Help me decide = QSDP or OOP

[avic77]

Ok after thinking about past trips (both DDP) and our eating habits I am trying to decide about QSDP or just going OOP.
I have a family of 2 adults 2 Disney adult kids and 1 disney little kid. Thats means i must purchase QSDP for 4 adults and 1 child.
Last 2 trips we split Adult QS meals because there was to much for each of us. Desserts sat wasteing in the stroller and TS meals we had to force ourselves to eat at least 1/2 our plate of food.
So adding up if we ordered and ate everything in the QSDP (minus the cup cause we will never think to refill it as we are not resort hang around type) it will be $169.74 (sample menus useing prices on allears.net)
QSDP $151.95
BUT if i calculate just what we would order if we went OOP it would be about $115 (sharing meals, individual drinks, plus 2 snacks for each of us).
So should I save the money and just order OOP or splurge get QSDP and eat all we want without thinking about "cost"

 

[havoc315]

If it was me, I'd be thinking about the cost more by paying for the qsdp- I'd keep telling myself that I can't believe I wasted $35 per day!
The reality is, if you're not going to use the mug, and if you are going to "waste" some of the desserts, there really is no reason to go with the qsdp.

If you want the convenience of prepayment, then just put your dining budget on a gift card.

Even Disneys own promotional team doesn't claim great benefit from the qsdp. I believe they claim you *can* save 10%. Meaning, if you truly maximize value, you save about $3 per person, per day. So about 1 snack or dessert or the mug. If you skip 1 of those things, then the value is break even. Skip a dessert and the mug.. Then the plan makes no sense.

 

[mb_uh]

I think the disney adult thing is what really breaks you. I like the ddp or dxdp because for us it is about break even of what we would pay but gives us a lot of the things we want but hate to pay for (extra snacks/desserts/apps-dxdp)

If you do not really want the extra it is a waste- if you would enjoy having everything prepaid and splurging then go ahead. Not sure about when you are going but if you have the option of doing YES tickets and are willing to eat oop it would save you a lot more.

 

[akayek31]

I have stayed on property twice and went without a dining plan. I bought a $300 gift card when we went in February and that was enough for the 8 days we spent in the parks. We ate kids meals or went without a drink. Also with that $300 we ate at TS also. We bought one mug and shared between us. We are going in September for the free dining and will upgrade to either the regular or Deluxe plan not sure yet.

 

[avic77]

If it was me, I'd be thinking about the cost more by paying for the qsdp- I'd keep telling myself that I can't believe I wasted $35 per day!
The reality is, if you're not going to use the mug, and if you are going to "waste" some of the desserts, there really is no reason to go with the qsdp.

If you want the convenience of prepayment, then just put your dining budget on a gift card.

Even Disneys own promotional team doesn't claim great benefit from the qsdp. I believe they claim you *can* save 10%. Meaning, if you truly maximize value, you save about $3 per person, per day. So about 1 snack or dessert or the mug. If you skip 1 of those things, then the value is break even. Skip a dessert and the mug.. Then the plan makes no sense.

I just did the math and it was 3.55 per person more OOP then QSDP and thats eating everything QSDP has. So NOT worth it since we would not even eat that $3.55 in food

Also we will have a DVC villa with kitchen so breakfast and maybe a lunch or two can happen in room

I think the disney adult thing is what really breaks you. I like the ddp or dxdp because for us it is about break even of what we would pay but gives us a lot of the things we want but hate to pay for (extra snacks/desserts/apps-dxdp)

If you do not really want the extra it is a waste- if you would enjoy having everything prepaid and splurging then go ahead. Not sure about when you are going but if you have the option of doing YES tickets and are willing to eat oop it would save you a lot more.

We are going to YES class

 

[StuckInKS]

For me, if it was just $35 extra for the whole trip, I would get the QSDP and not think twice. No sharing, keep the mugs as a souvie.

Personally, I don't see how any two adults can share a CS meal at WDW. DH and I got the ribs/chicken combo at Cosmic Rays last year, the one everyone claims you can easily share. Even with a side of chili cheese fries it was not enough for either one of us. Not even close. We could easily eat one of those each and have a dessert.

I hope that didn't come off the wrong way, I just honestly don't see how two adults share these meals and leave satisfied

 

[sharonabe]

Here's the way I figured it out for us. We have 4 Disney adults (13 and 10 DSs).

We don't eat the desserts and we drink water. That is by choice and who we are.

So, I budgeted $40 for all of us for a QS meal as most meals are under $10. Most places we will not even use the full $40. The math is pretty easy, but that is $80/day for all of us to eat two meals a day. The QSDP would cost us $140/day. For $60/day we can also have breakfast at a QS or we can do 2-3 buffets during our stay and still have the few snacks/desserts/sodas we may want while there.

BUT that is just us. Our vacation is always centered around the parks/attractions/shows/parades and not the food. Neither of my boys are big snack eaters. In a five day stay, we may get 5-7 snacks total for all of us.

Hope this helps you or anyone else. DDP is really all about how your family vacations and not how anyone else's does.

 

[avic77]

We must not be big eaters. I know a wrap I got at a CS on my last visit feed both me and my DD11. I think a build my own dineing plan will work best for us. DD17 wants to snack around the world at Epcot Food and Wine festival So we will not be useing CS credits that day. Plus we have 1 day at Universal where we will be eating at least lunch and maybe dinner off property.

 

[goofyintoronto]

For me, if it was just $35 extra for the whole trip, I would get the QSDP and not think twice. No sharing, keep the mugs as a souvie.

Personally, I don't see how any two adults can share a CS meal at WDW. DH and I got the ribs/chicken combo at Cosmic Rays last year, the one everyone claims you can easily share. Even with a side of chili cheese fries it was not enough for either one of us. Not even close. We could easily eat one of those each and have a dessert.

I hope that didn't come off the wrong way, I just honestly don't see how two adults share these meals and leave satisfied

Bahahahahahaha! your post made ma laugh. LOL!!
I personally agree, from the QS meals i have seen, i just dont see how 2 adults can eat and leave satisified. For a peace of mind, i would rather have the dining plan and not worry about cost. Cause i know if i paid OOP, i'd be constantly worrying about spending too much. thats just how i am. I dont wanna worry while on vacation! Plus, my son is a BIG eater (i can eat too! lol)....so the dining plan will def do us some good!

HOWEVER, you have to do whats best for YOUR family. If you dont eat dessert or drink pop or snack etc, then perhaps paying OOP is best for you. Either way, you'll have a wonderful vacation im sure!

 

[havoc315]

Personally, I don't see how any two adults can share a CS meal at WDW. DH and I got the ribs/chicken combo at Cosmic Rays last year, the one everyone claims you can easily share. Even with a side of chili cheese fries it was not enough for either one of us. Not even close. We could easily eat one of those each and have a dessert.

I hope that didn't come off the wrong way, I just honestly don't see how two adults share these meals and leave satisfied

I'm not trying to sound judgmental, but in terms of food quantity, that is more than enough food for lunch for 2 people.... even 3 or 4 people if you throw in the side of chili cheese fries.

A normal adult should have about 2,000 calories per day. Disney does not release nutritional information for their food, but the side of chilli cheese fries alone, would have between 300-700 calories.

(see examples, http://www.foodfacts.info/db.cgi?db..._records=View+Records&Item=Chili Cheese Fries)

A half rotiserie chicken from Boston Market is about 590 calories.
A quarter rack of ribs is about 300-500 calories.
The mashed potatoes may be anywhere from 60-200 calories or so, depending on the portion, cream, etc.

So at a minimum, the combo meal with the side of chili cheese fries is 1,200 calories -- at a minimum. It could be as high as 2,000 calories.
So, if split 2 ways, then that meal would be between 600-1,000 calories per person --- A perfectly adequate sized lunch, when looking at a total calorie intake for the day of approximately 2,000.

Plus of course --- That doesn't even include the dessert that comes with the meal on the QSDP, or a non-diet soda.
Once you throw in a regular soda and a dessert.... even splitting the meal 2 ways, it would certainly be around 1,000 calories per person, or more.

 

[havoc315]

Here's the way I figured it out for us. We have 4 Disney adults (13 and 10 DSs).

We don't eat the desserts and we drink water. That is by choice and who we are.

So, I budgeted $40 for all of us for a QS meal as most meals are under $10. Most places we will not even use the full $40. The math is pretty easy, but that is $80/day for all of us to eat two meals a day. The QSDP would cost us $140/day. For $60/day we can also have breakfast at a QS or we can do 2-3 buffets during our stay and still have the few snacks/desserts/sodas we may want while there.

BUT that is just us. Our vacation is always centered around the parks/attractions/shows/parades and not the food. Neither of my boys are big snack eaters. In a five day stay, we may get 5-7 snacks total for all of us.

Hope this helps you or anyone else. DDP is really all about how your family vacations and not how anyone else's does.

Very good demonstration. The QSDP does not save you any money on buying just core QS meals. The so-called savings comes from adding tons of desserts, snacks, and refillable mugs.

It's an upsell. You can eat 2 QS meals for $20... But for just an extra $15, Disney will "throw in" the refillable mug, 2 desserts, 2 sodas, and 2 snacks! Wow.... what a bargain for just another $15! (Sarcasm intended. It is a bargain for some people, but for others... it's just a way to get you to spend more money)

 

[smiths02]

Even Disneys own promotional team doesn't claim great benefit from the qsdp. I believe they claim you *can* save 10%. Meaning, if you truly maximize value, you save about $3 per person, per day. So about 1 snack or dessert or the mug. If you skip 1 of those things, then the value is break even. Skip a dessert and the mug.. Then the plan makes no sense.

I would not tie up my money for the possibility of a 10% saving. Other than prepaying and the fact that it is offered as the free dining for value resorts when free dining is offered, I really don't understand the allure of the QSDP

 

[*QueenB*]

For me, if it was just $35 extra for the whole trip, I would get the QSDP and not think twice. No sharing, keep the mugs as a souvie.

Personally, I don't see how any two adults can share a CS meal at WDW. DH and I got the ribs/chicken combo at Cosmic Rays last year, the one everyone claims you can easily share. Even with a side of chili cheese fries it was not enough for either one of us. Not even close. We could easily eat one of those each and have a dessert.

I hope that didn't come off the wrong way, I just honestly don't see how two adults share these meals and leave satisfied

I feel the same way honestly. DH and I always finish our food. We're both in good shape and while at home I eat light but at WDW I am so hungry.

To the OP I would get the plan if it were me. I love planning disney food, probably because its one of the only places I let myself eat "bad."

 

[avic77]

Some people eat more then others. Metabolism personal choice whatever the reason . Some days my kids can pack away a ton of food and other days barely eat.
However we have noticed while at Disney they dont eat as much. I dont know if they are just excited, tired, or not big fans of the food. We seldom eat out at home so maybe the food itself is the problem. But whatever the reason they dont eat enough to buy an adult meal for each one and the kids meals suck ! DS would not eat a crustable and be happy.
So we will happily share 3 or 4 adult meals between the 5 of us, buy 2 snacks each a day per person (hubby said budget 2 i wanted to budget 1) and save or spend whatever we save or spend.
I dont want to do DDP as I am not wanting alot of sit down meal time this trip.

 

[StuckInKS]

I'm not trying to sound judgmental, but in terms of food quantity, that is more than enough food for lunch for 2 people.... even 3 or 4 people if you throw in the side of chili cheese fries.

A normal adult should have about 2,000 calories per day. Disney does not release nutritional information for their food, but the side of chilli cheese fries alone, would have between 300-700 calories.

(see examples, http://www.foodfacts.info/db.cgi?db..._records=View+Records&Item=Chili Cheese Fries)

A half rotiserie chicken from Boston Market is about 590 calories.
A quarter rack of ribs is about 300-500 calories.
The mashed potatoes may be anywhere from 60-200 calories or so, depending on the portion, cream, etc.

So at a minimum, the combo meal with the side of chili cheese fries is 1,200 calories -- at a minimum. It could be as high as 2,000 calories.
So, if split 2 ways, then that meal would be between 600-1,000 calories per person --- A perfectly adequate sized lunch, when looking at a total calorie intake for the day of approximately 2,000.

Plus of course --- That doesn't even include the dessert that comes with the meal on the QSDP, or a non-diet soda.
Once you throw in a regular soda and a dessert.... even splitting the meal 2 ways, it would certainly be around 1,000 calories per person, or more.

In terms of calorie quantity maybe, but actual food quantity, no. There is no way that meal is going to fill up even my 4 small kids, and the biggest one is under the 3% in weight for her age group. She not a huge eater, but it takes more than 2 dinky ribs and half an ice cream scoop of mashed potatoes to fill her up (which is what she'd get if she split it with her siblings) or she'd have to have a snack or two an hour later.

Just because something is loaded with calories does not mean it is filling and I'm not going to starve because of this. Truthfully, no one in my family needs to worry about calories (DH looks near anorexic in our beach pics from last year .) I make sure they eat healthy at home (regardless of the caloric intake) and when we eat out, we just eat whatever we want. Last night my dinner came it at under 500 calories (not on purpose, just what I wanted to eat) and I was full for the rest of the night, but at Disney I may have to eat 1,200 calories for lunch to be full. It is a lot of walking and I don't want to be in a situation where I feel sick because I didn't get full.

 

[goofyintoronto]

I'm not trying to sound judgmental, but in terms of food quantity, that is more than enough food for lunch for 2 people.... even 3 or 4 people if you throw in the side of chili cheese fries. >>>YOU think it should be enough for 2 or more ppl to share, but thats not a fair call to make considering you dont know how other ppl eat and what their appetites are like.

A normal adult should have about 2,000 calories per day. Disney does not release nutritional information for their food, but the side of chilli cheese fries alone, would have between 300-700 calories.

(see examples, http://www.foodfacts.info/db.cgi?db..._records=View+Records&Item=Chili Cheese Fries)

A half rotiserie chicken from Boston Market is about 590 calories.
A quarter rack of ribs is about 300-500 calories.
The mashed potatoes may be anywhere from 60-200 calories or so, depending on the portion, cream, etc.

So at a minimum, the combo meal with the side of chili cheese fries is 1,200 calories -- at a minimum. It could be as high as 2,000 calories.
So, if split 2 ways, then that meal would be between 600-1,000 calories per person --- A perfectly adequate sized lunch, when looking at a total calorie intake for the day of approximately 2,000.

Just because it has tons of calories it doesnt mean it'll fill me up! So if a dinky burger has 1000 calories, i should split it with my son and be satisfied just cause i got my caloric intake for that meal???? Not gonna happen! Esp with all the walking at disney, I tend to eat more than usual.

In terms of calorie quantity maybe, but actual food quantity, no. There is no way that meal is going to fill up even my 4 small kids, and the biggest one is under the 3% in weight for her age group. She not a huge eater, but it takes more than 2 dinky ribs and half an ice cream scoop of mashed potatoes to fill her up (which is what she'd get if she split it with her siblings) or she'd have to have a snack or two an hour later.

Just because something is loaded with calories does not mean it is filling and I'm not going to starve because of this. Truthfully, no one in my family needs to worry about calories (DH looks near anorexic in our beach pics from last year .) I make sure they eat healthy at home (regardless of the caloric intake) and when we eat out, we just eat whatever we want. Last night my dinner came it at under 500 calories (not on purpose, just what I wanted to eat) and I was full for the rest of the night, but at Disney I may have to eat 1,200 calories for lunch to be full. It is a lot of walking and I don't want to be in a situation where I feel sick because I didn't get full.

>>>> I agree with you 100%!

 

[havoc315]

Just because it has tons of calories it doesnt mean it'll fill me up! So if a dinky burger has 1000 calories, i should split it with my son and be satisfied just cause i got my caloric intake for that meal???? Not gonna happen! Esp with all the walking at disney, I tend to eat more than usual.


A ton of calories SHOULD fill you up. Just like fire should burn you. And ice should freeze you. It's simple science. If you don't eat calories, you will get hungry. When you eat a ton of calories, you will get full.

I'm not talking about you personally, as I don't know you. Problem in general though, many people have grown accustomed to over-eating. They have basically built up a "tolerance"--- they are so used to over-sized portions, that their body comes to expect it. It's the reason why over half of all Americans are clinically overweight. The average American is practically obese. (Yes,, I see you are Canadian, so obviously not talking about you, lol).

1,500-2,000 calories -- The amount in a full combo meal, with soda and dessert.. *should* be more than enough to overstuff any normal person.

 

[avic77]

I was just asking opinions if QSDP made sense finacially not looking to start a debate over how much food is enough or too much. Obviously I have decided for my family OOP will make more sense finacially and we will still enjoy adequate food for our physical needs. I can always order more if we are hungry.

Can the overeating / undereating debate close please?

 

[avic77]

For me, if it was just $35 extra for the whole trip, I would get the QSDP and not think twice. No sharing, keep the mugs as a souvie.

Personally, I don't see how any two adults can share a CS meal at WDW. DH and I got the ribs/chicken combo at Cosmic Rays last year, the one everyone claims you can easily share. Even with a side of chili cheese fries it was not enough for either one of us. Not even close. We could easily eat one of those each and have a dessert.

I hope that didn't come off the wrong way, I just honestly don't see how two adults share these meals and leave satisfied

Two adults would not share. DH and DS would share and me and DD 11 would share. DD17 would get her own plate of food as she does eat the most of all of us.

 

[avic77]

Very good demonstration. The QSDP does not save you any money on buying just core QS meals. The so-called savings comes from adding tons of desserts, snacks, and refillable mugs.

It's an upsell. You can eat 2 QS meals for $20... But for just an extra $15, Disney will "throw in" the refillable mug, 2 desserts, 2 sodas, and 2 snacks! Wow.... what a bargain for just another $15! (Sarcasm intended. It is a bargain for some people, but for others... it's just a way to get you to spend more money)

Thats what I figured out and since i dont need refill mugs or desserts and maybe not even 1 of the snack credits.... its not a value for me.