Please help me solve dining dilemma

[borgthe]

OK all,

My friends had planned this trip awhile ago, and we are tagging along at last minute. August 24-31. I don't get free dining cuz I used my timeshare to exchange into Beach Club villas. But I can buy the dining plan. Here's the dilemma.

Originally, I was gonna just do all counter service cuz not that much was available at this late notice. With me and a 3 and 6 year old, I calculated about $50 a day. We're there for 6 full days, so that would be $300.

If I do the dining plan, it would cost $406, plus approx. $80 in tips, so $486 total.

I did the math on what we would order just at the table service meals and came up with $372 not including tax and tip.

So, what would you do. Would you spend $186 more and get 7 table service, or just forget it and do all counter.

Thanks!

 

[imthatgirl]

i would make some reservations first and see if i can eat anywhere, then i would add it.
if you add it first you may find you cant get into anywhere.

but yes if it were me and there were places open i would opt for the dining plan. i like a good sit down everyday.

 

[borgthe]

I did already make ressies. I got the following for breakfast:

Cape May Cafe character buffet

The following for lunch:

Tutto Italia
50s Prime Time
Crystal Palace

The following for dinner:

Marrakesh
Tokyo Dining
Raglan Road

That's where I calculated the prices from.

Thanks!

 

[LisaInNc]

I would spend the additional money and get some sit down. I personally could not go a week with just counter service for my meals. Even if you can't get into the popular restaurants there are still some really good places to eat.

 

[KayLuvsMickey]

Wow! You got some decent ressies...I'd definatly go DDP!

A sit down dinner is just such a nice "break" from the heat and from the hussle bussle...we really love it!

 

[borgthe]

Do you think these ressies are good? I had my doubts, but that comment gives me encouragement.

 

[Evan&Kimberly]

You could take the kids to some character meals,just see what works out best for you if you dont need it then dont get it! I have the free dinnig and was going to upgrade to the Deluxe Plan, it was going to cost me almost 200.00 to add it, I calculated how much all of the extra meals were going to cost mostly Breakfast TS,since I will use the free dinning for Dinner because dinner is more expensive.I calculated all my character breakfast and one character lunch at about 140.00 so instead of upgrading I will pay OOP,that way if I decide that I dont want to go to a breakfast one morning I can cancel and keep that $20 dollars in my pocket,this is what works for me,just make sure that whatever you choose it is in the best intrest of you and your kids and your purse or wallet!.

 

[Dismom55]

I have not eaten at several of the ones you mentioned, but they are several I am hoping for on our next trip, so I do think you got some good ones there. The kids should enjoy Crystal Palace and Cape May.

Just my opinion, I think the kids will benefit from some down time in the sit down-table service restaurants too. My kids are far from your kids ages, but I do remember just how tired they would get and how they seemed to re-energise after a bit of table service eating.

Have lots of fun and tell us about your dining experiences.

 

[imthatgirl]

I did already make ressies. I got the following for breakfast:

Cape May Cafe character buffet

The following for lunch:

Tutto Italia
50s Prime Time
Crystal Palace

The following for dinner:

Marrakesh
Tokyo Dining
Raglan Road

That's where I calculated the prices from.

Thanks!

well in that case, i would go for the dining plan!!

 

[carmie3377]

I too would do the dining plan. DD8, DS1 and I went in Jan with a friend and we opted against the plan. We only did 2 TS meals and the rest CS. I could have spent just a few dollars more to get the DDP and had 3 more TS. I was really tired of CS at the end of that trip!

 

[septbaby]

You have a very good assortment of TS Meals and the DP would be a good value with those reservations and a nice treat from Mom having to cook!

If there is some place you really want you can keep calling to see if something opens up. Some who have room only reservations and need to cancel will probably do so by the 18th, so there may be a random opening here and there.

However, even without making one change you can have a good time and some good meals that week. Those lunches are really smart with the ages of your kids. They're all in the park, so if you get in some time in the AM, then take that lunch break you should be in good shape for more fun in the PM.

Congrats on getting BC Villas it should be a wonderful trip!

 

[ilovemickeymost]

OK all,

My friends had planned this trip awhile ago, and we are tagging along at last minute. August 24-31. I don't get free dining cuz I used my timeshare to exchange into Beach Club villas. But I can buy the dining plan. Here's the dilemma.

Originally, I was gonna just do all counter service cuz not that much was available at this late notice. With me and a 3 and 6 year old, I calculated about $50 a day. We're there for 6 full days, so that would be $300.

If I do the dining plan, it would cost $406, plus approx. $80 in tips, so $486 total.

I did the math on what we would order just at the table service meals and came up with $372 not including tax and tip.

So, what would you do. Would you spend $186 more and get 7 table service, or just forget it and do all counter.

Thanks!

I would call & see what ressies you can get 1st. Its not going to be a value if none of the TS restuarunts have space. Also, I know my 3 yo would hate to sit & eat all the time if he could be out seeing Mickey. He'd rather just grab a hot dog & go. TS really cuts into your day. Maybe plan on doing all CS & then one CM.

 

[ilovemickeymost]

Just saw your post.

Cape May Cafe character buffet

The following for lunch:

Tutto Italia
50s Prime Time - Hear nothing but good things
Crystal Palace - Love it here, we go every year

The following for dinner:

Marrakesh - beautiful & our favorite
Tokyo Dining - this one is sushi, not sure if your children like it our not
Raglan Road