Help me decide between these options...please!

[wiblondie]

My family (2 adults, DD-14, DS-10)are going to Disney End of Oct-Early Nov and have never done free dining. Were more about the rides then the food/hotel, but certainly have our favorites that we eat at in each park, etc. That said, I can't decide what of these options we should go with. Our dates are 1027-11/3

POP with QSD (2 counter service and 1 snack per day plus mugs) = $2013.80
POP with DDP (1 table service, 1 counter service and 1 snack per day plus mugs)= $2477.20
Port Orleans FQ DDP (1 table service, 1 counter service and 1 snack per day plus mugs)= $2632.26

We've stayed at both POP and POFQ and the kids can't decide between the 2 either. That combined with the fact that I don't want to plan our vacation around eating (I know some do, that's just not us). I don't know if its worth the extra $477 or $632 to go with the DDP or if we would be more then content with the QSD. Historically we would do TS at HS 1 time, Epcot 1X and maybe a character breakfast at MK 1 time, but counter service or a quick granola bar/fruit in the room for breakfast.

Thoughts/opinions and why?
Thanks for your help!!

 

[mommyof3princess27]

What I would do is figure out which ADR's you CAN make(and which ones you want) as things are starting to get limited and then go from there. If you find that you have 7 that you can make. Go for the reg dining plan! Ipersonally would do POFQ-I would always stay mod if given the choice!

 

[kerplop]

I think if you're really against planning meals and have been happy in the past just eating counter service, I would go with Pop and QSDP. It's a good way to save some money. However! I prefer the moderate resorts after having stayed at Pop. It's nice, but small and there's not a lot of food options there except the food court. I too would recommend either POFQ or POR. If you really don't want to make reservations for table service, you can use your table service credits for counter service. It just reduces the value of the discount!

 

[momto2inKC]

I would go with the first choice...Pop with the QSDP. We did that on our last trip and loved it! Not being tied to ADR's and eating when/where we wanted was great!

 

[Karlzmom]

Pop has DBL beds, POFQ has Queens..so its a no brainer for me! For the price difference, I'd go POFQ and enjoy the upgrades that a moderate provide. Add in the boat to DTD....bonus points!

 

[Aggiegrl]

Don't forget you will also have to pay tips at those table service meals, so it will be more than $477.

 

[disneychic2]

We always do the reg dining plan, but last April we did just QS and we enjoyed that very much. However, we had a 5 year old with us and I think for that scenario it was great.

Working with dining reservations does not have to be laborious, complicated or limiting. You probably have a good idea of which park you'll be going to each day based on predicted crowd levels. Simply make you ADRs to coincide with that plan, maybe sprinkle in a few resort ADRs and you're good to go. DH and I are very much about the attractions also, but being served at a restaurant is a nice break for us.

Having said that, if you and your family prefer the freedom that QS meals give you, I would say stick with that. You know best what you like and what works for your family. Love the food court at POP! Good luck with your decision!

 

[Singinglizzie]

If your kids don't care, save the $450 and go with Pop. Only upgrade to the Mod if you have the extra $450 and YOU don't mind spending it. You will have a great time at either resort!