I want QS, but will get DDP--how do I work it?

[mommymanda]

Hoping some more experienced Disney friends can help me.

We are planning a summer 2016 trip, and it has always been the pattern that our vacation/travel time coordinates with Disney's free dining offer. I'm basing the question on the assumption that this will happen again...if it doesn't I shall revamp my trip when the time comes.

I've crunched the number many many ways and for family of 5 (2 adults, 1 Disney adult and a 5 &7 year old) and it always breaks down that our best option/deal is to stay at a moderate resort with the free dining package.

Now here is where I need help. We've been twice before, both with the DDP. A discussion after our most recent trip was that the next visit would be OOP or only a QS plan (with one or two TS meals OOP if we chose). We just don't want to be tied down to reservations every day.

Again the way we eat and all the various promos and deals it still works out that it is cheaper for us to stay at the moderate with FD, which of course as of this year means receiving the DDP with it.

I know we can't downgrade to QS. So how can I make the most of the trip with TS? I have been thinking booking a couple double credit TS meals than it is still only one or two reservations. Does anyone have tips to help? My only other thought was to use TS credits at QS restaurants when we need to (and yes we will still be spending less $$ that way), but if it will be a hassle/argument at each meal I'm not sure it will help my vacation.

 

[Nancyg56]

I would see what a RO discount gives you for a figure. It seems to me that the DDP really does not work for your family, so maybe a Room Only and then either pay OOP for meals, or buy the QS, whichever makes financial sense.

If you still feel the Free Dining Plan is the answer, i would book a few nice 2 TS credit meals and maybe a resort breakfast on an off day. I am not sure how trading the credits will work out next year, but if the reports come back that it is possible without a headache, then plan that.

 

[KELLY]

This is the exact reason we stay at a value resort we prefer the QSDP. The rooms IMO aren't that much smaller and the only real draw to the moderates for us would be the queen beds. My kids are older but we go for 17 days and there is no way I want a ADR every day. I think over the 17 days we have Hollywood And vine Lunch for the Fantsmic package, CP Breakfast, Ohana Breakfast and Via Napoli and the Frozen Premiere Package. Plus a BOG Lunch and Breakfast.

My kids are older at 9 and 7. So if I told them we had to leave the WP to eat they would not be happy. Neither really would I. Takes to much time IMO to go back get ready then go back out for dinner. If we want something we just throw are cover ups and flip flops and go to the food court. Sometimes if we do get back early we will go to DTD to eat.

I understand because of your party size that a value isn't a option. I really wish if you did stay at a moderate that they would let you choose which plan you want.

 

[sharonabe]

Your best bet will be to use the TS credits for QS. I doubt you will have a hassle anywhere. My bro and family won a trip with free DDP and they used it completely for QS and had no problems.

The one problem you are going to have is getting free dining at all. For the past two-three years, the promotion hasn't started until September. There has been no free dining in August. I'm not sure what you mean by summer, but be prepared.

 

[chartle]

Also this year they added that you have to buy a ticket with either WPF&M or PH.

But its seems like they are limiting FD more and more every year. There was a big rant on the podcast.

 

[mommymanda]

Your best bet will be to use the TS credits for QS. I doubt you will have a hassle anywhere. My bro and family won a trip with free DDP and they used it completely for QS and had no problems.

The one problem you are going to have is getting free dining at all. For the past two-three years, the promotion hasn't started until September. There has been no free dining in August. I'm not sure what you mean by summer, but be prepared.

I am in Canada and so far the free dining starts late August for us. If FD is not offered (which I always prep myself for) than we will end up doing OOP CS meals, but cutting alot of the treats we usually allow for Disney.

This is the exact reason we stay at a value resort we prefer the QSDP. The rooms IMO aren't that much smaller and the only real draw to the moderates for us would be the queen beds. My kids are older but we go for 17 days and there is no way I want a ADR every day. I think over the 17 days we have Hollywood And vine Lunch for the Fantsmic package, CP Breakfast, Ohana Breakfast and Via Napoli and the Frozen Premiere Package. Plus a BOG Lunch and Breakfast.

My kids are older at 9 and 7. So if I told them we had to leave the WP to eat they would not be happy. Neither really would I. Takes to much time IMO to go back get ready then go back out for dinner. If we want something we just throw are cover ups and flip flops and go to the food court. Sometimes if we do get back early we will go to DTD to eat.

I understand because of your party size that a value isn't a option. I really wish if you did stay at a moderate that they would let you choose which plan you want.

I agree, we had a great price last year at an AOA suite we had upgraded to DDP as it was only our 2nd trip and had used it the first time and didn't think otherwise. This year though, even with FD the AOA prices jumped drastically and I'm guessing with the higher prices that show up for 2016 it will end up being cheaper to stay at a Mod or even Deluxe.

 

[rwdavis2]

People that have done far more research than me think the QS plan is a money loser vs. paying out of pocket unless you always get the most expensive item at a QS location. Even with DDP it's a toss up.