Food Costs - How Much Did You Spend on Your Last Visit?

[hcipi]

Use this really handy tool-it compares out of pocket vs. dining plan costs

http://seeyareelsoon.wix.com/seeyareelsoon#!dining-plan-calculator/cxc0

we are DVC and get the TIW card...with that I have found by going out of pocket vs. dining plan (I am a big fan of the dining plan by the way) we save over $1,200!!!! That is huge! We eat out often, even though I have a full kitchen in our room- after all we are on vacation!!

Now that the kids are all considered adults (they think so too-) the costs for eating on the DP really jumped. Like a previous post said I have an extra teen coming with us and she likes ordering off the kids menu at times...a little more flexibility going OOP.

I try to not think of the amount of $$ we spend, I start buying gift cards when I book the trip and when we leave I have a huge amount saved to cover food/souveniers too. Our expected food bill this trip is about $ 3,400 (6 adults..8 days)

 

[JennyDrake]

Actually what I am looking for is an generic average so the more info from others the better. We have a group going so it's going to be all over the board anyway so I'm trying to put together numbers to help everyone understand what the options are.

Just my 2 cents:

I budget $50-55 per sit down supper buffet (includes tip) --no alcohol
I budget $75-80 per sit down supper non buffet --not including alcohol and having appetizer OR dessert
I budget $15 per counter service lunch or supper --drink plus entree, no desserts
I budget $12 per counter service breakfast
For each alcoholic beverage I budget $12 (I don't drink beer nor wine)

This budget has held true for me April 2013 - May 2015.

 

[VeeHam]

We went in Nov. 2013 and had the DDP. We ate 1 TS, 1 CS and 1 snack daily with the plan. There were 3 disney adults and 1 child. We had 3 buffets if I remember ( Crystal Palace, Ohana and Boma). I don't remember what the total was for food, but I do know I used all of a $150 gift card for tips. I calculated before I left home and that is how much I came to in taxes. Hope this helps you. Others have some great tips. I used the website someone linked to for our next trip and paying OOP for the DDP will save us $54. Woohoo! We plan on eating at Ohana, Crystal Palace, Sanaa, Les Chef, The Wave and Grand Floridian Cafe next time along with counter services CHH, BOG, FTB, Sunshine seasons and staring Rolls.

Forgot to add this was for 6 nights.

 

[Lesverts]

Thanks for this discussion and some of the links. It looks I can manage Disney for 8 days for around 385 based on the cost calculator.

 

[cbellasmomma]

LOL your the toaster lady! If your flying Southwest , you could pack a suitcase with a few breakfast items. I know someone who brings a nuwave in her suitcase along with instant pancake mix. She also has them for her kids dorm rooms because they are as safe as a microwave. You could bring your own instant oatmeal, fresh fruit , cereal etc. Most gift shops have milk. Just use the coffee maker for hot water. I don't think that they load gift cards in the system. You can charge things to your room and then pay it off with gift cards at the front desk before it hits the preset amount and charges your card. I think the preset amounts are $500 value, $1,000 moderate and $1500 deluxe/dvc. I am not certain on those numbers though.

Yep! I had NO idea the can of worms I opened up with that one.

 

[jacksgirl]

I love the DDP! I have a tendency to stress about money, and I'm a planner. The DDP takes that stress away. I pay for it upfront, then everyone can order what they want. And sometimes, as a bonus, we get it for free, which frees up funds for other fun Disney activities

 

[Heather Zampino]

I've done the math before every trip and we always do sit downs at the signature restaurants for most of our nights, it is way cheaper by several hundred dollars to pay out of pocket. With the DDP you still have to pay for your alcohol, tip and appetizer.



1996 - First Visit to WDW @ Dixie Landing
2005 - Off Property
2011 - Caribbean Beach Resort
2013 - All Star Movies Resort
2014 - Art of Animation Resort
2015 - Grand Floridian (upcoming)