ordered adult meals when on the dining plan. These are large portions. On previous trips, my wife and I would order child meals at least once per day because they were smaller portions, included healthier sides, and included a small drink. Child meals are also $3-4 cheaper than an adult meal, and the adult meals don't include drinks.
* while we didn't hesitate to use our snack credits throughout the day, we found we didn't snack nearly as often as Disney expected us to. On the last two days of our 8-day vacation, our family of four "blew" 15 snack credits at Epcot's Food and Wine Festival, as well as another +20 credits on cookies and candy at the Pop Century gift shop. (We had about 64 snack credits -- less than half were used before we started snack-binging.) Some of those snacks are still in our cupboards, five months later.

For our family, even "free dining" isn't a good deal. We'll run the numbers to compare each deal, but we won't use Disney's numbers. For our family, the Quick Service Dining plan doesn't replace $35 worth of daily meals: we only get about $20-25 of benefit. Similarly, if we were offered the regular dining plan, we wouldn't value it at $52 per person per day, but more like $30-35 per person per day. We just can't (or shouldn't) eat enough to get full value from the Disney Dining plans.

We found the first time we went to Disney and used the Dining Plan we felt as if we were eating all the time and not so much seeing the attractions we wanted to see (in order to actually eat "the moneys worth spent" on the plan). In 2009 we used the Dining Plan again..this time we still had some snacks left over and a few quick services..since we were adjusting our excursions. In a nutshell, I guess over the years we always felt as if we were eating more than we actually needed in order to "justify" the plan..this year we know that we have the leisure to eat how much we want and how often. I don't know if its just me but it seems as if when you are "not" on a plan you get a different menu at some restaurants. Do you know if this is correct?

 

[Nahanni]

I don't know if its just me but it seems as if when you are "not" on a plan you get a different menu at some restaurants. Do you know if this is correct?

Same menu but DDP does not include appetizers or some of the other "sides" and personally I find it difficult to pay for excluded items when I'm already overeating.

We have used DDP on previous 3 trips but decided to go OOP last time. We spent about 70% of DDP cost (2A & 2C), ate less (empty calories) but did not have any character meals or buffets. On DDP, we always end up bringing many snacks home (we try to do an EPCOT day near the end to select items from World Showcase in addition to the Disney treats).

We'll probably do DDP one more time before DS becomes a Disney adult and hit all the character meals. Once we're OOP it will be a once a trip treat.

 

[Ted in Halifax]

The big issue here is that McIsaac faces 4 adult dining plan costs (DDP) (rather than 2 adults 2 kids). This is well over $200 a day. Once you have a kid 10 years and older, let alone 2, the dining plan economics get challenging.

We have done both Disney Dining and play as you go. The success of paying as you go, always relies on what we could tolerate. For instance, while on DDP we always use our Counter service for breakfast. If you have the discipline to get away with a room made coffee, a bagel. muffin or something than this is an easy early day substitute. The issue remain (a) Snack substitution (bringing something from your room vs picking up something in the park) and (b) either picking cheaper Table Service restaurants, or avoiding them on all, or some nights in favor of cheaper locals. I.e Wolfgang Puck at DTD is a counter service that is amazing. You could also choose QSP over DDP.

Also, factor in tips. For us this really adds up. On a 14 day trip we totaled more than $280 in just table service tips. That's at around $20 a TS.

Overeating for us ... is the another reason for us to shy away from DDP. I simply eat too much and then, I'm tired. Every evening, the same thing.

Time .... we've found that every tables service takes travel time plus eating time. This for us ranges from 1.5 to 3 hours depending on travel time to and from the location. Cast in point, from Boardwalk to 1900 Park Fare.

Eating in Disney can be very much part of the Disney experience, but where as we have done this so many times before, I feel the next trip (except if free dining is offered) will be DDP free, with beer and groceries delivered and the occasional dining out.

 

[dsneygirl]

No longer fans of the dining plan. We never need 2 desserts at a quick service and would rarely order 2 large sodas (just get ice water instead) also we usually prefer to eat our TS meal at noon (or breakfast buffet) so it's not as good value. I don't think it's a good value at all anymore and like others said people keep getting it for the convenience factor.

Last trip was 5 days and we spent around $350 on food. with the DDP it would have been about $500+ tips.

 

[minnie mum]

Like many of the PPs, we're done with the DDP. We've paid for it and we've also gone several times during FD (FD just happened to be available during the time we had selected). It just doesn't fit our way of dining any more. Too many desserts and no appys. Too much lost time eating at TS restaurants just to use up our credits, and then having to add tips on top of that. We've decided to opt out of the DDP from now on. Not even going to do FD if we can find a room-only discount instead.

I can see that for some families, especially if you're staying at a value resort, FD can save a lot more money than a R/O discount. And some families actually come out ahead on the DDP depending on the ages of the family members and their dining preferences. Thinking particularly of those with younger children who really want all those character buffets. It just comes down to what is best for your family.

 

[Sue M]

January was our first time NOT getting the DDP. Was a bit scared.
Let me say- when we're on the DDP we make it work, going to the more expensive TS and always ordering the most expensive items on the menu to get the value out of the plan. Meant most nights having steak, steak, and more steak!! I don't need 2 desserts a day, and could easily do without lunch dessert. Also am happy with water, not a pop drinker.

So- We put on Disney Gift Cards the amount it would have cost for the DDP, to use for food. It was just like having everything pre paid, we used these cards only for dining. Instead of giving CM the KTTW card, we gave CM our GC.
We still ate 1 CS & 1TS a day. But we ate more realistically. Didn't have to order the most expensive thing on the menu, we could pass on dessert and have an appie instead, to share. Or we shared our dinner dessert (was just 26yr old daughter & me) We ordered ice water.
I found it quite freeing really! Also we didn't have to have dessert at same restaurant. I was free to eat at Studio Catering, then go to Starring Rolls for a cupcake!
We ended up saving $. Occas meal we could split. the sandwiches at SciFi are enourmous.

We are going room only in Aug. too. And this time we've only booked a TS for dinner (or lunch) every other day. With the new and improved CS menus I find I don't have to do a TS every night. I love the new Mexico CS and the Salmon at Columbia Harbour House. Every bit as good as a salmon dish at a TS, IMO.

I have to agree with others, the DDP isn't as good a deal anymore, with price increases. I'll take the room discount.

We have breakfast in our room. easy to throw a few packs of bagels in our suitcases, and P Butter, or buy a creamcheese when we get there from the gift shop. They carry lots of snack items and food the resort gift shops. May be cheaper just getting your snacks there, then spending $ on a cab.

 

[McIsaac]

Yes as Ted was saying, considering we would have to now pay for a DDP for 4 adults since the children are no longer categorized as Disney children along with our eating habits being minimal but still healthy..the more I think of it..we would be better off going without the DDP:

~We definitely do not want to spend all of our vacation eating in restaurants because we "have" to use up a DDP.

~We do want the freedom to choose what we want to eat and drink even if it is quick service or OTC with each meal..

~I know hubby prefers coffee in the morning..he is not a morning eater..

~We are planning a trip to Walmart for water, supplies BUT will pack snacks in our luggage. We will get bread at Walmart as well for toast..and will pick up fruit since they also sell that there. That in itself saves $$ for breakfast..even if we picked up an insulated cooler and filled it with ice and bought milk and refreshed the ice when we returned to the resort during the day..

Overall I think we will be fine without the plan..thank you all so much for your input. Its great to see your opinions and those who have done both..awesome!

Countdown is on!!!!

 

[ChisJo]

We have never used the dining plan. We decided to stay off property about 5 years ago and have never gone back. The flexibility of having a condo with a kitchen, off property, and the ability to be closer to other venues/restaurants/shopping/touristy places far outweighs staying onsite for us. Last time we went, our condo was $400/week, and our food was $200 for the week (for 2) - this was both groceries and restaurants (thanks to groupon/restaurant.com/mousesavers). We didn't really snack (we normally don't), but really, $600 for accommodation and food? Can't beat that. And besides, it leaves more money for us to do other things.

We just find the dining plan is just not worth it. If you opt for the basic/counter service dining plan, look at how much you are paying for high fat, high cholesterol, high sodium, high preservative fried foods...we don't eat that kind of food, so it wouldn't be effective for our family to eat that. We would have to get the sit down service dining plan, and then the cost of doing that is just so outrageous. Nope....no dining plan for us.

 

[McIsaac]

We have never used the dining plan. We decided to stay off property about 5 years ago and have never gone back. The flexibility of having a condo with a kitchen, off property, and the ability to be closer to other venues/restaurants/shopping/touristy places far outweighs staying onsite for us. Last time we went, our condo was $400/week, and our food was $200 for the week (for 2) - this was both groceries and restaurants (thanks to groupon/restaurant.com/mousesavers). We didn't really snack (we normally don't), but really, $600 for accommodation and food? Can't beat that. And besides, it leaves more money for us to do other things.

We just find the dining plan is just not worth it. If you opt for the basic/counter service dining plan, look at how much you are paying for high fat, high cholesterol, high sodium, high preservative fried foods...we don't eat that kind of food, so it wouldn't be effective for our family to eat that. We would have to get the sit down service dining plan, and then the cost of doing that is just so outrageous. Nope....no dining plan for us.

Thanks! yeah crazy prices..convenience is great but hate paying through the nose!

 

[c&m]

Well, we just returned on Sunday night from WDW and have a few thoughts on the dining. We've done FD (Aug 2009) before and for spring break 2012, we didn't do any dining plan but made various ADRs at our favourite places.

We figured out a few things:
1) End of August 2009: A great time to go (low crowds, most kids back in school), so we were able to go on all the rides multiple times AND made it to all our TS ADRs. FD worked well for us and was great.
Spring Break 2012: The crowds were huge, sometimes overwhelming. We waited longer for rides and had less time for TS meals. We cancelled a lot of our TS ADRs to make time for rides and the attractions.

2) 2009: Kids were younger, and they really enjoyed some of the special TS character meals and enjoyed participating in the games and such.
2012: Kids older, less interested in the character dining; really wanted to get going on the rides. Overall interest in Disney is waning for our DD16, who wanted to see other parts of Orlando that's less Disney focused.

3) 2009: We stayed at the AKL and really depended on the FD to eat.
2012: We stayed off-site at the HGVC Parc Soleil, where we had a full kitchen and were close to a Publix. For $68 worth of groceries, we had a flat of water, and groceries for 1 dinner and 4 breakfasts.

Having done both, I think I like staying off-site and doing no dining plan. Definitely more cost effective and more flexible. We were able to eat in at the condo or eat out, eat at Disney or try something completely new. Of course, this is determined by our teenaged DDs. They enjoy taking a day or 2 off from Disney these days, go to Universal or go shopping at the Florida Mall/outlet malls. However, all that would've been unthinkable when they were younger.

 

[dis_guy]

We've used the DDP on the last four trips.

When we go as a family (me, DW, and 2 DDs-in their early 20s now), I do not think we get full value for the plan. I mean, how much sense is it to go to Le Celier and have a soup and salad and nothing else? Mom and Dad order the more expensive items, so we're doing OK, but the kids never even get close to breaking even on the DDP. Next time, I think we'll opt out or since they usually have their own room, maybe just get the DDP for Mom and Dad and pay out of pocket for them.

On our "Mom and Dad Only" birthday trip we stayed for 4 nights and because we were going slowly, enjoying Food and Wine and the Festival of the Masters, we took our time over meals and probably came out a bit ahead. I don't think we could have kept eating like that for a week or more, though.

So my answer for whether the DDP is worth it is...it depends.

 

[Susan2771]

We have always done the Dining Plan up until our trip last October. My husband loves the convenience of having the plan and having the trip be more inclusive with the major components all paid for up front before we leave the house. He really missed it when we went in October and he didn't like the pain of when paying for every meal, seeing that total on the bill and know we would be paying for it when we got home

We won't be doing the plan again for our trip in July. We will be doing things outside the Walt Disney World Resort this trip so eating off property and our girls honestly really don't eat a full meal each and can share a meal. They also love to snack compared to eating 3 full meals a day. My hubby still asks me constantly can't we add on the dining plan for this trip but I want to give it a shot without again but plan more properly out meals.