I have not priced out the QSDP, but last I did it was not much of a savings plan. I have priced and used the regular
DDP more recently (1QS, 1TS, 1 snakc eahc day) The regular DDP used to offer some savings, but in 2012, it's not much. It really only offers some savings if you use all components, and there's no refunds. On the flip, having food prepaid, can avoid the feeling of being nickel and dimed.
As pp popster said, it can be nice to have meals prepaid, and to know that this is effectively the max you will pay for food, but unless you follow plan and use all components, then it does lock you into desserts and drinks. We aren't huge on desserts, and largely prefer drinking water much of the time. Truly the QS desserts are nothing exceptional. Even the TS ones are often too much food for us. So next trip, I may well skip DDP.
The value of any plan has a good deal to do with where you are staying and where you plan to eat. It sounds like the new resort is goingto have some great options. You are not going to want to eat ALL meals there, but likely you'll eat there quite a bit.
I think you will also be at WDW during the Food and Wine Festival. That is one time/place where having a DP with snack credits can be a good savings. A few years ago, I had the small lobster roll, which was going for $10, with a snack credit. (most snacks are items $4 and under, except at the festival) You can look up the 2011F&W festival brochure to get an idea of the kind of treats they have. The items at the booths are tasting portions, so not huge, but fun. If you focus on using your snacks in Epcot, you'll get a lot out of them. If you pay oop, then you may feel nickel and dimed.
Typically, we do a QS breakfast at our resort, maybe snack or lunch in the parks and for us a TS dinner at a resort/Epcot. We often share food items.
One nice thing aout skipping the DDP - is that you could -do ONE fun TS meal - maybe a buffet. I hear when you say your son doesn't like long sit down meals, and doesn't like characters...but Disney has LOTS of fun meal options that don't have characters. At a bufffet for example, you have food faster than most quick serve places - so your son won't have to endure a long meal delay. After a long day at the parks, a nice dinner is great. If you skip DDP - then you can at least consider this an OPTION after you arrive at WDW and see a place that looks fun. Many places at WDW require reservations, but many also allow walk ups. (or you can ask about another day)
So I knowI gave you mixed information, but much of the decision has to do with your own comfort and preferences. Do you feel morecomfortable having items prepaid, but have to think about using all your credits- or you do feel more comfortable with the freedom of choice?
Still one last consideration is transportation. If you have your own car, then you would be able to pick up a few things from a grocery store. The values don't typically have a fridge (Maybethe new resort does? Always a key room feature.) or coffeemakers. But even a few non-perishable items, like bottled water can be the difference in savings. A case of bottled water is $5. A single water bottle is $2.50, or a snack credit. (Tap water is always free, but not always convenient to get.)
Thank you so much for the quick response!!
