Upgrading from QSDP to standard dining plan...

[BethEJo]

So, I'm looking for some thoughts...

When my friends and I booked back in June for the holiday next year, we booked POFQ with the free QSDP. We were more than happy with that, and it will definitely be enough food for us!

However, we have now got chatting again, and we were telling each other about some of our own respective "must-dos" as they each hold different significances to us from the college program last year.

Quite a few of our "must-dos" are turning out to be TS meals it seems: CRT (2 credits, I know), Be Our Guest, Chef Mickeys are just those that were mentioned off the top of my head. There are lots of other restaurants that we would like to try too, although these are not so much "must-dos", rather things like "if-we-were-on-the-standard-dining-plan-then-great-but-if-we-stick-to-QSDP-then-no-biggie".

I was just thinking, I think it would kind of be nice to have a sit down meal each day, but I can easily go without that...

I've just done a dummy booking of our exact holiday on the Disney site to find out the price of upgrading from the QSDP - it's showing me £210 each.
Now that does seem like a lot to us at first, but we have all agreed that this is something that we can definitely budget in to our savings if we decide to go for it.

I suggested that one way we look at it is this: if we make a collective list of the TS/character meals that we have to do and then tally up what they would cost us, we can then compare that to the cost of upgrading. If it's more than the upgrade then maybe we should go for the standard dining plan. Good idea do you think?

Also, I'm not sure if I dreamed this, but is there the compulsory added cost of a tip to the TS meals on the dining plan? Or is that ONLY for groups of 6 or more. We will only be a group of 4...

Sorry for rambling, but I guess I'm asking, what do you think/what would you do?

TIA

 

[Tinkerbell1989]

For my DBF and I, it was he free dining that sealed the deal... We're staying at CSR and were happy with QSDP. Until we started talki g about our must-do restaurants.

So, we decided to upgrade to the DDP. As its not likely we'll return to Disney onsite for a long while after that trip, we thought we'd pay a little extra and try wherever we could!

Xxx

 

[BethEJo]

Just had a thought: if we upgraded our accomodation from a moderate to a deluxe, would we automatically get the DDP as standard then?

To upgrade QSDP to DDP will be £840 I think.
On the other hand, we booked POFQ for £1680, but can get OKW/SSR for £2268, possibly meaning £588 to upgrade to a deluxe.

£252 cheaper than just upgrading the dining plan!

Would that work? Or have I simplified it too much?

 

[luke]

I assume that would work as those deluxes come with DDP as standard

 

[Disney Princesses LW]

I would upgrade defo we are booking Port Oleans for our next trip but upgrading to the table service plan. Just wondered if you ring up disney and ask for an upgarde price how much they would quote you??? Worth a try ?

 

[daveymc]

This is the same thing we are thinking over for next year, the chance of eating at some of the restaurants and character meals we would not normally consider because of the costs.

One factor you have forgotten to factor in is the cost of gratuities which you wouldnt have on the QSDP.

 

[BethEJo]

Also, I'm not sure if I dreamed this, but is there the compulsory added cost of a tip to the TS meals on the dining plan? Or is that ONLY for groups of 6 or more. We will only be a group of 4...

One factor you have forgotten to factor in is the cost of gratuities which you wouldnt have on the QSDP.

Ah sorry, that's what I meant by my question in the above post - I couldn't think of the word: gratuity. So, no matter how many people in your party, if your are on the DDP you'd automatically have to pay a 18% tip at every TS meal?

Just checking that I have my facts all straight

 

[darthtatty]

hi, yes gratutities are expected at TS meals.
on your reciept they work out the amount for 18% and 20% (I think)
its up to you what you leave but 15% is an acceptable amount, I think some say 10% for buffets.
obviously there are some that dont tip at all, its really up to you.
you can leave more/less depending on service.

 

[dixonsontour]

It can be cheaper to book a deluxe with free ddp than moderate with qsdp and pay upgrade hence popularity of OKW/SSR on here.

 

[BethEJo]

Thanks for the clarification - we will factor in these gratuities, but it's looking like we're going to upgrade

That's if the whole upgrading to OKW works out and then getting DDP automatically. Seems like such a good deal for an extra £147 each - as soon as I mentioned that price, the rest of the group were hooked!

Thanks again for the help

 

[Elise79]

The other thing to remember if you wanted TS credits can be used for CS although not the best value it might help if you wanted to avoid the gratuities some days.

 

[tracey1302]

I think booking a cheaper deluxe like OKW or SSR would give you better value for money to be honest, as well as making your holiday a little more special. SSR do villas as well which is better for a big party!

Upgrading to the DDP was the best thing we did on our last holiday. We stayed at CBR with a £10 upgrade for a 2011 holiday and it was amazing.

Yes, you do have the gratuity but it doesn't need to be half as steep as they make you believe. We had a conversation with several Americans while we were over there last time and 15% is thought of as more than acceptable, never mind the 20% they add to your bill! If you feel it's worth it, then yes. We were able to eat at a few Signatures last time, substituting for meals off plan like Bahama Breeze and Hard Rock Cafe to save credits and for those, the service is that good!