Do I or Do I not?

[mom4scrapbooking]

Okay to all dis members. I called today to buy tickets for our 2008 trip which if I buy them now I can't add on the meal plan.

So my question is is the meal plan worth it for us. With never being there I am asking your opion.

See here is my families story. We are family of 6 ( 2 adults kids ages 2,8,12,13).
My 2 year old barely eats she really likes to snack often. My 8 year old and I are very very picky. Prefer simple like Mcd's. We hardly ever got out to eat so I am not sure if there is enough variety and we really aren't planner's. We at DL just eat at Quisno's or MCD's out of the park whenever we got hungry.

So what is your advice now knwoing a little about my family.

Do the meal plan or not?

THanks!
Holly

 

[Katiebell]

There would be no charge for the 2 year old, and the 8 year old would be on the child's price if he or she is 9 or under when you take your trip -- and you could easily spend more than $11 a day on amusement park food for that child. You could even split meals with the younger sister. What about DH and the 12 and 13 year olds? They will be 13 and 14 in 2008 -- are they big eaters now? If DH and your older kids are big eaters, it could be worth it for you -- how much it would cost to feed them OOP would be the biggest factor for me. It could be a lifesaver with 2 teenagers, especially if you take them to buffets or "all you care to eat" meals.

The CS credits would give you the fast food type of experience you and your 8 year old are comfortable with -- burgers, fries, sandwiches. The snack credits can ALWAYS be used, on ice cream if nothing else!

I'd look at the menus for the buffets, character meals, and maybe some of the atmospheric theme restaurants like 50's Prime Time or Sci Fi, and see if you could plan one TS meal a day, would add to the fun and the "Disney Experience". The two younger kids would probably love them, and the older kids might, too. But if you really can't picture planning one sit down meal each day, then it may not be worth it for your family.

 

[!HereWeCome!]

I'm in the process of planning our first WDW trip and I purchased the Dining Plan simply because I COULD NOT BEAR THE THOUGHT of how much money I would be spending on food. I had it calculated right into the price of the package and just told myself that "this is how much it costs to do Disney." Then I plan to bring cash and spend it at will without worrying about it. But if I had to fork over $2.50 for water, $3.50 for ice cream, $8.95 for a sandwich etc etc etc (times however many people are in your party!) I would most definately be crabby about spending and then NOBODY would have any fun. It's vacation after all...

 

[Katiebell]

I'm in the process of planning our first WDW trip and I purchased the Dining Plan simply because I COULD NOT BEAR THE THOUGHT of how much money I would be spending on food. I had it calculated right into the price of the package and just told myself that "this is how much it costs to do Disney."

Bingo. ITA It's our first trip to WDW too, but we go to DL almost yearly, and the cost for food is staggering. We usually like 1 TS meal a day, and sometimes 1 CS, then just snacks for the rest of the day -- but holy toledo, it adds up fast! And at the TS meal, we often end up negotiating on what appetizer or dessert (never both!) we are willing to share, and even then we are carefully looking at the prices for everything as we order. It will be nice to just have the freedom to order what we want, and know that it's pre-paid -- often at a discount, but we are sure to at least break even

 

[srgibbs]

I would say it is well worth it. The great thing is it is paid for before you leave and you really don't have to worry about how much things cost. You can get most things $4.00 and under with your snack credit which includes the wonderful Dole whips or root beer floats. The CS meal includes drink and dessert and TS includes tons of food. The character buffets are great also. We have been the past 2 Sept.'s when they offered the dining plan free to resort guests on a package and LOVED it. I'm hooked and wouldn't go to Disney for a week without it. Go to all ears.net and they have menus listed for all the Restaurants. That way you can get an idea of where you guys would like to eat and what it would cost you if you were not on the dining plan. I think it is great!

 

[Luv2Roam]

I would pass in this case since at least two in the party are "very very picky", AND they don't care about table service meals as a general rule.
Now if the OP wanted to try new food items and eat sit down meals more often, that would be different.
But overall I don't think the OP would care for the DDP or if it would fit their non-planning park lifestyle.

 

[The Sweetness]

If you dont plan on a daily TS meal, you should pass on the DDP. I think its nice, though. To have a sit down dinner (or even a nice buffet) after a long day of shows and rides