I need help!

[Ryann]

Okay, DF and I are going to WDW in a couple months, and as of right now, we are not on DDP. At first we didn't think it would be worth it, but I am now second guessing our decision. So, first off, can I still add DDP if I've ordered our tickets and booked our resort? If so, is it worth it? We are 24 and 26. I tend to sometimes eat like a bird, sometimes stuff my face. DF can eat a good bit. Here is where we are eating:

CS:
El Pirata Y El Perico (if closed, probably Pecos Bill)
Flame Tree BBQ
Kringla Bakeri
Sunset Ranch Market
Universal for lunch
Cosmic Ray's
Leaning Palms

TS:
LTT
Raglan Road
Coral Reef
Hollywood Brown Derby
Big River Grille
Tony's
Wolf Gang Puck Cafe (not upstairs)

I realized Brown Derby is 2 TS, but we will be paying OOP for BRG because I don't think its on the dining plan. Also, DF is a breakfast lover, so we will have to pay OOP just about every day for that. What do I do? Please help!!!

 

[kelleigh1]

One thing to keep in mind is that you can only add the DDP to a MYW package. You can't add the DDP if you purchased your room and tickets separately. It isn't clear from the way you worded your post if you got the MYW (Magic Your Way) Package or if you purchased things separately.

As for breakfast, you can get breakfast as a CS or a TS also, although it's not the best use of the $. And there are also many Snack options that could be used for breakfast. If your DF needs a sit down breakfast every day, then yes, you may end up paying OOP for that or wasting your TS on breakfast.

 

[smep013]

The reason we are using DDP is:

We like to eat nice dinners at table service restaurants. We would typically spend just about or more than $80 on dinner at these restaurants.

On the DDP, we pay $80/day ($40 for each of us) and get additional meals as well. For us, the math works out.

Since you are planning to eat at table service restaurants, it seems like it would make sense to add the DDP.

Just my opinion!

 

[missmun52]

If you plan on spending more than $65 - $80 a day in food then its way worth it.

I start at $65 because you could probably do this even going to TS but you would have to share and not get app. or des. most of the time. Why do that if for 10-15 more a day you can get what ever you want and not have to worry about cost.

To me its worth it! I think you should go ahead and get the plan.

If you got room only and tickets just call and have it changed to a package, you will have to re-book but I think it is so worth it. I cant think of going to Disney with out the plan .........ok i could but i would not want to

 

[Ryann]

sorry we do have a MYW package! I am seriously considering adding DDP, I am as we speak in the process of going through the menus and adding up what our bills would most likely be. Thanks all!

 

[kelleigh1]

The reason we chose to go with the DDP:

Last year, we went on a serious budget and used a number of gift cards and bonus cash (holiday bonuses, etc.) for dining. We allocated a certain amount per day and we stuck to that. We had no choice and we ended up eating off-site quite often.

This time, we really want to experience some of the Disney restaurants. With the DDP we have the opportunity to do that and to not feel that we're always restricted by the amount of $ budgeted for that day's dinner. It will already be paid for.

Could we get away with spending less than $80 per day (for the 2 of us) for food? Certainly! But would we get to experience so many Disney restaurants on our own for less than $80 per day? No way!

So while we know we could eat for less, we know that would mean eating off-site and limiting our menu selections and we just really want to try so many of the Disney restaurants since we haven't had the chance to do so in the past.

I've seen a DDP Calculator, which tells you if it's a good value for you. But I don't think the calculator can be trully accurate because as I said, if we were paying OOP for everything, I know we'd limit our choices. I feel the DDP is going to give us more freedom to dine...with appetizers and dessert. I think that you have to look at your own situation and figure out how you'll really use the plan and why you want to use it.

For us, 1 snack, 1 cs and 1 ts per day is perfect because most of the time, while were at WDW, we only eat 2 full meals per day anyway.

 

[Ryann]

okay I did it! We are now on the DDP..I was so scared before thinking we (actually just me) would not be able to eat that much, but its like I have this huge weight off my shoulders knowing I don't have to bring money to eat because its already all paid for. Thanks for the advice everybody.

 

[danx2plus3more]

i think you made a good choice...i have never been to wdw..first trip there is in 4 days...everyone in my family is doing to dining plan...5 adults..cause they consider my 12 yr old an adult...and can out eat most at a whopping 90 pound and my younger kids as well...40$a day for adults i thought is awsome

 

[Katiebell]

Could we get away with spending less than $80 per day (for the 2 of us) for food? Certainly! But would we get to experience so many Disney restaurants on our own for less than $80 per day? No way!

So while we know we could eat for less, we know that would mean eating off-site and limiting our menu selections and we just really want to try so many of the Disney restaurants since we haven't had the chance to do so in the past.

ITA! DH and I typically eat a TS a day at DL, but we usually share an appetizer and/or dessert, if we even get them. And you should see the negotiations that go on! It's like a meeting of NATO or the UN -- "OK, if we get the bruchetta I want instead of the artichoke dip you want, then you can have the steak. I really want the salmon, but it's $10 less for the chicken, so I guess I'll get that -- but we're not getting that nasty rhubarb cobber, I want creme brulee!" Let me tell ya, nobody stands between me and my creme brulee...and I could out-arm-wrestle my husband if chocolate is at stake...

So yes, we could eat cheaper, and we've done it, but it wouldn't be nearly as enjoyable We are really looking forward to being able to order pretty much whatever we want -- DL has nothing at all like the dining plan, so this will be a new experience for us.

 

[ktink]

I think you made the right decision. The DDP is a great deal for our family.