Ready to Dump the Dining Plan

[kiford]

We never use the dining plan. We would never save money over OOP because we don't eat the way the plan is designed. We eat TS for breakfast and dinner - never eat lunch. We don't eat snacks. Would never use the refillable mug. Mostly eat at signature restaurants. Hardly ever eat at QS or CS. We eat appetizers, have one or two alcoholic drinks - maybe a cocktail to start and a glass of wine with the entree. Hardly ever eat dessert. Sometimes I order 2-3 appetizers instead of an entree. Always make reservations at Victoria and Alberts.

It isn't just strictly about cost for what you get - part of what determines what it costs is about how you dine. If you are dining in a different way to justify the price of the plan then it probably doesn't work for you. First identify in general how you want to eat - when (twice a day, three times a day), where (QS, TS, signature, character), what (appetizer, entree, dessert, drinks), how much (adult portion, child portion, appetizer only, snacks). If that doesn't align with the plan design it will either not be cost-effective or you won't be happy with what and where you're eating. It works for some and not for others. Know yourself and your preferences and you'll be in the best position to determine worth for you.

 

[AshleeH]

Yikes!! I haven't heard this - character meals 2 points, that's nuts (I think Chef Mickey's would be empty considering the food)

As for us, we always do the deluxe dining plan because we eat at a signature a few nights out of our trip (DH and I will skip lunch). We like the meal plan because we like having our meals paid for before the trip (minus taxes), also, the bill on our signature meals can get crazy high - and we don't even order alcoholic beverages. Our bill at Narcroosees is bananas.

Yeah, it was mentioned in a thread here a few days ago. Supposedly Chef Mickey and Tusker House are going to two credits for lunch and dinner (breakfast stays the same). I asked a CM about it on the Disney site after I read it here, but they said nothing would be confirmed regarding any part of the dining plan until next year. But that CM also didn't know about upgrading tickets to an Annual Pass so he just wasn't as knowledgable about Disney as many of them I've spoken to.

 

[LovesTimone]

When using the DDP or DDXDP it takes more planning than with the QSDP - So its really about timing, and planning.

Here's a few points to think about.

There are lots of ways to make it work, and you do have to think outside of the box.

How long is your trip - taking into consideration - travel days, arrival and departure times.. For example on Arrival Day is it your plan to go into the parks? If so you could hit the attractions, and grab something at a QS when you are ready so no pressure... or... based on arrival time, which is when you arrive at the resort.. not when the wheels hit the tarmac at the airport allow for time to get your luggage, and if you are riding DME or renting a car, driving to WDW check in and such or you could do a some relaxation time, pool, and head to DS or one of the hotel restaurants for dinner another great way to start vacation. Are you a rope drop family, maybe planning on hitting a few rides then brunch somewhere for character meal =TS. using FP's for after brunch when the parks really start to fill up.

Really figure out what you want to do, see, and experience. and if you are celebrating something special,

Touring - how do you like to tour - Commando or Casual or somewhere in between...

 

[stephd219]

For the first time in 12 trips, we are going without the dining plan. We have only made 2 ADRs, and we are excited not to be tied to dining reservations. Still frustrated that we will be tied to FP reservations made 60 days in advance, but that's another story...