I am right there with ya! I just found out we are paying the $39.99 adult and $16.99 child (could not see that in package online) in March too. I am racking my brain right now adding up meal costs (with tax) OOP vs. the plan. I think I am about to call Disney and take it off!
While some restaurants like WPE and Sunshine you can get a decent dessert, to get your $39.99 worth you have to eat the most expensive thing, drink and dessert and most CS just have carrot and choc cake.
My math says if I don't worry about the most expensive thing on the menu, order what I think we would eat, not get choc or carrot cake - and spend that money on better snacks we really want around the park.
Entree/ Drink for 2 meals, 2 snacks @4 each and tax = $35 a day
*even eating a few meals at WPE, etc.
I cant believe it went up that much either...kids is a huge rip off
I am going to use the extra money to buy breakfast and more fun snacks!
My sis and I can probably share, or I will share with my 5 YO and forgot the kids meals.
I am very disappointed that Disney took a $10 price hike in one year. Our last two trips were during free dining and I said I would never mess with the extreme ADRs again. 45 minutes to get seated and 1 1/2 to eat.
I am going to go even easier on this trip and enjoy a Hot Dog at Caseys without worrying about spending enough on the dining plan, snack on delicious treats around the world in Epcot and share a few meals with an extra salad or fries on the side.
We are driving and will bring drinks and water with us and have a fridge in the room at POR so no need for refillable mugs. If you aren't driving use Garden Grocer - Last trip I had 120 drinks, water, gatorade and cokes delivered to our room for $80. It was SO worth it. We carried a small cooler into the parks with the stroller.
I am going to keep saying I am not cheap - and I will probably spend more than $40 a day pp on food - but it will be what I want to eat and better than choc and carrot cake in a cup!