We're Torn...Dining Plan or OOP???

[heatherandnick]

Here's the situation...

We went 2 years ago on the free DDP. Loved it.

We went last year for our honeymoon on the DxDP. Really, really loved it.

This year, we missed the free dining cut-off, so we are confused as to the best way to handle our dining. (Our 180-day ADR date is in about a week, so we need to decide and set a game plan.)

On one hand, we want to do DDP. It's nice to have it prepaid since we would (probably) order our selections based on price if we paid OOP.

On the other hand, we aren't crazy about the way the DDP is set up. (DH likes apps better than desserts.)

We cannot justify going DxDP, even though we would love to. It was a "honeymoon only" kinda thing.

At this point in time, we are thinking about just paying OOP. We would allow ourselves one quick-service meal per day, and one table-service meal per day. We are going for 6 nights, so DH and I can each choose one signature restaurant. We can split an app, split a dessert, and choose an entree of our choice for all of the TS meals. I'm a little bummed that we would'nt have snack credits; but on the other hand, we had a hard time using all of them.

Does anyone have any input on this? Have you gone from a DDP to OOP? If so, was it a hard adjustment? How did you like it? Did you end up spending more/less/about the same?

Thanks to you all!

 

[WDWisTheBest]

First of all, Happy Anniversary. You might want to consider doing OOP as you suggested. Sharing can be fun, as you know. Consider it an adventure.

 

[Maus]

If you consider DDP and DXDDP is not an option, I would go oop. This way you could order appetizers and maybe share a main course, you are more flexible. And cost wise the DDP doesn't pay out as much as the DxDDP does. Enjoy your trip.

 

[Tricia1972]

If your DH prefers apps, and the DxDDP isn't an option, then it's probably more cost effective for you to go OOP.

We share a lot in our family as well, and never feel cheated or like we're skimping.

The appetizers are large enough for two to get a taste. The meal portions are certainly large enough to fill you up. The desserts are ok, but not a lot really stands out, so splitting is probably perfect for the two of you. Also, if you leave dinner a little 'hungry' it's easier to pick up a snack for you to share later on in the evening.

 

[Disneyhayes]

the DxDP is like $150 for both of you per night so see where you want to eat and see if you would spend that much per day. Say you bring stuff like doughnuts for breakfast...a QS meal would be $25 - at the most - plus a TS would be $60-100 depending on where you wanna eat...add to that snacks and you might add up to the cost of the DxDP.

If you are going to do a QS and TS each day anyways you should see if it would be worth it to do the DDP and pay OOP for your apps. You can then request fruit as your desert to eat for breakfast. That could solve you dilemma

 

[A&MsMommy]

We've done both and here's my take.

When we last went in September, we paid OOP. I got a gift card and put money on it now and then and used that for dining so it was less cash to carry around. I find that when I have the DP I'm forcing myself to eat when maybe I wouldn't have otherwise just because it's paid for. I'm not normally a desert at every meal gal and when it was included I ate it all the time if I wanted it or not. The other thing for us was in September it was VERY hot and I'm not generally as thrilled with packing in a huge meal when it's 100 degrees and humid out, KWIM? Plus, one meal we ate at Tony's and my son and I shared and I'm glad we did because the portion was HUGE and it really would have been a waste of food to have two. I could be wrong but I don't think they let you share on the DP. We're going back this September and we're doing it the same with with a pre-paid gift card. I ordered a cute Halloween one from disneystore.com and have already started adding money to it. That way when we got its kind of already paid for like the DP but you have more choice of how you want to spend it.

 

[Mrs. Sojourner]

We have went the 3 times on the dining plan, but the last time we went in Nov. we went OOP. I found it stressful because I was constantly trying to make sure that we were not spending more then we would have on the DDP, so instead of just ordering what I wanted I stressed out about the price and were we coming out ahead in the end or not. It wasn't worth it for me; next time we will do DDP again. It will be less-stress which is what a vaca is all about. Also, several of the TS restraurants have a fixed price meal menu where you can get an app, meal, and dessert- that may help with your DH who likes the apps. Or, as another poster said you could pay OOP for an app on ocassion. Happy Anniversary and hope you have a great trip!

 

[Cafeen]

Well, I've used a plan for both my recent trips, and going Dx again for my upcoming one, so no personal experience here... But, I can tell you from a purely mathematical/financial standpoint that if you have a tendency to deviate from the offerings (e.g. apps and no dessert, or no both!) of the DDP, then OOP is likely the best bet for you . Plus, splitting the apps and desserts allows you to enjoy the best of both worlds, while keeping the budget down quite a bit.

If worried about budgeting/saving, the pre-paid Gift Card option has worked quite well for others in the past as well.

 

[heatherandnick]

Thanks to you all.

We actually just sant down and looked through the menus. DDP will actually save us money on our 6-night trip. (about $150)

We have decided to go DDP.

Thanks again.