Probably easy to figure out but...

[C&AsMommy11]

I can't seem to wrap my head around it. We will be checking in on Saturday June 2 and checking out Friday June 8. We will have 3 adults and 2 kids. How many credits would we get on the regular DDP? Like I said, probably easy to figure but I just can't

 

[vicki_c]

You get 1 set of credits, per person, for each night you have booked in the resort (which is 6 nights in your case).

So for the regular plan, I think that's still 1 CS, 1 TS, and 2 snacks per night? (not entirely sure since we don't DDP).

 

[Smile&Nod]

Believe it is only one snack credit on the regular dining plan...and the dining plan does not include the tip.

 

[smitch425]

You get 1 set of credits, per person, for each night you have booked in the resort (which is 6 nights in your case).

So for the regular plan, I think that's still 1 CS, 1 TS, and 2 snacks per night? (not entirely sure since we don't DDP).

the regular DDP gets 1 snack per night.

 

[C&AsMommy11]

So we'd basically get credits for the day we check-in (or out) but not both? This is what I'm trying to figure out. Trying to figure if the plan is a good idea for us or not. Thanks!

 

[Brandilovesdisney]

That's right - either the day you check-in or out NOT both I find is easier to calculate your credits if you think of it like this: you get one table credit, one quick service, one snack "per night stay".

 

[purple figment]

So we'd basically get credits for the day we check-in (or out) but not both? This is what I'm trying to figure out. Trying to figure if the plan is a good idea for us or not. Thanks!

The dining plan is based on the number of NIGHTS you are staying. In your case you will be staying 6 nights so 6 TS, 6 CS, and 6 snacks per person.

You can use the credits from the moment you check in until 11:59PM on the day you check out.

 

[5boyz]

I can't seem to wrap my head around it. We will be checking in on Saturday June 2 and checking out Friday June 8. We will have 3 adults and 2 kids. How many credits would we get on the regular DDP? Like I said, probably easy to figure but I just can't

Did you mean your checking in July 2????

If everyone is in the same room, I believe it would say 36 A, 24 C, 30 S...

 

[Cafeen]

Did you mean your checking in July 2????

If everyone is in the same room, I believe it would say 36 A, 24 C, 30 S...

From their ticker, they're going in just over 11 months, so assuming that it's next year .

June 2 - 8 is 6 nights, so 6 nights worth of credits each.
You should receive a total of 18 Adult TS credits, 12 Child TS credits, 18 Adult CS Credits, 12 Child CS credits, and 30 snack credits.

As far as "is it worth it", if you're going to utilize the plan as designed, then it should be. This means ordering dessert with everything, not sharing, spending TS mostly at either dinners or character breakfasts, and no adults ordering a kids' meal. If that's the plan you have in mind, then it should be just fine. You'll want to double-check the numbers and such as the trip gets closer as well, as some prices are likely to change before then (which would give you more value on the plan).

 

[havoc315]

As far as "is it worth it", if you're going to utilize the plan as designed, then it should be. This means ordering dessert with everything, not sharing, spending TS mostly at either dinners or character breakfasts, and no adults ordering a kids' meal. If that's the plan you have in mind, then it should be just fine. You'll want to double-check the numbers and such as the trip gets closer as well, as some prices are likely to change before then (which would give you more value on the plan).

To make it worthwhile.... Also remember that you must want a minimum of 6 TS meals and 6 CS meals..

And I disagree on character breakfasts -- Those lose value under the plan. In 2012... You are paying about $34 for a TS credit -- Crystal Palace character breakfast is $23
Chef Mickey character breakfast is about $27
Tusker House breakfast is $24.50
Hollywood and Vine character breakfast is about $27.

Thus, character breakfasts tend to lose money under the DDP.

Thus, the Plan is indeed worthwhile... if you are going to do character dinners and/or moderate-expensive lunches and dinners. (tend to order pricier entrees), and follow the other rules.

The plan is a waste, if you prefer a bowl of pasta, or a sandwich, etc, as your meal. (There are quite a few restaurants where it is mathematically impossible to get the $34 in value needed to break even-- For example, at Tony's Town Square for lunch, I think it is mathematically impossible to break $30).

 

[pooch]

Splitting CS meals stretches the Reg DDP to cover both arrival and departure days. For example (this is adult DD and I) we split a CS lunch upon arrival (usually around noon) and then get our own TS dinners. On departure day, we leave before dinner so split the last CS for either breakfast or lunch. Actually, we split all CS meals all week and usually end up with 2 or 3 left by the end of the week plus a few snack credits. So on departure day, we split a breakfast and take 1 or 2 CS meals with us to the airport to eat before we fly out.

Not knowing your eating habits, if you do the DDP I suggest that, for CS meals, don't order everyone a meal at first. Try maybe 2 adults and a child's to start. CS meals can be huge and very splitable. If someone is still hungry, you can always get another meal or supplement with snack credits but you won't waste credits by throwing food away.

We have wasted a few in the past because DD always thinks she's too hungry to split that first CS meal. Then she gets it and remembers how big they are & we throw half away. Order less, you can always get more. And remember, although many complain its too many desserts, at CS locations you can get very good packaged fruit to go. We love munching apple slices as we wait in lines!

Hope this helps!!

 

[C&AsMommy11]

To make it worthwhile.... Also remember that you must want a minimum of 6 TS meals and 6 CS meals..

And I disagree on character breakfasts -- Those lose value under the plan. In 2012... You are paying about $34 for a TS credit -- Crystal Palace character breakfast is $23
Chef Mickey character breakfast is about $27
Tusker House breakfast is $24.50
Hollywood and Vine character breakfast is about $27.

Thus, character breakfasts tend to lose money under the DDP.

Thus, the Plan is indeed worthwhile... if you are going to do character dinners and/or moderate-expensive lunches and dinners. (tend to order pricier entrees), and follow the other rules.

The plan is a waste, if you prefer a bowl of pasta, or a sandwich, etc, as your meal. (There are quite a few restaurants where it is mathematically impossible to get the $34 in value needed to break even-- For example, at Tony's Town Square for lunch, I think it is mathematically impossible to break $30).

I know my husband would order steak at every chance he gets. He doesn't get that a lot at home. And I'm starting to think that if we do the dining plan, I would change one of our character meals to a dinner. I still want to do the Aserkhus breakfast but maybe instead of doing Tusker House breakfast, we'd do Chef Mickey's dinner.

I did some minor calculations and for Aserkhus breakfast and Tusker house breakfast for the 5 of us, we are already at $260 without adding tips. I know we at least want to do two character meals and maybe one sit down per day (mostly dinner). For some reason, I'm having a hard time with the $1,107 that we would pay for the DDP.

 

[pooch]

but, if you want to do a sit down restaurant every day, its probably worth it. Go to the menu section. Look at the restaurants you'd like to go to. Look at what you'd like to order as opposed to what you would order if you were paying as you go. Would your husband order that steak he wants if the cash is coming out of his pocket or would he order chicken?

Make up a fantasy menu & price it out. Of course, the bottom line is what you can afford. You can eat cheaper. The question is do you want/need to?

 

[havoc315]

I know my husband would order steak at every chance he gets. He doesn't get that a lot at home. And I'm starting to think that if we do the dining plan, I would change one of our character meals to a dinner. I still want to do the Aserkhus breakfast but maybe instead of doing Tusker House breakfast, we'd do Chef Mickey's dinner.

I did some minor calculations and for Aserkhus breakfast and Tusker house breakfast for the 5 of us, we are already at $260 without adding tips. I know we at least want to do two character meals and maybe one sit down per day (mostly dinner). For some reason, I'm having a hard time with the $1,107 that we would pay for the DDP.

Akershus is the 1 character breakfast that is absolutely worthwhile on the DDP. (It is about $40). But most other character breakfasts are under $30.

It takes a lot of work to really figure out true costs of DDP versus OOP. Especially since even if you go with the DDP, you may have certain OOP expenses. (Definitely tips, but you may have certain appetizers OOP, etc).

Another factor... Especially if you are doing several character meals, you will save far more on the kids pricing, than on the adult pricing, under the DDP.

Some people will basically say... if it's close, they take the DDP, to get peace of mind, ability to order what they want, without worrying about it.

Others, including myself will say.... Unless I expect some reasonable savings, I would rather have the flexibility of OOP. Not having to worry about missing a meal. Being allowed to order 2 appetizers (or 1 appetizer) as my whole meal, instead of a listed entree. etc.

So assuming you don't want to spend hours with spread sheets and menus... you are just looking for a general idea..

Based on what you're saying, the DDP will probably save you 10% or more.

But answer these questions to figure out if the $1,107 is worthwhile, some things to consider:

1 -- For TS restaurants, will each member of the party definitely want their own entree? (No desire to share, no desire to have an appetizer as a meal).
2-- Will each member of the party want 2-3 desserts per day (the 3rd dessert being a snack credit, which can also be used for an extra beverage, etc).
3-- If this is for 2012, will members of the party want to regularly drink extra soda, outside of meals, around the resort property?
4-- Are you certain you would use all of your credits?

If the answer to all 4 questions is "yes" -- Then go with the DDP, with confidence. You will likely save money based on what you're saying. Especially if your husband always orders the steak, you avoid the cheaper restaurants, you only do 1 breakfast, etc..

If you answer "yes" to 3 out of 4.... You are probably okay with the DDP, but may need to look more closely.

If you answer yes to only 2 out of 4, you are probably better off without the DDP, but should look more closely.

If you mostly answer "no" to the above questions, then you should absolutely go OOP.

 

[Diegosmom]

Are your 2 kids Disney adults or are they true kids?...

Dining for kids is $15 a day

Ohana Dinner $15.99
Crystal Palace Breakfast 12.99
Lunch $13.99
Dinner $17.99
Le Cellier Lunch $8.99
Akershus Breakfast $23.42
Lunch $24.49
Dinner $25.55
Chef Mickey Breakfast $13.99
Dinner $17.03
Mama Melrose Fantasmic Package Lunch/Dinner $15

If you are picking dinner for all of them (lunch at Le Cellier to only use 1 credit)

Total Price if you went OP would be $100.55. Price of Dining for a child for 6 nights is $90.12 so on each kid you are already saving $10 each...plus each child will get the mug ($14) 6 snacks (average $3 each=$18) and 6 CS meals (average $5=$30).

So for each kid you would save $72 or for both $144.

So even if the math is close for the adults you would at least be saving on the kids...

But if you are doing a lot of breakfast meals the savings for the adults are much less (kids too)...

 

[C&AsMommy11]

Akershus is the 1 character breakfast that is absolutely worthwhile on the DDP. (It is about $40). But most other character breakfasts are under $30.

It takes a lot of work to really figure out true costs of DDP versus OOP. Especially since even if you go with the DDP, you may have certain OOP expenses. (Definitely tips, but you may have certain appetizers OOP, etc).

Another factor... Especially if you are doing several character meals, you will save far more on the kids pricing, than on the adult pricing, under the DDP.

Some people will basically say... if it's close, they take the DDP, to get peace of mind, ability to order what they want, without worrying about it.

Others, including myself will say.... Unless I expect some reasonable savings, I would rather have the flexibility of OOP. Not having to worry about missing a meal. Being allowed to order 2 appetizers (or 1 appetizer) as my whole meal, instead of a listed entree. etc.

So assuming you don't want to spend hours with spread sheets and menus... you are just looking for a general idea..

Based on what you're saying, the DDP will probably save you 10% or more.

But answer these questions to figure out if the $1,107 is worthwhile, some things to consider:

1 -- For TS restaurants, will each member of the party definitely want their own entree? (No desire to share, no desire to have an appetizer as a meal).
2-- Will each member of the party want 2-3 desserts per day (the 3rd dessert being a snack credit, which can also be used for an extra beverage, etc).
3-- If this is for 2012, will members of the party want to regularly drink extra soda, outside of meals, around the resort property?
4-- Are you certain you would use all of your credits?

If the answer to all 4 questions is "yes" -- Then go with the DDP, with confidence. You will likely save money based on what you're saying. Especially if your husband always orders the steak, you avoid the cheaper restaurants, you only do 1 breakfast, etc..

If you answer "yes" to 3 out of 4.... You are probably okay with the DDP, but may need to look more closely.

If you answer yes to only 2 out of 4, you are probably better off without the DDP, but should look more closely.

If you mostly answer "no" to the above questions, then you should absolutely go OOP.

Thanks for this. Basically the only question I'd be iffy on would be the dessert one. We usually aren't dessert people but it's vacation. Why not? And yes, at least two of our members are big pop/soda drinkers so the mugs will be nice especially for them. If I don't do the DDP, I was planning on buying those two mugs anyway. This is our first real trip to Disney. My husband has NEVER been, I went years ago but don't remember any of the food and my mom hasn't been in over 20 years. The kids have never been to world but if they find something they like, they are good eaters. Thanks again I will consider all you've explained.

Are your 2 kids Disney adults or are they true kids?...

Dining for kids is $15 a day

Ohana Dinner $15.99
Crystal Palace Breakfast 12.99
Lunch $13.99
Dinner $17.99
Le Cellier Lunch $8.99
Akershus Breakfast $23.42
Lunch $24.49
Dinner $25.55
Chef Mickey Breakfast $13.99
Dinner $17.03
Mama Melrose Fantasmic Package Lunch/Dinner $15

If you are picking dinner for all of them (lunch at Le Cellier to only use 1 credit)

Total Price if you went OP would be $100.55. Price of Dining for a child for 6 nights is $90.12 so on each kid you are already saving $10 each...plus each child will get the mug ($14) 6 snacks (average $3 each=$18) and 6 CS meals (average $5=$30).

So for each kid you would save $72 or for both $144.

So even if the math is close for the adults you would at least be saving on the kids...

But if you are doing a lot of breakfast meals the savings for the adults are much less (kids too)...

Yes, the kids are true kids. My son will be 9 and my daughter will be 4. I was originally going to do two breakfasts-Aserkhus and Tusker House and then eat the rest of breakfasts in our room (cereal, bagels etc.). But, I'm now considering doing only Aserkhus as breakfast and changing Tusker House to Chef Mickey dinner if we do the DDP. I want to make it the best bargain I can if we decide to go with it. I don't want to pay all that money and then basically throw a bunch of it away. That's why I'm having a hard time with the decision. Yes, I have plenty of time but I am a big planner and this is killing me!!! Thanks for your input!

 

[Cafeen]

To make it worthwhile.... Also remember that you must want a minimum of 6 TS meals and 6 CS meals..

And I disagree on character breakfasts -- Those lose value under the plan. In 2012... You are paying about $34 for a TS credit -- Crystal Palace character breakfast is $23
Chef Mickey character breakfast is about $27
Tusker House breakfast is $24.50
Hollywood and Vine character breakfast is about $27.

Thus, character breakfasts tend to lose money under the DDP.

Thus, the Plan is indeed worthwhile... if you are going to do character dinners and/or moderate-expensive lunches and dinners. (tend to order pricier entrees), and follow the other rules.

The plan is a waste, if you prefer a bowl of pasta, or a sandwich, etc, as your meal. (There are quite a few restaurants where it is mathematically impossible to get the $34 in value needed to break even-- For example, at Tony's Town Square for lunch, I think it is mathematically impossible to break $30).

I should have clarified, character breakfasts are good values for children and better than other breakfasts. Typically, my advice to stretch credits is OOP for adults and DDP for kids at these, then the reverse at an a la carte places.