Is Free Dining Really Free?

[LaughingGravy]

5) Flexibility. Here's an example: My IL's and DH have fond memories of eating the "kitchen sink" at Beaches n' cream every trip ever since DH was little. It's a tradition.

Well, I fell absolutely ancient now.

 

[bookgirl2632]

Free Dining is a good deal for us. We stay in the Moderates, so the room savings aren't as big a deal for us. On our next trip, we'll be doing 10 nights/11 days. However, I'll be saving a few bucks off our park tickets by only getting 8 day passes. We'll be heading to Universal and Seaworld for a couple days. We'll also spend one day at the water park and DTD. It doesn't bring the passes down much, but every little bit helps.

We love the DDP, having tried it years ago as the Discovery Magic package. We like having a TS meal every day and not having to worry about the prices on the menu. We've eaten at restaurants and ordered things we never would have if we hadn't been on the plan. I also like not having to worry about paying. True, you have to tip for TS now, but that'll just take a little more planning. It doesn't matter to me. I still find the DDP to be very convenient. And it's even better when it's FREE!!

 

[Mrs D]

This is a great thread and I have read every post with interest! I took a trip last September to introduce my 2 little ones (DS3 and DD1) to Mickey. We did not do the dining plan (got an airline employee discount for room only that is not eligible to be a package). I then took an adults only trip in Feb. WITH the DDP.

I can see how the decision of if the dining plan is a good fit would be case by case, or trip by trip for the same family.

My words of advise for OP on eating with 2 little ones is to plan your ADR's (if you choose this route) for the same time you would eat at home. This worked great for us because we could do a lunch ADR at 11:30am (or as early as they'd let us in) or a dinner at 5pm. This worked great because fewer people are interested in those early time slots. We also made sure we were eating in the park we were at, a nearby resort or our home resort.

Since you have 2 under 3 y.o. you will pay less OOP by eating at buffets (which most character meals are). The kids get to have their pick off the buffet which is a nice chance to get some items other than nuggets and burgers in them. At CS locations we usually ordered 1 kids meal for the 2 to share.

As funny as it may sound, some of our TS meals were home to the best memories - maybe because we were relaxed, in A.C., and enjoying the atmosphere. The VERY best memory of our trip was at the Biergarten. When the Oompa band played my son was mesmerized! He was happily chowing down on sausages and potatoes and dancing in his seat. As soon as we finished dessert we were on the dance floor. We were seated at the beginning of one band set and danced our way through another. We have photos of the kids with each band member!

Having done it both ways, I would lean towards doing the dining plan.

Good luck planning and have a magical vacation!

 

[MFLetou]

Another great post. What a fantastic thread this has become.

Well, our 7th month old won't be eating any of that kind of food! So its really only our little guy that will be just under 3. I'm pretty familiar with all the restaurants--I have my favorites--and I'm still a little leery of attempting them with him. But timing is everything. I wish park hours were released farther in advance; that would really help with ADRs.

Crystal Palace and Chef Mickey's would be on our DDP list for sure. We would probably also trade for 2 credits to do Mickey's BBQ. That would leave 6 credits--wife and I might trade 2 to do California Grill (or Hollywood Brown Derby) and that would leave 4 (6 for my parents). Other possiblities would be: Chefs de France, 50s Diner, Tony's Town Square, Le Cellier, Coral Reef. (Yeah, I know, that's five.)

Hopefully we can make a decision tomorrow, while the option is still available. Parents seem to be going back and forth as well, but ultimately my mother at least seems to want to do it.

 

[yrdlyprincess]

I would love a room only discount- because we really don't eat that much. I thought that I was getting this really great deal bc I got a pin code-- thne EVERYONE got the free dining too--not such good deal anymore. I thought that it was going to be the only deal that I get. Hopefully room only discount will come out to me within the next couple of weeks!-- and b4 when we went down in 07 it was better than now, they had tip included then!

 

[gracie1]

Were not doing the free dining. It may have been a good deal but we booked only the room discount.