Universal Quick Service DIning Plan-Help me decide :)

[Laura_Dee_]

I know a lot of people don't like the dining plans universal offers because they don't feel they are money saving. Yet in my case I like to have everything paid in advance of my vacation so I don't need to worry so much about money while on vacation. With that said I have a question from those that have tried the quick-service dining plans. I see there are 2 different ones. One that comes with a freestyle cup and one that is without the freestyle cup but includes 2 drinks a day. My question is...if I wanted the quick- service plan for the 5 days that I am there would I be better off purchasing the plan that includes the freestyle cup just on my first day and then purchasing the regular quick-service plan the other 4 days and just paying to recharge the freestyle cup those days? Or would it be better to get the plan that includes the freestyle cup all 5 days and just get a new freestyle cup each day? Also I did call guest service to ask if you can just bring the cup back the other days for 99 cent refills and they said they don't do that with the freestyle cups, only with the souvenir character cups. Looking for opinions from those that have experience with these plans. Which seemed to work out better for you? As always I appreciate any and all replies to help me decide

 

[wagman67]

If you are going to go that route, just look at the price difference...in this case, it is, I think the same price...so, if you have space and want to head home with extra cups, go for the new one each day.

 

[bchbetha]

Buy some Universal gift cards ahead of time. Voila! You've prepaid but you have total flexibility ($ can go for food, souvenirs...). Just throwing it out there because it might achieve the same goal with less headache.

 

[jagafen]

"recharging" the freestyle cup is around $6-7/day after the initial purchase. I'm in your boat...considering purchasing the plan that includes the discounted cup for us for one day, and then just paying for the additional days use of the cup. From what I've read, most think that the dining plans aren't "budget friendly" in that you're not necessarily going to come out ahead unless what you order is more than $12 (Quick service options). I can see the benefit of having it paid for ahead of time as being more budget friendly for some.

 

[scoopmorgan]

I am also trying to figure this out, but I am finding it difficult to find estimated prices for quick service meals and snacks. Can anyone give me some sort of ballpark range or a list of the quick service restaurants? I don't find the Universal web site very easy to get the info I want.

 

[macraven]

Check out Damo's food/menu site

It is a sticky

Many of the prices are listed for the eateries

She keeps the sticky updated