Universal Meal Deal - Worth it?

[rlrodri]

We are veterans of many trips to Disney, but fairly new to Universal. This August will be our second time at Universal and the first time spending more than 2 days. So here is my question: Has anyone used the "Universal Dining Plan" and if so what do you think? It seems expensive at $53 a day per person, but not having eaten at many restaurants at Universal I am having a hard time finding out if it is worth it. Any veterans on here willing to weigh in with their thoughts?

 

[macraven]

here is what is listed for table service and counter service:

https://www.universalorlando.com/Images/pdf_Universal_Dining_Plan_tcm13-36926.pdf


TS you get the entree, beverage (non alcohol), chef selected desert
CS is the entree and beverage (non alcohol)

one beverage and one snack per day/



for what i would order, this dining plan would cost me more than doing meal cost on my own.

$53 a day pp is higher than what i would pay by cash.

if you go that route, it would take time out of your park day if you did a meal at city walk.

if you are only going for a couple of days, and a newbie to the darkside, it would eat into your time.

i prefer to do one meal in the parks during the day and the evening meal, after parks are closed, at city walk or one of the 3 onsite hotels.


the counter service plan (for 1 day on a trip) i have done but i know in advance the costs of the entrees and places in the park where i will come out ahead.
could be a $7 savings for me that way.

other than that, i use my AP for the 10% discount at all places, except carts.


if you like the idea of having a prepaid dining plan, buy the gift cards online and use them for your meals/food.