(Vote) 2009 Dining Plans

[mdsouth]

I am on the fence right now between no dining plan (paying OOP) or doing the original dining plan. The last time we went in 2005 we had the original plan. It was great for us. However, in 2005 it included the tip and appetizer. These are not included in 2009's plan so it might not be a good deal for us. I am trying to figure out the cost of all our meals to determine what would be better.

We really liked the convenience of having the tip included in the price of the plan. I liked the idea of not having to worry about what we would eat. I am leaning towards the original plan because I know that my DH and I are so budget conscious that we might plan ahead to pay so much for a meal and then decided when we are there to forgo the actual entree we want to one that is cheaper or just drop the ADR and do counter service instead.

I think the Quick Service plan will be great for some people, but I think having the option of having several sit down table service dinners over the course of our trip will be more relaxing for our family.
We would combine some of the table service credits to do character meals or go to restaurants that require more than one table service credit.

So, right now I am trying to finalize the meals/restaurants that we would love to go to during this trip. Then I will do a price comparison out of pocket cost or dining plan.

 

[Emma's Dad]

I appreciate everyone's response so far. It's interesting to see how other people plan for a trip to WDW. Keep the responses coming

 

[mybestieismickey]

We're doing the original plan, but like a lot of others, it's a convenience thing. We like sit down meals, but most of them are going to be lunch since when we are at the parks we like to have our big meals in the middle of the day (easier to walk of and less sluggish the next day), We won't be saving money for the most part, but I like that I won't have to think about anything except eating and a tip while I'm there. The only thing that would make it more better would be if they would carry Pepsi. I'm a coke (soda not drug) addict, but the husband drinks Mountain Dew like its water. Only more.

 

[mom_to_2]

Question...so if you get the dining plan that allows table service meals, can you use those credits at a quick dining place if t is more convenient for you????

 

[Lovin' Disney]

Previous poster: "I'm a coke (soda not drug) addict".....tag fairy, where are you????

Yes, you can use table service for counter service if you really want to; sometimes they will throw in an extra snack because of the price difference.

We booked the bounceback plan from this summer so we will have the free DDP next September. To me the counter service plan isn't worth it for adults...meals are $8 or less, drinks are $2, and snacks are up to $4, so it only comes out to $28 total or so and the plan costs $30/day. It's close, but not worth it to me. Kids are a little more reasonable at $4.49 x 2 meals plus 2 snacks up to $4 each and it costs $10 for them.

We like the regular DDP because all of our table service meals are character meals.

 

[patsal]

None for me! It is either too much food/ and way more money than I'd spend on food (DXDDP), more money than I would spend on food (DDP+tips and an appy or 2 OOP), a dead break even but having to use allt he snack credits hassle (QSP) and can't get free dining with DVC, so no plan for me! I didn't use a plan in 2008 and saved a ton of money. I intend to that again in 2009. WDW food quality and unique variety has slipped significantly so we also plan on eating more off site in 2009--so that will be a change for us.

 

[PixieAngel]

Have to agree with most quick service opinions- most definately not worth it.
The portions are huge and usually under $10! I think part of the reason we gain weight on vacation has been because we eat, not when we are hungry, but so as not to waste the credits. Our next trip we are skipping the dining plan and thought we'd try a couple of appetizers (huge) for lunches and quick service for dinner. Most of the last trip we left more food than we ate at both table and quick service (what a waste!). We have used both the basic and deluxe plans with wine and you are better off buying wine when you choose.

Just booked MLK week trip! Can't wait! !

 

[ireland_nicole]

We love the dining plan; purchased it in 2006, and done FD since; we're booked on a bounceback this Sept. and are upgrading to the DxDDP; we're looking forward to trying more 2 credit dinners w/o having to pay OOP; we do a lot of character meals, and we enjoy the break that a TS for lunch gives us; also we hate QS meals; they have very little choice for my kids (they have dietary restrictions/allergies) and at TS the chefs can always make something for them. I don't like the whole crowded long lines, etc. Nope, give me an ADR any day. I'm a planner anyway, so it's no problem planning the meals into our itinerary; For our family the meals are part of the fun!

 

[Tiggerlovinggrandma]

My family always chooses the deluxe dining. Our January trip is no exception We are a sit down meal type of family for the most part and enjoy trying out places we have never been before. The plan has never gotten in the way of our touring the parks. We see and do everything we want and more.

However when DH and I take our DGS back to WDW in September we are not sure which plan we will use. It will only be a 3 night trip so we may just wing it.

 

[mom2aredhead]

if I can talk my husband into going back for the Food and Wine Festival in the fall, I'd do the quick service plan and use my extra snacks all around the festival!
If we're not going during F&W, I'd probably skip DDP altogether...I'm becoming much less thrilled with the menu changes, price increases, exclusions etc. to make it worth it. We'll just pay OOP for a few character TS meals and wing it the rest of the time.

 

[smylie1]

For the life of me, I cannot find a page that I have found before that tells what each plan includes and the price. Can anyone link me in the right direction? Thanks!!!

 

[Emma's Dad]

For the life of me, I cannot find a page that I have found before that tells what each plan includes and the price. Can anyone link me in the right direction? Thanks!!!

I believe you may be looking for this page:

http://www.mousemisers.com/2008/2009-disney-world-dining-plans/