Too many?

[ceccyboo]

This is my first time using any type of dining plan and i think i might have gone a little mad with Adr!
There are four of us going 2 adults and 2 kids, 4 and 3. we are on the DxDDP and iv really tried to make the most of it

here's what i have so far;

arrival day nothing as we wont get there till around 7/8 at night!

2nd day

T-rex (L)

3rd day

late breakfast at chef mickeys

via napoli (D)


4th day

Crystal palace (B)

Boma (D)

5th day

Tuskers house (B)

planet hollywood (D)

6th day

Sci-fi dine-in (L)

Mama melrose (D)

7th day

Hollywood & vine (B)

50s PT (L)



8th day

Yak & Yeti (L)

Sanaa (D)

9th day

Ohana (B)

California grill (D)

10th day

The wave (B)

Raglan Road (D)

11th day

Tony (L)

The Plaza(D)

12th day

Kona (B)

Ohana (D)

13th day

Liberty tree tavern (L)

14th day

Rainrorest cafe dd (D)


I really wanted to add another breakfast in on the last few days but cant decide between Olivias and Boma? as well as 2 more dinner adrs for the last few days!

Is this all way too much? I've tried to plan it so the full days are spent either all in the same place or so we can leave after lunch and chill by the hotel pool before dinner. Opinions would be appreciated especially by those who are experienced with the DxDDp!

 

[Mambo Junkie]

It just depends on what you like. You have a pretty nice spread there and I highly recommend you have reservations for most of the places you have chosen. Try to leave space in case you can snag a BOG fast pass. I personally like more free space but it's all in what you like.

 

[purple figment]

It looks like you are going to be there for 12 nights, which means that on the DxDDP you will have 36 dining credits to be used at either table or counter service. Right now you are only using 22 credits and some are at fairly inexpensive places (Sci Fi, Beaches & Cream, Kona breakfast). Are you upgrading from FD or paying in full for the DxDDP? If you are upgrading from FD you will probably be alright, but if you are ppaying for the DxDDP you'll be better off paying OOP for your food.

When we did the DxDDP we felt 2 TS meals a day were enough - either a late breakfast or early lunch and a 2 TS credit dinner.

As far as the restaurants you chose, they look good. Your kids will probably enjoy all the character meals.

The only days I would find too food heavy are Days 5 and 7 where you have 3 restaurants scheduled, including 1 or 2 buffets. On Day 7 since you are going to the MNSSHP, you might want to eat dinner early, especially if you want to do the meet and greet for some of the rare characters. The lines start around 5:30 - 6:00 to reduce standing in line during valuable party hours. Also, you have RFC on 2 different days (5, 12), but the menu is the same for L and D?

 

[ceccyboo]

It looks like you are going to be there for 12 nights, which means that on the DxDDP you will have 36 dining credits to be used at either table or counter service. Right now you are only using 22 credits and some are at fairly inexpensive places (Sci Fi, Beaches & Cream, Kona breakfast). Are you upgrading from FD or paying in full for the DxDDP? If you are upgrading from FD you will probably be alright, but if you are ppaying for the DxDDP you'll be better off paying OOP for your food.

When we did the DxDDP we felt 2 TS meals a day were enough - either a late breakfast or early lunch and a 2 TS credit dinner.

As far as the restaurants you chose, they look good. Your kids will probably enjoy all the character meals.

The only days I would find too food heavy are Days 5 and 7 where you have 3 restaurants scheduled, including 1 or 2 buffets. On Day 7 since you are going to the MNSSHP, you might want to eat dinner early, especially if you want to do the meet and greet for some of the rare characters. The lines start around 5:30 - 6:00 to reduce standing in line during valuable party hours. Also, you have RFC on 2 different days (5, 12), but the menu is the same for L and D?

We are actually staying for 14 nights i just havent filled adr for all days i might see if i can change some round to spread it out a little more!
We did upgrade the dining plan i think it was originally only a quick service but the OH liked the idea that on the DxDDP pretty much everything was paid for.

I think your right with those 2 days being a little much i just wanted to try to fit everything into the park we would be in that day rather than having to make lots of trips just too eat.

Do you think it would be worth cancelling the adr for CP the night of MNSSHP and just grabbing a snack or a QS sandwich?


The rainforest cafe is the only adr i let OH make and even though i have told him they are both the same just different locations he wont let me cancel the lunch adr

Id really like to book some nicer places to eat but im struggling as i have a VERY fussy 4 year old, he will literally only eat chicken nugget and chips, cheese pizza and turkey sandwiches for lunch or dinner! That's why i have so many breakfast booked for TS meals at least i know he can fill up on waffles, pancakes, french toast etc (he has a serious sweet tooth)

Any suggestions for places to eat would be most appreciated!

 

[ceccyboo]

Iv once again changed my reservations fingers crossed apart from maybe wanting to add one or 2 more adr i think im pretty happy with what i have now! opinions?

 

[DVCkidsMOM]

On any dining plan, children must order from the children's menu. This was a problem for us because our children didn't want kid food all the time. It sounds like you will be fine though.
Our experience when we've had as many ADRs as you now do was that we felt we spent too much time eating and that we ate too much. If you are ready to give up this much time to eat and you are ready to not try to stuff your money's worth into your mouth, then you should be fine. The last surprise with this much dining was the cost - gratuities are NOT included and will be added. So the costlier the meal, the costlier the tip. This is where buffets (which have a lower % tip) may work in your favor even if it's not "maximum value" for your DxDP dollars - it's less additional cost. If OH (I refer to mine as DH, but OH would fit him too ) likes the prepaid (except for gratuities) aspect of DxDP and you've got the $$ - go for it.
I would not repeat Rainforest Cafe, but I wouldn't go at all... I would replace some dinners with signature experiences - they will still have simple fare for picky children and you and OH will get better quality for which you have already paid. Though the higher cost meal will come with the higher tip, we think it's worth it.
If Victoria & Alberts is included with DxDP, I would send the kids to the GF Kids Club and go there with OH one night. Actually, I would go at least twice if I were staying as long as you are. The kids can be at the GF Kids Club so away from you less time than at another kids club. Children should be fed at the kids club if during dinner - the chicken fingers that they want anyway. You'd have to pay OOP for the kids club but V&A is so worth it!
What we often did when children were little was to allow them to eat from our meals and save their dining credits if they weren't going to eat it anyway. We used the children's meal credits at QS locations for "snacks" for everyone. Just another option to consider.
FWIW, we are eating two TS meals a day during our next trip nearly everyday. Our thought is that we will actually want less time in a crowded park and that we want a guaranteed spot to sit and eat. We will be paying OOP with TiW discount, though. Enjoy your trip.

 

[ceccyboo]

On any dining plan, children must order from the children's menu. This was a problem for us because our children didn't want kid food all the time. It sounds like you will be fine though.
Our experience when we've had as many ADRs as you now do was that we felt we spent too much time eating and that we ate too much. If you are ready to give up this much time to eat and you are ready to not try to stuff your money's worth into your mouth, then you should be fine. The last surprise with this much dining was the cost - gratuities are NOT included and will be added. So the costlier the meal, the costlier the tip. This is where buffets (which have a lower % tip) may work in your favor even if it's not "maximum value" for your DxDP dollars - it's less additional cost. If OH (I refer to mine as DH, but OH would fit him too ) likes the prepaid (except for gratuities) aspect of DxDP and you've got the $$ - go for it.
I would not repeat Rainforest Cafe, but I wouldn't go at all... I would replace some dinners with signature experiences - they will still have simple fare for picky children and you and OH will get better quality for which you have already paid. Though the higher cost meal will come with the higher tip, we think it's worth it.
If Victoria & Alberts is included with DxDP, I would send the kids to the GF Kids Club and go there with OH one night. Actually, I would go at least twice if I were staying as long as you are. The kids can be at the GF Kids Club so away from you less time than at another kids club. Children should be fed at the kids club if during dinner - the chicken fingers that they want anyway. You'd have to pay OOP for the kids club but V&A is so worth it!
What we often did when children were little was to allow them to eat from our meals and save their dining credits if they weren't going to eat it anyway. We used the children's meal credits at QS locations for "snacks" for everyone. Just another option to consider.
FWIW, we are eating two TS meals a day during our next trip nearly everyday. Our thought is that we will actually want less time in a crowded park and that we want a guaranteed spot to sit and eat. We will be paying OOP with TiW discount, though. Enjoy your trip.

The childrens menu's won't be a problem for us thankfully iv spent hours going through the menu for each place i book just to make sure my eldest son will eat something on the menu! The only place i know he wont is Ohana but i was told they have a childrens menu that i can ask for when i arrive.

Iv tried to book 1-2 TS meals a day so that we can have little rest from the crowds and walking round in the heat.
I think we should be ok with tips, like you said we have a few buffet type meals that should keep costs of that down.

The way i look at is that last year we didn't have a dining plan and it cost us a fortune, it was our first time to Disney and nobody told us how expensive it is! This year apart from tips all our food is paid for and something we don't have to worry about while there!

Iv also managed to convince OH to cancel the RC lunch adr
I would love to have a few more signature meals booked but cant find any with early time slots suitable for the kids....don't like the idea of leaving them in the kids club!

 

[CSchex]

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[CSchex]

The last surprise with this much dining was the cost - gratuities are NOT included and will be added. So the costlier the meal, the costlier the tip. This is where buffets (which have a lower % tip) may work in your favor even if it's not "maximum value" for your DxDP dollars - it's less additional cost. If OH (I refer to mine as DH, but OH would fit him too ) likes the prepaid (except for gratuities) aspect of DxDP and you've got the $$ - go for it.

I've never encountered a lower percentage tip for the buffets. We've eaten at Crystal Palace, Boma, Cape May, and others and we've paid an 18% tip each time, which is the same for other table service restaurants. So, don't count on eating at a buffet to minimize your additional costs.

 

[MinnieMouse100]

At citricos they go out of their way to accommodate the kids and is a great choice for a signature dinner (2pt on DDP). The first time we went there we had an infant and a 4yo and it was the best fine dining experience even with the kids! Kid appetizer of carrot stick and grapes They had Mac n cheese and chicken nuggets as well as cheese pizza for main course. My son got Mickey shaped straw for his drink and a build your own sundae dessert. We lived the "adult" food too

 

[ceccyboo]

At citricos they go out of their way to accommodate the kids and is a great choice for a signature dinner (2pt on DDP). The first time we went there we had an infant and a 4yo and it was the best fine dining experience even with the kids! Kid appetizer of carrot stick and grapes They had Mac n cheese and chicken nuggets as well as cheese pizza for main course. My son got Mickey shaped straw for his drink and a build your own sundae dessert. We lived the "adult" food too

Do you mind if i ask what time you ate at? I can only find adrs for after half 7 and i think thats a little late to take my boys to that type of restaurant, my 3 year old can struggle to sit still even at TGI's lol

We have booked for the California Grill at 5.05 pm so pretty much as soon as it opens for dinner...i thought at that time we might at least have families in there rather than diners getting annoyed with the kids!

 

[quakechicago]

I think it looks fun! We did the deluxe in February and are doing it again in November. DD is 3 and we try to do 3 character meals a day! (Though we do get to fit an Ohana and Coral Reef in here and there)

It's more fun than standing in line and we didn't find it really too SO much more time than stopping to eat and waiting for one character in a big line. The interaction time seemed longer too. She'd rather meet the characters than ride 80% of the rides so our time is spent meeting or eating!

 

[ceccyboo]

I think it looks fun! We did the deluxe in February and are doing it again in November. DD is 3 and we try to do 3 character meals a day! (Though we do get to fit an Ohana and Coral Reef in here and there)

It's more fun than standing in line and we didn't find it really too SO much more time than stopping to eat and waiting for one character in a big line. The interaction time seemed longer too. She'd rather meet the characters than ride 80% of the rides so our time is spent meeting or eating!

I keep telling myself the character meals are for the kids but i think in truth the ohana breakfast is for me really lol i LOVE stitch! Tuskers house is for OH he loves goofy and the line last year to meet him was huge so i booked this for him.

Iv ended up changing my adrs again but not updated the list yet i think i have 23/24 booked now and im really happy with what i have so will stick with it now lol plus OH said if i ask him to read reviews or menus for one more eatery he will leave me at home

 

[MinnieMouse100]

I don't recall exactly what time it was but we always tend to eat later in the evening so very likely somewhere around 6:30/7

We have also eaten at California grill this past year and the kids were me mesmerized by the view. We really enjoyed the experience and the food was great. However my oldest didn't find much he liked on their menu ( he is my classic picky eater child!)

 

[ceccyboo]

I don't recall exactly what time it was but we always tend to eat later in the evening so very likely somewhere around 6:30/7

We have also eaten at California grill this past year and the kids were me mesmerized by the view. We really enjoyed the experience and the food was great. However my oldest didn't find much he liked on their menu ( he is my classic picky eater child!)

Im really looking forward to the California grill dinner! Im sure i saw cheese pizza on the menu for kids so my picky son should hopefully be fine with that

I cant find and early time for Citricos so that might be something to try on the next visit!

 

[quakechicago]

I keep telling myself the character meals are for the kids but i think in truth the ohana breakfast is for me really lol i LOVE stitch! Tuskers house is for OH he loves goofy and the line last year to meet him was huge so i booked this for him.

Iv ended up changing my adrs again but not updated the list yet i think i have 23/24 booked now and im really happy with what i have so will stick with it now lol plus OH said if i ask him to read reviews or menus for one more eatery he will leave me at home

Yeah my DH threw his hands up at my craziness when we went in Feb, but the great time we had from my planning spoke for itself. This trip I'm just booking most of it and keeping a few things non-character for him. He's totally fine though with the character meals because of how THRILLED our DD is by them. She's a really happy kid, but I've never, EVER seen her THAT happy! Think Christmas morning joy and wonder times a thousand and then include a room full of adorable puppies and kittens!

You'll be fine. We also ended up changing some things there because she wanted to do something again instead of something else. Just be flexible and have fun!

 

[rN820]

I sometimes think I make character dining reservations for me more than the kids

 

[amym2]

At 3 and 4, our kids would have hated that much time sitting in restaurants. Figure 1 to 1 1/2 hours per meal and that's a lot of park time you are using up. If I were you I'd back up to the regular DDP (1 CS, 1 TS, snack) and if you find that you want to eat more than one TS per day, pay for it OOP. Breakfasts are not really a good value on any dining plan. Chances are you are going to waste a bunch of credits (thus lose a lot of money), but if you're ok with that, I think your choices are fine.

 

[kehlyrsmom]

We have gone now for several years during free dining and last year we had 2 restaurants change thie menu the day before our actual reservation. My son is autistic and is very pickey eater and although I spent several hours researching menus it was in vain since they changed it on me to nothing he would eat at those restaurants.

 

[BrandiP]

We find that at WDW we eat later than we normally do at home, and our kids are fine with it. There is so much going on and so much to do, especially if you are planning to take a break away from the parks after lunch.

Do you mind if i ask what time you ate at? I can only find adrs for after half 7 and i think thats a little late to take my boys to that type of restaurant, my 3 year old can struggle to sit still even at TGI's lol

We have booked for the California Grill at 5.05 pm so pretty much as soon as it opens for dinner...i thought at that time we might at least have families in there rather than diners getting annoyed with the kids!