How am I saving money with the 2012 DDP??

[Cafeen]

But herein lies the real issue. In your OOP example above, you have factored in a meal at Ohana which includes dessert, and you have also factored in a dessert at lunch after downing a hefty pork sandwich. And on top of that, you add in a $5 snack. As one PP noted, "who does this? day after day?" If you pay OOP for everything that the DDP gives you, then you probably do save a bit on the plan. But if you don't eat two desserts plus a snack every day, (or if you prefer salads and appetizers which would have to be added on to your DDP cost), then you do better OOP. If you limit yourself to one dessert every day, (and frankly, the size of the desserts at WDW lend themselves to being split, so that would come out to 1/2 of a dessert per day), and an occasional snack, and you don't worry about chugging a gallon of sugary soda every day with your "free" mug, then you definitely come out ahead OOP. But if you buy everything on the plan and use your mug to its fullest extent, you save money on the plan. And you can use your savings to pay your co-pay when you go to the cardiologist!

There's two "checks" that need to be done though. The first is if your plan fits with the DDP, the 2nd (which is done when the first passes) is the math.

If you're not going to utilize the plan as designed, then chances are you're not going to save money on it. It's the way it works and it's the way it was designed.

So, for the numbers above, this suggests that the hypothetical user already passed the first check, so that negates the "who does this?". That hypothetical user does this.

The answer to "Could I pay less OOP?" is always yes. Always. You could easily skip stuff that's included, and downgrade your intended entree (or restaurant), just to save money. I could bring PB&J and drink tap water every day in the parks and spend next to nothing on food. The true question is "Could I pay less OOP and still get what I want?" Some may say yes, and others may say no, and this difference is fine. DDP (and it's children) does not work for everyone, nor is it intended to. It can, and does (even at 2012 prices) work for many though as the benefits they receive (savings, convenience, whatever) outweigh the drawbacks that are present (rigidity, pre-planning, initial time and money investment).

In other posts I have called this the "experience" cost. In the sense that is the experience you desire to have worth any extra cost you may incur by utilizing a dining plan vs. paying out of pocket? In my case, for 2011, I am spending an extra $350 on the DxDDP than I would if my whole trip was OOP. For that $350, I'm getting higher quality locations and more food. The value of the food I'm getting for $350 is about $550, so in my case, yes, I was willing to spend the extra to have a greater dining experience. This is certainly not true for everyone.

As far as the health stuff, there are less unhealthy dessert as well as soft drink options (both for the included drinks as well as the mug), so that's a moot point. People are going to eat the way they're going to eat and judging how others should or should not does not belong in this conversation. You choose for yourself and your family, as others will do for their own.

Now, moving on, the plan takes more homework this year than it has in the past, that's for sure. There's no denying that it has lost some value, even Disney does not deny this (their messaging went from "Save up to 20%/25%" (peak/regular) to "Save up to 15%/20%"), and I certainly advocate anyone who passes the first check to look into the math more deeply.

Unfortunately, as much as they are brought up on the boards, a simulated 1 day run is relatively meaningless. 1 day has very little wiggle room, it's the way things work. In a post earlier this week I had a family that saved 32% at Chef Mickey's to turn around and save 2.5% at Kona (both with the same CS meal and snack). They're too easily skewed. This really needs to be compared to an individual party's intended plan, or an over all "most popular" plan (which would be skewed as some of the popular places are simply popular for the value of TS credit anyway) over the course of a simulated trip to really be of any value. Of course, that's a lot of numbers and more work than I'm willing to do.

I guess this is my very long-winded way of saying, what works for one doesn't necessarily work for another. Just because it doesn't fit your style or situation, does not mean it won't work (even at the 2012 prices) for someone else's. Just because you don't realize any savings with your intended plans, does not mean that savings are truly impossible or even improbable for many others.

 

[Tara922c]

I did the math, and for 7 days of the dining plan, 2 adults and one kid, it will be about 820 bucks. That is a LOT of money for food! Then I went through the menu and priced what we would get if paying OPP. I picked 7 TS places, and averaged about 30 a day for CS. Plus 4 dollars for snacks, and factored in the price of a mug. I am saving under 100 bucks on the plan, but didn't include many deserts. Being said, if I didn't do the plan I would have to listen to Dh complain all day how we just spent 80 bucks on a buffet comparable to golden corral. I price out the trips, tell him the price, and he agrees. For me it is just easier to know the food is paid for up front. No, we normally don't do desserts at every meal, but on vacation is nice.

 

[JimmyV]

So, for the numbers above, this suggests that the hypothetical user already passed the first check, so that negates the "who does this?". That hypothetical user does this.

I don't agree completely. Many people eat what is on the plan because it is on the plan as opposed to how they eat every other day of the year. Did you have a slice of cheescake after your lunch today? Didn't think so. And people readily fall back on the "but there are other healthy options that you can choose from" argument. True enough. But the slices of pie in the checkout line always seem to outpace the carrot sticks.

You could easily skip stuff that's included, and downgrade your intended entree (or restaurant), just to save money. I could bring PB&J and drink tap water every day in the parks and spend next to nothing on food.

But my math shows that you do not have to downgrade or bring in your own food to save money. The ONLY thing you need to do to save money is not eat 2 desserts plus a snack every day. I am sorry if that suggestion offends you, but a careful study of the math reveals that OOP appetizers added to DDP meals, and OOP desserts purchased by non-DDP diners are exactly where the delta lies between savings and overage. Almost every other element of the dining experience is a wash.

In my case, for 2011, I am spending an extra $350 on the DxDDP than I would if my whole trip was OOP. For that $350, I'm getting higher quality locations and more food. The value of the food I'm getting for $350 is about $550, so in my case, yes, I was willing to spend the extra to have a greater dining experience. This is certainly not true for everyone.

And this now becomes even more quizzical. If high dining experieinces are what you are after, and saving money is a secondary concern, (or maybe tertiary since you are so far off level for your trip), then it begs the question: why not skip the plan and open yourself up to the highest level of dining experieinces? The very best restaurants are not on the plan. Your example above must be leaving something out, because the DxDP does not open any doors to you that are not otherwise opened by paying OOP. So why would one pay $350 more just for the sake of being able to say: "I am on a plan"? You state that you are getting higher quality locations and more food by being on the plan. How so? Every restaurant that you are going to and every thing you order is available OOP. So being on the plan cannot be the factor that ups the quality of the dining experience. You lost me there.

People are going to eat the way they're going to eat and judging how others should or should not does not belong in this conversation.

Again, I disagree. When people who are unfamiliar with the plans want to know how they work, what they get, and how to compare apples to apples, (or cheesecake to cheesecake), I think it is absolutely appropriate to point out that one of the critical features of the plans, (and in fact the single biggest factor in achieiving cost equity) is the treatment of desserts and snacks. Without an appreciation for the fact that you are losing money on the plan if you do not eat everything offered, and that everything offered includes two desserts and a snack a day, then one cannot fairly evaluate the cost of the plan. I make no apologies for the fact that any discussion of snacks, sodas and desserts is inextricably linked to healthy eating on some level. What if the meal plan came with a pack of cigarettes a day? Could you have a discussion about the value of such without implicating health issues?

I guess this is my very long-winded way of saying, what works for one doesn't necessarily work for another. Just because it doesn't fit your style or situation, does not mean it won't work (even at the 2012 prices) for someone else's. Just because you don't realize any savings with your intended plans, does not mean that savings are truly impossible or even improbable for many others.

Which is exactly what I posted above. On this we agree. Every family has to make predictions about what they are likely to eat and how often. And I will rest on the fact that very, very few people eat the number of desserts and snacks per day, every day, that the plans provide. If some do it at WDW because "hey! we're on vacation", then fine. More power to them. Their choice. Free country and all that. But if others are eating all that food only "because we paid for it" and "we don't want to waste our money", then I would urge those people to do a little more homework and not reflexively assume that the plans are right for all people all the time.

 

[havoc315]

As far as the health stuff, there are less unhealthy dessert as well as soft drink options (both for the included drinks as well as the mug), so that's a moot point. People are going to eat the way they're going to eat and judging how others should or should not does not belong in this conversation. You choose for yourself and your family, as others will do for their own.

I have tip toed around this issue before, because I do not want to start a massively emotional debate. Other people's eating habits are not my business.

But it is not a "moot point." The fact is, Disney's dining plan is designed in a way that promotes some questionable eating habits, and a healthier eater is less likely to get value from the plan.
While there are some menu choices that are "less unhealthy" than others, often the most healthy options are excluded.
Look at the refillable mug --- There are really no "less unhealthy" options --- Unless you use it to refill tap water (which is free), all the options are typically unhealthy. Sure, you can get diet soda... Less directly fattening, but diet experts will tell you the dangers of the artificial sweeteners. They don't offer milk or real juices (just the 5% juice unhealthy stuff) for children in their mugs. Thus, the only options for the mug, are pretty unhealthy options.

Snacks and desserts aren't too much different. Yes, there are some "less unhealthy" options. But not many. And the less unhealthy options are often much cheaper (and less value), than the most unhealthy options. Yes, you can get a fruit cup for a dessert at most restaurants --- but the house salad is the same price as the chocolate cake. Yet, they won't let you substitute the house salad for dessert... or let you substitute a side of vegetables for the dessert.

And of course, this is somewhat unavoidable -- But in pursuit of value in the DDP, people are often driven to the more expensive entrees... which are usually bigger portions, more caloric, and less healthy.

I'm not saying that healthy eaters cannot possibly get benefit from the DDP. I'm not saying that the DDP is only good for people with bad eating habits.
But I am saying that the DDP is designed in a way that caters to the bad eating habits that are becoming far too common in America. (Inlcuding my own stomach at times).

I'd love to see an entire revision of dining plans, that does not promote rigid eating habits, especially not bad eating habits.

What I'd love to see --- Disney should offer pre-paid Dining cards (like gift cards, but only good for dining on site). They can cover tips... and appetizers... and snacks.... and desserts... and salads.... and sides..... Basically, everything on the menu.
Build in a little bit of savings --- A $100 Dining Card can be pre-purchased for $95 or $90.
So, if I expect to spend $500 on property for food, I can buy a $500 dining card for $450 or so.

From my perspective as the consumer, I get clearly defined savings, and I get the convenience of pre-payment. I also get maximum flexibility, to use the $$$ however I want.

From Disney's perspective --- They get to collect dining payments in advance (can require purchase of dining cards prior to the trip), and they can use the cards to promote dining on site.

Why is Disney unlikely to adopt my plan? While I suspect my plan would still be profitable for Disney.... They probably find their current plan more profitable. Under my plan... while some people would still buy over-priced refilllable mugs.... Many other people would use their dining dollars only for entrees, etc... that have low markups. The way the DDP is designed, they get you to pay full price for the regular food.... and then they give you a discount on lots and lots of soda in your refillable mug (which has a massive markup, and really costs Disney very little). Under my plan.... the person who only spends $45 per day on food at Disney... would now play less.... only $41 by using their pre-paid card for the day. But under the current system, that person is persuaded to get the DDP for $51... so give Disney extra money. (In return, getting those cheap desserts and sodas that they otherwise would have passed on).

Disney makes more money when people eat and drink unhealthy. Unfortunately.

 

[Sandy321]

Cafeen and Havoc I really appreciate the time you took to post on this topic -

You've made excellent points, and I appreciate it!

it is a shock to put that $51 per day per person out there for vacation - but then you have to factor in Disney!

and for the last 2 or 3 Disney Trips we have always paid for our California Grill (a 2TS place on the Dining Plan) out of pocket... so again, it depends on how you vacation, where you will eat, and what it comes to. We also tend to take desserts back to our room with us...

Tara there's a lot to be said for that!! and probably Disney knows it too!! lol - but again, seeing the numbers and posts from Cafeen and Havoc, added to your point, I'm now leaning towards the Dining Plan!

I have even looked at Boardwalk places not on the Dining Plan - but what tipped the scale for me was the Drinks and tip -

 

[Colleen27]

Look at the refillable mug --- There are really no "less unhealthy" options --- Unless you use it to refill tap water (which is free), all the options are typically unhealthy. Sure, you can get diet soda... Less directly fattening, but diet experts will tell you the dangers of the artificial sweeteners. They don't offer milk or real juices (just the 5% juice unhealthy stuff) for children in their mugs. Thus, the only options for the mug, are pretty unhealthy options.

They do offer tea as a less unhealthy option. None of us are big soda drinkers but we go through gallons of tea in our mugs every trip, mostly the plain unsweetened though the kids sometimes like the sweet/flavored teas for a change.

Snacks and desserts aren't too much different. Yes, there are some "less unhealthy" options. But not many. And the less unhealthy options are often much cheaper (and less value), than the most unhealthy options. Yes, you can get a fruit cup for a dessert at most restaurants --- but the house salad is the same price as the chocolate cake. Yet, they won't let you substitute the house salad for dessert... or let you substitute a side of vegetables for the dessert.

But you can get the house salad as a snack credit at several CS places, and most will let you sub a bottled water for your dessert which leaves more snacks free for higher-value items. If someone wants to eat more healthily on the plan they can, but it does take some effort and research.

What I'd love to see --- Disney should offer pre-paid Dining cards (like gift cards, but only good for dining on site). They can cover tips... and appetizers... and snacks.... and desserts... and salads.... and sides..... Basically, everything on the menu.
Build in a little bit of savings --- A $100 Dining Card can be pre-purchased for $95 or $90.
So, if I expect to spend $500 on property for food, I can buy a $500 dining card for $450 or so.

From my perspective as the consumer, I get clearly defined savings, and I get the convenience of pre-payment. I also get maximum flexibility, to use the $$$ however I want.

From Disney's perspective --- They get to collect dining payments in advance (can require purchase of dining cards prior to the trip), and they can use the cards to promote dining on site.

Why is Disney unlikely to adopt my plan? While I suspect my plan would still be profitable for Disney.... They probably find their current plan more profitable.

I think you're right. The problem with prepaid dining cards is that they don't remove the psychological barrier many people encounter when looking at Disney's menu prices. Whether it is a $3 for a single bottle of soda when that could buy a 6 pack a home, or $15 for a salad, or or $12 for a cannoli, looking at those prices will influence purchasing habits for a significant percentage of guests. Part of the value of the dining plan as it exists right now is that it does remove price concerns.

 

[rachel09985]

Does anyone have a more updated price list for WDW food? I was looking on the AllEars website and some of the prices date 2009, and 2010??

Wdwinfo.com

That's not the same is it? I have found that to be most accurate! AS well as Disney website for table service.

 

[Colleen27]

So we've always gotten the DP and love it. But after I did a little math I'm wondering how we are going to save money and would it be cheaper to pay OOP?? For example...I looked up prices and said what if I had dinner at GG ($35)...and lunch at the food court at the resort ($9)...and a snack...that is still under $52?? Am I doing something wrong? Is it only justified if you eat at the most expensive restaurants?

You really need to do the math for your whole group rather than looking at a single adult's entitlements. For that same GG dinner the kids' price exceeds the per-night cost of the dining plan for a child. Generally the more kids you have in your group the better deal the dining plan works out to be, so with four kids you really need to take that into account.

 

[Sandy321]

also another problem with the "gift card" option would be the "lost factor" If people lost it, or the magnetic strip would get lost... or... people would use every bit of the $500

With dining credits, there are always problems in managing those credits, that people stand in line at the resort to get fixed (and even more that people dont use all the snack credits, or all the CS credits, etc - so even more money saved for Disney!)

 

[Cafeen]

I don't agree completely. Many people eat what is on the plan because it is on the plan as opposed to how they eat every other day of the year. Did you have a slice of cheescake after your lunch today? Didn't think so. And people readily fall back on the "but there are other healthy options that you can choose from" argument. True enough. But the slices of pie in the checkout line always seem to outpace the carrot sticks.

The idea behind this is that what their ideal trip is should fit with the dining plan before they even decide to pick it up. Marketing is what pushes for everyone to pick it up, but for those doing the math, this should certainly be a large consideration (and if you look back at any of the "Should I?" posts, that's pretty much always my first round of questions). Since people tend to splurge on vacation and eat differently than they eat at home, it's a much smaller difference than it otherwise would be. Their desired experience for their dining in Disney will not likely match what they do at home.

I do agree that marketing pushes people toward the plans, and to tie this in with Havoc above, it certainly pushes people toward unhealthier dining choices (since the less unhealthy stuff typically is cheaper). It's a double-edged knife though, as if they bumped the price of the less unhealthy stuff up, there would be much more consternation from the anti-dining plan camp.

But my math shows that you do not have to downgrade or bring in your own food to save money. The ONLY thing you need to do to save money is not eat 2 desserts plus a snack every day. I am sorry if that suggestion offends you, but a careful study of the math reveals that OOP appetizers added to DDP meals, and OOP desserts purchased by non-DDP diners are exactly where the delta lies between savings and overage. Almost every other element of the dining experience is a wash.

This is true, you don't have to go to extremes to save any money, but you can save more by the extreme measures. And you may have to downgrade the experiences, depending on what you'd plan to order. I'm a steak guy, I don't eat chicken, pork, fish, etc. So my steak is usually one of the (if not the) priciest options on the menu. In doing my own math for the aforementioned trip, I would have picked cheaper options or less costly locations (both types of downgrading experiences) if I were to go OOP.

The PB&J example is a bit of hyperbole to illustrate the importance of experience. Of course you don't have to stoop to that level, but you have to admit, going to that extreme can save even more money than going OOP on Disney Dining.

And this now becomes even more quizzical. If high dining experieinces are what you are after, and saving money is a secondary concern, (or maybe tertiary since you are so far off level for your trip), then it begs the question: why not skip the plan and open yourself up to the highest level of dining experieinces? The very best restaurants are not on the plan. Your example above must be leaving something out, because the DxDP does not open any doors to you that are not otherwise opened by paying OOP. So why would one pay $350 more just for the sake of being able to say: "I am on a plan"? You state that you are getting higher quality locations and more food by being on the plan. How so? Every restaurant that you are going to and every thing you order is available OOP. So being on the plan cannot be the factor that ups the quality of the dining experience. You lost me there.

Risk (or investment in this case) vs. Reward. The cost of the super high-end experiences is too much for my tastes, plus I'm not really that fancy of a diner.

I pay $350 to save an additional $200, since my ideal trip matches (pretty much exactly) what the DxDDP offers. I enjoy the "on plan" restaurants fully and I enjoy being able to have 2 3 course meals per day. I do utilize the 2 snacks a day as well, but quite often at least one of those is some sort of drink. I don't attempt to min-max the plan either, it just fits what I want to do.

I recognize that this isn't the case with everyone, but it happens to be with me, so it works. I use it as another example to illustrate the "increased cost for increased experience", especially in how it ties in that my ideal experiences mesh perfectly with what my chosen plan has to offer (in both entitlements as well as savings).

Again, I disagree. When people who are unfamiliar with the plans want to know how they work, what they get, and how to compare apples to apples, (or cheesecake to cheesecake), I think it is absolutely appropriate to point out that one of the critical features of the plans, (and in fact the single biggest factor in achieiving cost equity) is the treatment of desserts and snacks. Without an appreciation for the fact that you are losing money on the plan if you do not eat everything offered, and that everything offered includes two desserts and a snack a day, then one cannot fairly evaluate the cost of the plan. I make no apologies for the fact that any discussion of snacks, sodas and desserts is inextricably linked to healthy eating on some level. What if the meal plan came with a pack of cigarettes a day? Could you have a discussion about the value of such without implicating health issues?

In a sense, you're right, but the people will desire to eat the same way whether the dining plan exists or not. On vacation, in general, people are more apt to splurge on things they wouldn't normally eat at home. I think I'm repeating what I said up above (it takes me awhile to write, and rewrite these books that I write... I said "write" way too much there) as well. In the end, people will desire to eat as they desire to eat. If they feel that the additional experiences in dining are worth the uptick in cost, and that they gain additional value for that extra cost, then it's worthwhile to them to go for it. (My example of the spending $350 for an additional $550 value).

Which is exactly what I posted above. On this we agree. Every family has to make predictions about what they are likely to eat and how often. And I will rest on the fact that very, very few people eat the number of desserts and snacks per day, every day, that the plans provide. If some do it at WDW because "hey! we're on vacation", then fine. More power to them. Their choice. Free country and all that. But if others are eating all that food only "because we paid for it" and "we don't want to waste our money", then I would urge those people to do a little more homework and not reflexively assume that the plans are right for all people all the time.

And I agree with you that they doubtfully do it every day. However, as you mention in part, people are more apt to splurge on their vacation, whether it's at WDW or anywhere else. I normally don't eat dessert either, but I enjoy it as part of my vacation experience. (TBH, I normally don't eat more than 1 meal a day either, but on vacation, I'm going the extra mile to be at least 2/3 of normal in that department )

And I totally agree with the "more homework" line. I'm not very sympathetic to those who spend thousands of dollars on a trip, and not do any sort of research as to what's included at all. I think that everyone needs to get the message about the plans that they can work, but it takes effort to identify if they are right for you, and then if your plan is right for them. Pick the plan based on your trip, not your trip based on the plan is how I used to put it (sorta, this is worded better than I used to say )

Disney Marketing is marketing. Just because a company makes a claim, doesn't mean it's going to suit your needs. Unfortunately, Disney Marketing tends to blind many people, even those who otherwise dig deep when given typical marketing lines. It's the nature of the beast and I think we all agree on that point.

 

[Sandy321]

Does anyone have a more updated price list for WDW food? I was looking on the AllEars website and some of the prices date 2009, and 2010??

right now the site I use is down - wdweasy.com (they got hit with a virus according to one comment he was able to post!) He goes every day, takes pictures of the menus (and condiments ) For instance he took a picture of an Outpost at MK that I didnt even know had food - he took a picture of the flatbread chicken sandwich - it was $9! and had hardly nothing in it - then he compared it to a sandwich at AK Pizzasaurus - so he has a good analysis of the better places to eat - compares the seating area, the food variety, etc at each park -

but unfortunately the site has been down since about 2 am last night.

 

[havoc315]

right now the site I use is down - wdweasy.com (they got hit with a virus according to one comment he was able to post!) He goes every day, takes pictures of the menus (and condiments ) For instance he took a picture of an Outpost at MK that I didnt even know had food - he took a picture of the flatbread chicken sandwich - it was $9! and had hardly nothing in it - then he compared it to a sandwich at AK Pizzasaurus - so he has a good analysis of the better places to eat - compares the seating area, the food variety, etc at each park -

but unfortunately the site has been down since about 2 am last night.

You mean easywdw.com

1 of the best Disney sites around (at least outside of this board), and it's free. At some point, TP may start losing business to his free crowd calendar. (Right now, I like to use both).

 

[mjp12831]

For a 2010 trip with 2 adults and 3 children on DDP I tracked actuals to validate this question in my mind:

TS: Boma, Moma Melrose, Chef Mickey, 1900 Park Fare Dinner, Donald's Safari Breakfast, Le Cellier, Akershaus $860.93

Quicks: POR Cafeteria, Avalunch, Typhoon Tilly's, Tangierine, Lotus Blosum, Pecos Bill, El Pirate
$462.17

Snacks: $105.77

Total: $1,428.87

Incremental cost of DDP on 2010 package price: $930.65

Difference: $497.28

Savings: 34%


Acknowledged that prices are now up from 2010, but this gives you an idea - we fed a family of 5 for $132.95 per day last year.

 

[MsPoppinsTX]

But I think you have to look at it this way (which I believe a PP has already said)....if you compare what you get on the DDP with what you would pay for those same items OOP, then sure, of course you come out ahead. The idea though is that Disney is getting you to "buy" things (thus include in your money saving comparison) that you may not necessarily have purchased had you not been on the DDP. If you would have purchased 2 desserts and 1 snack everyday regardless, then you probably do come out ahead. But if you don't, then I think that you would be able to come out better OOP by taking out the "unnecessary" items. However, if you eat at the most expensive sit down restaurants that take just 1 TS credit at each sit down meal (like Akershus or Le Cellier ...which I know now just the lunch uses 1 TS) then I think the DDP would save you money, even disregarding the inclusion of the dessert and snacks.

I also got to thinking about tipping and if you have a larger bill because of including soft drinks and desserts then the tip (if you base it on a certain percentage of the total bill) would be higher...which isn't included in the plan. Now some may argue that you would leave the same amount of tip even if the bill was smaller, but I usually do 20% of the total amount and I think that's fair. So if the total is less, then the tip is less.

 

[mjp12831]

My example shows us feeding a fam of 5 and eating pretty well for $135 per day (3 under 10yo kids).

Sure you can eat cheaper, but how much cheaper is the question? Could we eat for $115 per day?? Maybe.

But if you're saving $10 or $20 per day than over the course of a 7 day trip you're only saving $70 to $140. Is that worth it?

It's a personal question - I can only answer it for myself.

In addition to saving money, I like the DDP because you've basically prepaid your vacation - it relieves the stress I would have worrying about how much money we are spending at the table.

 

[Blessed_wth_Triplets]

Just wanted to add that the fact that the 2012 plan includes the refillable mug means NOTHING to us as we don't drink any type of liquid from those machines...always bought the bottled water for our beverage choice.

 

[havoc315]

My example shows us feeding a fam of 5 and eating pretty well for $135 per day (3 under 10yo kids).

Sure you can eat cheaper, but how much cheaper is the question? Could we eat for $115 per day?? Maybe.

But if you're saving $10 or $20 per day than over the course of a 7 day trip you're only saving $70 to $140. Is that worth it?

Looked at your list. Because you have 3 kids under 10, and because you did a ton of expensive buffets, you had big savings.

But how much cheaper could you have done?
For your family in 2012, the ddp would be $150.
With cutting any corners, a similar family could have a TS every day, CS every day, and have some snacks, for under $130 per day.

So saving over 10% per day ... With the peace of mind of getting what you want.

 

[Sandy321]

You mean easywdw.com

1 of the best Disney sites around (at least outside of this board), and it's free. At some point, TP may start losing business to his free crowd calendar. (Right now, I like to use both).

Oh drat - thank you for fixing that mistake

Just wanted to add that the fact that the 2012 plan includes the refillable mug means NOTHING to us as we don't drink any type of liquid from those machines...always bought the bottled water for our beverage choice.

that's the truth - I will say the one time we did use the machine was when Pop Century had the slushy machines, and even then DD may have gotten 2 no more than 3 cups of the blue slush (not always available, and way too sweet)

I thought about putting the same amount of money on the Gift cards, to use gift cards to pre pay for our Dining - but I hadnt figured in the tax and drinks,

as PP have stated the desserts with the CS meals are bad (imho) but we tend to go with Sunshine Seasons as a CS and those desserts are worthy of the calories - - and many times we find places that we can get ice cream for a CS dessert - but then use the snack credits to use to buy items to bring back home...

 

[mwatson011]

I say you can definitely do healthy and save on the dining plan. We did DXDP on two of our past trips, and both times came out several hundred dollars ahead without eating all TS and sometimes skipping dessert, and without gaining pounds.

For most of our CS desserts, we opted for bottled water or fruit, and for the TS, our DDs got 2 sides (fruit, veggies, rice, yogurt) with their meal, and the 4 of us split the 2 adult desserts. For our snacks, they have frozen fruit/juice bars, you don't have to order a monster sized chocolate coated ice cream bar to get a treat. Also, we purchased pitas and hummus, as well as fruit, soup, yogurt, raw veggies with dip, and yes, candy and bakery treats with snack credits.

I am, however, in agreement with a PP in that "free dining" is the only way it is worth it for our family. Paying the difference of the rack rate vs. discounted room price to cover meals for the entire trip has been a bargain for us every time.

 

[aubriee]

I'm with you, that is why this year we are going to buy an annual pass and a TIW card. I took the time and added up every meal and it was cheaper by a couple hundred dollars. Plus we get to eat at more TS restaurants this way too. I admit I love the convenience of DP and knowing your up front cost, but I don't know that it is really a good deal. I know it isn't saving me 20% like they advertize.

I've always taken up for the DDP and use it several times a year. However, after running the numbers and considering that I prefer TS restaurants anyway, for both my upcoming Sept and Nov/Dec trips I am for the first time since the DDPs came out, getting the TIW card and paying OOP. I refuse to skimp on vacation and always order exactly what I want without looking at the price, but even so, I can no longer justify using the DDP. Paying OOP is significantly cheaper. No way am I paying the 2012 prices for the DDP. TIW is a better deal and fits the way I really want to eat better.