Why do you do the plus deluxe dining plan

[Bete]

I'm debating the plus dining which I've done many times and going with the plus deluxe dining plan for Dec. 2011.

I think my main reason is that I want to go to more of the 2 credit signature restaurants. Also, I think it's nice that you can go to a better restaurant for lunch or breakfast, as well. I don't think we will have any three meal days, but who knows.

So, why do you do it? Is it for the appetizer being included? Is it because you can eat more on this plan?

My one drawback is so many of the 2 signature restaurants are at resorts and we won't have a car to get around. Also, I have to push a wheelchair; so, I keep debating whether this is a good idea for us or not. It takes a lot of time and energy, for example, getting to the Grand Floridian from MK then back again to MK and back to a resort we'd be staying at like POP again. I know there are other ways by bus to get around. It's doable, but it does waste time. Sometimes, I feel it's a big conflict with doing park hours to use a large part of your time dining especially if you do three meals a day. Do you feel it's worth it and why?

 

[walkdmc]

We did it twice then recently went without any dining plan.

I liked DxDP because we went to a lot of character meals, including CRT. In the long run we would've paid more OOP.

I also like the plan in the warmer weather, as we get 3 snacks/day and it just made it easy to stay hydrated. (I realize now this is a stupid reason to like the plan but at the time it seemed great). One can just use their room key to charge even the cheapest snacks, so the convenience is really the same OOP vs. DxDP.

We used our refillable mugs one time so that wasn't worth it at all.

I guess signature/character dining are our main reasons for using the plan.

 

[jlhill4444]

We do the deluxe so that we can do either a signature or dinner show each evening and have a nice character breakfast (or lunch). We also do this usually only when staying at a monorail resort or on the boardwalk for ease of transportation to the resort resteraunts. Unless we have a car the deluxe is hard to do from a moderate or value because of the travel time to most resorts. Hope that helps!

 

[Colleen27]

The big reasons for us, in no particular order are:
* The signature dining. We love nice meals out, and have really enjoyed all of the signature meals we've had at Disney World.
* Appetizers. We're happy to skip desserts, especially DH & I who just aren't sweets people, but we love trying different appetizers.
* No counter service. With three kids, I just hate the whole counter service experience of waiting in line, juggling the tray and the kids, getting condiments, hunting for a table. On the deluxe plan, we might do one or two counter service meals over the entire trip, rather than the one a day of the basic DDP.
* The all-inclusive feel. There is something to be said for never thinking twice when the kids ask for a Mickey Bar or a giant lollypop or a root beer float or a scoop of popcorn!

I disagree with the previous poster about deluxe dining being hard to do from a value or moderate. We've done it on stays at WL and CBR, and didn't find it to be more difficult or time consuming when staying at a moderate (we'll find out how it works from a value in March!). The only meal that was really a transportation hassle in our experience was Jiko - easy to get to from AK, but a pain to get back to our resort - and unless staying at a monorail resort or AKL itself, I think that's unavoidable. Next time we want to eat there we'll just plan on calling a cab at the end of the evening.

We don't do three meal days at all any more. We had two on our first DxDDP trip, and on the second we ended up cancelling lunch. So in 20 nights of deluxe dining over two trips, we've only had one three meal day and it was absolutely a little too much for us. We much prefer the pattern of a character breakfast or sit down lunch, followed by a relaxing dinner. It doesn't feel like too much time out of park touring and we're not walking around stuffed all the time, and it gives us the freedom to balance fun meals for the kids and nicer/more creative cuisine for us.

 

[Faldred]

We chose deluxe for several reasons:

1) The kids. With three young kids, counter service is an amazing hassle.

2) The kids (again). Our younger two (twins) are both autistic, and so we're very schedule oriented. Having days be very planned, t the point of keeping to regular mealtimes as much as possible, makes things go much smoother.

3) Ourselves. DW and I enjoyed cruising before the kids, and we know ourselves well enough to know we prefer the amount of food and the "all-inclusive" feel of the dining plan.

 

[havoc315]

The only reason to really do it, is the price. If it saves money, on the things you want. Whether it provides value.

So why would I want the things included in the DxDP?

I echo the sentiments of others.

- I am not a fan of counterservice meals. A sit-down lunch is a nice break in the day. Standing in line, juggling a tray, and eating fast-food, is not a restful break. If on the basic DDP, we would likely pay for a couple TS lunches OOP.
-We like appetizers-- we prefer them over desserts. While we may not ordinarily order appetizers at every meal, appetizers are often our favorite part of a nice dinner.
- We like signature dining for us, and character dining for the kids. With the deluxe, plenty of credits to do both.
- We will not be eating 3 long table-service meals on any day, but we like the availability of 3 meals in a day. We likely will do a couple quick CS breakfasts before heading to the parks.

And finally, if a meal plan is going to be all-inclusive, then I want it to be all-inclusive. Yes, the basic DDP may be more than enough food. But it's only all-inclusive is you follow some pretty tight rules. If you want more than 1 TS meal per day, it's suddenly not all-inclusive. If you want an appetizer instead of a dessert -- then you need to pay OOP for the app, while wasting the value of the meal by skipping the dessert. (While you would also be wasting some value on the DxDP, there is enough value that you come out ahead).

I was originally on the DDP, and made most of the reservations I wanted. I realized, I was going to pay OOP for at least 2-3 TS meals. I was unenthusiastic about the CS meals I planned. I would likely pay OOP for a few appetizers. I determined that there would be some OOP breakfast costs. (Might use a snack credit for a bagel, but they buy coffee OOP).
When looking at the projected OOP costs, the DxDP was similarly priced. And it allowed me to trade in those unenthusiastic CS meals for some TS meals. It allowed me to add a couple of signature restaurants.

I will say the 1 thing that is not a selling point about the DxDP to me -- The refillable mugs. I find them nearly worthless. I would never pay for the mugs separately.

 

[Dotsie]

We do it because we have 3 small kids and it's a welcome break to sit for a bit in a restaurant and decompress. We also do tons of character meals as well.
We used our refillable mugs all of the time. We filled them in the resort on the way out in the morning, we would come back in the afternoon and fill them and basically anytime we passed Capt. Cook's we got a refill. We're planning to go back in May and we're planning to to DxDD again.

 

[MaryKatesMom]

I thought I was the only one!

1) We are early riser's and are done "touring" by Noon and ready for a nice break. Refreshed we hit the parks again after lunch and at the end of the day have another break.

2) QS is such a hassle (although I have been reading "Rules" thread). I've been standing there toddlers, food and no table.

3) We never eat dessert but always get Appetizers. We will sometimes give away a dessert to a nearby table.

4) Buffet lunches are IMHO faster than a QS meal and since the kid's get as little as they want I don't feel the pressure to say "Hey, two chicken strips and a scoop of Mac and Cheese for $29.99?!"

5) All of our "Must's" for dinner are 2TS, Yachtsman, BD, Narcoosee's etc.

 

[Withacy]

I like taking a break and going to eat. And like the PPs, I hate counter service. Not because I'm picky (I am just about the least picky eater on these boards, seriously!). I just hate the crowded lines, trying to find a table, having to clean my own table (and sometimes seat - especially if it's outside). I like knowing I'll have a table, and someone bringing me food.

And I like the theming - I totally buy into it!

I don't do it for the appetizer - or to get my money's worth. I had gastric bypass a couple years ago, and I really can't eat that much. Heck, even before my surgery I probably didn't get my money's worth (actually, on the DxDDP, before my surgery, I went for a week and actually LOST weight - probably because I ate better food than I usually do at CS).

Now, my goddaughter got a little bored with the same kids menu every place - literally, the menu. There were like 3 versions of the menu, with games & stuff on it, and she got the "green" one 2 out of every 3 places we ate. But if your kids get bored with mac & cheese, chicken bits and pizza, and actually like variety - I'd suggest loading up on the buffets.

Both times I did this previously - once before surgery, once after - we used almost NONE of our snack credits, and on the last day we went to the resort store and spent them all on candy & cookies & such to bring back classmates and young relatives.

And I know we didn't use all of our credits - because there were days when we just didn't want to get up for breakfast. We didn't do a lot of signature dining.

For me, getting my money's worth is not a concern - there's too much to worry about it life. I just enjoy myself.

The down side is, it makes it hard to be fluid about your days. Changing your schedule (when new hours are added, TP changes the crowd levels, Fantasmic/Wishes/Parades get rained out and you want to go another day) becomes a big problem.

AND I did occassionally end up using taxis to save time getting to or from other resorts (even when I had my car, because I was going on to a park, or something else).

OH - and the first time I used it, I was at a value resort. The second time - and this coming trip - were at Moderate resorts.

 

[ratlenhum]

We did the DxDP on our last trip and loved it. We like doing the character meals, and even just having ADRs for dinner so we know when/where we'll be eating. We like the sit down break. We would never pay for that many sit down or character meals normally. I do have to say we got the DDP free then just paid to upgrade.

 

[princesspeach]

We don't like counter service food. We like the signature restaurants. The appetizers are the best part of the meal in my opinion. Thats why we do it. Some will say its too much food, but you don't have to use all your credits to save money with the plan. I also think the selections at the ts places are much healthier and lower in calories than your normal cs meal.

 

[CoolPool]

The way things worked out this year the only time we could go is the upcoming week before Xmas and the only discount that made sense was free dining.

I hate crowds. I've been in Disneyland when there were people pushing and shoving down Main Street, check to jowl. I found it unpleasant. So the lines are going to be frustratingly long and we will have to concentrate on just doing what we can.

Our plan is to escape the crowds and do two dinner shows on the two worst nights; Hoop Dee Doo and the Luau. That's food, entertainment, drinks, and tip included. The cost was about $365 for our crew. To upgrade to the DXDP was $330. It was a no brainer. We get to do the two shows and we get a boat load more dining credits to boot.

I would also add I have 2 x 9 yo. The kids meals don't cut it at that age if you ask me, so I will be sharing my food to supplement them. Having the appetizers should help a lot.

The morals of my story:
1) Crowd tolerance can play a role in deciding to go dxdp.
2) If you children are older (7, 8, 9) and the kids' meals don't really cut it, dxdp adds options to feed them.

 

[Bete]

I'm back to the basic DP with one TS and one QS and a snack per person per day. I really don't mind CS and I like Flame Tree and Cosmic Rays and Sunshine Seasons, for example.

Between the time constraints (takes longer to do TS between transportation issues and meal time) and extra cost for the deluxe plan (approximately $30 per day more per adult) I just don't feel it's worth it to us. Without it we have $30 extra a person to eat anyway we like per day before we get to the cost for the deluxe plan. In two days time we can go to any 2 signature restaurant and get a meal for that amount including an appetizer. It just seems better to go OOP for some better dining experiences; because, I don't need to do it everyday when we are there. I did the number crunching and I could get better value from the deluxe plan than what it costs OOP, but I get even better value with the regular basic DP with the way we dine.

I do feel if you do three meals a day then this deluxe plan is better for value. I have no intention of using the deluxe plan in that fashion.

I'll keep thinking about it, but I just don't see it right now.

I thank everyone for their input.

 

[Withacy]

I know a lot of people assume that TS takes a lot more time. Maybe - if you're just counting eating, but...

AFTER I took my goddaughter to WDW (and did the DxDDP), I did WDW with a friend without a plan. And realized more than eating was involved. Example:

Me: So, did you want to get something to eat?
Friend: I don't know - did you want something?
Me: I'm ok either way - I could eat, I could wait, whatever you want to do.
Friend: I'm getting a little hungry, but if you'd rather wait...
Me: No, we can get something - what do you want?
Friend: I don't care, what do you want?
Me: Anything's fine, really.
Friend: Well, what is there?
(we go along in this vein for at least 15 minutes)

Me: Why don't we try the place we just passed?
Friend: OK.
(walk to place we just passed)
Friend: Oh, wow - the line is sure long.
Me: Well, we could try someplace else - or we could get in line - what do you want to do?
Friend: Either way is fine.
Me: So - do we wait, do we try something else?
Friend: Well, what else was there?
(discuss other options for another 15 minutes, then walk to new location)
Me: Well, this line isn't too bad.
Friend: Is there any seating inside?
Me: Doesn't look like much - and it looks pretty full.
Friend: Well, I really don't want to sit in bird doodoo - unless you really want to eat here.
Me: No, that's OK...we can go somewhere else...

Rinse, Repeat

I quickly realized that, in our case anyway, going to an ADR, ordering, eating, paying & leaving would've taken LESS time!

 

[3Minnies1Mickey]

I know a lot of people assume that TS takes a lot more time. Maybe - if you're just counting eating, but...

AFTER I took my goddaughter to WDW (and did the DxDDP), I did WDW with a friend without a plan. And realized more than eating was involved. Example:

Me: So, did you want to get something to eat?
Friend: I don't know - did you want something?
Me: I'm ok either way - I could eat, I could wait, whatever you want to do.
Friend: I'm getting a little hungry, but if you'd rather wait...
Me: No, we can get something - what do you want?
Friend: I don't care, what do you want?
Me: Anything's fine, really.
Friend: Well, what is there?
(we go along in this vein for at least 15 minutes)

Me: Why don't we try the place we just passed?
Friend: OK.
(walk to place we just passed)
Friend: Oh, wow - the line is sure long.
Me: Well, we could try someplace else - or we could get in line - what do you want to do?
Friend: Either way is fine.
Me: So - do we wait, do we try something else?
Friend: Well, what else was there?
(discuss other options for another 15 minutes, then walk to new location)
Me: Well, this line isn't too bad.
Friend: Is there any seating inside?
Me: Doesn't look like much - and it looks pretty full.
Friend: Well, I really don't want to sit in bird doodoo - unless you really want to eat here.
Me: No, that's OK...we can go somewhere else...

Rinse, Repeat

I quickly realized that, in our case anyway, going to an ADR, ordering, eating, paying & leaving would've taken LESS time!

I'm picturing us doing this....then add in the opinions of 4 children under the age of 10! I'm seriously thinking about doing deluxe for one of the 2 weeks we are there, and the regular or QS the 2nd week. This is a one and only trip during early September so I know we'll want to hide out in the A/C every chance we get.

 

[MikeandReneePlus5]

I'm back to the basic DP with one TS and one QS and a snack per person per day. I really don't mind CS and I like Flame Tree and Cosmic Rays and Sunshine Seasons, for example.

Between the time constraints (takes longer to do TS between transportation issues and meal time) and extra cost for the deluxe plan (approximately $30 per day more per adult) I just don't feel it's worth it to us. Without it we have $30 extra a person to eat anyway we like per day before we get to the cost for the deluxe plan. In two days time we can go to any 2 signature restaurant and get a meal for that amount including an appetizer. It just seems better to go OOP for some better dining experiences; because, I don't need to do it everyday when we are there. I did the number crunching and I could get better value from the deluxe plan than what it costs OOP, but I get even better value with the regular basic DP with the way we dine.

I do feel if you do three meals a day then this deluxe plan is better for value. I have no intention of using the deluxe plan in that fashion.

I'll keep thinking about it, but I just don't see it right now.

I thank everyone for their input.

I did some crunching to based on this thread and I just might go for it. For my group of 7 it's around $1600 more for an 8 night stay.

But I have done regular DP a few times and always spend $700 easy on additional food (we like TS restaurants and we like CRT so there are never enough TS credits for us). So I net that off and the cost is $900 because I really won't have to do that at all...with the 3 meals per day and 2 snacks that will be plenty.

so what do I get for $900 for a week? I get to upgrade probably 6 of my 8 CS experiences to TS meals, and I get to upgrade some of my TS meals to Signature.

A MK day of Whispering Canyon for breakfast, CRT for lunch and Cali Grill for dinner/wishes costs 5 Deluxe credits but I can make that up over 2 other days by doing snacks for breakfast (muffins, yogurt, fruit) and STILL have 2 TS meals on those days.

hmmmmmmm that's pretty sweet.

 

[Bete]

You have to see what works for your situation. I feel monetary value enters into it, but it's also time to do it all. If you do the three meal day that's a tremendous amout of time to take out from park time. I feel I would gain weight this way, too. It always takes at least 15 minutes to get seated from your assigned reservation time at TS. If you do a resort meal where you are not staying at then you probably lose about an hour on busing it there and back and even by car you'll lose at least a half hour that way. Then you are served each course (appetizer, entree and dessert) by your waiter and that takes time, too. If your waiter is busy there are more delays. Even with 2 TS meals it's alot of extra time. It's even a little more time to figure out a tip.

If you plan your counter service meals with going early like when it opens it's usually very easy to get through lines and get a table even at the more popular places. I like doing an early lunch and I have my favorites when it comes to CS.

I think if the deluxe plan was cheaper I would do it. I would take out the extra time to do it. As is, between the price being $30 more per adult and the time commitment it's not for us after giving it more thought. I will go to better places like Narcoossee's and I'll use my 2 TS credits for it and then I'll do a cheaper TS OOP like Tusker's. I'll get more TS meals and still be money ahead. Besides in my case one of the adults in our party always leaves at least half of her food except for the dessert.

 

[Withacy]

If you're really basing this on number crunching, this probably isn't for you.

The first time I went on the DxDDP I LOST weight - and that was before my surgery. I just found that I ate healthier. But that's all about food choice.

I don't think it took much more time than trying to track down a place to eat, stand in line, fight for a table, etc. But then again, I'm not a comando tourer either, rushing from place to place.

One of the things I also like about it was that basically everything - every meal - was paid for before I got there (except for tip) - and when you're traveling around the holidays, money can be tight. January 1st means a lot of bills (especially if you have a January birthday, like me - and live in a State with a large tag tax!).

Look, I don't worry about whether or not the pennies add up. I like that my meals are paid for, I know where I'm going to eat, and I can stop and enjoy my meals - and let SOMEONE ELSE do all the work.

If you're the kind of person who's going to stress over every penny - and even the possibility that you might spend a nickle more than you need to can ruin your day, then this probably isn't for you. It's not worth the stress. If you like to take your time, enjoy the experience, and not worry about the details...then maybe it is. It's really about your priorities.

I don't worry about whether or not I'm getting my money's worth - I KNOW I'm NOT. Heck, I had gastric bypass a couple years ago - I couldn't finish a child's meal. But I enjoy every bite I can take.

 

[Mickeyfan333]

I have done the Deluxe Dining twice. Both times we have had 2 or 3 ressies that were 2 credits on the meal plan. After all the number crunching, including 2 snacks per day, I think we at least break even, maybe save up to $100 for a family of four with one still on childs plan. I love having everything paid in advance and not worrying about menu prices. Also, we can get extra meal if we arrive a little early and usually have one leftover for another character breakfast at a resort before we leave to go home!

 

[pinkxray]

why oh why did I look at this thread. I loved the dxdp last trip but DH hated it. (He doesn't like eating out at all for some reason) The lure of the dxdp for our trip in May is so strong I am having a hard time resisting. There are so many TS places I want to try we will end up spending the money anyway. I am thinking DH will have to suffer through it. I have told him if he agrees to back more often we wouldn't have to try so many places in one trip, but he refuses.

I have ran the numbers for our adrs and even if DH only orders an entree(which he most likely will) we will just about break even and that's not including snacks or the mugs.

DXDP