Don't understand DisneyLand Dining Plan?

[an_evans]

We are smack in the middle of the two disney's and considering going the Disney land route next vacation. But I can't figure it out. There seems to be different levels named after characters and then character and resort dining as well? We are a big fan of WDW dining for the convenience.

 

[TheZue]

They are absolutely not worth it. Somebody posted their pics here a few weeks ago and I compared it to the cost on the website and there are no savings, not even pennies. To add to that if you go under on the amount you spend disney does not give you change. So you either have to be right on the amount or over to get use of the full voucher; otherwise you are spending more on your meal than you would have without the dining plan. If you want to save in advance for your meals I recomend just putting the cash aside for the trip.

 

[PinkBudgie]

I've always found it outrageous that you don't get change back. If is doesn't save you money, there is no point in tying up your money. We always use our credit card for all food purchases there. At least that way we get a percentage back. In fact, the only cards we have give us money back. With deals like that there is no reason to have a card that doesn't. I don't have it, but the Disney Visa gives you money back to use at Disney places.

 

[ballarinamom]

DLs dining plan is nothing like the WDW plan. At WDW you have to buy the plan for as many days as you are in the parks. It is a counter, table and snack per day
At DL, you receive vouchers based on how many days you want to have them. That is why each price has a different character name. Based on which plan depends on how many $$ vouchers, snack vouchers and meal vouchers you receive. If you spend $12 at a counter service and you give them $15 in vouchers, you will no get the $3 back. But if you give them a $10 voucher and $2 cash, you're good.
You have to be smart about the voucjers and you may save a tad- not 40% like at WDW.
There are places like Aeres and Getawaytoday where you can prepurchase character meal vouchers for a savings. Unlike WDW, DL gives a 10% discount at several character meals.
Hope that helps!