Is the dining plan really worth it?

[ClarabelleCow]

we found we saved over new years. But with the increase in the price, is it still worth it. We found it hard to eat all the food!!

 

[Coach81]

We will not be getting the plan anymore. The last time we used it, we ended up with a bunch of extra meals..= wasted money.


Especially with our DVC, we plan on cutting corners with a few meals in the rooms here and there.

 

[pilferk]

We did it in January, but keep in mind our party makeup is 2 adults, 2 young kids, and an infant (who's not on the DDP).

We saved somewhere north of 30%, overall, between plan price and what we would have actually paid. MOST of that, though, was probably on the kids shoulders.

 

[musical2]

It was worth it to us in January. I think it really depends on where you go to eat. We have younger girls and we did a few character dinners, Hoop-de-doo Review, Ohanas for dinner, what would have been an expensive dinner for two at Narcoosees, the normal counter services, and snacks. I added everything up for what we would have paid OOP. I figure we saved about $300 for the week.

 

[bobbiwoz]

Basically from Thanksgiving thru the Christmas Holidays, Easter/Spring break and from May 25-July 5th, 2008, Disney raises the prices at the buffets and family style restaurants by around $5.

From allears.net the list of restaurants involved:
Holiday Dining Surcharges that were in effect for the Thanksgiving and Christmas Holiday seasons will also be in effect from March 16-30, 2008Holiday Pricing: May 25, 2008 - July 5, 2008 :Yes, we doubled and triple checked. The holiday pricing includes the entire month of June!

Prices will be higher at the following restaurants: Boma Breakfast and Dinner, Cape May Breakfast and Dinner Buffet, Chef Mickey's Breakfast and Dinner, Trails End Buffet, 1900 Park Fare Breakfast and Dinner, 'Ohana Breakfast and Dinner, Captain's Grille Breakfast Buffet, Tusker House, Garden Grill, Princess Storybook Dining, Crystal Palace, Liberty Tree Tavern Character Dinner, Cinderella's Royal Table, and Play 'n' Dine at Hollywood and Vine.

Wow! Does anyone know if the DDE can be used during June? I hope so! I know there are holiday blackouts for its use, but that seems over the top!

Bobbi