Does F&W make DDP more cost effective?

[lilasmom]

We have a 4 night DVC stay and I'm considering adding the standard dining plan. We would use all the snack credits at F&W. Does this make it a better deal? We also have a TIW card, but can't use that at F&W. Our dining plans during this time are dinners at O'hana, Sci fi, California Grill and counter services at MK, HS and BW. Thoughts?

 

[abdgeek]

I used the deluxe dining plan before at F&W using my snacks there. It is a better value for your snacks because those at F&W are usually more than $4(a lot more). You won't be able to use your TIW at 99% of the QS places--check the list before you go. I wouldn't expect much savings using the plan. You will save money, but only if what you purchase for your QS/TS meals each day exceeds what you paid per day for the plan. I always save money when I get the dining plan, but I also make sure what I order is worth more than I paid for the plan.

 

[figment_jii]

As the PP said, the cost effectiveness of the dining plan really depends on where you're going and what you are ordering. Can using the snack credits at F&W make the plan more cost effective? Yes. Does it mean it will no matter what you order? No.

Many of the offerings at F&W are more than $4, but there are some that will be less expensive. If you use the snack credit for the most expensive items at the F&W (e.g., the lobster roll, if they have it) then you might come out ahead. If you use the credits for less expensive items, then it might not be much different than normal.

Still, you'll need to make good use of the TS credits in order to make the plan cost effective. Sci Fi isn't that expensive of a place and you can use your TiW there. CA Grill is pricey, but it might not be that economical a use of 2 credits, depending on what you order. I would run the numbers with the DDP and with the TiW to see what works better for your family.

 

[TDC Nala]

It can, but only regarding the snack credits. Using the snack credits for the most expensive F&W items will up your value on the plan (if you stick to the most expensive ones), but as to whether that will be enough to make the plan an overall value for your trip, depends on how else you use it. You will probably not want 12 lobster rolls, so you'll be buying snacks of varying prices.

California Grill, being a 2 credit restaurant, would be your least "valuable" of your reservations depending on what your party is likely to order. Sci Fi is not an expensive restaurant. So your best value there is at 'Ohana.