Help us decide if this is worth it!

[Ironman61]

My wife and I are going to Disney from 5/26-5/31.

I am kicking around the idea of purchasing the Dining Plan for us for our stay.

The cost for the both of us will be $455.88 ($75.98 for both/day, and we are there for 6 days, 5 nights).

We currently have ADR for 3 TS meals and Tea at the GF. Counter service will be for the rest of our meals. If we do not purchase the DDP, will we spend more than the $455? I do understand that the DDP will allow us to have more than 3 TS meals..what do you guys think?

I am relying on the experience of you guys, because this is our first time to Disney.

Thanks!

 

[maryt01]

if i understand; gf meals would run about 120.00 for two. that is 360.00 for 3 meals . counter service meals will run about 10.00 to 15.00 per person. the tea prices vary. you also have to pay the tip out of pocket now. gf meals are more expensive than most. if you like good food, try konas, lecellier, ohanas. i am jealous. i wish that i was going for my birthday in may. see the nemo stage show. enjoy.

 

[ginnibobb]

I think the DDP might work out for you. It would take care of the three TS meals you already planned for plus it would give you two more TS each to spare. Those two TS could be used for both remaining nights dinner, or maybe one signature meal (2 TS EA) . It would also give you 5 CS meals per person that could be used for breakfast, lunch or dinner. Some CS meals give you nice sized portions which could be split between the two of you. You would also have the 10 total snack credits. It really depends on how much you would normally eat. You could check out the menus at allears.net to get an idea of how much you might spend if paying OOP to get a better idea if you think it would be worth it for you or not. Personally i think you would be pleased with having the DDP, JMHO. Either way hope you have a great trip!!

 

[mom2aredhead]

Best thing to do would be to go here and look through the menus.
http://www.allearsnet.com/menu/menus.htm

Figure out what you think you may order for an entree, dessert, and non-alcohol beverage + tax for what you already have ADR's for. That's what the dining plan will cover. Then see if there are a few more TS you may want to add, keepiong in mind a lot are probably booked solid already, and add in about how much the CS locations would be.
If you'r planning on only using 3 of the TS credits, it's probably not worth it. If you add maybe 1 or 2 more, it could be.

 

[Ironman61]

if i understand; gf meals would run about 120.00 for two. that is 360.00 for 3 meals . counter service meals will run about 10.00 to 15.00 per person. the tea prices vary. you also have to pay the tip out of pocket now. gf meals are more expensive than most. if you like good food, try konas, lecellier, ohanas. i am jealous. i wish that i was going for my birthday in may. see the nemo stage show. enjoy.

Oops, I should clarify. I had our ADRs wrong.

Here is what we have scheduled:
Dinner: Brown Derby, Germany at Epcot
Lunch: Grand Floridian Tea
Breakfast: Cape May Char Breakfast.

Is the Tea or the Character breakfast covered by the dining plan?

 

[Ironman61]

Figure out what you think you may order for an entree, dessert, and non-alcohol beverage + tax for what you already have ADR's for. That's what the dining plan will cover. Then see if there are a few more TS you may want to add, keepiong in mind a lot are probably booked solid already, and add in about how much the CS locations would be.
If you'r planning on only using 3 of the TS credits, it's probably not worth it. If you add maybe 1 or 2 more, it could be.

THats the thing. If it would be worth it if we add 1 or two more TS, then we will do it.

Thanks!

 

[ginnibobb]

Is the Tea or the Character breakfast covered by the dining plan?

Character breakfast - YES
Tea - NO

 

[septbaby]

Oops, I should clarify. I had our ADRs wrong.

Here is what we have scheduled:
Dinner: Brown Derby, Germany at Epcot
Lunch: Grand Floridian Tea...Not covered by DP credits, so this would be extra if you got the DPBreakfast: Cape May Char Breakfast.

Is the Tea or the Character breakfast covered by the dining plan?

Add up the cost of those TS meals (BD, Biergarten, CM Breakfast), add in 8 more CS meals (you have 4 meals planned, at 2/day you'd have 8 more each) at $13 (entree, drink and snack/dessert for the day). A back of the napkin...

CS Meals/Snacks - $208
TS Meal planned - $200 minimum (GF Tea not included)
In my opinion you are so close I'd get it. You are talking $50 to trade a couple of counter service meals for 2 TS meals or a nice dinner at Narcoossee's, CA Grille, etc.

The ability to order what you want, w/o considering price is really wonderful and I can't describe the comfort level with that.

Is your BD a Fantasmic package? If so that will include an appetizer, if not the Basic DP doesn't allow for an appetizer. Those as well as any alcoholic beverages are extra (as or tips).

Have a great DH/DW trip!

 

[Ironman61]

Thank you so much everyone (Namely Septbaby).

I think we are going to go for it!

Do we have to make any changes to our current reservations? Or just when its time to pay the bill do I just give them the our room card?

 

[septbaby]

Thank you so much everyone (Namely Septbaby).

I think we are going to go for it!

Do we have to make any changes to our current reservations? Or just when its time to pay the bill do I just give them the our room card?

You won't have to change your exisiting ADRs. Since you've already booked 4 of the 6TS credits you'll get you could book the final 2TS credits (one meal or 2) before you arrive. When you place your order your server should ask if you are on the DP. That way he/she can ring things in appropiately and also guide you f there are any special items relative to the DP.

 

[hlyntunstl]

The DPs are usually per night based on your length of stay rather than per day so you would be able to purchase only 5 days of meals/snacks. It may have changed with the new package so I would suggest double-checking so you don't have an unpleasant surprise.

Also, if you're a DVC member, you'll have to place a reservation with Member Services at least two days prior to check-in (which is when you pay for the package).

The standard plan includes 1TS, 1CS and 1 snack per night and the deluxe plan allows 3 meals of your choice (TS or CS), 2 snacks per night and a refillable mug for each plan purchased. I think it depends on how many TS meals you plan on having and your preference.

Enjoy your first trip to WDW!!

 

[Luv2Roam]

Correct the dining plans are based on per person, per night, not per day.
To add it to an existing package, you need to do so at least 3 days prior to arrival.
If you do not currently have a WDTC package, and not a DVC-er, then you will need to convert your res to a WDTC that includes park tickets. (Unbless one or both of you have a WDW AP.)
Confused? And I believe the refillable mug is per person, rather than per plan.
There are also dine with wine packages that allow one bottle of wine per room per night, in addition to the dining plan.