Will QSDP be enough?

[CSAColl]

I have a pack of hungry hungry hippos in my family. DH and DD 13 specifically.

I'm worried that the QSDP won't be enough for us, but I really don't want to be tied down to ADRs.

It's an extra $400 jump to the regular DP, so I'm wondering if I were to take that $400 and use 100 for breakfast and snack stuff from Garden grocer and then use the rest for extra meals through the 10 days, that should be enough right? Thats an extra $30 a day which seems like a lot to me (at least a meal and a couple extra snacks outside the plan allotment)!

Anyone? I plan on 1 special breakfast (Cindy's Castle!) and 1 special dinner outside that $400. (Suggestions would be nice! We'd like a dinner show maybe? Definitely not a super fancy sit down place... )

 

[sharonabe]

That sounds like a good plan to me along with maximizing your QS meals at places with larger meals.

Also, with two sit down meals planned, you'll have 2 extra QS meals pp to use somewhere (either an extra meal to share or breakfast).

 

[we3travellers]

You will be fine! I know that 2 meals per day doesn't sound like much, but since you are adding 2 TS and ordering GG, you will have plenty. Just take that extra $300 with you and you will be covered. Use your snacks wisely and research some CS that everyone will be pleasantly satisfied with. Not sure where you are staying and when, but try Pepper Market at CSR for buffet breakfast or lunch. Currently only 1 CS credit, if you are going in 2012. I don't think they have decided for 2013. Also, don't forget about WPE! How about Hoop de Doo for your special dinner? Lots of fun, lots of food, and includes beer and wine, if you are so inclined!

 

[KeroKero]

Last trip was our first time doing QSDP. We are by no means "bird eaters" and we did more than fine as we were never hungry. There are so many counter service place where the portions are so huge that two people can share and still be full after the meal. Places that come to mind are Cosmic Rays at MK, Sunshine Seasons at EP and Flame Tree BBQ at AK.

Just make sure to use the credits wisely. Don't use a credit on a sandwich that is only going to fill one person. Try looking for bigger meals (quarter chicken with a side) that two or more people can share. For the same credit, better to get more value for your buck!

 

[havoc315]

If you're having breakfast in the room, there there is little question that qsdp should be enough. QS lunches and dinner portions are quite generous.. often enough for 2 people.
And with each meal coming with dessert, PLUS a snack through the day.... I can't see having to spend extra money out of hunger.

 

[smiths02]

Unless you were going to use your TS entitlements from an upgrade to DDP all on buffets...I don't see how DDP is really more food than QSDP Both plans involve 2 meals (entree, beverage and dessert) plus one snack per night.

 

[CSAColl]

Thanks everyone!

@Smiths: I guess I thought the TS meals would have more food to them?

 

[smiths02]

Thanks everyone!

@Smiths: I guess I thought the TS meals would have more food to them?

You can find a lot of CS that are pretty generous (the same or more so than TS). Other than the (sometimes) use of a TS drink entitlement to get smoothie/milkshake OR buffets which I mentioned OR a few prixe fix menus...I found portion sizes between CS and TS to be comparable (if you choose wisely). Previous poster mentioned combo meals or seeking out places with a good portion.

 

[mousiemom]

you will be pleasantly surprised!! we did the reg dp in the beginning but we've done the qs the last couple of years. everyone that goes with us can't believe how much food you get. especially with the snack every day, we get one of those stuffed cheese pretzels that are huge and it's so filling. you won't believe how sometimes you will be so full to eat that dessert you get with each CS. especially when you go to cosmic rays and you can get the roterisierre chicken/ribs platter, good lord, that's a lot of food. you will be fine. be sure and go to wolfgang pucks in dtd, we usually go there 3 times on our trip. we love the qsdp, you're not tied down to that ressie and you don't have to worry about tips!! we love it and can't wait to do it again in nov!!

 

[jerseygirl81]

You can also use snack credits for some breakfast items sometimes we use them for a smoothie or a muffin a banana. I've heard main st bakery at MK has good options. You can check the list of snack credit options on the disboards. We have have also sent a box ahead with snacks like minimuffins granola bars cereal and plasic bowls and spoons and buy milk at the resort for a quick breakfast. There is lot of different snacks that you can throw in your bag. You can eat breakfast in your room have lunch a little early to avoid the crowds have dinner early and use a snack credit in the evening. Keep a few snacks in your bag as a back up. As others have suggested there are some good Qsr options some of them we kept the snack that came with the meal for later because we were so full. Linda

 

[elfbo]

My family had the QSDP last year, we had 2 meals OOP, and she ended up with 4 meals at the end of the trip.

 

[TACK]

I have never had a problem with not enough food on QSDP. We normally do a table service reservation so that gives us the extra credits if we need them. I make sure to use the Planet Hollywood voucher. I usually have enough left over for the plane ride.

I also share meals if I am not hungry. And, I bring a bag of granola bars/oatmeal and microwave popcorn with me just in case. That gives us the option for food choices with snack credits (ie. fries, nachos with cheese, breadsticks).

Have fun on your trip.

 

[jenlov]

Yes! Definitely! We even had food left on our plates at some meals b/c of the size. This time, we're planning on sharing a few meals at the places where they serve big portions (Wolfgang Puck, for example and La Cantina's nachos are huge! We shared 4 orders between the 8 of us last time we went).

We plan on using our extra CS credits for breakfast platters for a few mornings to break up the days of eating quick breakfast items in our rooms. The breakfast platters at the food court offer a variety of stuff and could easily feed 2-3 people. For example, the Bounty Platter at AoA's food court consists of eggs, potatoes, bacon, sausage, biscuit, and pancakes. I'm good with just a biscuit. One my kids could eat the pancakes, and dh can eat the eggs, potatoes, and meat. I think we could easily share 3 of those platters between the 8 of us since we're not BIG breakfast eaters.

We're doing 10 days as well. Take advantage of the places that serve big portions like pasta and the 1/2 chichen, etc. Even the sandwiches are big at some places. Pizzas at WPE are big enough for 2 people. We were SO stuffed after eating there b/c we each used a credit to get food. Next time, we'll share.

One suggestion that I read from another DISer that I thought was a great idea.... there's 3 of you: Use 2 CS credits for your meals and share. If anyone is still hungry after that, go back and use another credit and whoever is still hungry can share that. Most likely, you won't even need it.

 

[canopynut66]

we upgrade was $18 each adult to do that but we like to eat better on vacation and then we can use for character meals is 1 TS but is also the ADR your not wanting to do. but o n our ADR'S we either go early breakfast and then do a park or we do a dinner say around 7 or so in a nice place outside the parks like Cape May or Boma's bothe good buffets and Captains grill or Konas cafe in the Poly has really good steaks. then also have O Hana in the Poly for family style meal that is fab...all these 1 TS and also can use at Rain Forest in DTD as well. we just know if go really early to a park we goign to leave by certain time and I just plan them that way. so we miss no park time. we use the QS during the day time for breakfast when not doing a character one or dinner when not using TS because maybe I booked a signature that took 2 TS credits like Yachts club. know was sure fun last year when my DBL tried to eat the 24 OZ porter house steak there.

 

[ADisneyQueen]

I just wrote a dining review about our experience with the QSDP in June. It was plenty of food and I'm so glad we didn't order from garden grocer. Even the snack items I packed in the suitcases were a little too much.
I don't know how to post a link to it but go to dining reviews and look for free qsdp eats in the summer heat. I hope it helps you and let me know if you have questions.