QS vs Reg DP

[Disneyhenry]

So we will be taking our older kids, they are all adults ages 19-27. We will be getting them all their own rooms, and they will take their SO or a friend. We also have a 4 year old, I am thinking with a total of 11 people the red DP requires so much work (all the advance reservations) and most our kids would be just fine with CS.
So what do you think is better for our trip??

 

[havoc315]

When are you going?
Especially in 2013, the QSDP doesn't make fiscal sense, better off paying oop. The regular ddp in 2013 also only makes sense for a small percentage of people.
And those who really want something "in between," are far better off oop.
With 10 adults and 1 child, it would generally be most cost effective to pay oop.

 

[we3travellers]

I hear you on this one! We are only 3 people, but we have chosen to purchase the QSDP and pay OOP for 4 TS. I have run all the numbers are we should save a minimum of $150. But even if we break even, I will be happy. I am really doing it more for convenience. I can see with 11 people where it might be helpful, especially since I am sure some may do their own thing occasionally for meals. It's hard to get 11 people, mostly adults, to agree on the same food! And all be hungry at the same time! Maybe plan a couple of TS where you can all sit together to dine and just pay OOP for those. I know many may not agree with me, but I think QSDP is the way to go for you. Although it's none of our business, it sounds as though you are paying for all, in which case you want to include meals.

 

[Cafeen]

For 2012, QSDP is meh. Not quite as bad as 2013 where it falls off the cliff of good savings, but it's still a pretty narrow margin.

With that said, especially in a mixed group such as yours, if you're taking care of the check, then QSDP will be the way to go. You'd probably get away a bit cheaper just paying OOP for the meals, but the peace of mind of having a static budget for x amount of stuff in your case is likely worth something.

I'd do a couple TS to get everyone together (maybe start, middle, end of trip) and then let everyone do as they wish.

Now, again, to highlight the narrow margin we're talking about here, for 2012, the "break even" point on a single QS meal (entree, drink, dessert) is about $15 (a little less). The average cost of a QS meal (incl. entree, drink, dessert) is right around $15, a bit higher or lower depending on where you go. As such, there will only be minimal (if any) savings from going on the plan. (Note, that break even point for 2013 jumps to over $17, which is what makes it such a bad deal!)

So, from a purely financial standpoint, unless everyone is going to eat all the CS desserts, I can't recommend it for this year (or next year at all). But you have to decide if a set budget is worth the potential of paying a bit more. (Again, in mixed groups such as these, that does have quite a bit of value, which is why I bring it up a couple times )