QS dining plan or not?

[TinkandGoofy'sMom]

We are leaving in 6 days

I haven't added a dining plan yet. We were thinking of doing the QS this time, and take advantage of the two snacks at F&W. We have always done the regular plan in the past, and enjoyed it, but now that we are DVC we won't be doing it. I do plan on purchasing TIW, and have already made reservations for the two restaurants my daughters chose for sit-downs (Teppan Edo and Boma breakfast). We won't be doing any additional sit-downs this time, just a more go with the flow kind of trip. We'll be eating a light breakfast in the villa, otherwise NO COOKING! When I think about it, the QS doesn't really seem like such a savings. My younger daughter will likely share most meals with me. I just like the convenience of the QS. What do you think? Anyone not done a dining plan and regretted it?

 

[FreeTime]

Since you are saying that you don't think it will be a cost savings, that you will share meals and you like the convenience, then I think it is a personal decision. Weigh how much you are willing to pay for the convenience.

 

[CarolMN]

Do you want/need a dessert at every meal? If not, my advice is to definitely skip it. You'll save money and calories.

 

[Sandisw]

Yes, I have done it and regretted it. What I realized is that what we "saved" was on the stuff we would not have eaten anyway (like desserts). This past summer, we ended up throwing away at least 6 baked goods we bought with snack credits because we were just not hungry enough to eat them.

And, there were times where the kids wanted something (like a smoothie) that was not covered on the plan as a snack.

In the end, we decided we won't be doing them again.

 

[castleri]

On our trip over labor day we did not get the QSDP although I had considered it. I will say that I am glad we didn't. I added up our meal costs and it came to about $28 each a day for DH and myself. We ate at Wolfgang Puck express, Columbia Harbor House, Contempo Cafe, Olivia's (lunch), Flame Tree BarBQ, the pool at Kidani and Sanaa (lunch). The 2 TS lunches we did have the TIW card which can make a difference. We had some snacks in the parks but did not eat desserts with most meals. I think if you are a family that eats desserts and uses the refillable mug, plus the 2 snacks a day it is a break even situation depending on where you eat. We had refillable mugs from the DXDP that we had for one night and used them exactly twice. Actually I used mine DH did not since beer isn't one of the beverages offered. We did enjoy the DXDP as we ate at CM for breakfast, Kona and Coral Reef for dinners.

 

[TinkandGoofy'sMom]

Thanks for your responses. I've got to do a little more research today, but I'm leaning towards skipping it!

 

[hollis]

I've never used any of the dining plans myself. Want to eat relatively healthy even while on vacation (since we frequently go for 2 weeks or longer). Always happy about the flexibility of eating offsite, and occasionally skipping a meal or substituting with other foods. So I'd say, I never regret not having dining plan.

Currently considering doing dining plan for my Spring Break trip (just a short 4-day trip and traveling with friends). But with the 2012 price increase, I am having second thoughts.

 

[TinkandGoofy'sMom]

Well, convenience won out and I booked the Quick Service plan today.