How does the Dining plan at Disneyland work?

[CamoMama]

I'd just get a FP for free from the machines. You shouldn't have trouble getting a good one if you go in the morning or early afternoon. The key to a good spot isn't in the FP, it's in how early you line up before the show.

In my experience this is only partly true. Of course I haven't been to Disneyland since July 2010, but when we were there it was important to get to the FP machines early. Our FP was color coded, corresponding to a color coded viewing area. The best viewing area is given first, so it is very important to get there as soon as you can if you want a good spot, in addition to getting to your assigned area early to stake out a good spot in the designated area. People line up at the FP machines as soon as DCA opens and the line can get very long. If you're staying at a Disneyland resort hotel from what I've heard you can get FPs before the machines open to the public, but I don't know any more about that than I've just stated. Like I said, we were there in July and the FPs were gone well before noon, so if I were going to watch WOC again I'd make a beeline for the FP line directly from rope drop.

I used the dining plan when we were there in July, and while it was less of a hassle than worrying about whether I'd have enough cash, we had vouchers left over that I wasn't able to use, so it wasn't cost effective. The next time I go with the kids I plan to just load a Disney gift card with food money rather than throw it away on the dining plan. I really wish Disneyland would adopt the same dining plans as at WDW, when we were there in February it worked very well for us. We did end up paying for one meal OOP, but with the discount that the DDP afforded us it was still less expensive with it.

 

[skiingfast]

In my experience this is only partly true. Of course I haven't been to Disneyland since July 2010, but when we were there it was important to get to the FP machines early. Our FP was color coded, corresponding to a color coded viewing area. The best viewing area is given first, so it is very important to get there as soon as you can if you want a good spot, in addition to getting to your assigned area early to stake out a good spot in the designated area. People line up at the FP machines as soon as DCA opens and the line can get very long. If you're staying at a Disneyland resort hotel from what I've heard you can get FPs before the machines open to the public, but I don't know any more about that than I've just stated. Like I said, we were there in July and the FPs were gone well before noon, so if I were going to watch WOC again I'd make a beeline for the FP line directly from rope drop.

Your experience is no longer valid to apply to anyone planning to see WoC. Thing changed after it's opening Summer of operation. I'd suggest you read the WoC Superthread the SonnyJane and I linked above.

 

[micahy]

We have the chance to buy some unused Disneyland meal vouchers at less than face value from someone who just returned for the park.

We are also planning on purchasing annual passes, so will have the associated discount on food purchases in the park.

So - the $25,000 question is:

When purchasing food with the vouchers, will we be able to also have the passholder discount applied?

Advice appreciated.

 

[skiingfast]

When purchasing food with the vouchers, will we be able to also have the passholder discount applied?

Yes. The vouchers work like a cash equiviaent. You apply them toward the final price.