Is there a way I can do this cheaper? And should I take the quick service dining?

[cruisnfamily]

We're FL Residents, have a disney visa, and have AAA.

We're staying 4 nights at Pop 6/13 thru 6/17
Here's what I've priced so far(incl tax):
room only = $402
play 3 day FL Res tickets x 4 = $571
So total = $973 without food

Can get the same room, same tickets, and quick serv dining for $1,491(incl tax) so $518 more for the food.

Was wondering if anybody knows any way to shave this any cheaper?

And also, if it were you, would you take the dining. I looked at the menus and prices at random counter service places and I'm just not sure that it saves me anything....may actually cost slightly more than I would normally spend to eat.....just not sure. I know it includes the mugs but we wouldn't normally buy those so I don't know whether to factor that in or not, ya know.

Any input would be appreciated.

Thanks!

 

[daisyyy]

Did you say how many people we're talking about? all adults? kids? I think the answer is.. it depends on what your style is.... do you generally eat at quick service places? Do you split your meals? bring breakfast from home? you're fla residents.. will you have a car that you can drive off site and pick up a few groceries and or have a mael off site that would be cheaper than on site? Or do you spend every possible minute in the parks, and don't want to waste time going back and forth for a meal. Before the dining plans, we would sometimes share a meal.. especially at the quick service places, and eat breakfast in the room. We would grab a pizza at the food court, or maybe a piece of fruit. we could absolutely go for less than the cost of the dining plan.. but when we get the dining plan.. it's just all included, and don't have to look at costs, or think about it later.. even though we may have paid for it in the end.. at least it was paid up front. and seemed like it was free at the time. invisable costs. For example last year we went with another family. we had the plan, they didn't.... we took advantage of it in the sense that if it said we can each have a dessert, and a large beverage, and a entree.. we took it... they ont he other hand ordered the small drink, shared a sandwich, and by passed the dessert.. (which i agree we probably didn't need anyway... or wouldn't have gotten if it was out of our pocket..) but when we swiped out card, and it said $0.00... it was great,,, and they ended up paying somewhere around $50.00 for not much. I think they wished they got it. (we gave them some of our desserts by the way). I was just a nice feeling to not have to think about it. So.. to answer your question.. yes, you can probably do it cheaper, OOP, if you tend to share, or not get desserts, and you have kids in your party. .. but we like the plan just for the ease of it.

 

[cruisnfamily]

Did you say how many people we're talking about? all adults? kids? I think the answer is.. it depends on what your style is.... do you generally eat at quick service places? Do you split your meals? bring breakfast from home? you're fla residents.. will you have a car that you can drive off site and pick up a few groceries and or have a mael off site that would be cheaper than on site? Or do you spend every possible minute in the parks, and don't want to waste time going back and forth for a meal. Before the dining plans, we would sometimes share a meal.. especially at the quick service places, and eat breakfast in the room. We would grab a pizza at the food court, or maybe a piece of fruit. we could absolutely go for less than the cost of the dining plan.. but when we get the dining plan.. it's just all included, and don't have to look at costs, or think about it later.. even though we may have paid for it in the end.. at least it was paid up front. and seemed like it was free at the time. invisable costs. For example last year we went with another family. we had the plan, they didn't.... we took advantage of it in the sense that if it said we can each have a dessert, and a large beverage, and a entree.. we took it... they ont he other hand ordered the small drink, shared a sandwich, and by passed the dessert.. (which i agree we probably didn't need anyway... or wouldn't have gotten if it was out of our pocket..) but when we swiped out card, and it said $0.00... it was great,,, and they ended up paying somewhere around $50.00 for not much. I think they wished they got it. (we gave them some of our desserts by the way). I was just a nice feeling to not have to think about it. So.. to answer your question.. yes, you can probably do it cheaper, OOP, if you tend to share, or not get desserts, and you have kids in your party. .. but we like the plan just for the ease of it.

I'm sorry, there are 4 of us. 2 adults, 2 teens. We will not eat in the room or bring breakfast items. We will eat every meal out. We will just eat where ever we feel like it. Mostly counter service with a table service meal thrown in on occassion.