Is the DPP worth it?

[platanito]

We are a family of two my wife and I. Everyone always advises us to purchase DDP, but I just don't see the value for the two of us. Especially since we never make up our mind until we are hungry? Yah I know no planning.... Just some thoughts from the experts,,,

Thanks
Carlos.

 

[Faldred]

The dining plans are worth it if they match the way you want to dine. If they don't match reasonably well, then no, they aren't worth it.

 

[chocovrdmicears]

Getting the best *value* from the Dining Plan does require some planning. If you and your wife are more "eat as you go" type of people (and MANY people are), then the Dining Plan is probably not the best fit for you. Do you see yourself eating 1 TS and 1 CS every day? Again, if not, the Dining Plan probably isn't a good fit. Do you want to skip appetizers and each have 1 entree and 1 dessert @ your TS meals? Again, Dining Plan may not fit if this isn't how you eat.
You may read about a lot of people who get the Dining Plan here, but there are just as many who don't and are very happy!

 

[cluvsdisney]

DH & I don't bother with the dining plan either. I hate prepaying for meals I may or may not want a few weeks/months in advance. We just got back. If we purchased the dining plan, it would have cost $420 plus tips & alcohol beverages. We spent approx $450 including tips & drinks and one meal off site (which was our favorite meal) with only one counter service meal (Earl of Sandwich). We made one ADR a few weeks ago but everything else was a walk in or a same day ADR.

 

[stormygoddess]

This family of two (adults ) used Free Dining last year and didn't really feel like it was the best fit for us. I never want 2 desserts every day! And sometimes I like to order an appetizer instead of an entree. We felt like it boxed us in too much and have stuff we didn't really want (dessert) instead of something we would use it on (app. or tip).

So this year we will not be doing the DDP.
It does come down to personal preference though. I say don't do it straight off, but keep all your receipts and add it all up later and compare against the DDP cost, if buying DDP would have been less, then do the DDP next trip.

 

[mouselike-harrier]

I just came back from our first mother and daughter trip. I did not purchase a DDP for the two of us and was very happy that I did not. First, I got a room only discount. Also, it allowed us a heck of a lot more flexibility, and the servers were actually relieved. We ate our largest meal at lunch time, when we knew where we'd be, and did whatever we felt like for dinner. This saved us money and allowed us to be free for night. When we go back as a family, I will not purchase a DDP ever again!

 

[maryj11]

You could go when it is free dining lol. We went when it was free dining and I loved it ! I have never ate a table service resaurant in Disney until we got the free dining. I really enjoyed being able to sit down in a resaurant eat some good food and relax a bit from the hustle and bustle of the day.

 

[platanito]

I want to thank everyone for the feedback and I will save the receipts and compare. We just love the flexibility do what we want when we want. It supposed to be a vacation. It might cost more, but the benefits for us far out weigh the cost savings at the moment,,, until the kinds come into the picture..... then it will be a whole new ball game.