We will be going to Disney in October 2009. Our family consists of two adults and four, 7 year olds (2 boys that eat alot and 2 girls that are medium eaters). I really don't think the table service plan will be an option since getting them to sit still for dinner each evening may be a chore. Wondering if the Quick Service plan is worth it for us? We may choose to go to one or two table service meals but that's it. Will we save much or would it be better winging it?
I think that at worst case you would break even. The kids are only $10 each per day. The snack credits alone can be worth up to $8 depending on what they choose. Plus the get two meals per day. The main downside to the kids menu is that it is very limited. Chicken Nuggets and burgers get old after a while. Each member of your family would also receive a mug that allows for unlimited fountain drinks at your resort. I am most likely going to get the QSDP for my family. I thought about winging it and going outside for some meals but I figured it would waste too much time.
QSDP can be a good deal for adults. It's a "no-brainer" good deal for kids 3-9. Having four kids in your family, you'll probably save a lot on QSDP, assuming that you would normally be buying a kid's meal for each child at each meal. Kids' QSDP cost is $8.99/night, which includes 2 CS meals ($4.49+tax each) and 2 snacks, plus the "resort mug". Ignoring the value of the mug, you're paying less for the QSDP than you would for the 2 CS meals ($9.56, including tax), so you get the 2 snacks for "free" in addition to saving a tiny bit on the CS meals. Adults are trickier. If you're just going with burger + fries + drink, you can probably get by on about $11 for a CS, after tax. That means you'd have to maximize your snack value to pretty much break even, though you'd get the mug for free. On the other hand, pick the higher-end entrees and include the dessert, and you can easily get to $20+ value out of a CS meal if you pick the right places, such as Wolfgang Puck Express, Cosmic Ray's, Tangerine Cafe, Sunshine Seasons, Flame Tree BBQ, and Pepper Market (but probably at least $13-14 for less "optimal" choices). So, if you're going to be eating the CS meals anyway, then yes, I believe the QSDP is good value, made better by having more kids on it.
