to dine or not to dine...

[vic'sDisney6]

Does the Dining plan make sense for a family of 6 on a budget or since we are in a DVC villa does cooking make more sense? If we go with a plan which one is best?

 

[sharonabe]

Cooking in your villa will definitely be cheaper, but it will also take time away from the parks.

You'll need to crunch some numbers. Most people with children on the DDP come out ahead because the cost for the child DDP is more than paid for with just a couple buffet meals.

If your family likes to drink soda/milk/coffee with their meals, if you like getting dessert with EVERY meal, if you want to be able to say YES when DD wants some popcorn or ice cream, then you may want to get the DDP.

Head over to the dining menus and "order" some meals your family might eat and see if the cost of DDP is good for you.

 

[havoc315]

The ddp is not really a money saver. In fact, I think for most families, they spend mire with the ddp then without it.
The ddp is kind of an upsell.
It's like, you can easily eat a ts meal and cs meal for $35-40. But for $46, Disney throws in the "bargain" of extra desserts, snacks, and beverages.

If you were going to buy dessert with every meal, if you were going to order expensive items regardless, then the ddp saves a bit. Otherwise, the ddp is just a way to get you to spend extra. (much like promotions of buy one, get second at 50% off)