WL with DDP or POFQ with DxDP

[Jacklynn]

So my husband and I have ourselves down to two options:
POFQ for 7 nights with the Deluxe Dining Plan for $3134
OR
WL for 7 nights with the Regular Dining Plan for $3372

If we did the deluxe dining plan we will be doing a few meals that require 2 table service credits…

We already have our dining reservations based on a regular dining plan though so we would just have to add a few reservations (our trip is in May)

So which would you do? They are close in price so either one works.

Is the deluxe dining plan the way to go if you don’t want to stress at all about food, or is it just a ridiculous waste of money, and will you feel like you are only eating, though we wouldn’t actually ever eat 3 TS meals in a day.

And, is the WL upgrade worth it to have the regular dining plan? This will be my husband’s first Disney trip ever. And my last (and first) real trip (other than a conference) was in 2003 and we didn’t do any sort of dining plan and I was in high school on a family trip with my parents. So will the regular dining plan be enough convenience for us as is?

Psst, my vote is WL but my husband is more keen on the idea of getting to taste a lot of what WDW has to offer and we are really into the experience of dining (of course we enjoy the food aspect as well though )

 

[ProudMommyof2]

I would definately vote for WL with basic dining. Deluxe dining is one heck of a lot of food. It seems to me to make it worth the $, you would have to plan 2 table service meals a day. Take into account how much of your day that will take up. You have to get to what ever restaurant and then allot at least 90mins to be there.

WL is just beautiful and much closer to some of the best resort restaurants on the property!

 

[miller2470]

I think that I would do WL. Hey, your in Disney, What could be better?!? You could always do some of the signiture dinners and maybe pay for one or two OOP and still stay at the WL. It depends on the atmosphere that you like the best.

 

[Jacklynn]

woo hoo two votes for me

 

[Luv2Roam]

I say it depends.
I would like Dlx Dining just so I would be trying restaurants I may not otherwise try.
However you need to decide what matters to you most -- food and the resort. Or, are you going to want to spend much of your time in the parks?
If you are wanting a lot of park time, go with the mod. If you plan on relaxing and enjoying the resort more, then WL.

 

[BoosGram]

Truthfully, given the amount of food that you get on the dx plan, I would only go that route if I knew I could eat that much food (it's a LOT of food), and I know I couldn't, so for me it would have to be WL. Oh, the sacrifice .

 

[Buzz2001]

WL with DDP!

 

[skipperkim]

Another vote for WL with DDP.

 

[MAKHayes-DisneyDiva]

WL w/ DDP
On one thread, someone figured out how much more they would have to budget for tips w/ the DxDDP, since more meals will be eaten at TS places. Also, it seems like I would not want to spend that much time eating, but would rather be out at the parks, having fun.

 

[50 years Too!]

I'd stay at WL and do regular dining plan. Just do counter service a night or two to make up for signature dining (2 credits).
Wilderness Lodge is da bomb!

 

[Lollipop's Mom]

Another vote for basic dining. It is MORE than enough food. I met some people in WDW when we were just there that were on the deluxe and they said NEVER AGAIN. They spent their time running around to ADRs and eating, and said they were not eating much at each meal, because they were still full from the previous one (and this family looked like they had healthy appetites!).

 

[JoanneNC]

Another vote for basic dining. It is MORE than enough food. I met some people in WDW when we were just there that were on the deluxe and they said NEVER AGAIN. They spent their time running around to ADRs and eating, and said they were not eating much at each meal, because they were still full from the previous one (and this family looked like they had healthy appetites!).

I say WL -

 

[tarheeltink]

I gotta agree with everyone else. I'd go with WL and the regular DDP. You'll still have plenty of food and be staying at a wonderful resort.

 

[Jacklynn]

Thanks everyone for your thoughts! WL was for sure my vote! My husband thought it would be nice to get to experience more dining, but I think you all may have helped me to change his mind

I just read all of your replies to him and he said okay okay I get the point haha. He didn't think about how much time that would take up. His main reason he said for wanting to do the Deluxe was he wanted to start every day with a nice breakfast and end with a nice dinner, which I understand, but I would rather have WL and a bagel on the way out the door

 

[Lilolvr]

Definitely WL with the DDP!!

 

[ProudMommyof2]

Thanks everyone for your thoughts! WL was for sure my vote! My husband thought it would be nice to get to experience more dining, but I think you all may have helped me to change his mind

I just read all of your replies to him and he said okay okay I get the point haha. He didn't think about how much time that would take up. His main reason he said for wanting to do the Deluxe was he wanted to start every day with a nice breakfast and end with a nice dinner, which I understand, but I would rather have WL and a bagel on the way out the door

Glad we could help

 

[pooch]

Although we're staying at POFQ this year, we LOVED WL in 2006. And you can have a good breakfast & a nice dinner on the regular DDP. I'd have to double-check the menu page but DH & I got 2 eggs, bacon, hash browns, a biscuit & 2 pancakes w/coffee & juice at Roaring Forks (1 Counter Service credit), more than enough to split. We'd then also split a CS lunch & not be too stuffed for a TS dinner. We found the regular DDP to be plenty of food and expect it will be even though the appy has been removed.

 

[wezee]

I realize I am in the minority here but.......If it's just you and hubby....I would do POFQ and deluxe dining for sure. I realized people with children are more into the parks and rides, and if that were the case, I would prolly rec. WL. But for to adults.......I would explore the signature restaurants and fine dining WDW has to offer.

DH and I will be at POFQ this year on the deluxe plan and we are having a ball with all the pre-planning for our ADR's. With both of us pushing the big
5-0.....we find that we burn out really fast, if we push the parks everyday without a nice sitdown break. We will be having a 1TS and a 2TS everyday.
Our 2TS will be sched. for 7-8pm and should not take much time away from our park activities. Our other TS will be a character breakfast or early lunch and considering the lines at the CS.....should be quick and comfortable.
Just my opinion, but thought you needed to hear from the other side. No matter what you decide you will have a great time. DH and I go to WDW every year, as a couple, and love it. Just remember......to take the time to smell the roses,taste the wine and enjoy every minute of your trip.

 

[Jacklynn]

sooo I got DH to agree that WL is a better idea...

except now he just wants to up it to WL with Deluxe dining...

soooo we will see lol

 

[tkmmc]

Another vote for POFQ & here's why:
My husband and I have very carefully considered this same option and gone back and forth with which to choose. We think it would be better to get the deluxe dp unless you are going to skip one of your meals each day. If you plan on eating 3 meals per day (of any category) the deluxe is worth it. Please remember that with the basic, you will be paying cash for whatever you eat that is not included. The food at Disney is so expensive. My husband and I wrote down a sample itenerary and calculated the cost of what we would eat that wasn't covered on the plan. We made up the difference in the cost of the two plans just by calculating for cheap breakfast, cheap lunches, an occaisional nice dinner. With what we would spend on 6 days worth of burgers and pizza, we could upgrade to the better plan. The thing to keep in mind is that with the deluxe plan you may "waste" meals by not using a table service here and there but you will NOT waste dollars because you'll end up paying the same in the end. Since you're not taking children, it would be wonderful to enjoy a late night dinner at some of the table service options that you couldn't enjoy on the basic plan. If you skip a meal, that's just another credit for a fancier meal. A disney agent told us that an adult will pay 69.99 before tax per day for food on the deluxe plan. You can view restaraunts and menu prices online. Add up all food & snacks for each day that aren't covered on the basic plan and I'll bet you'll be pretty close to the deluxe total. But you'll get alot more quality for your money on the deluxe plan. The POFQ is a very romantic and quaint resort. In years to come, I think I'd rather have memories of lovely dinners in nice Disney restaraunts with all of the different themes than memories of the awesome lobby at WL. Whew, sorry to ramble but we've thought really hard about this and I just wanted to share. Good luck.