What specifics are included?

[haredi]

We are considering going with the DDP for our trip in January. We are DVC members, so free dining does not apply. We generally (as parents) do not get dessert, but do get appetizers. Can an appetizer be substituted? And when going to Casey's for example, does the meal include a hot dog, fries, a drink and dessert? Or would it only include the hot dog and the fries would need to be paid for OOP?

It seems that if you are going to one or two character breakfasts, it may be worth the plan, but knowing that we like appetizers and not dessert, I am not sure the regular plan will be worth it. Other than the fact that we would not be looking at pricing. Any specifics regarding what a "meal" is considered with QS would be helpful.

 

[lauradis]

We are considering going with the DDP for our trip in January. We are DVC members, so free dining does not apply. We generally (as parents) do not get dessert, but do get appetizers. Can an appetizer be substituted? And when going to Casey's for example, does the meal include a hot dog, fries, a drink and dessert? Or would it only include the hot dog and the fries would need to be paid for OOP?

It seems that if you are going to one or two character breakfasts, it may be worth the plan, but knowing that we like appetizers and not dessert, I am not sure the regular plan will be worth it. Other than the fact that we would not be looking at pricing. Any specifics regarding what a "meal" is considered with QS would be helpful.

no
yes

only the Deluxe plan includes appetizers at lunch and dinner.

As far as worth it that is subject to who is in your party, how you eat, how much you eat, will the prices or sticker shock stop you from enjoying etc etc.

If you are looking at just $$$ savings the answer is mostly a big no or broke even. Unless you have 2 adults 2 disney kids under 9 doing mostly buffet dinners.

If your after truly save $$ on dinning, but still want that all inclusive feeling, go to http://allears.net/dining/menu/ they have current prices add up all you would eat add tax tip and 10 % buffer and buy disney gift cards to pay for meals/snacks. take left over money and buy something cool at the end of your trip.

Now with all that said I really do like the deluxe plan, because of the feeling of all inclusive and smaller food bill at the end of a meal. Does it save our family money heck no. Its basically an oxymoron statement to say "save money and Disney" in the same breath

 

[haredi]

Thanks Lauradis. We go to Disney often, as we are Season Passholders. However, because we live close by, we are never there long enough to consider a meal plan. This is the first time in years that we are going for more than two nights. We are also going with family members that do eat differently than we do and the pricing will be sticker shock to them and will affect the way they eat and enjoy their trip.

I think we now have some estimating to do with the site that you shared. Thank you again!

 

[ToddyLu]

With DVC you can get the TIW card ( Tables in Wonderland) for $100, then get 20% off food and alcohol at most restaurants. They will automatically add an %18 gratuity but we were going to do that anyway. It works for us and we eat what we want. It will last one year. If your spouse needs a card then that is 50$ extra, but I am always with him and it is always in my name since I make ADRs and plan.

 

[ToddyLu]

With family eating with you I think you can have 10 guests on your TIW card. You will need to check that. You must be present with them to use the discount. When the ticket comes to the table check that they already added the tip becasue the check comes with a tip line to add to it...which we never do since 18% is always what we give anyway. On Allears, go to the Dinning page, at the bottom of the left column is a PDF of dinning discounts and who accepts them.

 

[lauradis]

Thanks Lauradis. We go to Disney often, as we are Season Passholders. However, because we live close by, we are never there long enough to consider a meal plan. This is the first time in years that we are going for more than two nights. We are also going with family members that do eat differently than we do and the pricing will be sticker shock to them and will affect the way they eat and enjoy their trip.

I think we now have some estimating to do with the site that you shared. Thank you again!

Your Welcome

 

[haredi]

ToddyLu, thank you for the tip! I had no idea there was an option like that. With a party of 10, it would probably be beneficial. When adding up a couple of days of meals, I estimated we would come in at about $40-$50 per day, and that was with dessert which we normally do not order. I think the 20% discount would be a better plan. We could save that cost in just one and a half meals with a party of ten!

 

[sharonabe]

The specifics of what you can have on the plan:

NO, you cannot sub an app for the dessert. Any apps would be OOP and you'd still have that dessert you don't really want.

For QS, IF the menu says, "hot dog w/fries or apples or something" then you do get the fries or something with your entree. If it does not, then you would pay OOP for that. Almost all QS places serve their entrees as a combo with some kind of side (fries, apples, beans, something), so you should be okay. IF the place has multiple sides listed WITH a combo meal, you can usually swap sides if your choice has something you don't want. BUT if it is not listed as part of any combo, you can't. Example, Flametree sides are beans and slaw. They list onion rings and fries as SIDES. These CANNOT be subbed for your beans and slaw.

 

[MakiraMarlena]

If you are on the regular plan, you can't get appetizers covered, and you can't substitute them for dessert for any reason.

A QS meal consists of an entree or combo meal plus a dessert and non-alcoholic beverage. A hot dog with fries would be considered a combo meal. If they are listed together on the menu they're covered. If the fries are listed and priced separately they are not covered.