Need a bit of help...

[DISNUT21]

Hi all,
I was wondering if some of you guys could help me...
I am currently booked to visit WDW Dec 9th, for a 6 night stay... staying at the WL on the Deluxe Dining Plan. I am wondering, is the view of the podcast crew, or anyone on the board if it is worth it?
I was thinking about downgrading to a moderate property and called Disney regarding this, the rep told me that I may be able to recieve a better deal by going through an outside source ie. Expedia, and when I did the same price I am currently paying including the Deluxe Dining Plan is the same price as the Grand Floridian including the regular dining plan.
I am so lost, I do not know what to do, I am just trying to close the purse strings a little bit, as job security is not looking so good right now. Please give me some advice.
Anthony

 

[slapwhitey]

In my opinion the deluxe dining plan isn't worth it unless you plan on doing a lot of signature dining. The potential for multiple table service meals a day can become overwhelming and a TON of food. We did it once and although we enjoyed it said we wouldn't do it again as it felt your entire day was being planned around ADR's.

If tightening the purse strings is the goal you may want to consider a moderate as well. It wouldn't be as nice as the Grand Floridian but if your resort is simply someplace to sleep, it wouldn't be a huge issue in my mind. There are some nice moderates. We love POFQ.

Not sure if this info is useful to you but just my .02.

Chris

 

[DISNUT21]

Thanks so much chris... I think the best plan maybe to book CSR including tickets and the basic dining plan is about $500 less than the WL. Poly & GF are both the same price as what I currently am paying through Expedia. Just trying to keep up with all of the ADR's is killing me, but the Disney CM did make a good point, the difference from free dining to deluxe is $300, and I am attending dinner on the CP Package, and she said that alone is about $120 more, so the savings alone would be worth it.

This is one of the first holiday trips I am planning, besides DAP, and it is so stressful!

 

[Golf4food]

In my opinion the deluxe dining plan isn't worth it unless you plan on doing a lot of signature dining.

I disagree. Signature dining on the dining plan is always a ripoff when you compare credits to dollars. Signature costs you twice as many credits but never costs you twice as much money - ergo you are "wasting" money by spending two credits on signature dining - from a purely mathematical persepctive.

We have done the DxDP once and had a good time. We visit multiple times per year so we've seen and done everything and didn't mind spending the time to have 3 TS meals per day sometimes. And it can be too much food - if you try to eat everything they put on your plate. The portion sizes are generally larger than someone needs to eat or should eat (from a health standpoint). If you go in knowing you don't need to finish everything on your plate then 3 TS meals can be fine. If you try to down everything in sight you'll quickly be stuffed and will not enjoy dinner at all.

If you are also planning on doing dining packages for Fantasmic of Candlelight Processional, however, it might make sense since they have jacked up the prices on those so much - they're rediculous.

 

[*NikkiBell*]

I have used most dining plans that WDW has offered over the past ten years. This includes the deluxe plan which I have used twice. If you plan on doing at least two sit down meals (most signatures) per day, then I feel it is well worth it. However, it is all up to you and where you want to dine. Make a list of where you would like to eat and then decide from there.

 

[slapwhitey]

I disagree. Signature dining on the dining plan is always a ripoff when you compare credits to dollars. Signature costs you twice as many credits but never costs you twice as much money - ergo you are "wasting" money by spending two credits on signature dining - from a purely mathematical persepctive.

We have done the DxDP once and had a good time. We visit multiple times per year so we've seen and done everything and didn't mind spending the time to have 3 TS meals per day sometimes. And it can be too much food - if you try to eat everything they put on your plate. The portion sizes are generally larger than someone needs to eat or should eat (from a health standpoint). If you go in knowing you don't need to finish everything on your plate then 3 TS meals can be fine. If you try to down everything in sight you'll quickly be stuffed and will not enjoy dinner at all.

If you are also planning on doing dining packages for Fantasmic of Candlelight Processional, however, it might make sense since they have jacked up the prices on those so much - they're rediculous.

I agree that signature dining is not worth it but I was just stating that in my opinion I wouldn't do deluxe dining unless I was planning on signature dining. 3 TS meals a day is not even in the realm of possibility for me. Too much food and too much down time when I could be in the parks doing what I prefer to do.

 

[DISNUT21]

I will def. do so, It is just so confusing because all of the options which are available!

 

[wishspirit]

I will def. do so, It is just so confusing because all of the options which are available!

Don't worry, we are always here to help!

I have only every done the normal DP (and that was only for 3 days) because I really don't eat enough to make the numbers work.

I hope it all works out, ask us as many questions as you like!

 

[sjsjbrook]

Seeing as your trip is less than a month away, have you booked your dining?
This could be a HUGE factor in whether the dining plan is worth it or not. You may not be able to get into some of the most popular restaurants at this time.

You can also check the menus on the Dis and see what you would order at these restaurants and see how much you would spend and then compare.

 

[DISNUT21]

Thanks for responding, yes all of my dining is booked some dates we do have signature dining locations booked (three nights if I am not mistaken), the rest is mostly buffets for breakfast. For the most part, I think a downgrade to the regular dining plan is not a bad idea.
This morning I spoke to Disney, and the agent told me the best plan would be to stay with what I currently have, especially being that dining locations have already been chosen and booked. I just also wanted to add that I will also be traveling with someone who has never visited the "world", so I don't know how feasible all these ADR's will be.