Do many people do this?

[CJ]

DH & I are headed to WDW mid-August for our 31st wedding anniversary. We've done the basic DDP (free and not) and the deluxe seems like way too much food for us. We also are not fans of most of the counter service places.

But we absolutely love the table service restaurants and we love to try new places! So this is my plan for this trip!

We took advantage of the room only discount, and we have our passes already. So we couldn't get the Dining Plan even if we did want it!

I've ordered breakfast items from Garden Grocer and we bring a soft sided cooler for the room. I've made adr's at table service places for each day we are there, one for lunch and one for dinner. We've been to WDW many times, so I know that table service meals take longer. But in the summer heat, they are a welcome break!

Our plan is quite often to order just a few appetizers, or to share entrees and/or desserts. At one place we'll order 4 courses, but just one of each and share all of them! Hopefully the servers will not give us any problems with this plan.... I'll let you know!

 

[Nadjalu]

You should be fine. If you don't mind 2 longer breaks in the day, go for it.
Personally I like just 1, but if you like 2 or 3 that is good to. Enjoy your meals!

 

[o2bnoz]

Sounds like a fantastic way to tour, to me! If you've been many times, and you know what you like, this is perfect! Have a wonderful time and please give us a review of all of those restuarants and dishes when you return.

 

[CanadianPaco]

I agree- this looks like a really good plan! Congrats!

 

[TDC Nala]

The servers should not give you any problems with your plan as long as you do not try to share at buffets or all you can eat places. Shula's has a plate splitting fee but I don't know if Shula's is on your schedule or not.

 

[catne]

and please make sure you report back how it works out for ya, and if the cost benefits worked out the way you thought they would

...I keep thinking we should do this.

Then I get out the spreadsheet, start "shopping" menus and so far, it adds up that the dining plan would be cheaper than OOP for us. Especially when I start adding in the signature restaurants.

 

[mrs_noopie]

That's how I roll! You shouldn't have any problems...

We had free dining once and were able to enjoy it, but we prefer to sample apps and an entree or two, and we rarely order dessert. We aren't big fans of CS, and we always order on-the-go breakfast items, snacks, and beverages from garden grocer.

 

[shoes99]

You shouldn't have any problems. We book room only, and we love TS restaurants, sometimes we share, sometimes we don't. We are seniors and sometimes you just can't eat all that food. The dining plan doesnt always work for our eating habits, so we like room discounts instead. We are AP holders and also use the TIW discount card. Have Fun..

 

[DISNEY1975]

It sounds like a great plan! Congrats on the 31 years..enjoy your trip!

 

[AuroraMeansDawn]

I think it sounds like a wonderful way to go.

I've worked as a cocktail waitress before and my daughter worked through college as a server so I'm a pretty decent tipper and understanding. In fact, I tend to overtip, but I still hold fast to the idea that it's my money and I can use it however I choose. I get their worries and I usually slip into the coversation that I used to wait tables and it usually alleviates the 'tude, but I'd still stick to the principle that what I choose to order and how I choose to spend my money is my business and no one elses.

 

[CJ]

Thanks for all the positive replies!

Now that I've made all of our many adr's, I'm very excited with this plan. I'll definitely write a review of all the places we ate at and what we had when we return!

Just as a preview... this is what we intend to order at Jiko:

Barbecue Chicken Flatbread
Jiko Seasonal Salad
Oak-Grilled Filet Mignon
Kenyan Coffee and Koeksisters dessert

We'll share all of them. Doesn't that sound awesome?

 

[webray]

I think that is perfect...hubby and I love to share when we are alone.
Enjoy and have a great time!

DH & I are headed to WDW mid-August for our 31st wedding anniversary. We've done the basic DDP (free and not) and the deluxe seems like way too much food for us. We also are not fans of most of the counter service places.

But we absolutely love the table service restaurants and we love to try new places! So this is my plan for this trip!

We took advantage of the room only discount, and we have our passes already. So we couldn't get the Dining Plan even if we did want it!

I've ordered breakfast items from Garden Grocer and we bring a soft sided cooler for the room. I've made adr's at table service places for each day we are there, one for lunch and one for dinner. We've been to WDW many times, so I know that table service meals take longer. But in the summer heat, they are a welcome break!

Our plan is quite often to order just a few appetizers, or to share entrees and/or desserts. At one place we'll order 4 courses, but just one of each and share all of them! Hopefully the servers will not give us any problems with this plan.... I'll let you know!

 

[jblrn2b]

DH & I are headed to WDW mid-August for our 31st wedding anniversary. We've done the basic DDP (free and not) and the deluxe seems like way too much food for us. We also are not fans of most of the counter service places.

But we absolutely love the table service restaurants and we love to try new places! So this is my plan for this trip!

We took advantage of the room only discount, and we have our passes already. So we couldn't get the Dining Plan even if we did want it!

I've ordered breakfast items from Garden Grocer and we bring a soft sided cooler for the room. I've made adr's at table service places for each day we are there, one for lunch and one for dinner. We've been to WDW many times, so I know that table service meals take longer. But in the summer heat, they are a welcome break!

Our plan is quite often to order just a few appetizers, or to share entrees and/or desserts. At one place we'll order 4 courses, but just one of each and share all of them! Hopefully the servers will not give us any problems with this plan.... I'll let you know!

Congrats for 31 years! Don't hear that much anymore. We will hit 19 this year - can't believe it.

Your dining plan sounds wonderful! Servers will not give you attitude and if they do let Disney know. Need a trip report after - ok?