Would the DDP be worth it for us?

[minmate]

I'm getting so confused... btw trying for % off on the rooms, whether or not to buy tix from an outlet or WDW w/a Dining pkg. Throw in there, watching for Free Dining and airfare prices, I'm overwhelmed!!!! So... in budgeting, if I were to assume we DON'T get free dining (hoping for it for September) - IS IT WORTH IT FOR MY FAMILY?

There are 2 Adults, 4 kids.

My kids get VERY agitated (even at home) when they are hungry so regardless of if we pay OOP or on the DDP, we will need to at least have 3 meals a day... and plenty of liquids (considering it's supposed to be hot).
EITHER WAY (oop or ddp)
1. BREAKFAST - would be in-room as we get ready (either granola bars we bring from home or something purchased as a SNACK credit from the food court -- aka a piece of fruit or yogurt? Is this possible?)

2. LUNCH - If on DDP, I'd do CS at this time (as dinner costs make the most use of the DDP). This makes sense too b/c at this point we may be ready to eat quick and get back to the hotel for a swim break - or even eat at the hotel's food court.

3. TABLE SERVICE -- If on DDp we'd do one of these each day around 5ish before heading back into a park... hoping the food would pretty much tide us over for the rest of the night (barring a few snacks here and there).

However, if we were NOT on the DDP, I could see us cutting way down on TS's only doing them 3-4 of the 8 nights. Would we get sick of counter service for 9 days?

Obviously, FREE DINING is the best bet. But if it isn't offered, since there are 6 of us - and the cheapest I can see us getting by each days is about $100 (not including gratuity) -- what should we do?

 

[Tricia1972]

It is all overwhelming sometimes.

It really depends on what you eat to a degree. However my hunch is that your group would be better off with the plan than without it. Kids are where the plan can be made or it can be broken. With four kids and two adults - I would bet that you'll come out ahead.

 

[frannn]

1) Where would you stay- moderate?
2) Are all four kids under 10?

If you would be staying at a deluxe because of the size of your party, and can get a great discount like 40%, that may reap better savings then even the free DP. On the other hand, with no free DP, if you are staying at a moderate (like POR), and all 4 kids are under 10, you would probably still want to do the DP. If you have to pay for it, kids cost about 10/day and adults 38/day. That's about 116, but includes all your meals and snacks. Definetly a great deal for kids, if you are planning any character measl. Figure that the cheapest kid's meal at CS is 4/each. That's 8/day for each kid, with eating breakfast in the room. For 2. more, you'd be getting snacks and a TS instead of 2 CS. Seems like a no brainer to me, especially if you can get a discounted package.