We are going to be at Disney for 8 days and have reservations almost everyday at a sit down restaurant. Just not sure what to do.
Your indication that you carry food to eat and that your kids don't eat a lot would normally suggest you don't need the DP. However, the fact that you will be paying for a TS just about every night and you are going when holiday premium pricing is in effect suggests that this time the DP might be a good deal for you, esp. if those meals are buffet/character.
You should do your own math:
Add up cost of everything you're likely to order w/o the DP. TS, CS and snacks.
Multiply that number by 1.065 to get a total including tax.
Do this for each day and add up the daily totals.
Your DP has 3A and 1C so since your trip is in 2008 the nightly fee for the DP is $124 including taxes. That is a 7 night total of $868.
For your TS meals that are character or buffet there will be a Holiday Premium that should total $14 each time at those meals. For example if you choose to have dinner at Chef Mickey's it will cost you: $33.99 per Adult and $16.99 for your 3yo. Without the DP that meal would cost you $127, more than the DP for that day and under the DP you could still get 3A CS meals, a Child CS meal and 4 snacks that day, easily worth $50, consider that your savings that day.
However, if you choose to have lunch at Sci Fi while at the DHS your bill could look more like: $54 assuming both your kids got kids meals, you had 2 milkshakes and one flavored soda and no desserts or appetizers were ordered. I also assumed the least expensive entrees on the menu for the adults. To breakeven on that day your CS meals and snacks would need to add up to $70. However, if you add up the two days together the total be close to $180 or $90 per night just for your TS meals. If it would cost you around $35 a day for snacks and CS meals then you don't need the plan. For many families it would cost more than that.
The key really is to go day by day and price out what you're likely to spend $ on for meals, drinks and snacks. If you can feed your family for under your DP fee amount (be realistic with what you'd order/buy) then don't get the plan and sleep well knowing that decision was right for your family. Keep in mind that if you order appetizers or alcoholic drinks you will still have to pay for those as they are not included on the basic DP. I'm not sure if there will be amazing savings for you and Disney isn't planning of that, but some savings and feeding your family comfortably are possible on the plan.
From Allears.net:
Recently, Walt Disney World began charging a premium on certain meals and dining experiences during peak seasons. Such seasonal pricing will be implemented at the following dining locations during peak seasons:
-- 1900 Park Fare
-- Akershus
-- Biergarten
-- Boma
-- Cape May Cafe
-- Chef Mickey's
-- Cinderella's Royal Table
-- Crystal Palace
-- Garden Grill
-- Hollywood and Vine
-- Liberty Tree Tavern (dinner only)
-- 'Ohana
-- Trails End
-- Tusker House
Upcoming peak times that will see the seasonal price increases are:
December 16, 2008 - January 3, 2009
Other date were listed, but this confirm the Holiday pricing for your trip.
There are 4 of us going..me and my husband, my 10yr old son and my 3 yr old daughter. She is not a big eater and my son may mor may not eat a lot....we tend to carry in snacks in mybackpack. I am all about savings. We are going to be at Disney for 8 days and have reservations almost everyday at a sit down restaurant. Just not sure what to do.
