Is It Worth It??

[MommyBuzz909]

I priced a package with dining and want to know if it is worth the extra cost with it being just myself and my DS6.

Wit the Plus dining, it's a difference of $534 and with the Deluxe , a difference of $851.....I don't know if it's really worth it. I mean, I plan on having us eat at all of the big restaurants, but not sure if it's worth that extra $$$$!?!?!?

Thoughts??

 

[Georji]

I was about to post a question with the exact same heading! I'm seeing that the 2 quick meals and 2 snacks a day is about 300 more (for 3 nights), about 100 bucks a day (4 of us) ... I can't imagine that's not a good deal ... most our meals (all for me since I don't eat breakfast), for 100 bucks a day? Anyone used this and have some good suggestions?

 

[septbaby]

I priced a package with dining and want to know if it is worth the extra cost with it being just myself and my DS6.

Wit the Plus dining, it's a difference of $534 and with the Deluxe , a difference of $851.....I don't know if it's really worth it. I mean, I plan on having us eat at all of the big restaurants, but not sure if it's worth that extra $$$$!?!?!?

Thoughts??

The basic DP will cost you $47.98 per night and gives you a TS, CS and Snack credit for each of you.

Let's say you go to Chef Mickey's for breakfast (cheapest meal there):
$38.32 would be your bill, more than the DP would cost for you alone that day. So you will still get 2 Snacks, an Adult CS meal and a child CS meal for under the $9.99 you'll pay for your son. If you choose dinner at Chef Mickey's that meal alone would cost the same as your DP fee for the day.

Bottom line, if you plan to eat the equivalent of TS meal per day, especially those buffets/character meals the basic DP is a fantastic deal for you.

If you plan to eat CS and not TS don't bother.

 

[septbaby]

I was about to post a question with the exact same heading! I'm seeing that the 2 quick meals and 2 snacks a day is about 300 more (for 3 nights), about 100 bucks a day (4 of us) ... I can't imagine that's not a good deal ... most our meals (all for me since I don't eat breakfast), for 100 bucks a day? Anyone used this and have some good suggestions?

Now you are asking a different question. You are asking about the new 2009 Quick service only plan.
Prices: $29.99 per night per adult, $8.99 per child 3-9

Sounds like one of your kids is at least 10 so for $99 per night you all get to eat 2CS meals and 2Snacks per day. If you assume an avg adult CS meal is $12 you'll get $72 of "value" daily from the adult meals and $9 of value for a kids meal (as little as $4 and a high of $6). You'll get 8 snacks per day valued at $3 each for $24 total: $72+9+24 = $105, plus 4 refillable mugs.

You will still have to pay for any TS meals you choose. It would cost you $32x3 nights to upgrade to the Basic DP. That would give your family a TS meal each day vs a second snack and CS meal. If you plan to do one character meal and don't mind making ADRs for at least one more TS meal its worth it.

Chef Mickey's bfast for your family: $87.29, $111.78 for dinner, The Upgrade is only $96, hmm.

Your situation is a bit unique because you are staying for just 3 nights. If it were 8 nights, that's a lot more $. But at just 3 nights it could easily equal one TS meal you'd have to pay for OOP. Personally, I'd choose 3TS meal credits over 3CS for that money.

You could book 3TS meals or book CRT or HDDR at 2TS or book one of the Signature dining places like Narcoosee's or CA Grille. If you book a 2TS meal you'll still get the value, but will save the extra time that 3rd TS meal could take.

So many factors and decisions!

 

[Georji]

Now you are asking a different question. You are asking about the new 2009 Quick service only plan.
Prices: $29.99 per night per adult, $8.99 per child 3-9

Sounds like one of your kids is at least 10 so for $99 per night you all get to eat 2CS meals and 2Snacks per day. If you assume an avg adult CS meal is $12 you'll get $72 of "value" daily from the adult meals and $9 of value for a kids meal (as little as $4 and a high of $6). You'll get 8 snacks per day valued at $3 each for $24 total: $72+9+24 = $105, plus 4 refillable mugs.

You will still have to pay for any TS meals you choose. It would cost you $32x3 nights to upgrade to the Basic DP. That would give your family a TS meal each day vs a second snack and CS meal. If you plan to do one character meal and don't mind making ADRs for at least one more TS meal its worth it.

Chef Mickey's bfast for your family: $87.29, $111.78 for dinner, The Upgrade is only $96, hmm.

Your situation is a bit unique because you are staying for just 3 nights. If it were 8 nights, that's a lot more $. But at just 3 nights it could easily equal one TS meal you'd have to pay for OOP. Personally, I'd choose 3TS meal credits over 3CS for that money.

You could book 3TS meals or book CRT or HDDR at 2TS or book one of the Signature dining places like Narcoosee's or CA Grille. If you book a 2TS meal you'll still get the value, but will save the extra time that 3rd TS meal could take.

So many factors and decisions!

WOW! thanks for all the amazing info ... I'm not sure what all the letters mean We have two boys (will be 6&7), and we're not real restaurant people ... if we did one of those it would only be one night. We're only staying 3 nights because we're going on a 7 night Disney Cruise right after ... we just wanted a few days in the park for our kids. We definitely have snackers in my family, so the snacks seemed really appealing to us. In fact I don't really need to eat a full meal all day if I can snack! We don't have a ton of time in the park either ... so we want as much time playing rather than sitting at dinner somewhere! Please send me any other suggestions you might have!

 

[septbaby]

WOW! thanks for all the amazing info ... I'm not sure what all the letters mean We have two boys (will be 6&7), and we're not real restaurant people ... if we did one of those it would only be one night. We're only staying 3 nights because we're going on a 7 night Disney Cruise right after ... we just wanted a few days in the park for our kids. We definitely have snackers in my family, so the snacks seemed really appealing to us. In fact I don't really need to eat a full meal all day if I can snack! We don't have a ton of time in the park either ... so we want as much time playing rather than sitting at dinner somewhere! Please send me any other suggestions you might have!

To me the question is do you plan to take the kids to a character meal? If the answer is yes, then I'd do the Basic and not the CS plan you originally mentioned. If you won't do a character meal I think the CS plan will be great for you. To pay for the CS plan AND pay cash for a character meal is a waste of $ to me.

CRT - Cinderella's Royal Table, have a meal in the Castle
HDDR - Dinner show with Mickey Mouse, fried chicken outdoor country western show that isn't my taste, but others love it and kids seem to like it, family style all you can eat comfort food
TS - Table service (ie. you'll have a waiter/waitress)
CS- Counter or Quick Service meal

I will tell you Chef Mickey's was the highlight of the trip for our 6yo boy last year and truth be told it was pretty high on my list as well. There are 5 characters there Mickey, Minnie, Goofy, Pluto and Donald Duck. The kids are TOLD to wave their napkins in the air, the monorail whizzes by overhead, it bright loud and a lots of choices on the buffet. It is the character meal I'd suggest if you were going to do just one.

Chef Mickey's would use 1 of the 3 TS meals you'd get on the plan. HDDR or CRT would use the other 2, thus only taking time for 2 meals vs 3 as I completely understand you wanting to spend plenty of time in the parks. However, character meals or a dinner show are kind of like the parks in that they are much more than just eating, Your kids would get to see the characters and get autographs w/o you having to wait in line in the hot sun. In fact you eat and the characters come to you! OK you boys might get a little excited and run to the characters, but hey at 6/7 that would be normal.

However, you may get all of that on the cruise and not want to take the time at WDW. As for the snacks, we had plenty of snacks credits. You still get 4 per day and there is a way to use the CS credits to get snack like items too.

Again your choice of plan is fine.

 

[Evans Family]

Can someone confirm the differences between the standard and deluxe dining plan for 2008?

Standard = 1 TS, 1 CS, 1 Snack per day
Deluxe = 3 TS or CS, 2 stacks per day and a refillable mug

Do I also understand correctly that you get an appetizer with the Deluxe plan at lunch and dinner but do not with the standard?

My husband and I are planning our 20th anniversary trip...I think we will get the Deluxe...it is $300 more but for 5 days it gives us a lot of options with dining since we want to go to the California Grill and Yachtsman Steakhouse.

 

[septbaby]

Can someone confirm the differences between the standard and deluxe dining plan for 2008?

Standard = 1 TS, 1 CS, 1 Snack per day
Deluxe = 3 TS or CS, 2 stacks per day and a refillable mug

Do I also understand correctly that you get an appetizer with the Deluxe plan at lunch and dinner but do not with the standard?

My husband and I are planning our 20th anniversary trip...I think we will get the Deluxe...it is $300 more but for 5 days it gives us a lot of options with dining since we want to go to the California Grill and Yachtsman Steakhouse.

Congrats on the anniversary! You have it correct though there is a bit more detail:

Basic: 1TS, 1CS and 1Snack per night for each member in your reservation
Apptizers are extra (Entree, Dessert and Beverages are included TS/CS).

Deluxe: 3 Meal credits and 2 Snack credits per night for each member in your reservation; this plan also includes one refillable mug per person and appetizers are included with any TS meals (moot pt. at buffets)

Neither plan includes Gratuities (dinner shows and room service are exceptions) or Alcoholic beverages. Both plans include taxes.

Going Deluxe will certainly give you more flexibility and options. Even if you don't use all those snack credits they'll come in handy if you want to take treats back for the kids/grand kids!

 

[Kimberle]

I'm going w/ my 9yo this month. The DP came out to $48 per day. We get 1 TS, 1 CS and 1 snack. I do feel we will save money. In the past, when we've eaten out at WDW, it's at least $40 for a dinner. (Middle of the road choices, not high-end.)

You need to break the cost down by day and determin where you plan to eat and compare the costs. Are you planning to eat mainly CS? If so, the DP may not be for you. If you're planning on doing character meals, the plan is good.
Only you can determin what is best for you.

 

[World Bouncer]

Can someone confirm the differences between the standard and deluxe dining plan for 2008?

Standard = 1 TS, 1 CS, 1 Snack per day
Deluxe = 3 TS or CS, 2 stacks per day and a refillable mug

Do I also understand correctly that you get an appetizer with the Deluxe plan at lunch and dinner but do not with the standard?

My husband and I are planning our 20th anniversary trip...I think we will get the Deluxe...it is $300 more but for 5 days it gives us a lot of options with dining since we want to go to the California Grill and Yachtsman Steakhouse.

It sounds to me like the deluxe will be a benificial plan for you.
No matter the plan, hope you have a wonderful trip and a fantastice anniversary!!