Signature Rest. worth it?

[realpatt]

We are planning on using our meals mostly on the Signature Rest. Calf. Grill, Flying Fish and Jiko. Is it worth using the dining plan if we prefer these restaurants over the other table service options?

 

[bicker]

I don't think so. A typical meal at California Grill is $57 before tax and tip ($28 per TS credit), while a typical meal at Le Cellier is $45 ($45 per TS credit). If you prefer Signature restaurants, then you are probably better of without the Dining Plan.

 

[ZekeKelso]

I don't think so. A typical meal at California Grill is $57 before tax and tip ($28 per TS credit), while a typical meal at Le Cellier is $45 ($45 per TS credit). If you prefer Signature restaurants, then you are probably better of without the Dining Plan.

I respectively disagree. The question isn't, "how can I use the dining plan to get the meals that would have cost me the most off the plan" but just if the plan is worthwhile if you intend to eat at signature restaurants.

Two issues - first is monetary. If a meal at California Grill is $57 before tax and tip, that's about $72 with tax and tip, or $36 per credit. Throw in at least $7 per CS and $2 per snack credit, and the plan more than makes monetary sense at $38/day.

Second issue is convenience. What I liked best about the dining plan was not the monetary savings, but the convenience it added. Personally, I would be uncomfortable eating at California Grill paying OOP - always worried about the cost. But once the dining plan is paid for, that goes out the windows. Meals are paid for in one decision and the whole cost factor goes away. You just have to worry about what you want to eat. mmmmm

 

[bicker]

I don't think so. A typical meal at California Grill is $57 before tax and tip ($28 per TS credit), while a typical meal at Le Cellier is $45 ($45 per TS credit). If you prefer Signature restaurants, then you are probably better of without the Dining Plan.

I respectively disagree. The question isn't, "how can I use the dining plan to get the meals that would have cost me the most off the plan" but just if the plan is worthwhile if you intend to eat at signature restaurants.

I believe that as well. However, that impact each restaurant in the same way, in terms of the specific question I was asked (i.e., whether I thought it was "worth it"). While I wouldn't say that $45 per TS credit versus $40 per TS credit established a clear value advantage to one or the other (other factors such as ambiance, cuisine, etc. would overwhelm such a small difference), The difference between $28 and $45 is so substantial that I feel it trumps those other considerations.

Two issues - first is monetary. If a meal at California Grill is $57 before tax and tip, that's about $72 with tax and tip, or $36 per credit.

The effect of "tax and tip" is proportional in its impact on each restaurant. So now we're comparing California Grill at $36 per credit versus Le Cellier at $56 per credit.

Throw in at least $7 per CS and $2 per snack credit, and the plan more than makes monetary sense at $38/day.

The question isn't whether the Dining Plan is worth it or not, but rather whether using Dining Plan credits for Signature restaurants is worth it or not.

Second issue is convenience. What I liked best about the dining plan was not the monetary savings, but the convenience it added.

Again, the convenience factor affects me the same, regardless of which restaurant I'm eating at.