We went without the dining plan this month, thank goodness!

[princessmorgan]

So my husband and I went on an anniversary trip at the beginning of May and were thinking maybe we'd splurge on deluxe dining even for a couple of nights since we were renting DVC points and had a split stay. Then we contemplated the regular plan and didn't think it was worth it. We just decided to not get any plan and play things by ear and eat what we wanted when we wanted and see how it worked out. I am so glad we did that!!

With the heat, we just did not have big appetites. We were thirsty and wanted smoothies, kaki goris, dole whips, ice cream sandwiches, etc. LOL! We needed a snack plan. And I was 6 months pregnant, so I can eat! I just totaled all our receipts and for 6 nights we spent $374.51. If we had purchased the regular dining plan it would have been $618.48 and $1026.24 for the deluxe plan.

We did not eat at any of the signatures. We were going to try Flying Fish and California Grill, but we just were too busy or we rather would have gone to the pool, etc. We did eat at Beaches and Cream, Le Cellier for lunch, Cape May Cafe for dinner, and Kona Cafe for dinner. For breakfast we usually had cereal in the room and then got a bagel and a muffin and a piece of fruit in the park. Then we would have a counter service meal. Depending on how hungry we were we would get our own meal and or sometimes I would get a kids meal because it came with fruit/carrots which I was craving. DH would usually get a soda, but all I wanted was water, because I was so hot. Why didn't anyone ever tell me you could request ice water at CS locations, lol! The water is from the soda machine and you get ice! I thought it was so much better than the bottled water, because it was so cold.

Anyway, obviously everyone's eating habits are different, but for us it worked out well to not get a dining plan. We bought refillable mugs and probably ate like 3 or 4 snacks a day (total, not each of us). It really opened up my eyes to how much food we ate on the dining plan. It might be worth it when we bring the kids again, because they like the character meals. Oh and my new favorite meal is Cape May for dinner! I was in heaven! It surpassed Ohana for me. I do wish we would have made time for Flying Fish since we stayed at the Boardwalk, but it'll have to be next time. Anyway just another view on the dining plan, thanks!

 

[sunsetbeachgal]

Interesting analysis...thank you! We enjoyed trying a dining plan, but we are not huge eaters either and do not normally have dessert, and instead would prefer an appetizer or salad. So we came to the conclusion that the dining plan is really not a good match for us, either!

 

[papamouse1]

Very good insight, and just a good reminder that the DDP isn't for everyone. We tend to always get it and we do a split stay like you had, so we can actually spread our creds over 4 days on a 3day ressie, which makes it easier. Like you said, everyone is different, and for us the DxDDp is great. We eat at Signature every day and absolutely get ur money's worth even if some of us skip dessert or app because we are full. We come from a very small town that's only dining excitement is a small Chili's... so when we come to the "big city" we can't wait for LeCellier, Flying Fish, California Grill, and our new fav Narcoosee's!! Gotta love that Lobster! So for us and how we dine it just would be way too expensive to go crazy like we like to do at WDW without the DDP. Our November ressie at Narcoosee's for the 4 of us was over $360!! with no alcohol.