out of pocket dining sticker shock

[Stacy's a freak]

Another vote for limiting the buffet meals. I, as an adult, can't eat as much as the price and have rarely seen a child who can eat as much as its price.

Second, I also agree with others about adjusting your meal times away from the norm. 1st, you will avoid the crowds. 2nd, you can eat breakfast in the room, maybe a snack at 11 and a nice meal at 3. By the time you are done eating that larger meal at 3, you may be able to last the entire night without another meal. If you bring your own snacks (like granola bars or something similar) you can really save a good chunk considering that many snack in the World can cost about $3-$4 each.

And if you're staying at AKL, you will have a small fridge in your room which is perfect for keeping breakfast stuff or snacks (yogurt, milk for cereal, pudding cups, string cheese, etc.).

Regarding your TS selections, I think it is a good idea to keep at least one "special meal". For me, it's a nice memory and often worth the cost to have that one nice meal - it is, after all, your vacation! If it were me, I would keep the Boma ADR since it is in your resort and is nicer than the other two you mentioned. It will mark your trip well

 

[plutolovr]

For all of those saying she should still be able to get the Dining Plan have never had experience with the CM discounts.

First off, the CM must make the reservation. If they're not staying in the room then it's the Friends and Family Discount which is usually 40%.

ONLY at certain times can the Dining Plan be added to these room-only bookings. It's not something that is always available. The CM would have to make the call to see if the option is available for that particular booking.

 

[poison ivy]

We had the cm discount during Easter week 2011 reserved through the Hub by our son. The meal plan was offered. I would definitely check on this. It had to be added to the rsvp once booked prior to your arrival date but was paid when you check-in. You may be able to call yourself once your rsvp is secured. I believe I was able to do this for us.

 

[iluveeyore]

We enjoy the buffet meals, but rarely enjoy them all on one trip. The best advice is to do them before 3pm so they are a lot cheaper - we have enjoyed a late lunch at Crystal Palace and Whispering Canyon cafe, and then just get a snack or small counter service to share later in the evening. If you check allears.net under dining, there are all of the menus and prices so you can plan and budget what you might want to eat. We always get groceries and will be for our villa for a week this upcoming trip, but after a week the kids leave and DH and I will be in a studio for 4 nights, so I will be planning an 'eating out' budget as well. It can be done! Don't forget, you have to add a tip (I think it's 18% automatically on your bill) for sit down meals, so I find the counter service ones to be even better because of the savings for no tips. Another favourite is Wolfgang Puck Express at DTD Market place - awesome food, lots of it, good prices, and no tip required!!

 

[dzaharchuk]

Whenever we go we always do a grocery order- we eat bk in the room, or else have a big bk and then eat granola bars/fruit etc. from the grocery delivery. The cost of bottled water and juice boxes oop alone justifies the delivery charge.

It can save you a ton, especially on drinks. We love garden grocer.

 

[kwdw]

First family trip coming in early October. I understand why Disney won’t give the free DP when you get a room discount but why don’t they allow even buying a DP?
I made ADR’s thinking we were going to have the DDP and, after I found out we cannot get a DP, I researched restaurant prices and am suffering from sticker shock. My family of four has ADR’s for Crystal Palace, Garden Grill and Boma (we are staying at AK).
My questions:
Are any of these not worth it? It will be about $150 for my family of 4 (Almost $500 just for those 3 meals!)
If we keep these ADR’s we would try to cut in other areas. We will be eating breakfast in the room each day and splitting counter service for other meals. Are most of the counter service meals big enough to feed 1 adult and 1 child?
Any other suggestions for out-of-pocket dining?

You didn't pick "cheap" options for table service..... I'd suggest keeping either Crystal Palace if you want a character meal or if you want something different, keep Boma. Garden Grill just isn't that special. Alternatively - really look at the menus and offerings of the places and see what might work best for your family for a different TS meal. The buffets are expensive but there are some places I like to eat that are not that bad - especially if doing a LATE breakfast or lunch (or lunch late as an early dinner). LTT at lunch, Grand Floridian Cafe, Kona, Sanaa, the Plaza, 50's Prime Time, etc.... you could do a couple TS meals for alot less than the big ticket buffets.

 

[CAJUNWDWFAN]

How about one adult in your party get an annual pass and then you can buy the Tables in Wonderland card that gives you 20% most table service restaraunts.

 

[*QueenB*]

If you are driving down and have your car with you Irlo Bronson Hwy is only about 5 min away from AKL. It has all the fast food restaraunts that you could ever want. We do this sometimes to counter the expense of those expensive table services.

 

[DisneyFive]

I agree with what you agreed with. I have always run a cost comparison spreadsheet (What can I say? I love spreadsheets - it is an illness) and with where we like to eat and what we like to eat for my family of four (prior to this next trip it was 2 DDP Adults and 2 DDP Children) we basically broke even between DDP and OOP or were within $50 dollars either way. Now that our oldest is an adult in WDW's eyes the DDP is not going to be saving us any money after this next trip. We have some $$ meals planned for our upcoming trip and the DDP and OOP cost is very close to being the same. But next year after the cost of the DDP goes up we will go back to our old routine of planning a few TS meals (maybe no longer do one TS a day), eat CS, off property and in our room and pay 100% OOP.

The DDP isn't always the way to go and if I pay OOP and can possibly save on my dining budget to get a better room for a good discount that is the way I'll go.

Yeah, we are in the same situation next year. With my oldest daughter turning 10 next year, the added cost of the adult dining plan versus the childs plan is huge! If we can't get free dining in 2012, then we will be going OOP for SURE. My daughter, at 10 yrs old next year, can't justify the cost of the adult dining plan. Plus, I'm not sure she would like the entrees versus the standard options they have for kids. She loves the Spaghetti, ravioli...

The buffets aren't always a bargain for families because you have to pay for each member.

A better bargain is to eat at a CS or TS and eat "family stlye".

That's what we do when we're being frugal. (At other times we pig out and enjoy it and don't count pennies, but at other times we've been on a big budget...)

We eat our "big meal" at lunch in the parks because it's cheaper. We can do very well for 5 people (2 adults, 3 kids) by ordering from the appetizer menu, splitting an entree and ordering from the kids menu at a TS.

We put all the food in the middle of the table and serve from them "family style". I have no qualms whatsoever about telling the CM what we are doing and asking for extra plates. Never have been turned down, either.

For instance, at Tony's in MK (just an example) we might order:

2 mixed green salads=$12.00
1 entree of spaghetti with meatballs=$17.00
2 kids meals of spaghetti with meatballs=$17.00 (includes 2 appetizers, 2 entrees, 2 desserts, 2 beverages)

The portions are generous, plus you can ask for more bread. We always drink water, although the kids meals come with milk or juice. You can always order an "extra" drink for the other child.

$46.00 for the "main" meal for a family of 5 isn't bad. Most portions are generous and when I see what some families leave behind on their plates I think, "EEEIIIII!"

Enjoy your trip!

Way to go. That is a great price for a table service meal. The young kids just don't eat that much. We share portions all the time on our QS meals, especially the 1/2 chicken and ribs at places like Cosmic Rays, or Flame Tree BBQ.

Dan

 

[tina.tina]

Here's what I think:

We had the dining plan on our recent first family trip but I couldn't see that it was that great of a bargain. It seemed to be pretty much break even except for our snacks. If you can afford to pay for the dining plan, you'll be just fine. The only benefit is knowing that you can order the most expensive meal on the menu and it makes no difference in your cost.

You need to figure out how much you can afford to spend and then work within the confines of that budget- otherwise worrying about how much you're spending on food could ruin your trip.

If you are driving, that may mean taking food or eating off site. We took snack cakes, chips, drinks, and cereal. When we ate cereal in the room we just ran down to the food court & bought a 1/2 gal of milk (no fridge). You'll have a fridge included which should help you. If you're not driving, maybe you could have food delivered by Garden Grocer or some other service. Or if your CM friend is local, he/she could help you out.

Either way, you need to look at prices of QS places. I love the menus on allears.net. That will give you an idea of how much those meals will cost you. Unfortunately, it looks like Mara at AKL is more expensive & limited than the food court at Pop. For example, a large pepperoni pizza at Pop is less than $16 but is $19.99 for in-room dining at AKL and I didn't see it on the menu at Mara. We got kids' Mickey Waffles a couple of mornings for all 4 of us & it was $20.

If you like breakfast buffets, I would recommend eating breakfast as late as possible. We got back from our first family visit a couple of weeks ago. I think the main thing I learned was how important it is to hit the parks first thing. So we could get some important early park time, we had a snack in the room around 7 and had a late breakfast at 10:15 at Crystal Palace. We were there a little over an hour and basically were one of only about 3 or 4 families in our part of the restaurant by the time we left. They still had breakfast on one side of the buffet and they were putting out lunch when we left. Our server encouraged us to stay as long as we wanted. We were there about an hour. The characters probably came around 3 times and the kids took part in the parade. DH & Kids were at buffet & I was sitting by myself when Eeyore & Piglet came around an additional time and both hugged me. I was talking to my sister on the phone & Eeyore is her favorite. He got my phone like he was talking on it. It was so cute & it's a shame the area was so deserted that nobody else saw it! That was the only place that the characters went out of the way to interact with me or DH. DH got his picture taken with Tigger.

We also had dinner at Chef Mickey's and Garden Grill. It seemed like the characters came around a lot at Chef Mickey's & it was sort of a fun party atmosphere. It was our worst meal as far as food & service. The mashed potatoes were really the only thing I would classify as good but most of the other food was definitely edible. Our server basically disappeared- but not before he stood at another table and observed my husband knock over his drink that had just been brought to the table. We got refills after we were already past ready to go & had been waiting on the check forever. Other than the terrible service, the main thing I'll remember about Chef Mickey's is that Goofy "took a drink" of my son's rootbeer & he was worried about his drink at the other character meals we had!

Garden Grill had really good food. Our server was funny & very attentive. Pluto played with my DD10 with our misting fans. She had them on turned toward her & he turned them on himself. We got some adorable pictures. Maybe it seemed like there weren't as many characters there because Chip & Dale are so similar.

 

[golfntob]

Read thru this thread & am a bit concerned. Our Oct trip we booked a room at Pop with an AP discount. DH & I have APs but we bought undercover tourist tickets for the kids (9 & 14).

We did the math and for the places we wanted to eat the DDP worked for us. However will we be able to add it if we're not also adding tickets? May need to go back to the drawing board.

We do have a TiW card but I don't see that the 20% discount is that significant when they add the 18% gratuity in. However we'd pay 18% tip in most cases so I guess it is a savings.

 

[mom2rtk]

The one thing Disney did to keep us staying onsite was to price the character meals so high. We love going to the character meals, and consider them an important part of our trip. So once you decide you'll be doing them..... the cheapest way to accomplish that is with free dining at a value resort.

I suppose as long as the restaurants stay booked the prices will stay high, and venture even higher.

 

[Stinky_Pete]

OP - I can't help you with the buffet question as I haven't been to a WDW buffet in years. Especially not a character buffet. But since others are offering ways to economize for other food needs, I thought I'd offer mine:

Sometimes, a snack is as good as a meal:
When I'm at WDW, for some reason, I have a hankering for chili cheese fries. I know, they're terrible nutritionally. But hey! I'm on vacation. And I only get them there. But, frankly, an order of those is plenty enough to fill me for lunch. I was really getting into the Figaro Fries they used to have at Pinnoccio Village Haus on my last trip. I think I must have had them for lunch 2 or 3 times in Dec. 2008. Oh how I will miss them this trip.

Point is, larger, heartier "snacks" may be enough to make a meal. So instead of a $10 combo meal and a drink for everyone, maybe everyone would be just as happy with a "snack" and a cup of (free) ice water. Oh, and a Dole Whip a couple hours later. You're on vacation - enjoy yourselves!

Another non-traditional idea:
Usually, at least once a trip, I will go to my resort's lounge and order a couple of appetizers to split and that is "dinner" for that night. I also order a cocktail, but that's not required. It's just a relaxing evening for me, and costs less than a TS restaurant. I've done this at WL - not sure what they would have on the menu in the lounge at AKL.

Not sure if these suggestions would work with children. I usually travel with one other adult.

 

[JMLBrats]

Best idea of all you ask??????

Last trip we dined off property a great deal more than in the past. It was a total WIN WIN!!

First, the food is soooooooo much better than Disney food...no comparison at all. We had about half of our dinners off property and a few lunches and saved 40%, yes, 40% of our total food budget. There was very little affect on our timing in the parks...it is a quick scoot to great choices.....and I'm not talking quick counter service trash food.

It's a perfect solution to overpriced, lesser quality Disney food!

Have to agree with you but only if you have a car-obviously! We have gotten sick of all the rules and regulations of the plan, the constant "worry" about getting your money's worth and making sure you use all the snack credits before you leave on the last day! It's way too stressful for a vaca IMO. Plus I HATE having to make dining reservations WAY in advance!
That said, it is a lot of fun to eat at Disney restaurants sometimes and of course it is most practical if you have no vehicle.
I wouldn't say that food outside of Disney is better though...it depends on which places you are comparing and if you are talking CS over TS etc. But I don't think anyone can deny that it is much much cheaper.
If you are not on the plan, I would do a lot of sharing like so many others have posted. Most of Disney's serving are large especially the CS meals and you can definetly save money that way.

 

[TDC Nala]

You can't get a dining plan unless you purchase a package reservation (the only exception to this is DVC members; annual passholders can get the packages without tickets but it's still a package.)

We did the math and for the places we wanted to eat the DDP worked for us. However will we be able to add it if we're not also adding tickets? May need to go back to the drawing board.

No, you'll have to add tickets. If you want, you can add one-day tickets and then keep them.

There are a number of ways you would book a Disney reservation without a package: booking through a conference; booking through Travelocity, Expedia or another third party broker; booking a room-only because you don't want to purchase tickets. the OP is getting a cast member "friends and family" rate; that is not a package. There is no way you can make it into a package. It is not the same thing as a package PIN. Only if the dining plan is specifically offered for cast member reservations (and sometimes it is offered as a discount) can this type of reservation qualify for the dining plan. Ask the cast member who booked you to check.

DDP really isn't that much less expensive than paying OOP anymore anyway, unless you have lots of young kids or you plan on eating at the most expensive restaurants and buying the most expensive items. To save a bit, cut down on the character meals and do more a la carte.

 

[Sleeping Becca]

If you can afford to buy the DDP and planned to buy the DDP then just develop a budget using what you would have paid for the DDP. You can amply feed your family at Disney for that amount.

I'd get rid of Crystal Palace and Boma and keep Garden Grill. Crystal Palace characters can be found in Epcot. Boma is good but it is not THAT good. Some people are put out at the "exotic" offerings. People on the DIS generally love it, but it's not for everyone. I'd keep Garden Grill. It is a fun atmosphere and the characters are great.

As other posters suggested eating a table service meal at lunch can be a good money saver.

As far as sharing counter service meals go. It is definitely possible. My DD and I can share a CS meal. We are not big eaters and like to snack so we frequently share a CS meal.

 

[Claire&TheBoys]

I'll chime in and say that my best friend has a relative that works or worked for WDW and got them the "friends and family" rate several years ago. It was a great rate, but they were not able to add the DDP to it.

 

[chevblazer02]

I am getting a 'friend of cast member' room discount and I was told I cannot get the DP in any case.

This is gonna be devistating if this is true. Got a killer deal from a family member cast member this past May. Including the DP.

 

[Leajess99]

When we have put the pencil to it, we have always found it was cheaper to pay OOP for food. We don't want to be tied down to TS restaurants once a day, if you go that route. We usually only do a couple a trip. We usually order 3 CS meals between the 4 of us. Plenty of food. Ice water is free. We usually perfer water to a Coke.

This is us as well. The dining plan would actually cost more for us than worth it. It would actually be a $500 difference in our plans and we don't spend $500 for food in a week. My kids and I can get a kids' meal and adult meal and share it at counter service. We do have 1 breakfast at Crystal Palace planned but that is our favorite and a treat to the kids.

I have yet to really see a big difference between the dining plan and oop.

 

[Leajess99]

You can't get a dining plan unless you purchase a package reservation (the only exception to this is DVC members; annual passholders can get the packages without tickets but it's still a package.)

Those using the military room rate can also purchase the dining plan. We did that in 2009 and had it offered again last month when I made our most recent reservations. Our tickets are purchased through ITR or Shades Of Green.