Last minute reservation to WDW...do I get the dining plan?

[bfenwah]

We plan on booking a six day / five night trip to WDW on 7/6 - 7/11. It will be myself, my wife, my daughter, and my two year son (who is still free).

Would it be worth my money to book the dining package or just pass on it? My thought was passing on it was because the way it sounds from reading the forums is that you need to reserve spots for dining months and months in advance...and we are leaving in two weeks. Obviously, the counter service and snack would not be an issue.

What are your thoughts on this? I plan on booking the vacation tomorrow morning. It would only cost about $420 more for the dining (for the three of us - 2 adults and one child over 2). Are there plenty of decent dining options still available? And if so, what are they? Thanks!

 

[wwaleye]

Man, that's a tough one. My guess would be that you would not get into the more popular restaurants. I had a 4:00 ressie at Lecellier on the 14th that I booked about 5 months ahead. Tried to get later time up until the late morning of the 14th. Booked solid. Great meal though.

I don't necessarily think the only great food is at the popular places. First time we went to Kona we called in the late afternoon and got in that evening at a reasonable time. Kona is one of our faves. Ohana on the other hand I doubt that would happen. I think you would have better luck at the resort restaurants. You could call Disney Dining and talk with them about what is available for the time you are going.

We did the dining plan for the first time this past week. We really!!! liked it. Haven't had time to do any reviews yet though.

 

[supersuperwendy]

I would suggest calling Disney Dining (407) WDW-DINE...and find out what's available for your dates.

Figure out which restaurants interest you and just ask....If there is nothing available...then skip the plan....if you can get what you want...add the plan on!

You can make ADR's without being on the DDP, you can call later and let them know you added on the plan....no biggie!

 

[TBLaube]

This will be our first trip doing the dining plan(just the adults are going), but usually elect to just try a few sitdown meals. My kids like to dine and dash to the rides so they get annoyed when we are there for more than thirty minutes unless it is Sci-Fi or a breakfast buffet. The problem with the dining plan is that with the appetizers, entrees, and dessert it will probably be a long meal. I don't know if your two year old would sit still for the 1 1/2- 2 hours it could take to eat unless you did buffets. It will also be very hard to get good reservations, but you may be able to get a couple. There is a decent selection of counter service between all of the different parks.
That's a tough decision!

 

[thunderbird1]

First of all, welcome to the DIS!

As for the DDP, at less than a month out, during a very busy time of year, the most popular places will be completely booked, at least for dinner. But everything won't be completely booked, especially if you're willing to do some breakfasts or lunches. If it were me, I'd call first to see what kind of ADR's you can get before buying the DDP. If you're happy with them, go ahead and add it. If you can't seem to get restaurants or time that will work for you and you don't mind doing mostly counter service meals, don't bother with it.

Good luck!

 

[septbaby]

I'm kind of fact driven, so I'm with OP, call and make ADRs. If you get enough of what you want add the plan. If not pay OOP. We all know what assuming gets us.

 

[bfenwah]

Wow! That was easy!!! My kids are going to be thrilled!! A woman named Fran helped me confirm all my dinner reservations...she was absolutely great!

Crystal Palace - - dinner
Whipering Canyon Cafe - - lunch
Restaurant Akershus - - dinner
Wolfgang Puck - - dinner
Chef Mickey - - breakfast

 

[septbaby]

Just the facts mam, glad you got them, enjoy!

 

[Pumbaa_]

That is fantastic! Have a great time and let us know how it was when you get back

 

[thunderbird1]

Wow! That was easy!!! My kids are going to be thrilled!! A woman named Fran helped me confirm all my dinner reservations...she was absolutely great!

Crystal Palace - - dinner
Whipering Canyon Cafe - - lunch
Restaurant Akershus - - dinner
Wolfgang Puck - - dinner
Chef Mickey - - breakfast

Yay! Excellent choices--the kids will love the character meals, and the 2 yo will eat for free at all the buffets/family style meals.

Have fun!