Help me feel better about not doing DP

[dairyqueenmom]

Thank you everyone for your thoughtful comments. The idea is growing on my and with the numbers I ran we could possibly save over $300.00. That is a lot of money.

I want to build memories not spend wastefully. I started planning our meals, easy/quick stuff. The kitchen is going to get used in our 2 bedroom.

We have also knocked off the park hoppers, that is a $200.00 savings.

I truly appreciate everyones positive encouragement.

 

[dairyqueenmom]

I've heard of children being defiant before, but I've never heard it used this way!!

Thanks My DH just pointed out my spell check error, but with my middle child that is her middle name!!!

 

[dairyqueenmom]

What are those? We have always had the DDP because we have always traveled during Free Dining and really love the DPP, but I am curious what other option are out there for DVC members.

The TIW card is the Tables in the World card, it cost $75 for DVC members. It is a 20% discount at most table service. It includes alcohol in the discount.

 

[Dean]

The TIW card is the Tables in the World card, it cost $75 for DVC members. It is a 20% discount at most table service. It includes alcohol in the discount.

It costs $75 for passholders. DVC members who aren't FL residents or passholders don't have the option.

 

[jackskellingtonsgirl]

If you have kids that count as "adults" but prefer the kid's menu, DO NOT go with a dining plan.

Our DS13 prefers the kid's menu. Last year we had DxDDP for part of our trip and having to tip on the full cost of the adult portions he didn't eat REALLY added up. We were paying $210 per day for the plan, then adding a minimum of $60 per day in tips. 3 people can eat pretty darn well for $270 per day WITHOUT a dining plan! We have a DDE card that we used for the rest of the trip and it worked much better.

 

[dairyqueenmom]

It costs $75 for passholders. DVC members who aren't FL residents or passholders don't have the option.

You are totally correct, we are also AP holders and I forgot that you need that to get the TIW card. Where do you buy the TIW card, this trip in Aug will be the 1st time we will be getting one.

 

[dairyqueenmom]

If you have kids that count as "adults" but prefer the kid's menu, DO NOT go with a dining plan.

Our DS13 prefers the kid's menu. Last year we had DxDDP for part of our trip and having to tip on the full cost of the adult portions he didn't eat REALLY added up. We were paying $210 per day for the plan, then adding a minimum of $60 per day in tips. 3 people can eat pretty darn well for $270 per day WITHOUT a dining plan! We have a DDE card that we used for the rest of the trip and it worked much better.

Both my adult priced kids would rather order from the kids menu, so we should save some money on the tips that way.

I also sometimes just want an appetizer and salad, so now I won't be locked into the entree.

 

[tink'smom2B]

Yes, Yes, we just purchased our first AP. Where do you get Tables in Wonderland?? We will never do the dining plan. Too much planning involved!

 

[rutgers1]

I've worked it out every which way. For our family of four, it usually involves either saving or losing about $50 over the course of a stay. In other words, the Disney people did their homework when designing the DP and TIW plans....so the main concern is your dining preferences.

My family likes the DP because we just think it is more convenient and gives us more of a "vacation" feel.

HOWEVER, since our kids are going to be considered adults soon, there is no way that they will eat enough to justify the expense. When the kids age out of the kids category, then that is the only time that I think the TIW card is a slam dunk

 

[Deb & Bill]

The Tables in Wonderland card (TIW) can be purchased at any of the Guest Services offices at the theme parks and DTD. You can even purchase the AP or PAP at the same time and purchase the TIW card then. That's what we did last year at DTD. It works at the International Gateway, too.

 

[Disneymom2266]

If you have kids that count as "adults" but prefer the kid's menu, DO NOT go with a dining plan.

Our DS13 prefers the kid's menu. Last year we had DxDDP for part of our trip and having to tip on the full cost of the adult portions he didn't eat REALLY added up. We were paying $210 per day for the plan, then adding a minimum of $60 per day in tips. 3 people can eat pretty darn well for $270 per day WITHOUT a dining plan! We have a DDE card that we used for the rest of the trip and it worked much better.

Last time we went, our youngest was already 10, and we were told she couldnt order from the kids menu because she is considered an adult. That did not sit well with my DH and I. If you want to order off the kids menu, you should be able to order off the kids menu. Especially with reading and hearing about chilren and obesity, that almost forces your kid to eat a portion that is probably even more than adults should eat.

 

[cogero]

we have never done the dining plan. we don't eat enought to cover the cost. We eat one big meal a day and then eat Breakfast in our room.

 

[Dean]

Last time we went, our youngest was already 10, and we were told she couldnt order from the kids menu because she is considered an adult. That did not sit well with my DH and I. If you want to order off the kids menu, you should be able to order off the kids menu. Especially with reading and hearing about chilren and obesity, that almost forces your kid to eat a portion that is probably even more than adults should eat.

That would be unusual. Often they will let adults order from the kids menu if they want those items. On a reverse note and I don't know if they still do it with the DDP and other changes but Artist Pointe used to allow children to order adult meals for things that could be downsized for half price plus $1.

 

[teacher2525]

We find ourselves in the world 2-3 weeks a year. We started taking the dining plan and although it seems cheaper something always haunted me that it really wasn't for us. So, I did an experiment a couple of trips ago.

We DID not do the plan - we ate what we wanted and went to all the places we wanted (CRT was on the list and so were about 3 other charachter dinners). I charged all my food to the room and added it up when we got home. I was correct. We DID end up spending less money than if we were on the plan. It wasn't much - about $50 less.

Why I am happy I made the switch to a non dining planner:

* Cost less
* If I wanted an appetizer I ordered one and didn't worry that it wasn't on the plan.
* I didn't stuff myself with a desert just because I felt it was paid for all ready so what the heck.
* I didn't worry about eating at favorites that were not on the plan like Fultons.
* I wasn't scambling around the last day to try use up those last counter service and snack credits.

Honestly - although most might not agree. I felt a bit more free to do what I wanted when I was off the plan and KNOWING that it wasn't costing me more - well that was just great.

I totally agree! I am going to make reservations and feel free to cancel them without worrying about wasting a TS or just order an appetizer instead of a whole meal

 

[Pig Pen]

It is too much money for too much food....we will never do it again. My hubby would add up as we went and he said that we ordered things we really did not want (due to price), ate places we normally would not eat (best bang for the buck theory) and were miserable because we felt we were always worried about missing our ADR's.

Kim

Ditto for us! We were also "miserable" because our bellies felt like we were 9 months pregnant the entire trip.

 

[Deb & Bill]

Last time we went, our youngest was already 10, and we were told she couldnt order from the kids menu because she is considered an adult. That did not sit well with my DH and I. If you want to order off the kids menu, you should be able to order off the kids menu. Especially with reading and hearing about chilren and obesity, that almost forces your kid to eat a portion that is probably even more than adults should eat.

My son was told the same thing on a trip where he wanted to order off the kids' menu and he was over the age of 9. We were on the DP and they could tell that he was 10+.

 

[rutgers1]

Another note about TIW....You can't use it at the counter service places in the parks. You can, however, use DDP. So, if you plan to grab food while in the parks, DDP might warrant another look.

 

[hakepb]

To me, the biggest advantage of not being on the DDP is flexibility. The DDP is not valid for all places in WDW, and if I paid for the DDP I would want it to cover all my food.
Without the DDP, I'm "free" to call Giordano's for delivery, or drive to Fuddrucker's, or eat at the Spoodles pizza window...

I'm happy for the DDP, it opened me up to more Disney dining experiences, Although to me, the 08 changes (no gratuity, and to a lesser extent appetizer) ruined it for me I liked to worry about no bill, I do not want to still worry about a tip on a pre-paid plan. Now I'm a happy DDE/TIW user!

 

[tea pot]

TIW card works very well for us..
More flexible .... we usually make 2-3 visits a year one family trip with 3 adult DDs (+ the occasional guests ) and two with DH and I. Last year the card paid for itself in the first two days of the family trip.
Best of Luck

 

[Tiger926]

To me, the biggest advantage of not being on the DDP is flexibility. The DDP is not valid for all places in WDW, and if I paid for the DDP I would want it to cover all my food.
Without the DDP, I'm "free" to call Giordano's for delivery, or drive to Fuddrucker's, or eat at the Spoodles pizza window...

I'm happy for the DDP, it opened me up to more Disney dining experiences, Although to me, the 08 changes (no gratuity, and to a lesser extent appetizer) ruined it for me I liked to worry about no bill, I do not want to still worry about a tip on a pre-paid plan. Now I'm a happy DDE/TIW user!

Actually, there are more places onsite that use the DP then the TIW card as you can only use the TIW card at a few CS places, but you can use DP at almost all CS places. Also, there are several major exclusions with TIW: blackout dates, holiday surcharges are applicable and several major restaurants such as Tokyo Dining and Teppan Edo do not participate in TIW program. It seems most DVCers tend to favour the TIW card, but in many cases, it might not be the best savings, and so a careful look at menus and snacks is important when trying to make that decision. The other thing is the cost of the card and auto gratuity to consider.

We have used DDE/TIW several times now, but since we have a child age 3-9 (our baby is still free), we find a bigger savings with the DP over the TIW card. We just did extensive spreadsheets (we only order what we could eat, so we did an apples to apples comparison) and the DP is going to give us a several hundred dollar savings over the TIW card. Since we prefer TS over CS, and normally eat 2 TS meals per day, we like the DxDP, but since we also do split stays, we do a combo DxDP and DP and spread them out over days (eg. 9 night stay = 10 days of eating), as well as eat at least 1 Signature restaurant.

I honestly think if you have 'adult' kids and drink alcohol, then TIW may be the biggest savings (although it depends when you go as holiday meal surcharges could be applicable), but for us, we find that the dining plans are a bigger savings, especially with snacks included.

It's great that Disney gives us so many choices, but for each family, it so much depends upon a bunch of variables as to which eating program is best for your family's needs at that time!

Sorry OP, I can't talk you into not doing the DP as I think it isn't as easy as a yes or no answer. Good luck making your decision.

Happy eating to all, Tiger