Would've deluxe plan eat up too much time?

[Dakota731]

or would it be better time wise then waiting in line for table service during a busy December week?

 

[danielocha30]

Disney ADR times is not actually the time you will be seated, popular places will take longer to actually sit you, and being so busy it will add to the problem, if you are getting DP for free it might be good to schedule some places that require 2 dining credits to minimize the number of meals per day but you will be better off without DP and paying out of pocket, just have a one table service per day than 3 TS meal per day. Deluxe plan do eat to much time any given day.

 

[Faldred]

I assume you mean counter service?

Time... is what you make of it. A standard table service meal, from arrival at the restaurant to departure, takes maybe 75 minutes (variable, depending on how quickly you eat [and are served!] and how long you have to wait for a table after checking in); longer for a signature. Even at a busy time, counter service will be quicker.

But, there are other advantages to that table service. You're sitting, in air conditioning and out of the sun, and relaxing for that time (minus perhaps some of the waiting-for-a-table time). This can minimize your need to take other breaks throughout the day, which is even more important with the typically shorter operating hours in the winter months. Also, if you are into character meet-and-greets, you can get many of those done while eating, saving you time (and standing around in lines) in the park.

There is a reason, though, that most people recommend doing only two meals per day (one of which being a signature/2 TS meal) when on DxDP - it's not just the time, but also the amount of food involved.

 

[OasterP]

I do think Deluxe would take up a lot of time if you plan to do 3 TS a day. I think the two TS (with the Signatures) is a better plan. I personally like some time out of the park for a rest, but 1. I've only gone when it's hot and 2. We take two kids who do better with breaks.

I completely agree with the poster above who said if you want to meet characters anyway, it's going to save you that time. The only time we use the dining plan is when it's "free" and we plan to hit up a lot of the character meals at that time.

 

[purple figment]

or would it be better time wise then waiting in line for table service during a busy December week?

With a dining plan your meals will be paid in advance, but you will be waiting the same amount of time to be seated with or without the plan.

TS meals can take a lot of time. At a regular TS restaurant the meal takes about 60 - 75 minutes plus additional time to get to the restaurant and waiting to be seated. If you dine at the signature restaurants, they are paced more slowly so allow 90 - 120 minutes per meal plus travel and wait time. When we had the DxDDP we did two meals a day - usually a regular breakfast or lunch and a two credit dinner, but even with just two TS meals a day we found we were spending a lot of time traveling to restaurants and dining. It is also a lot of food since you'll have an appetizer, entree, dessert and beverage for each person.

 

[Shanti]

Table service meals take about an hour, plus there is sometimes a wait to be seated. I wouldn't do that three times a day in a park. Two times, yes, but not three.

During peak season, table service can sometimes be more time-efficient than counter service, fyi. You won't have to wait in an endless line to order your meal, then find a table, etc.

 

[Nancyg56]

When we have the DxDDP we tend to book two meals a day, with one being a signature meal. I figure we have to eat, and knowing I have an ADR on a busy park day, or a wicked hot day is reassuring for us.

I do not book three meals a day, and swap between lunch or breakfast, for one meal depending on our plans.

I also do not book two ADR's every day. I know that there are times when we do want a CS meal, and we tend to stop for them when we are hungry. By the end of our trip we break even for credits.