Feeling torn between taking the dining plan or just pay out of pocket because....

[lukenick1]

We traveled with friends once (and will again this Fall) who are somewhat the opposite of us. We did regular DDP they did QSDP. We get up early and they do evening EMH. We are commandos and they hop around wily nily. We had an AWESOME time with them though. We'd get there early and do our thing. We met for a QS lunch each day and then toured around somewhat wily nily in the afternoons. IN the evening we'd do a sit down and then met up for an evening activity. After that we'd hit the bed and they'd hit an EMH. It was really a great balance of individual family time and group family time. This year we are doing 7 days and they are doing 4 so we are doing deluxe ddp on our days without them and may only do 1 or 2 sitdown meals while they are with us. We've gotten closer over the years and my tween daughter is dating their son...... We also go to WDW frequently enough that our must do's per trip are less and less and it's more about the fun than the commando must do everything experience

We have been travelling together for years now since our kids were babies. We ALWAYS have a great time even though we may get on each others nerves a little here and there. We wouldn't think of going anywhere without them because the more the merrier. My DH, is kind of boring so it's much more fun to have my BFF with me. We pretty much want the same things out of a vacation and I am usually in charge (being a control freak) and bff loves me taking the reins (i think?) LOL This will be our 4th trip to Disney together since 2005 and we definitely agree that there is no commando style this time. Been there done that but we will take advantage of the evening EMH because none of us are morning people. She has 3 girls, I have 2 boys and our kids could not be any closer. They LOVE to be together and although I do see some differences in maturity they don't let that stop them. This trip we will celebrate 3 birthdays. Her husband, my husband and my son. Yay!!!! Can't wait!!!!!! For the most part we will eat together except when she decides on a buffet. We would never eat our money worth so we will skip those. (thats her chance to blow me off once in a while)

 

[Granfan]

We are doing the DDP together with newly married DS and Bride. We will probably take most of the table service and they will take most of the quick service by choice. He doesn't like to stop long to eat and we do (have to rest, lol). I think it will work out just right, but in our case we don't really care about the cost since it is family.

 

[Coconuts]

Thanks everyone....I dont qualify for free dining, so after adding up ADR's and some character meals, I feel its a good decision for my family to purchase the Disney Dining. I guess everyone is right ..its my vacation too, they know I love them Just feel kinda bad because I know their kids are going to be like...how come we can't eat with them, or if they find out we went to like Chef Mickeys and they dont...oh Im feeling bad again . Hopefully they can squeeze in a few Table Service meals with us, like Chef Mickeys

Don't feel bad. I think you made the right choice.

My advice was going to be, enjoy your vacation and do what makes you happy. WDW vacations are a big expenditure and you should not waste your money on a vacation that you're not thrilled with.

On a vacation with another family, I think you will be glad for the TS break from them. No offense to them, but in my experience traveling with others, that break is a welcome one.

Ooh, I just read the second page of the thread and saw where your bff posted. If even she's telling you to go with the DDP, then do it.

Enjoy your trip.

 

[josh29]

Glad you guys have it all figured out. We're going with my parents and won't be eating together for every meal. I would recommend just planning at least ONE TS meal per day where everybody can get together and have a big meal.

And, if you're worried about the kids feeling bad that you went to Chef Mickeys - maybe they'll feel bad that you guys were stuck in a restaurant while they got to go on rides and walk in the park

 

[mikat]

Despina and Lukenick1,

I think it is so wonderful that you you guys have each other as friends and Disney buddies! It's so smart to make sure that each family gets what they want out of the vacation, but also enjoy each other's company. I have many friends, but none that are as Disney geeky as I am, so you guys going together sounds like so much fun - it brings a big smile to my face! HAve a fantastic trip!

 

[lukenick1]

Despina and Lukenick1,

I think it is so wonderful that you you guys have each other as friends and Disney buddies! It's so smart to make sure that each family gets what they want out of the vacation, but also enjoy each other's company. I have many friends, but none that are as Disney geeky as I am, so you guys going together sounds like so much fun - it brings a big smile to my face! HAve a fantastic trip!

Thank you so much. We have done all of our vacations together. Cape Cod every summer, Atlantis Resort in Bahamas, Grand Cayman island this summer, and now back to Disney in Jan. We are very lucky to have such a great bond. Our husbands are like brothers and she and I like sisters. Our kids adore each other and its just one big happy family. We treasure all the memories we are able to make together Wouldn't be the same without them. However we did take separate trips to Greece but we thought about them everyday and missed them like crazy!!!