Packages w/ meals incl.

[BelleM77]

Is it worth it to get the packages with meals included? We are thinking about booking the gold or platinum package or maybe booking the honeymoon package that has meals included.

What places can you eat at? Anywhere or are there only certain places?

 

[amw5g]

Cost-wise, I don't think we've ever broken even on the eating, no matter how hard or how much we ate. That being said, we continue to use these all-inclusive plans just because of the convenience. Additionally, once we mention we're on plan, the wait staff sometimes get creative with their meal suggestions and can do some customization of dishes. You'd think they'd be less helpful since their tip is guaranteed and it's only 15%!

You can eat at almost all places, except the Chef's Domain and V&A, assuming the rules haven't changed much from this year. There are a handful of other places, but pretty much anywhere you go on property is fair game. Alcohol is not included. Souvenir mugs & cups are also not included, but we've not been denied the few times we've ordered them.

-Andrew

 

[BelleM77]

Does this include restaurants on the Boardwalk or is it just places in the actual park or in a hotel?

 

[amw5g]

The previous plans (up through current year) included restaurants on property- parks, water parks, hotels, campground, Boardwalk, Downtown Disney, Pleasure Island, et al. Even the ones not run by Disney like the Rainforest Cafe, Planet Hollywood, Fultons, Portobello YC, amongst others.

Plan did NOT include those "in the magic" hotels, however, for what it's worth.

There have been many posts in a couple forums about which restaurants were/were not on plan for the Deluxe & Grand Plan packages. If the list is similar, I'd do a search for those details.

-Andrew

 

[dansyr]

When are you thinking of going?? We are doing gold pkg for the first time this March. I'll let you know how it goes. If you have any other questions....pm me. I've called Disney about every possible question. I think if you like fine dining, you could break even easily.
Also, this yr , you can stay at a value resort and still do the gold pkg. Saves some money plus we just love AS movies.

If you have DC, we saved $ 400 on our pkgs.

 

[Janet2k]

I don't have the 2003 plan info yet (I'm still waiting for it from Disney), however, I do have the 2002 plan info:
Click here for 2002's Discovery Magic vacation package.
Click here for 2002's Deluxe Magic vacation package.
Click here for 2002's Grand Plan vacation package.

Those old packages should give you a good idea of what the new packages might be like, especially when it comes to restaurants. As soon as I get the 2003 info from Disney, I promise to post it here on the Dis.

 

[BelleM77]

Thanks dansyr! We are going in November but are planning to book this month.

 

[MadMadamMim]

When we went back in 2000 we used the Discovery Magic plan... back then all the restaurants (except V&A's) were included as <b>one</B> 'magical wish' - we <b>definately</b> got our moneys worth (and then some) out of it - for our upcoming trip we're on the 'Silver plan' (which is the new equivelent to Discovery Magic) and it seems very restrictive with the restaurants (many of our favorites are now two wishes as opposed to one) I still think it's a pretty good deal, but not as good of a deal as it once was... it just takes some planning to make sure you get the most bang for your buck!

 

[MamaQuack]

BelleM77,

We love the dining plan. We love fine dining. I agree with amw5g that the wait staff seems to go out of their way to serve, assist and help you with dining choices. We have used the plan 3 times now - most recently Oct 2002. Our waiter at Coral Reef suggested an entree not even listed on the menu that was divine. At Alfredo's our waiter immediately reminded us that an appetizer and salad were included and produced a divine plate of calamari. On our last night when we were tired and dreading going home our delightful waiter at Yacht CLub insisted he fix us a "take to the room box" filled with desserts since we had in no way eaten what he thought we should!!!! And, at California Grill our server made sure we had a taste of the sushi we mentioned but did not order, and, made sure the desserts were perfectly timed AFTER the fireworks. He even brought pizza just for a snack while waiting.

You will enjoy the plan if you enjoy good food.

Some places do require 2 wishes and those are the ones we use at dinner time.

Have fun!!