I think we're finished with the dining plan

[AMB1]

We've just returned from a week at Disney on the regular dining plan. Our children are 6 and 3. I don't think we will be using the plan again.

By way of background, we previously used the plan in 2009 but opted not to use it in 2010. This time I was really torn. We were travelling with my in-laws who like to book lots of buffets and, given the price of buffets, the meal plan seemed the way to go.

I'll admit the plan was the cheapest way to do the buffets, but I really got frustrated with the counterservice credits. The counter meals had large portions and we tossed so much food away. My collection of uneaten cookies, brownies and other counter service desserts that I was carting around in my purse became a running joke. I tried declining things but that seemed to confuse the CMs (my goodness a lot of time is wasted by CMs trying to explain meal plan entitlements to people!). One morning I was upset with DH for using a counter credit to get a breakfast sandwich (because that isn't good value for the credit) and he just threw up his arms in defeat. It was such a silly thing to be arguing about. The cost savings just isn't worth the aggravation.

So, I've now decided that I'd rather pay a bit more and eat what we actually want. Fewer desserts. Maybe some appetizers. Maybe an extra table service meal where I order a salad or sandwhich or something other than the most expensive item on the menu (but still get to enjoy sitting down and having a waiter bring our food).

The meal plan can definitely be a good value for some families (my in-laws find that it meets their needs perfectly) but I've decided that cost isn't the only factor and that I'd be happier eating what I feel like.

 

[SLM]

I think of all the years my daughter and I shared a meal from counter service restaurants (because it's HOT in August and no one wants alot to eat) and it was plenty for both of us. We had room for an ice cream later if we wanted one.Now my husband and I share meals because we still travel in August (and it's HOT!). We don't do more than two sit down dinners when we're there and I never had to feed teenage boys, so I see where the dining plan could work for some families.

 

[Cafeen]

It's great that you found what works for you better! While I'm a strong supporter of the plans, I'm an even stronger supporter of doing what's right for your party and do realize that it certainly is not one-size fits-all .

(I, sadly, don't have the option of sharing though... it's tough to split a meal between myself and... myself)

 

[AMB1]

I think of all the years my daughter and I shared a meal from counter service restaurants (because it's HOT in August and no one wants alot to eat) and it was plenty for both of us. We had room for an ice cream later if we wanted one.Now my husband and I share meals because we still travel in August (and it's HOT!). We don't do more than two sit down dinners when we're there and I never had to feed teenage boys, so I see where the dining plan could work for some families.

I know what you mean about the heat. We usually visit Disney in February and spend more time in the restaurants. This time we had hot, hot weather and all I wanted was a Mickey Bar snack and a bottle of water!

 

[AMB1]

It's great that you found what works for you better! While I'm a strong supporter of the plans, I'm an even stronger supporter of doing what's right for your party and do realize that it certainly is not one-size fits-all .

I agree that different things work for different people. My in-laws, for example, would be very stressed if their meals weren't paid in advance.

 

[SnipsNSnails]

I agree AMB1 we travelled with my grandparents - I heard enough complaining about the tips so I would have hated to hear the complaining about the actual prices! We did free dining - and while my parents and DH and I understood that we paid rack instead of using a different discount - we just kept saying "We got it for free grandma." And that worked just fine LOL That alone was worth it! However, we were travelling with 8 people total so we did a lot of sharing meals, if my mom and I shared breakfast and lunch, we managed to have room for dinner. We also had a 2 yo and there was plenty to share with him and we did have tons of snacks to take home. It was super nice to just be able to get a snack if that's what we wanted. My son would see Doritos and ask for them and the answer could always be yes. I have trouble with price shock so for me it makes for a much more relaxing vacation to be able to say yes to the kids every time and to have the thing I want most on the menu. If it wasn't prepaid, I'd be trying to cut costs and that's not how I want to spend my vacation.

 

[disfan4life1]

It is really nice not to have to tell the kids no if they wanted a snack. after all it is their vacation also. but I have to agree that it is a lot of food and melted chocolate cake down in your backpack is not a good thing...i now bring a ziploc bag to put my cake in and if they dont eat it soon then I toss it..several times I have given my cake to another family on our way out the door..it was never opened in the first place..

 

[lnh'smom]

I always liked to save my desserts (almost always carrot cake!) and put them in the fridge. The next morning, I would eat it for breakfast. I agree, CS is a lot of food. But we always get our money's worth on the dining plan.

 

[smiths02]

It is really nice not to have to tell the kids no if they wanted a snack. after all it is their vacation also. but I have to agree that it is a lot of food and melted chocolate cake down in your backpack is not a good thing...i now bring a ziploc bag to put my cake in and if they dont eat it soon then I toss it..several times I have given my cake to another family on our way out the door..it was never opened in the first place..

If you budget ahead of time, you don't have to tell them "no."

I also don't like the feeling of saying "no" you can't use your snack credit for that apple juice---wait until we get a Mickey bar or Dole Whip float b/c apple juice/bottle of water is a poor use of our snack credit.

 

[goofyintoronto]

I agree AMB1 we travelled with my grandparents - I heard enough complaining about the tips so I would have hated to hear the complaining about the actual prices! We did free dining - and while my parents and DH and I understood that we paid rack instead of using a different discount - we just kept saying "We got it for free grandma." And that worked just fine LOL That alone was worth it! However, we were travelling with 8 people total so we did a lot of sharing meals, if my mom and I shared breakfast and lunch, we managed to have room for dinner. We also had a 2 yo and there was plenty to share with him and we did have tons of snacks to take home. It was super nice to just be able to get a snack if that's what we wanted. My son would see Doritos and ask for them and the answer could always be yes. I have trouble with price shock so for me it makes for a much more relaxing vacation to be able to say yes to the kids every time and to have the thing I want most on the menu. If it wasn't prepaid, I'd be trying to cut costs and that's not how I want to spend my vacation.

I totally agree with this. I cannot imagine not doing the DP while at disney. Thats just crazy talk. Last year I did a 2 day room only trip before my 7 nights pkg started, and in those 2 days i paid oop for meals. i couldnt believe how much i spent on food! I konw myself, if i didnt have the DP i'd be feeling guilty about ordering the most expensive item on the menu. but on the DP, i can do that without the guilt! I wanna have a worry free vacay. I wanna order the most expensive item on the menu and eat dessert even thou im too full.

 

[jenjie]

Obviously each family should do what meets their own needs best. I just wanted to add that I read recently that you can get a water bottle in place of dessert if that would better meet your needs.

 

[bdoyledimou]

when the QS plan included 2 snacks, we ended out 16 day vacation with a fridge full of chocolate and carrot cake, and about 15 snack credits left.

Breakfast was a real treat because you got two drinks -- and the staff were militant about it .. so we would get chocolate milk, and then try to give it away to the parents of families with small children (it was sealed --)

But we love the DP