OOP vs Deluxe Dining Plan

[MagicalEars]

Originally we booked our stay at the Poly with the DxDDP. However my DW brought up the fact that because of the plan we were making too many ADR's and would spend allot of our time making our ressies and eating instead of relaxing. Then I thought we could save some money if we didn't need all of those ADR's and the dining plan. So here is what I came up with for our 6 night/7 day stay, paying OOP for two adults and one child, our littlest eats free. Take a look and check my math please, then let me know what you think....

Sun
Arrival Dinner @ Beaches & Cream- 2 Drinks @ $2.29, Burger $8.99, Double $11.49, Kid's Meal $7.59, Banana Split $7.99 = $40.64 + $2.85tax = $43.49

Mon
Breakfast @ CRT- $33.99/a $22.99/c = $90.97 + $6.37tax = $97.34

Lunch @ The Lunching Pad- 2 Turkey Legs @ $5.49, Frozen Drink in Sports Bottle $5.49 = $16.47 + $1.16tax = $17.63

Dinner @ Cosmic Ray's- Chicken Sandwich $9.09, Bacon Double Cheese Burger $7.59, Kid's Meal $4.49, Souvenier Mug $5.49, Bottle of Water $2.00 = $28.66 + $2.01tax = $30.67

Tues
Breakfast @ 'Ohana's- $18.99/a, $10.99/c = $48.97 + $3.43tax = $52.40

Lunch @ Electric Umbrella- Bacon Double CHeeseburger $7.59, Chicken Strips $6.89, Kids Meal $4.49, 2 Drinks @ $2.99 = $24.95 + $1.75tax = $26.70

Dinner @ Liberty Inn- 2 Chicken Sandwiches @ $6.49, Kid's Meal $4.49, 2 Drinks @ $2.39 = $22.25 + $1.56tax = $23.81

Wed
Breakfast at Captain Cook's- Breakfast Platter $5.79, 2 Mickey Waffles @ $5.69, (Drinks using Mugs) = $17.17 + $1.20 = $18.37

Lunch @ Toy Story Pizza Planet- 2 Buzz Meals @ $7.79, Woody Meal $8.09, Souvenier Mug $4.19, Bottle of water @2.00 = $29.86 + $2.10tax = $31.96

Dinner @ 'Ohana's- $26.99/a, $12.99/c = $66.97 + $4.67tax = $71.64

Thurs
Breakfast @ Crystal Palace- $18.99/a, $10.99/c = $48.97 + $3.43tax = $52.40

Dinner @ 1900 Park Fare- $29.99/a, $13.99/c = $73.97 + $5.18tax = $79.15

Fri
Breakfast @ Kona Cafe- 2 Tonga Toast @ $10.99, Coffee Press $7.49, (Kids Drink from Mug) = $29.47 + $2.07 = $31.54

Late Lunch @ Trails End Buffet- $12.99/a, $8.99/c = $34.97 + $2.45 = $37.42

Dinner @ Casey's Corner- 2 Hot Dogs @ $5.79, Corn Dog Nuggets $3.59, 2 Bottles of Water $4.00 = $19.17 + $1.35 = $20.52

Sat
Breakfast @ Cape May Cafe before driving home- $18.99/a, $10.99/c = $48.97 + $3.43 = $52.40

Mugs = 3 @ $11.99 = $35.97 = $2.52 = $38.49
----------
Grand Total = $726.02

Dining Plan = $1093.72 w/tax

Difference = $367.70

So that $367.70 saved to spend on souveniers and other stuff. Not to mention saving the money on tips vs the dining plan. With the dining plan we had allot more meals scheduled at places like LeCellar which would have been an expensive tip. With this idea we have allot more cs meals that don't require tip. Plus we get the freedom of only having lesser ADR's and more choices. We may not even need 3 meals on some days, so it could be even cheaper.

Thoughts? Am I way off with this idea? It wouldn't be the first time.

 

[septbaby]

The Basic DP will cost you $516. You still get a TS, CS and snack per paying person per night. You would only have 6TS credits to plan, avoiding the worry of having too many meals to plan and attend.

 

[kaytieeldr]

You didn't include tips at the table service locations. That's a minimum of another $41 (based on 15% tip)

 

[sjaakie]

In my humble opinion you can’t compare eating OOP with the DLDP.
If I have to pay OOP I will certainly look at the prices and with the DDLP I would eat far more expensive things like lobster.

Could it be you forgot to cound the two snacks you get free on the plan ? I suppose you drink something in the parcs to.

Just putting in my two cents

 

[MagicalEars]

The Basic DP will cost you $516. You still get a TS, CS and snack per paying person per night. You would only have 6TS credits to plan, avoiding the worry of having too many meals to plan and attend.

The basic plan is out, as it makes no sense for us. For starters it is only two meals a day instead of the three with the deluxe or paying OOP. If we did go with the basic we wouldn't have enough TS credits for what I listed above (CRT takes 2 TS's alone), and still end up paying out of pocket anyway.

You didn't include tips at the table service locations. That's a minimum of another $41 (based on 15% tip)

Exactly my point. Even with the dining plan you have to pay tip OOP so it's no cheaper with the dining plan, in fact it would be much more expensive. If I'm on the dining plan I'd get my money's worth and order more expensive things. Plus desserts and such would be included in the bill making the tip even more.

In my humble opinion you can’t compare eating OOP with the DLDP.
If I have to pay OOP I will certainly look at the prices and with the DDLP I would eat far more expensive things like lobster.

Could it be you forgot to cound the two snacks you get free on the plan ? I suppose you drink something in the parcs to.

Just putting in my two cents

See, I think that's one of the downfalls of the DLDP. You would order more expensive items that you might not even like, just because your on the plan. I'm not gonna pass over a nice chicken dish, that I know I like, to order a more expensive lobster dish, that I could care less for, just because I can. We're also not the type to order apps and desserts with our meal as it's usually too much. We'll maybe order one of each and share it, so again it's a waste with the DLDP. Plus, as I said, add all those expensive items and extras to the meal make the tip go up so not only am I paying more for the DLDP to begin with, I'm paying more in tip.

We get snacks and drinks, but again we would probably get less snacks than the DLDP would offer. Even so, you get like 2 snacks per night with the DLDP. Now one of them would have to be a drink and one a snack. So really you're only getting one snack. Now the snack credits on the DLDP can total $4 each, and that's debatable since some places will allow just about anything up to $4 and some will only give you a limited choice. So if you want something extra you have to pay OOP anyway. Seems to me that there is allot of OOP expense even with the plan.

The more I look at it, the more I realize that the DLDP just isn't worth it to us.

 

[sjaakie]

See, I think that's one of the downfalls of the DLDP. You would order more expensive items that you might not even like, just because your on the plan. I'm not gonna pass over a nice chicken dish, that I know I like, to order a more expensive lobster dish, that I could care less for, just because I can. We're also not the type to order apps and desserts with our meal as it's usually too much. We'll maybe order one of each and share it, so again it's a waste with the DLDP. Plus, as I said, add all those expensive items and extras to the meal make the tip go up so not only am I paying more for the DLDP to begin with, I'm paying more in tip.

I made a real study of the menu's ,took me hours to find out what we like and we like just those restaurants like NC ore GR.
That's why the California Grill in Disney Paris is our favorite. I'll die for this kind of food.

I suppose there's an ocean of diffrence between eating habits between us.

 

[dreamer17555]

I still think you should do the regular DDP and payy for the breakfasts OOP. I think you will end up ahead that way. Just a suggestion.

-Becca-

 

[LilGMom]

You did what I did when trying to decide if we were going to do the DDP this upcoming trip. We made our ADRs and then sat down in front of the computer, picked what we'd get on and off the DDP (appetizers instead of desserts without the DDP and stuck with desserts if on the DDP but still adding an appetizer for a few meals), figured in tip and tax, figured all meals per day and we come out ahead without the DDP. We used the DDP twice last year and both times left with a CS unused and at times felt "obligated" to eat a CS just to use the credit. And with the DDP we couldn't cancel a TS if we decided to not go because then we'd lose a TS credit or have to work to fit in another TS. Just because we aren't on the DDP doesn't mean that we won't still choose that $25 steak, if we want it we will get it. For us it means not having our trip dictated by our meals, picking what we want (again this means usually appetizers instead of desserts) and having more flexibility. The DDP isn't for everyone.

 

[momof3girls6712]

We will most likely pay more using the DxDDP in May. But I am more than willing because the quality of food will be better and it will be less stressful. Our last trip we paid OOP and were constantly looking over the menus and doing math and telling the kids what to order. It was a hassle. Plus we could only do 4 ts meals in the week (chef mickeys for the 6 of us plus tip/birthday cake was close to 250). In May we are thrilled to not have to worry about the cost. Honestly there isn't much of a tip difference on a 100 bill and a 160 dollar bill it is 12 dollars. Plus our kids love the dinning experiences. We do not wait in lines in the parks for the characters. IMHO there are many more benefits to the DDP than just cost.

 

[mefordis]

According to my calculations, the regular ddp would save us the most $$ while providing the most flexibility:

DXDDP w/gratuities: $1187.00

OOP w/gratuities: $1137.38

DDP + oop w/gratuities: $1006.00 (with 3 cs left over and we'll save $131 vs totally OOP)

I hope I calculated right. I figured one snack a day at $4 for each of the 3 of us.

 

[Trina7020]

We are also staying 6 nights w/2 adults, 1 child, and a 2 year old

We found it cheaper to do DDP plan and pay for the extra TS meals OOP

We are eatting at

Day One: Chef Mickey's (D)
Day Two: Crystal Palace (B) & Tony's (D)
Day Three: Tusker's House (B)
Day Four: Ohana's (B) & LeCellier (D)
Day Five: Hollywood & Vine (B) & Sci-Fi (D)
Day Six: Cape May (B)

We still have 6 CS meals to use in between and then I figured on paying for 2 CS meals OOP if we need to (To get to the 18 meals we would get on DxDPP)

All of these include the total for 18% tips, which is obviously the same no matter how we pay!

OOP total: $1141,34
DxDPP total: $1074.97
DDP + 4 TS and 2 CS OOP + one extra snack a person per day + appetizers at a couple places= $972.95

We also feel with DDP we will save more money if we don't eat all that food... that is like "worse case" scenario!

 

[patsal]

I think your math looks correct, I did a similiar thing for my family and I agree. I want what I want not what a plan will hold over my head. There isn't that much lobster to be had anymore on the menus and most of the higher end dishes have been removed in favor of a less expensive and more generic menu. I plan on paying OOP and not being tied to ADR's and I agree DXDDP is too much food and DDP isn't quite enough. If I have to pay OOP anyway and the plan is not all inclusive than for me it is a why bother. If I get to day 5 and I'm really not htat hungry I can cancel an ADR if I'm on pay as you go where with any form of DDP I am tetherd to "at least break even"

 

[sjaakie]

We will most likely pay more using the DxDDP in May. But I am more than willing because the quality of food will be better and it will be less stressful. Our last trip we paid OOP and were constantly looking over the menus and doing math and telling the kids what to order. It was a hassle. Plus we could only do 4 ts meals in the week (chef mickeys for the 6 of us plus tip/birthday cake was close to 250). In May we are thrilled to not have to worry about the cost. Honestly there isn't much of a tip difference on a 100 bill and a 160 dollar bill it is 12 dollars. Plus our kids love the dinning experiences. We do not wait in lines in the parks for the characters. IMHO there are many more benefits to the DDP than just cost.

Just like we think about the DxDDP.No hassle,no stress not looking on prices. And to much food ? Who cares?
I don't think the waiter will put a gun to your head if you don't finish your plate.

 

[mefordis]

Just like we think about the DxDDP.No hassle,no stress not looking on prices. And to much food ? Who cares?
I don't think the waiter will put a gun to your head if you don't finish your plate.

I agree with the above. The only thing that keeps me going back and forth is that I give my $$ up front, and what if I change my mind and want to skip a meal? I just hate the thought of paying for something I am not getting value from. Thoughts on this? dxddp would cost me about $140 more than going with ddp + oop.

Thanks!

 

[sjaakie]

I agree with the above. The only thing that keeps me going back and forth is that I give my $$ up front, and what if I change my mind and want to skip a meal? I just hate the thought of paying for something I am not getting value from. Thoughts on this? dxddp would cost me about $140 more than going with ddp + oop.

Thanks!

I personnel would not care. If you miss a diner there must be a special reason.
Mostly this reason is so important that a missed dinner is not important any more.
(Child getting sick ore something)

 

[mefordis]

I personnel would not care. If you miss a diner there must be a special reason.
Mostly this reason is so important that a missed dinner is not important any more.
(Child getting sick ore something)

So in your opinion the $140.00 is worth it to do the dxddp, for nothing else but to not do any calculating, etc while I'm on vacation?

Thanks!

 

[sjaakie]

So in your opinion the $140.00 is worth it to do the dxddp, for nothing else but to not do any calculating, etc while I'm on vacation?

Thanks!

Yes but you have to consider on the total amount for us coming from Europe this are peanuts.
I pay around 15.000 dollar for a vacation in WDW.

The weakness of the dollar is also a big plus for us. And I'm sorry for all the people that are having problems with the recent economic problems but I can't help it.


I just read that the vacation flights to the USA increased with 42 % this year.

 

[mefordis]

Yes but you have to consider on the total amount for us coming from Europe this are peanuts.
I pay around 15.000 dollar for a vacation in WDW.

The weakness of the dollar is also a big plus for us. And I'm sorry for all the people that are having difulties with the recent economic problems but I can't help it.
I just read that the vacation flights to the USA increased with 42 % this year.

15.000 IS peanuts. I can't get a pair of shoes for that, yet you can take an entire WDW vacation? Wow!

I'm not having problems with the economy personally, but if I was I wouldn't hold you personally responsible! No apology needed.

 

[sjaakie]

15.000 IS peanuts. I can't get a pair of shoes for that, yet you can take an entire WDW vacation? Wow!

What size shoes do you need?
Mind you Crocs are the big runner this year in my country

 

[MagicalEars]

I think your math looks correct, I did a similiar thing for my family and I agree. I want what I want not what a plan will hold over my head. There isn't that much lobster to be had anymore on the menus and most of the higher end dishes have been removed in favor of a less expensive and more generic menu. I plan on paying OOP and not being tied to ADR's and I agree DXDDP is too much food and DDP isn't quite enough. If I have to pay OOP anyway and the plan is not all inclusive than for me it is a why bother. If I get to day 5 and I'm really not htat hungry I can cancel an ADR if I'm on pay as you go where with any form of DDP I am tetherd to "at least break even"

Exactly!

It's not really about the money for me either, but if I do save money in the process then.....FANTASTIC! As you said, if I'm tied to a plan and have to pay OOP anyway, then why bother.

Going without the DDP isn't stressful either. When we go to WDW we won't be looking over the menu trying to find cheap things. As someone else said, if we want the $25 steak, we'll get the $25 steak. However with the DDP you almost feel obligated to get that $25 steak.

I think the idea of using the combo of regular DDP and paying OOP might really work out for some. I'd have to price it out and see if it would work for us.

I'll guess I'll find out shortly, we'll be there from may 11th-17th.