Originally Posted By juicer Is there a web site that breaks down the WDW Dining Plan on exactly how much money it would save (or not save)? For some reason I think I remember stumbling upon a web site that someone had done this. I am going next year and am interested.
Originally Posted By BrooklynsMom My question about the Dining Plan is "Is it worth it?" This will be about our 50th trip to Disneyworld and this time will be toting 3 kids with us. Obviously we will be doing a lot of character dining and table service meals. The price breaks down to approximately $37.99/day for adults and includes 1 table service/character dining, 1 quick service and 1 snack. Most of the table service meals are $37.99 on their own! Experts....should we get the dining plan or not?
Originally Posted By MPierce Up front I want you to know I despise the Demon Dining Plan. I think it has ruined dining at WDW. Now to answer your question is it worth it. First off you have to take into consideration just how much your family eats per day. Do you want to do a sit down meal or character meal every day? What are the ages of the children, and are they picky eaters. If they have to eat off the childs menu there is a very limited selection of what they can eat. Snacks use to be just about anything under $4 at WDW. They supposedly have cracked down on that, and snacks are more limited now. I don't know if that's true are not because I never have, and I never will purchase the DDP. Tips are no longer included in the plan, and you no longer receive an appetizer with your table service meal. Since you've been to WDW so many times, and know how it works there. I would suggest you compare your past trips to see if the DDP is right for you.
Originally Posted By BrooklynsMom I suppose the reason we figure it is worth it is because yes we plan on doing at least one table service/character dining each day. We love Hollywood and Vine, and our kids (3,3, 5) are happy to eat mac n cheese and chicken nuggets. As far as our quick service meals, my 3 year old will share my food and I figure that leaves us a child's quick service meal if we get hungry later. I wonder if the Dole Whip is considered a snack? Did I hear (maybe Spirit) say that Liberty Tree Tavern is no longer going to have characters at dinner?? We are debating Crystal Palace or LTT. Man, I am so darn torn over this dining plan!
Originally Posted By A Happy Haunt ^^^We were too (didn't do it). It just seemed like SOOO much food & you have to make ressie so far ahead of schedule, how do I know what I want 6 mnths ahead of schedule. 99% sure DW is a snack!
Originally Posted By MPierce Yes the character meals are gone at LTT. Also remember if you don't use up every single credit on the DDP, it's like throwing money away. The Mouse loves easy money.
Originally Posted By BrooklynsMom I'm definitely not worried about not using any of our meals! My husband will take care of that! I really value opinions of the other frequent visitors. Ya know I am always for giving things a try...I suppose we will do the plan...if it's terrible we live and learn right? I'm on allears.net looking at prices if we did character dining "a la carte". Bottom line, it's expensive either way!
Originally Posted By MPierce It's even more expensive because they have raised the price so much on food to convince people what a good deal the DDP is.
Originally Posted By BrooklynsMom MP you have effectively convinced me to stick to what I know and just ditch the DDP! I think the DDP is a good price only for kids because it's only $10.99 a day for kids and that is less than one character dining buffet. But for adults...it all equals out in the end.
Originally Posted By MPierce I only oppose the plan because I think it has lowered the standard of quality, and has limited your choices of food at WDW while increasing the price. I am a firm believer in pay as you go. I think it's a waste of time, and money to upfront the cost of your food on a vacation. There are just to many things that can go wrong. Once you've paid, your money is gone. I know you can remember when you would make your ADR's for the day that morning, not six months in advance. That's another thing the DDP has completely ruined. Spontaneity has almost completely disappeared at WDW. Like Happy said, who knows what they want to eat six months from now.
Originally Posted By BrooklynsMom I do agree with the ADR! It is truly ridiculous! 90 days in advance is just plain crazy! I remember days when we would just walk up to the counter an hour before a meal at Crystal Palace and get a reservation! I feel like my favorite places are changing their menus...Columbia Harbour House now has "nuggets" instead of chicken strips. Those were my favorite go to! Thanks again for all of your help!
Originally Posted By bobbelee9 ^^^Good grief no!!! Happy, didn't they tell us everyone on the package had to have the dining plan, not just one or 2? I had thought of getting it for my husband but not for me. The biggest advantage to the DDP, imho would be that you've already paid for the meals. But unless you eat alot, regularly, everyday, not worth it. But the demons (Spirits?) are affecting me and I'm starting to think, if it really was to our advantage $$$ wise, Disney wouldn't be offering it to us. Quick, someone please give me back my rose-colored glasses.
Originally Posted By juicer Because going to WDW is so expensive - the only way I can afford to go is to make the package reservations at least 6 months in advance and slowly make payments until its time to go - So if the dining plan is included in that package - everything is paid for (except for incidentals)
Originally Posted By Disneymom443 I'm with juicer, I'm such a big planner I have everything paied for and I don't wnat to worrie about food $$ when I get there. I love the DDP. For my family it is convent. juicer on your first question, I remember a disney spedsheet from a few years ago, but have not seen anything like that sence. I tend to just create my own. Sorry I couldn't help.
Originally Posted By MPierce When I plan a vacaion well ahead of time I have a way of paying off that vacation in advance. It's called a savings account in my local Chase Bank. If anything happens to come up to interfere with my plans, I still have my money. The Mouse is out of luck. When I woke up this morning, I wondered what I should fix to eat tonight. I pulled out my schedule that I made 90 days ago, and saw I wanted BLT's with a slice of American Cheese at 7:30pm. Well I guess that means I can't go anywhere else tonight.
