How much to budget for counter meals/snacks...

[Picabo]

We're not on the dining plan, which is ok by me b/c we plan to do many character meals/buffets and the most expensive TS meal we plan each day is aruond $30. Some meals are bkfst (Chef Mickey, Crystal Palace) too so, like I said, MOSt expensive TS meal is $30. I don't ENVISION we'll be spending another $20 per person between a CS meal and a possible snack.

I know the pricing is in a few places for each restaurant. So I'm thinking most CS meals would run us about $8-12 per adult. We could care less about dessert with a CS meal so not having that benefit doesn't bother me at all either. Do you think it's "safe" to budget that amount for our daily CS meal? And maybe $4-5 for a snack?

THANKS!

 

[88golf88]

So you are budgeting $45? The dining plan is less than $40 a day. I was just like you the last time we went. Figured that we could save money doing it on our own. Luckily, my parents talked me into the dining plan and it was MORE THAN WORTH IT!! We ate much more than $40 a day without even trying. For a 7 day vacation, the dining plan saved us well over $125. Plus, the peace of mind of knowing that everything is paid for makes the meals much more enjoyable.

If you are stead fast in not purchasing the dining plan, $40-45 is safe amount, as long as you arent going to splurge at all.

 

[AlternateEgo]

Here is what I have figured up... with the examples you gave.

Day 1
Crystal Palace:
$18.99 each adult $10.99 for your 3 yo = $48.97 + tax and tip
Snack: Mickey Bars x 4 = $10
CS Dinner: $29.03
Peco's Bill as an example
BBQ Pork Sandwich $7.59
Chicken Salad $7.19
1/4-Pound Cheeseburger $6.09 for your little ones to share.
Drinks $8.16

Altogether this day would cost $88


Chef Mickey's:
$22.99 each adult $12.99 for your 3 yo = $58.97 + tax and tip
Snack: Ice Cream Sundaes x 3 = $11.37 (figuring the little ones could share)
CS Dinner: $30.03
Electric Umbrella as an example
Double Cheeseburger $7.59
Grilled Chicken Sandwich $8.19
Chicken Breast Nuggets $6.89 for your little ones to share.
Drinks $7.36

Altogether this day would cost $100.37

The dining plan ($90.97) would let you choose your meals without reguards to price.

On day # 2 you could easily use your CS plan for breakfast at the resort and have dinner at Chef Mickey's and that would more than make up for the price of the DDP.

 

[Tricia1972]

CS meals are about $7 - $8 each
Sodas are right around $2 Each
Tax will be around $.65

So $11 is a good estimate for CS meals. Also, most adult meals are large and can easily be shared (without feeling hungry or deprived)

 

[etoiles]

Also, you don't HAVE to get sodas each time. DH and I are planning on getting the free cups of ice water and adding our own mix like crystal light or whatever to it. Those prices really add up.

We prefer diet non carbonated beverages anyways but those are rarely offered.

 

[Tricia1972]

Also, you don't HAVE to get sodas each time. DH and I are planning on getting the free cups of ice water and adding our own mix like crystal light or whatever to it. Those prices really add up.

We prefer diet non carbonated beverages anyways but those are rarely offered.

I agree, I can only drink so much Diet Coke in a week before I start to feel ill.

 

[Picabo]

So you are budgeting $45? The dining plan is less than $40 a day. I was just like you the last time we went. Figured that we could save money doing it on our own. Luckily, my parents talked me into the dining plan and it was MORE THAN WORTH IT!! We ate much more than $40 a day without even trying. For a 7 day vacation, the dining plan saved us well over $125. Plus, the peace of mind of knowing that everything is paid for makes the meals much more enjoyable.

If you are stead fast in not purchasing the dining plan, $40-45 is safe amount, as long as you arent going to splurge at all.

I thought the DP went up to $50/day for adults? Am I wrong? In anycase, i was able to get a rate about 40% off of the rack rate but cannot add dining plan to it. So if I want to save $140/nt on my room, then I have to NOT get the dining plan.

Here is what I have figured up... with the examples you gave.

Day 1
Crystal Palace:
$18.99 each adult $10.99 for your 3 yo = $48.97 + tax and tip
Snack: Mickey Bars x 4 = $10
CS Dinner: $29.03
Peco's Bill as an example
BBQ Pork Sandwich $7.59
Chicken Salad $7.19
1/4-Pound Cheeseburger $6.09 for your little ones to share.
Drinks $8.16

Altogether this day would cost $88


Chef Mickey's:
$22.99 each adult $12.99 for your 3 yo = $58.97 + tax and tip
Snack: Ice Cream Sundaes x 3 = $11.37 (figuring the little ones could share)
CS Dinner: $30.03
Electric Umbrella as an example
Double Cheeseburger $7.59
Grilled Chicken Sandwich $8.19
Chicken Breast Nuggets $6.89 for your little ones to share.
Drinks $7.36

Altogether this day would cost $100.37

The dining plan ($90.97) would let you choose your meals without reguards to price.

On day # 2 you could easily use your CS plan for breakfast at the resort and have dinner at Chef Mickey's and that would more than make up for the price of the DDP.

I'm confused? What is the dingin plan cost you state of $90.97? Isn't the adult price about $50 and children $10-12? (Granted, kids are no question cheaper on the dining plan!!!)

 

[Picabo]

Also, you don't HAVE to get sodas each time. DH and I are planning on getting the free cups of ice water and adding our own mix like crystal light or whatever to it. Those prices really add up.

We prefer diet non carbonated beverages anyways but those are rarely offered.

Oh we don't plan to have soda/drinks at counter service. I drink water most of the day. And will get the mug at the resort for coffee!

 

[onemaybaby]

I thought the DP went up to $50/day for adults? Am I wrong? In anycase, i was able to get a rate about 40% off of the rack rate but cannot add dining plan to it. So if I want to save $140/nt on my room, then I have to NOT get the dining plan.



I'm confused? What is the dingin plan cost you state of $90.97? Isn't the adult price about $50 and children $10-12? (Granted, kids are no question cheaper on the dining plan!!!)

I would call again to the CM because I got the 40% off deal too and WAS able to add the dining plan. Unfortunately, or fortunately, (whichever way you choose to look at it LOL) you can get two different answers from CM's sometimes. But if you are interested in the DP I would definately call again because the only thing I have ever heard is that you cannot add FREE dining to the 40% off.

I would agree, with other poster and go with the dining plan. I do believe that you will save money if you were planning on doing a character breakfast or table service each day. Just by reading these boards you can learn valuable information that will help to maximize your dining plan and get the most out of your money. Usually when I go to Disney I am on a super-tight budget, we only do maybe 1 table serviceor 2 at the max, during our trip. We eat breakfast in the room and either counter service for lunch or eat off site (if we are staying off site). It is really nice to not have to worry about what the kids or myself or DH want to eat or have for snacks as you are on the plan! Also the PP is correct, the adult plan is $39.99 and children are $10.99. Also, you can use your snack credits for breakfast which saves you $$ too.

Anyway, sorry for blabbing on!!

Stephanie

 

[Picabo]

I would call again to the CM because I got the 40% off deal too and WAS able to add the dining plan. Unfortunately, or fortunately, (whichever way you choose to look at it LOL) you can get two different answers from CM's sometimes. But if you are interested in the DP I would definately call again because the only thing I have ever heard is that you cannot add FREE dining to the 40% off.

We didn't book through a CM. :wink: It's a convention-type rate. No packages allowed. I think what I'll do is (as one of the posters did above) go day to day and try to GUESS at what we'd order and compare apples to apples. If I go the traditional route/regular package, the meal plan for 7 days was going to total $636.79. Now we're staying 8nts but I calculated in (for food) a budget of $1000 to give a cushion. I sure hope that covers food for 8 days. haha But I think best way to go would be sit down and do a best guess at what exactly we'd order (and which restaurants we'd go to) and cushion in about $15 in snacks each day.

 

[AlternateEgo]

I thought the DP went up to $50/day for adults? Am I wrong? In anycase, i was able to get a rate about 40% off of the rack rate but cannot add dining plan to it. So if I want to save $140/nt on my room, then I have to NOT get the dining plan.



I'm confused? What is the dingin plan cost you state of $90.97? Isn't the adult price about $50 and children $10-12? (Granted, kids are no question cheaper on the dining plan!!!)

I know this is after the fact.. but in case anyone comes across your post...

the Basic Dining Plan ( 1 table service, 1 counter service, and 1 snack/ per person/ per day) is $39.99 per adult and $10.99 per child 3-9

I think you said you had a child under 3 so they would be free but would have to eat from adults plates, or pay ala carte, unless at a buffet.

But like you said saving $140/nt is way better.

 

[AustinTink]

Oh we don't plan to have soda/drinks at counter service. I drink water most of the day. And will get the mug at the resort for coffee!

I'm with you. I only drink water at home. So, we all got ice water at the cs spots and saved a ton of $. The coffee at the resorts is gross. We brought our own coffee, filters and disposable coffee to go cups for the mornings. It was awesome. I had my favorite organic guatamalan blend every morning!

We also split meals at all CS and many TS places. I find the food at Disney to be just huge. Way too much for one person. Even with splitting I was full to the point of popping many times.

Have a great trip!

 

[DznyDreamz]

Don't forget to factor in tips with the DP. Or out of pocket for that matter.
They can really add up on you.

 

[Disneyof3]

The first time we weren't sure of the dining plan, we went to allears and found out what each individual of us would eat at the specific restaurant we wanted to go to. I then added up the tax and the drinks minus the desserts and appetizers at the time. I was only for a family of 5 going to save 100.00. So we decided to opt for the DDP. We have done it ever since. Good luck

 

[TnTWalter]

Just a reminder that tips are no longer included in DDP so you have to add another 15-20% on top. Now granted, this is just for the TS meals..but it can easily become $100-$200 depending on length of stay and price of the meal.

Trish

 

[buckirj1]

If the dining plan doesn't fit the way you eat, it doesn't matter how much money you save. Just sayin'...

The OP's best bet is to use the menus at AllEars as a tool to determine budget estimates, and then make a decision.

 

[kateydid]

i think your budget looks good. i was just down there last week without the DDP, partly because i didn't want to feel pressured to eat that much food and also because we didn't eat a TS every day in order to save some money and have a little more flexibility. i just looked through my receipts and my CS meals averaged $8-10. i carried a water bottle with me and refilled it with tap water when necessary. i didn't eat any desserts with my meals, but i did have a snack a day usually which wasn't any more than $5. i also saved a few bucks by buying kids meals when i wasn't real hungry. i agree with PPs though, go on allears and look at the menus and you can get a good idea of exactly what you can expect to spend.

 

[pixidust princess]

I have reviewed the menu's on allearsnet to help plan meal costs. We can't do the dining plan this time since we are staying off site. We do plan to eat a few meals at our rental home, but I am still trying to save $1000.00 for food for the 4 of us, especially since we will be there for the food and wine festival. I am very excited about that!