Doing the Dining Plan Solo?

[Rantybaby]

TO SOLO TRAVELERs ONLY!!!!

I'm going to WDW for the 1st time in August 2007 SOLO. Planning on using DDP, how does it work out? I know you get 1 TS, 1 CS and 1 Snack per day of your stay.

I want to do 1 TS character breakfast (Chef Mickey), 1 TS lunch (50's Prime Time Cafe), 1 TS character dinner (GF 1900 Park Faire) and 5 TS Resort/Park/DTD Dinners (Illuminations-Boatwright's-Cap 'N Jack-Concourse & Maya Grill.)

Can you help me out?

 

[CinderMelly]

I'm going solo in November 2007 and will be using the DDP. From what I understand, the number of credits per day is based on the number of nights you are staying at the Disney resort hotel, not the number of days. So, if you are staying 7 nights, you will have 7 TS, 7 CS and 7 S creds total to use. They can be used in any combination you like(3 TS in one day, ect).

If you are looking to use those 3 TS in one day plus another 5, you will have to stay at total of 8 nights.

Hope that helps.

 

[aubriee]

I used the DDP Sept '05 (free), May '05 (paid), and again Sept '06 (free). It made sense, because I was traveling with my family. However, I'm going back to WDW Dec 9th-17th and even though I loved the dining plan, my AP discount for the room is a better deal.

To get the DDP you must pay rack rate for the room and buy at least a one day MYW base ticket. You then get a TS, a CS, and a snack for each night of your stay. You can use them in any order you like--meaning that if you want to use two TS one day and three CS the next you can. You simply use what you want until you run out of credits. This past Sept we had two CS left over for our last day, but ran out of TS three days before we left. We had 12 snack credits left over we used the last day for rice crispy treats to bring home. Chef Mickey's, Prime Time, 1900 Park Fair, Boatwrights, Cap'n Jacks, and Maya Grill are all one TS. I'm not sure what you mean by Illuminations--dining on the patio at Rose & Crown, maybe? If so, please realize that patio tables there are not guaranteed and you can't even request one until you arrive for your ADR. Anyway, all the places you listed are one TS, so if you are staying for eight nights (not days) you will be OK.

 

[kaytieeldr]

It works out fine. What's the issue? Dining alone? No problem.

As other pointed out - you list eight table service meals. If you are staying for eight nights, fine. If you're staying seven nights or fewer and expect the DDP to cover all your table service meals, you will have to cut out one or more. For specific restaurant advice, post on the main Disney Restaurants board.

I guess I'm not understanding what you want to know?

 

[Rantybaby]

I'm asking only those who have traveled solo before (not 1st timers) & used the DDP WITHOUT ADDITIONAL DISCOUNT (AP-AAA or any others). Was it economically sound for them? I understand that is determined by the number of nights at an on-site resort.

 

[Simba's Mom]

I used the DDP on my solo trip last month. I wanted to know how much I saved, and although I don't have the paper here, I spent $189 (DVCer, not free DDP) and yet I "would have spent" over $325. Yes, the # of credits is based on the # of nights, so I had 5 of each kind of credit over 6 days. It worked out that I bought one counter serve meal OOP, but that was because I chose to do a couple Signature resturaunts, and a couple alcoholic beverages. I thought it was a great deal and I'd definitely do it again.

 

[kaytieeldr]

Yes, it's 'worth it'. No, you don't save as many dollars as a family (because their savings have to be multiplied by the number of people) but figure it this way:
Dining plan $38.99 (2007 price)
Average snack price $3.00
Average counter service price $12
Leaves $23.99 value for table service meal
Of that, $4.73 is tax & tip
So as long as your table service meal's price is at least $19.27, you come out ahead. The more your meal costs, the better the value of the Disney Dining Plan

 

[Rantybaby]

I used the DDP on my solo trip last month. I wanted to know how much I saved, and although I don't have the paper here, I spent $189 (DVCer, not free DDP) and yet I "would have spent" over $325. Yes, the # of credits is based on the # of nights, so I had 5 of each kind of credit over 6 days. It worked out that I bought one counter serve meal OOP, but that was because I chose to do a couple Signature resturaunts, and a couple alcoholic beverages. I thought it was a great deal and I'd definitely do it again.

Simba's Mom,

Thanks SO much!! This is what I want to know!! BTW, which Signature meals did you do?

 

[Rantybaby]

It works out fine. What's the issue? Dining alone? No problem.

As other pointed out - you list eight table service meals. If you are staying for eight nights, fine. If you're staying seven nights or fewer and expect the DDP to cover all your table service meals, you will have to cut out one or more. For specific restaurant advice, post on the main Disney Restaurants board.

I guess I'm not understanding what you want to know?

I'm staying 10 nights.

 

[Simba's Mom]

Simba's Mom,

Thanks SO much!! This is what I want to know!! BTW, which Signature meals did you do?

I did California Grill and Jiko's. California Grill had great food (I had the Oak Fired Filet) and my server was very nice (I think his name was Dana), but seeing Wishes on the balcony didn't thrill me. I got out there and suddenly rememberd-"I'm afraid of heights, why am I here" and spent the rest of the time backed against the rail, gripping for dear life. I loved Jiko's, as usual, and definitely plan to go back.

 

[jenelope]

I did the dining plan on my last solo trip. It worked out great for me. The only real problem I had was that I ate more than I normally would. I don't usually get a dessert when I order counter service meals and pay out of pocket. I had to remind myself that I didn't have to finish something just because it was on my plate.

I really liked the dining plan because it made me sit down and enjoy really great table service meals, which is something I don't always do as a solo traveler. I used two of my credits for a really great meal at the Brown Derby one night and paid for a counter service meal later to make up the credits. And as someone whose luxury craving side clashes with her instinct to save money, I loved the prepaid aspect of it. No need to buy the cheaper chicken when the filet "costs" the same amount.

 

[Melynny]

I just returned from a "solo dining plan adventure" It definately worked for me! I did TS at Primetime for lunch.. not so good, Boma dinner-great! Concourse steakhouse-excellant, Turf Club-delicious! Flying Fish-the Highlight! CS were at Artist palette x2 -adequate., Flame tree-great as always, Leaning Palms.. good, Cheesecake factory..yuck. breakfast at Tusker house.. yummy! used most of my snack credits at the food and wine. Great food and loads of fun!