Help with calculating dining costs

[disneybliss2]

I'm trying to compare the cost of the dining plan vs. oop. When I go to allears, I'm using the menus and prices of each item to make my calculations. I'm having trouble determining the cost of buffets, because the prices are listed by a range. For example, Akershus is priced at 46.85-55.37. It states the price varies between season and day of the week. There's almost a $10 range there which is making it difficult to determine the amount to calculate. Other places, like 'Ohana has a $6.30 range, Boma, etc. (buffets)

We go in June so I know it would have the summer season rate; I just don't know what that is. I don't think it's the very peak (holidays maybe?).

Any advice on picking an accurate amount to get a pretty close estimate?

Also, are you charged for water at table service restaurants, such as Tutto Italia, etc. I see a price for sparkling mineral water, so if I order water I assume I'll pay $5? Yikes!

 

[bdklein]

I'm trying to compare the cost of the dining plan vs. oop. When I go to allears, I'm using the menus and prices of each item to make my calculations. I'm having trouble determining the cost of buffets, because the prices are listed by a range. For example, Akershus is priced at 46.85-55.37. It states the price varies between season and day of the week. There's almost a $10 range there which is making it difficult to determine the amount to calculate. Other places, like 'Ohana has a $6.30 range, Boma, etc. (buffets)

We go in June so I know it would have the summer season rate; I just don't know what that is. I don't think it's the very peak (holidays maybe?).

Any advice on picking an accurate amount to get a pretty close estimate?

How many under 10 years old and how many 10 and older?
That's the place to start.

 

[disneybliss2]

3 above 10
1 under 10

There's also a range for the under 10 age too though. It's not as big of a spread though so I could take the median and feel safe. Some of the ranges on the adult buffets vary a lot though which could greatly skew one's calculations.

Still...how do I determine the closest amount that the buffet (or even Akershus that's not a buffet but doesn't have entrees priced individually, rather a range is given) will actually cost? Take the median and hope I'm lucky?

 

[bdklein]

:Also, are you charged for water at table service restaurants, such as Tutto Italia, etc. I see a price for sparkling mineral water, so if I order water I assume I'll pay $5? Yikes!

If you order regular filtered water, there is no charge. And water is free at any quick service location, even if you do not get any food there.
There is charge for "specialty water" like at any French/Italian restaurant, at WDW or not.

 

[disneybliss2]

If you order regular filtered water, there is no charge. And water is free at any quick service location, even if you do not get any food there.
There is charge for "specialty water" like at any French/Italian restaurant, at WDW or not.

Perfect! Regular water works for me!

 

[bdklein]

3 above 10
1 under 10

There's also a range for the under 10 age too though. It's not as big of a spread though so I could take the median and feel safe. Some of the ranges on the adult buffets vary a lot though which could greatly skew one's calculations.

Still...how do I determine the closest amount that the buffet (or even Akershus that's not a buffet but doesn't have entrees priced individually, rather a range is given) will actually cost? Take the median and hope I'm lucky?

With only 1 under 10, unless you really like desserts with your meals, and will use the refillable mugs at your resort, it is highly doubtful you will save any money if at all. I say go OOP, but I am anti-dining plan for several reasons.

 

[Dizneydaz]

This is from mousesavers.com

The dates of upcharges for on-site buffet/character meal in 2013 are: 2/14/13 – 2/23/13, 3/8/13 – 4/6/13, 5/31/13 – 8/3/13, 12/13/13 – 12/31/13.

So anytime in June will pay an upcharge, the higher price. Hope this helps with your numbers.

 

[disneybliss2]

This is from mousesavers.com



So anytime in June will pay an upcharge, the higher price. Hope this helps with your numbers.

Thank you! I'll go with the higher price then. I'm a bit surprised because I thought it would be close to the high price but a teeny, tiny smidge less. I searched and found the various categories Disney has for the various times of year...value, peak, summer, etc. I figured since summer was classified as summer and not peak during the holidays that it would be slightly less. I'll use the highest price to calculate now.

Thanks again!

 

[disneybliss2]

What a coincidence! I ran across another thread on the restaurant board (main one) and a poster included this thread link that lists the prices of the buffets and what the cost is at various times of the year. Very helpful! I'll post it here in case others need it.

http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=3108466

 

[sfromma]

 

[navywifetill2002]

I'm trying to compare the cost of the dining plan vs. oop. When I go to allears, I'm using the menus and prices of each item to make my calculations. I'm having trouble determining the cost of buffets, because the prices are listed by a range. For example, Akershus is priced at 46.85-55.37. It states the price varies between season and day of the week. There's almost a $10 range there which is making it difficult to determine the amount to calculate. Other places, like 'Ohana has a $6.30 range, Boma, etc. (buffets)

We go in June so I know it would have the summer season rate; I just don't know what that is. I don't think it's the very peak (holidays maybe?).

Any advice on picking an accurate amount to get a pretty close estimate?

Also, are you charged for water at table service restaurants, such as Tutto Italia, etc. I see a price for sparkling mineral water, so if I order water I assume I'll pay $5? Yikes!

Akershus is a fixed price meal. Everyone pays the same amount and gets the starter bar and choice if entree from the menu. Dessert is brought out at the end and its family style. The photo package is also included with this meal (1 for a party of 4).

 

[nlyons75]

Not sure if I can post a link or not, but if you google "see ya real soon dining calculator", the first link is a website where you can download a spreadsheet where you input where you are planning on eating each day and it will calculate what the cost would be oop as compared to ddp. There's an instructional video that walks you through how to navigate the spreadsheet. The site does require you to register your email address, but the spreadsheet is awesome.

 

[Disneytwinsmom]

Not sure if I can post a link or not, but if you google "see ya real soon dining calculator", the first link is a website where you can download a spreadsheet where you input where you are planning on eating each day and it will calculate what the cost would be oop as compared to ddp. There's an instructional video that walks you through how to navigate the spreadsheet. The site does require you to register your email address, but the spreadsheet is awesome.

Thanks for sharing this! very helpful!

 

[disneybliss2]

Akershus is a fixed price meal. Everyone pays the same amount and gets the starter bar and choice if entree from the menu. Dessert is brought out at the end and its family style. The photo package is also included with this meal (1 for a party of 4).

Yes, I realize it's a fixed meal price (we've eaten there many times--love it!) but the price varies based on the season. Allears posted the range, which had a $10 difference, of pricing based on seasons, holidays, day of week, etc. but I didn't know what the specific price would be during the time of year we visit WDW. I was trying to get more accurate with my calculations. Since we have 3 "adults" in Disney's eyes now, $10 off on calculations x 3 can make a difference in my numbers.

 

[disneybliss2]

Not sure if I can post a link or not, but if you google "see ya real soon dining calculator", the first link is a website where you can download a spreadsheet where you input where you are planning on eating each day and it will calculate what the cost would be oop as compared to ddp. There's an instructional video that walks you through how to navigate the spreadsheet. The site does require you to register your email address, but the spreadsheet is awesome.

Interesting! Sounds helpful! I may put that tool to work. Thanks for sharing!

 

[Laineysmom]

For me, the best plan is to assume you will be paying the higher price and then if it turns out it's less, it's a nice surprise! But as a PP stated, June is part of the up-charge dates...