Would you do it again?

[GC&S]

We'll be doing the DDP for the fourth time (Oh, and we are not over-eaters). We love that we don't have to worry about paying when we're there, the tax and gratituty are included, and since you pretty much have to make ADR's for TS whether or not you're on the DDP, then why not use it. You do get 2desserts a day but you don't have to eat them. No one is there forcing you to eat everything.

We love eating TS everyday at Disney and we do usually order appets/and or dessert even if we aren't on the DDP (again, we are NOT overeaters or overweight). We just like to try different things on vacation. We do usually end up with snack credits but use them for snacks to bring on the plane or for home.

 

[lynninpa]

Is the free dining only offered in October? Just wondering b/c I am going this May and have not paid for my package yet, just on hold...

Someone correct me if I am wrong, yet if memory serves the Dining Plan was offered the end of August thru the first week of October the last two years. The way we found out about the promotion was through the DisBoards and by signing up for the www.mousesavers.com newsletter.

 

[slotzkin]

Someone correct me if I am wrong, yet if memory serves the Dining Plan was offered the end of August thru the first week of October the last two years. The way we found out about the promotion was through the DisBoards and by signing up for the www.mousesavers.com newsletter.

Thanks for the info! I am now signed up for Mousesavers newsletter. Do you know if there is any chance it will be offered between now and May (or has it ever been offered in the Spring)? Also, do you know if I pay for my MYW package and free DDP is offered, can I get free DDP?

 

[BeckWhy]

Originally my boyfriend complained that it was too much food. I didn't think so (but I rarely clean my plate). But when we talked about our next trip, he said he wanted DDP. It is quite a bit of food, but if you just exercise some self control you will be fine. If you don't like eating at counter services, I wouldn't suggest it. We did save a ton of money (especially since it was free), but we would have saved money either way. I liked the fact that you could get an app, entree and dessert. That way you get to sample a lot. If we were to do it otherwise (pay out of pocket) then we would have only been able to afford entrees (if even that, what I mean is, I don't think we would have gotten steaks at Le Cellier). I also looked at it (even though I didn't experiment) as a way to experiment with things I never tried before. For example, next trip I will be trying calamari and crab cakes for the first time, and if I don't like them, it doesn't matter because I will still have an entree and dessert to feed me.

All-in-all, the DDP worked out really well for the two of us. We loved it. Some people do and some don't. It's all a personal preference.

 

[lynninpa]

Thanks for the info! I am now signed up for Mousesavers newsletter. Do you know if there is any chance it will be offered between now and May (or has it ever been offered in the Spring)? Also, do you know if I pay for my MYW package and free DDP is offered, can I get free DDP?

to The DisBoards, slotzkin!
Again, someone correct me if I am wrong...Even though no one ever knows just when the free dining will be offered, I doubt it would be offered now in time for your May trip. As for your other question...Yes, you can "add" the free dining promotion to a package that has already been booked. You simply get the code when it comes out and call Disney and add it to your reservation. We were able to that twice-the last time we were able to add it for 9 people!

 

[bluerendezvous]

With two teenage boys that can be bottomless pits and a DH that is just as hungry, the DDP is definitely for us! Also, since I'm the planner, I enjoy not having to budget for food on my vacation! I have to budget during the whole rest of the year.

Don't forget, just because appetizers & desserts are an option, doesn't mean that you have to order them!

If you are light eaters, I wouldn't recommend it. You probably wouldn't get your money's worth.

 

[slotzkin]

Thanks for the warm welcome, disboards are super fun! I should have been more clear. The package I have booked currently includes dining and I was wondering if on the off chance the free promotion is offered, could I then be refunded for the dining I paid for? Thanks!

 

[rsschneck]

YES! We paid for the DDP in October and December. DD and I are headed back in less than 2 weeks and we are on the DDP again. We love ordering anything we want and not worry about cost, no more guessing about the food budget and we like trying new restaurants.

DD is happy she is now going to order from the adult menu (she turned ten 2 months ago). She did not like the kids menu with the new changes Disney has made. I think the kids menu is okay for younger kids but not enough choice for older kids. She and I will probably share some meals because I think the adult meals are going to be too much for her alone.

 

[slotzkin]

YES! We paid for the DDP in October and December. DD and I are headed back in less than 2 weeks and we are on the DDP again. We love ordering anything we want and not worry about cost, no more guessing about the food budget and we like trying new restaurants.

DD is happy she is now going to order from the adult menu (she turned ten 2 months ago). She did not like the kids menu with the new changes Disney has made. I think the kids menu is okay for younger kids but not enough choice for older kids. She and I will probably share some meals because I think the adult meals are going to be too much for her alone.

Hello,
Just noticed your ticker at the bottom of your post. I am new here...are you planning a trip to Maui? I grew up in Hi and my parents still live in Maui so if you want any tips, just let me know

 

[lynninpa]

Thanks for the warm welcome, disboards are super fun! I should have been more clear. The package I have booked currently includes dining and I was wondering if on the off chance the free promotion is offered, could I then be refunded for the dining I paid for? Thanks!

Yup! As I mentioned above, we were able to get the "free dining" twice now. Each time we already had a package booked with the dining plan included. When we called and gave them the code, the difference was simply deducted from our balance due.

 

[bigbabyblues]

Yes. We got it free the first time (2005), we paid in Feb, and we're paying again in May.

We don't order what we don't want. If we don't want 4 appetizers, we don't order them. Same with desserts.

It is cost effective for us. In 2004, we budgeted and used $140 a day for food; that was when our youngest ds was free at buffets and shared other meals with his brother. Now that we have to pay for him, our budget would be around $165-170 a day. The dining plan is $100 (give or take a buck or two) a day, so that's a difference of $65-70 a day. We do have a few extra character meals that we pay cash for, at approximately $65 each. We still save with the dining plan. It works for us.

 

[Mommyof2Sweetpeas]

We will definitely get the DDP next time. We went in December and that was our first time with the DDP. It gave us a chance to eat at places that we would have never went to without the DDP. There is something about having everything paid for up front that makes the meals even better!!!

 

[Disfan3]

ok...we are doing it for the third time next week!!


I would do it again. We like TS meals and character buffets and even with out 10 yr old...I still think we come away better off than paying oop.

Plus I like the fact that it is all prepaid and dh does not pick and complain about this being "too much" or whatever since he is not a big eater or a food person in general...its just better for our family.

I hope they do free DDP again so dh and I can upgrade to deluxe digs for FWF adult only trippie!!!

The food can be split and some credits used for breakfasts and some desserts can be saved for later snack if you have a room fridge, etc.


I think it is a great deal

 

[QueenGoblin]

We had the free DDP last September and at the time I thought it was nice but I doubted we would use it again. But now that we are planning our trip in January so DH can run the Goofy challenge, we are seriously thinking about it. DH is tall, skinny and vegan (and will need to do some carbo-loading before his races). He really enjoyed the buffets when we went last year b/c he could eat as mush as he needed and got variety despite his restricted diet. By the time we pay for a buffet meal for him everyday it is not that much more to cover the DP. I'm still not sure it is worth it, but DH's caloric needs combined with the convenience may put us over the line.

 

[Keokagal]

Had DP free last Aug. It was great fun. But, Aug is HOT and our appetites were very diminished. We ordered everything but did not eat much. For us, just DH and me, would not do it again in the summer. During a cooler time, sure, we love to eat. But, and this is not a negative comment, it is a HUGE amt of food. Absolutely you get your money's worth.
Now if they would create a Disney Drinking Plan for all the Martini's and Frozen concoctions, we wouldn't have a problem finishing them off!

 

[makelab]

Love having everything paid for before we leave, and not having to worry about it. (well most things!) I do not cook on vacation, I do not want to eat nothing but fast food, and I will not watch every penny all week long. (If I can't afford it, I will stay home.) I want to relax and enjoy! I think the only time DDP is stressful is if you are too worried about getting the most for your money. If you don't want dessert, don't eat it. You will still come out ahead.

Just my opinion, but I think the overeating comments are rude. Most people eat two meals a day at home, when they are not walking around the whole time. Most of the CS desserts are nothing to write home about anyway. Perhaps Disney should consider eliminating them altogther, and that would take take of the sugar free jello outrage!

absolutely agree. too many people say it is too much food, and while it is sad to see it go to waste, i'd say 90%+ of restaurants in the US serve portions that are too big. i also agree that if people 'eat the way they normally do', the DDP would still be less money (unless you eat once a day, i suppose). i'd pay for it, but we have been lucky enough to go during free dining the past couple years.

 

[Muushka]

We are DVC members. We would do the DDP again only if:

1. We stayed in a studio
2. If it is free (and I know we can't stay at DVC on points to get it!)

 

[AnninIowa]

My dad and I went in October 2005 WITH the dining plan; we just got back from a February trip where we didn't have the plan.

PROS
- Not having to hand over the cash/rack up a credit card bill; it's so nice to have food pre-paid
- Tried places we wouldn't have because of money

CONS
- Way too much food! We are light eaters, so app/entree/dessert meals every single day was too much. We felt sick with so much food combined with the heat - ugh!
- Having to schedule every single meal in advance. I was constantly worried about where we were in respect to where we were going to eat. I felt like we spent more time getting to meals and eating the meals than we did in the parks.
- Takes the spontanity out of a vacation. When we saw a treat we would have liked to try at a cart or store, we were too full to have it.

For us, NOT having the plan worked; we came in under what it would have cost us anyway. However, if it was free or discounted, I would probably do it again and not stress about having to eat everything and get the "most" out of the plan. I think a lot of people obsess about getting the most bang for the buck; eating at the most expensive places with the most expensive menu items. They think if they are "wasting" credits if they use them at a "cheaper" place.

 

[Rantybaby]

I was at a choir convention in Dallas, TX August 2006 . I spent more than $38 in meals PLUS transportation to go get it. So, the DDP is a bargain for me. I can eat where I want without worrying about price. AND IT'S PREPAID!!

 

[Hodder]

Went Oct 2005, was ready to pay for the plan, then lucky me got it free!! Going again this Sept. and am ready to pay for it again. I would love to get it free again but c'est la vie. It is a bargin for us! I am not concerned if we don't save money on it, we found it was enough food (at times too much), but it was one less thing I had to worry about.

The only thing I am doing different this time around, is that I am planning to have a few breakfast TS. There were evenings we were to tired for sit down meals last time.