Do you do the dining plan? Why or why not?

[DisneyFreaks]

We keep going back and forth about it. We went through the menus and it really wouldn't save the adults any money but it would be a big savings for our two DGSs. So we really don't know what to do at this point. We loved having the DDE. It really saved us alot but we don't go to WDW every year so we don't buy APs. I wish this particular discount was a DVC perk.

 

[Ashlotte]

Thanks everyone! Yesterday I was leaning towards yes for the fun of eating out so much (which is not our normal pattern, so it would be a treat), but now I am leaning towards no. We would probably only spend half that amount on food normally, and since this is a huge trip and is costing quite a bit (with the 7 night cruise before hand, airfare, excursions, wedding vow renewal, etc), even though the lodging wasn't a big issue with the exchange, I can think of other things I should spend a few extra hundred dollars on. Plus I do worry that after a week of gorging ourselves on the ship, the last thing we need is another week of stuffing ourselves. Truly, we never order dessert unless it is someone's birthday (and it's free!). I am hoping we'll make it to WDW again sometime before the kids are 9 and might try it then.

Feel free to keep sharing stories, though. I love hearing your experiences.

 

[brandylouwho]

We are a family of 4 (2 adults, one child and one under 3) and have not found the DDP to be worth it for us. Whenever a friend asks about it I tell them to be sure to research it first (look up menus, think about how much time they want to spend eating).

It is not worth it for us because: we do not eat a TS everyday, often split meals (even CS meals), we love appetizers and don't really like desserts...etc. Plus, I don't mind making something in the room when we are at the resort (although this is often premade/unhealthy stuff as I am not cooking big meals while on vaca).

I am sure some people do save money, but I am also pretty sure that if it was really saving everyone so much money it would not be making Disney money and would therefore, not be offered (call me a cynic).

Even when we had free dining on the old plan (which included app & tip) I didn't really like it all that much. 1) it was too much food 2) I felt tied down to ADRs-- "had" to be at a certain place at a certain time everyday.

But I can understand that it is a convenience that some people enjoy. If you really want/need to have your meals prepaid you could always put that money on a visa gift card or something before you go.

So--no one answer fits all, but there are lots of opinions to consider here.

have a fun trip!

 

[bobbiwoz]

We usually do the DDP when we go for our Chirstmastime trip. It does cover the CP package dinner, and the Fantasmic seating dinner, which the DDE/TIW does not. Also, during the holidays there are periods that the DDE/TIW are blacked out and prices are raised. We don't have to worry about the higher prices, so we get the plan.

Bobbi

 

[Poppins2000]

What is DDE? It sounds like that is only for DVC members?

I know that the rules could have changed since then, but my sister did an exchange like ours (WorldMark through Interval Internation into DVC) and they were able to do the DDP. That was when it included gratuity, though.

Don't most of the character meals include gratuity? I like the idea of getting to eat at all those places mostly because we are always too cheap to eat more than one shared meal (or none) per day when we are at the parks, but I'd have to prove its value to DH. I fear that I would waste a lot of park time eating, though. Hmmm.... Realistically we've never, ever spent $100 per day eating on vacation, so maybe we shouldn't do it. But I would love to not cook! A week on the cruise and a week of DDP could easily result in 10 lbs or more of extra me, though

DDE is the Disney Dining Expereince now called Tables in Wonderland. It's available to FL residents and Annual Passholders. It's a card that one pays anywhere from $65-$80 for and it offers 20% off all food AND alcoholic beverages at almost all WDW resort and park resturants for 12 months. If you enjoy the Disney signature restaurants, Cali Grill, Victoria and Alberts, Jiko, etc., one dinner can cover the cost of the card!!

 

[dvcbnd]

We haven't so far....not sure if it's worth it.

 

[dvcdisney]

We've been doing the DDP since it was offered to DVC members. We really thought it was worth the price. Until the changes began. We went through 2 vacations with the new system and have decided, now, not to get the DDP for our subsequent vacations. Actually, since we are no longer getting the DDP, we had decidee to visit other theme parks during our vacation. It's really a strange feeling. We are looking forward to choosing only to eat what we want and not get the snacks just to use up the credits. And the great thing about it is that we don't have to go to so many buffets anymore (we do not like buffets) so that my children can eat off the adult section. They just don't like the children's menu and choices.

I really loved the idea of DDP at the time, but now it's a relief to not get it. I don't know if that makes any sense. Anyways, I think it depends if it works well for your family. Financially, I think it was a savings for us at the time, but now we're fine just getting what we want without worrying about getting the dessert, snacks etc in order not to waste the credits.

 

[LoveToDisney]

You might want to check. When a member wants to purchase the Dining Plan they have to call Member Services at least 3-days ahead of time. You're not a member and therefore can't call Member Services. Just FYI.

When you exchange into a DVC resort thru II, you pay $95 fee which covers the use of Members Services and YES, you can call them. The number is on your II confirmation paperwork.

 

[Dean]

I'm not 100% certain, but since you're exchanging into DVC you may not be eligible to purchase the Dining Plan anyway.

I believe it's only available to members staying on points. If someone pays cash for the room, they can't get the Dining Plan. Exchanges may be the same.

You might want to check. When a member wants to purchase the Dining Plan they have to call Member Services at least 3-days ahead of time. You're not a member and therefore can't call Member Services.

Just FYI.

II exchangers are definitely elligible. They are restricted to all 7 days for the entire LOS even if they stay less than 7 days.

 

[disneymayz]

Ditto for us...way to much food. I do love the idea of being pre-paid however, so much food goes in the trash.

New for 2009 is a Counter Service Dining Plan. 2 CS, 2 snacks, 1 resort refillable mug = $30/day

 

[slindamood]

We just got off the Western and had so much food that a plain bowl of vegetable soup was all we wanted. We have done the DDP twice and for more than a few days it is just too much food. After a cruise it would be diminishing returns - not worth it.

When at BWV in a 1 or 2 BR we normally do not eat out much, so the first time we used DDP it was great fun the first two days. After that, it was too much food. The second time on DDP we went to OKW and stayed in a studio for just one night and it was perfect. We had counter service the first night, Yak and Yeti the next day.

We found that one meal out a day, whether TS or CS, is the most we want so we will not do DDP in the future.

 

[Castillo Mom]

We used the DDP last trip and it was definitely worth it. I'm a little disappointed that they removed the appetizer and gratuity but for us I still think it'll be a decent value based on our dining habits. Similar to another poster, I have 3 sons with voracious appetites.

I also make sure we have at least one sit down meal per day. I don't feel it cuts into park touring in fact I feel it's necessary to sit down and relax and have someone wait on us. I admit that it does require planning in order to maximize the value.

It may not be for everyone for so far it works for us.

 

[mikeandkarla]

We use the DDP, because, right now, it works for us. We consist of Me, DW, DS(7), DS(5), DS(2). You can't beat the $10 per day price for kids age 3 - 9. When my oldest turns 10, we probably won't do it anymore. I think it is absurd that kids that are 10 are charged as an adult. Everyones situation is unique.

 

[DaveH]

I think some down sides are, allot of food and if you eat lighter not good value. During very busy times of year and sit downs need to be ressie and such does make random touring as to which park more difficult. Disney makes money when folks do not use everything. Some friends are doing the deluxe plan on a upcoming trip and say they doubt the will use all their credits and say that is fine with them. The dining plan works for some and not for others. We heading to the world Thanksgiving week. I am going a few days before DW. I have 2 sit downs not ADRed. I figure there are a few places I could use them. They are not in a park. I know I can do Beaches and Cream ans ESPN Club for sure. May have a long wait.

 

[kaelarad]

We tried it twice and now no longer use it for two reasons; before the changes to the plan started it was far too much food for DH and I to eat. Now with all the changes it is not worth it.

We also have stopped dining at Disney. Food qaulity is poor, we constantly feel like we are being rushed. Gone are the days when dining at a Disney restaurant was a nice experience. Not worth the price to eat on property.

Too many decent and enjoyable dining options available off property

 

[Dean]

We use the DDP, because, right now, it works for us. We consist of Me, DW, DS(7), DS(5), DS(2). You can't beat the $10 per day price for kids age 3 - 9. When my oldest turns 10, we probably won't do it anymore. I think it is absurd that kids that are 10 are charged as an adult. Everyones situation is unique.

Didn't Disney change the age from 12 to 10 years ago?

 

[disneymayz]

We tried it twice and now no longer use it for two reasons; before the changes to the plan started it was far too much food for DH and I to eat. Now with all the changes it is not worth it.

We also have stopped dining at Disney. Food qaulity is poor, we constantly feel like we are being rushed. Gone are the days when dining at a Disney restaurant was a nice experience. Not worth the price to eat on property.

Too many decent and enjoyable dining options available off property

So what you are saying is that for lunch you leave the park and eat then come back and then leave again for dinner. The gas used to go off property does not out weigh the price?

 

[Brenle]

No longer use the DDP because it's less expensive for us to order from gardengrocer and cook a meal or two in the 1 bedroom unit. Also, we get tired of the Disney food and always having to head out for breakfast before starting our day. But to each his own.

 

[colinsdad]

Hi everyone! This is my first time posting on your board. I am not a DVC owner (I own at WorldMark) and I just got the call that I secured an exchange through II into BWV in May. (I was on the wait list for almost a year!). I am beyond excited, as this is our *big deal* trip to celebrate our 10 year anniversary and only staying on site would do.

Anyway, I thought I'd check and see if many of you WDW/DVC experts bother with the dining plan. We will be in a 2 bedroom, so will have a decent kitchen and will have just returned from a 7 night Western, so are likely to be heavier than when the trip started already . We will be taking a car back from the port, so we would be able to stop and get groceries pretty easily. Our dd may still be napping then, which would mean going back to the room in the afternoon. Normally we are a smuggle in PB & J to save money kind of family, but since I am already hoping to do a few character meals, maybe it is worth it to get the plan?

Any advice? Thanks so much! I have to say... I am uber jealous of your timeshare situation. I wish I lived closer to WDW so I could be an owner, too!

I just got back in September from a Boardwalk trade through II myself. Since it was an anniversary trip, I wanted to do some nice dinners for my wife and I as well as a few character breakfasts for the kiddos. We made ADR's at 180 days out. Then I found out that I could join the dining plan when I called member services to add my Magical Express info. So you can definately get it .

Since I had booked 5 table service places (a few at expensive places such as Le Celier, Tutto Italia) Spoodles, and 2 character breakfasts at Play 'N Dine and Crystal Palace I figured it would be worth it when I did the math.

You must do the math yourself however. Look at the places you'd like to eat at, and check the prices of what you'd eat. All menus are on the DIS. Also realize if you make a dinner reservation for EPCOT, you're there that night. Look to see what parks offer evening EMH's etc, and plan your week out first. Then choose the restaurants and make the ADR's. Also, how are the kids at sit downs, etc? Can you pull it off? All things to think about, especially since you have a car and can shop.

We're going back to the Beach Club next year (just traded 4 days ago! ) and will probably do the DDP again. I saved all my receipts from my last trip and figured that we saved about $320. We loooooved being able to order the Filet Mignon without worrying about the bill. On 3 occasions, our TS covered the whole day (meaning CS and Snacks were free). As a rule, if you do a buffet you break even as an adult. If you go to a high end place you make out that day. Kids make out every day (10.99 per day) is less than the price of a character breakfast!

Happy planning.

BW tip: Use your snack credits at the Boardwalk Bakery for breakfast and use them up. We ended up wasting 3 of our snack credits. Muffins, OJ, pastry are all snacks!!!

 

[TifffanyD]

We've been getting the Deluxe DDP for 1 or 2 night stays. For one night we can then get Lunch and Dinner on arrival day and lunch on departure day. We don't necessarily eat at the most expensive places -w e just eat what we want. But we don't eat buffets, and the deluxe does include app and dessert plus the mug (we have so many!) and 2 snacks. So for $140 we can have 3 nice meals together - can't do that normally! I think it's a bargain