FD packages for a couple

[jendubz]

Would any of the FD packages benefit a couple with no children? We're staying at POP. Can we eat on a tight budget on our own? Pack sandwiches and all that? I'm so clueless.

I posted this in another forum, but I thought I might get a better response here.

I've been going back and forth between Value and Mod, but I think Value is going to be the way to go for us.

 

[earljam]

what is a FD package?

 

[jendubz]

what is a FD package?

Free dining

 

[earljam]

w/ the DDP you will eat way more than you normally would and it allows you to be a bit more adventurous. It's not about the money, you'll break even or save marginally, it's about the freedom to eat a little better and the ease of not having to look at the right side of the menu first.

Your question pertains to free DDP, free is always cheaper than not.

 

[ToddyLu]

DH and I are childless and we have stayed at POP the last several years. We usually eat big at WDW becasue that is vacation to us and fun. So last year and this year we have purchased the DDP. I would imagine that you can eat on a smaller budget. Most all of the portions are good for two people. Yes WDW is expensive but you can rent a small fridge at Pop and keep some things in there. I think they rent for about $10 a day and I would call ahead.

Pop is a lot of fun and I would just think about splitting your meals. I certainly understand that everyone doesn't eat like we do. You can pack sandwiches and snacks in your backpack and take them to the parks. You can check pricing at Allears.net for different restaurants and get a better idea.

 

[TillyMarigold]

Assuming you don't have any other discounts, of course you'll spend less on food with Free Dining than you would if you didn't have it ... as for being a couple with no children, it's actually a better deal the more adults you have.

I mean, obviously getting 2 meals a day, 2 snacks, and all/almost all your beverages (with the QSDP, which is what you get at a Value) for free is cheaper than buying them on a budget, right? If you're light eaters and don't want to do any sit-down meals, with the free dining you might not have to spend *any* money on food at all (use a snack credit to buy a muffin or yogurt parfait for breakfast). No money at all is cheaper than sandwiches.

Am I missing something here? Why would it be cheaper to bring your own food than have Disney give it to you for free? Especially with the QS plan, since with the regular plan you'd have to pay tips.

 

[jendubz]

Because I have to purchase 2 tickets to get QS and pay the rack rate for the room instead for getting the room only for $59 a night for Value.

Now I'm looking at CSR and the mod dining plan. Will I ever make my mind up?

 

[TillyMarigold]

Because I have to purchase 2 tickets to get QS and pay the rack rate for the room instead for getting the room only for $59 a night for Value.

Now I'm looking at CSR and the mod dining plan. Will I ever make my mind up?

I didn't realize you were planning not to buy tickets, do you have an AP? You didn't mention that. A value during value season is $82 so it would be an extra $23 times however many nights, plus about $160 for 1-day tickets if you have an AP, so I'd guess you probably won't save money by doing the free dining at a value with an AP; you might at a mod because you get more expensive meals for free.

 

[jendubz]

I didn't realize you were planning not to buy tickets, do you have an AP? You didn't mention that. A value during value season is $82 so it would be an extra $23 times however many nights, plus about $160 for 1-day tickets if you have an AP, so I'd guess you probably won't save money by doing the free dining at a value with an AP; you might at a mod because you get more expensive meals for free.

Sorry for the missing info. I dont have an AP. My parents gave us tickets for our wedding.

 

[niclodn]

What are your dates? I actually priced out both the FD and the room discount for 2 people for Dec. It came out cheaper to do the room discount and add the dining package than to pay rack rate and get free dining. Of course, for those with more than 2 people, the FD is cheaper. So, to answer your question -- if you're planning to go Oct-Dec, I'd do the the room discount (especially since you already have tix) and either add a dining package or just pay OOP for dining. This is true at both values and mods. Hope that helps! Have fun!

 

[Missytara]

That is exactly correct. I am going the first week in December and booked my trip last December. When the free dining was extended to December 17th, I contemplated cancelling my reservation and re-booking to get the free dining. Without the discount rate on the room that I got for booking so early, the package was actually $50.00 more with the free DDP.

I kept it the way it was.