is there...

[jagson]

a simple, ballpark estimation of the % savings of an average meal on any of the ddp, say on table service entree selection v cost of the same entree off ddp? On the QS, regular, etc plans.
Also, can you combine TIW discount to the DDP?

 

[sharonabe]

a simple, ballpark estimation of the % savings of an average meal on any of the ddp, say on table service entree selection v cost of the same entree off ddp? On the QS, regular, etc plans.
Also, can you combine TIW discount to the DDP?

I'm not sure what you're asking, but maybe this will help:

If you give the snack credits a $5 value, then a QS meal is worth $21 and a TS meal is worth $44. When doing the math, be sure to add tax to your OOP costs.

Yes, you can use the TIW on any items you purchase OOP that aren't covered by your credits.

 

[alex9179]

estimation of the % savings of an average meal on any of the ddp, say on table service entree selection v cost of the same entree off ddp?

There isn't a "savings" per se. The dining plan doesn't offer a discount on food. Many times people aren't able to maximize the use of their credits and pay more for the plan than they would have if they'd paid OOP. Sometimes a group can end up "saving" money because their meals and snacks were the higher priced selections. I used quotes because tips go up when choosing expensive TS meals and, that affects the bottom line.
People like it because they feel it takes some pressure off while on vacation. When it's free, it can offer substantial savings on the overall cost of the vacation.

 

[jagson]

Thanks for the feedback. I think I'll pass on the DDP, don't think I'd use all the credits, which I think Disney's hoping on.

 

[alex9179]

Yeah, we've never used it on any of our trips and, when I did the math for the 5 of us, OOP was less money and more freedom. It's not a good value for us unless it's free, like this trip. Just the 4 of us but the kids tend to fuel up every couple of hours and I think we'll use all of the credits, no problem.

 

[kiramay]

The dp rarely saves money. It’s mostly the convenience, IF you’re going to eat “that way”, ie all CS or so many TS, etc.

 

[Nancyg56]

Thanks for the feedback. I think I'll pass on the DDP, don't think I'd use all the credits, which I think Disney's hoping on.

There are a variety of factors that determine the overall value or savings when using any dining plan. You did not provide your family dynamic, dining choices and dining style, and if you like beverages, either alcoholic or specialty. WIth the limited information you provided no one can give you any feedback other than opinions based on their own experiences with the plan.

My family does well using it. We enjoy snacking during the day (Venti Starbucks fully loaded beverages at least once a day rockets our value) always order a beverage, and will enjoy dessert with our meals. We book at least one or two character meals, and will have CS at least once a day. For us, even if some of our memebers do not order th most expensive items on the menu, (I have one who refuses red meat and another who lives for pasta and chicken) our overall value is always there. If you look at our dynamic and dining preferences, we tend to be the model it was designed for. WE seldom book DxDDP unless we have two rooms booked because overall, it is less expensive to order any extras OOP. If we have two rooms, we share appetizers at the table from the one Dining plan.

Before booking the plan I always suggest that folks actually plan their trip and choose their restaurants, bit CS and TS. Take the time to look at overall cost after doing so becuase you know your family's preferences. It really does nto take much longer to do a quick math check to see the approximate cost of your food. After that you have a very good idea which plan, if any will be the one that fits your family.

 

[kaybird]

We always say we can eat cheaper, but never better. We have a large family, so when free dining comes out, it definitively saves money over OOP. We also love having it all paid beforehand. That stinks Ker shock can be brutal.