dining plan good or not?

[mgmrach]

Im looking at the dining plan for next year and trying to see if it would save us money.

it looks like it should but then when I try and work it out Im not sure we'd spend as much over the whole holiday as the dining plan would cost

anyone any idea on this?

[Taja]

You'll get mixed reviews on this, Rachel.

If you are likely to want a TS meal and at least one counter service meal and snack each day, the standard DDP can be a good value. The average TS meal (entree, standard beverage & dessert) usually averages about $30 per person, CS around $8 to $12 for entree, beverage & dessert and a snack about $3. That's an average of $43 before taxes and gratuities. Taxes are included in the DDP, gratuities are not.

Remember, two TS credits can be combined for a signature TS meal, which would eliminate a TS meal one day.

Personal opinion: it felt as though our entire holiday was planned around food when we tried the DDP (during free dining in 2006). We enjoyed trying different dining venues, but felt very tied to our ADRs. It also isn't a good dining format for me--I graze throughout the day rather than eating larger meals. It's what works best for my body, although I certainly enjoy an occasional dinner out!

Whether you select the DDP or not, you'll still have to make ADRs for most dining venues well in advance. You'll be tied to your ADRs either way!

[Figment]

Personally, we love it when it's free...giving us a chance to try places we'd never book otherwise...but I would never, ever pay for it. When we visited Disney pre-DDP, we would book a couple of sit down dinners and then eat all of our other meals at CS places and with a bit a fore-knowledge, you can scope out the places that have more than just your average burger and fries. We always felt we had plenty to eat this way, and we didn't feel as tied down as to what we had to do each day.

However, if you are the type that really wants to experience those sit down restaurants every day regardless, then yes, it can be a decent savings.

[Taja]

After my previous posts, some other things popped into my mind. It was a bit slow this morning!

The DDP must be purchased for every person for every night on your room reservation age 3 and up. Ages 3 through 9 at the time of check-in are considered children for the DDP, ages 10 and up are adult. That can be a factor, depending on dining habits/preferences.

When purchasing the DDP, most room-only discounts are not available. I believe Disney permitted AP and DVC discounts this year, but who knows what the rules will be next year. Lack of the room-only discount can offset any potential savings.

If you're planning significant time off site, you still have to pay for the DDP for those days if you're registered at your WDW resort. That can be useful for the two TS credit venues (dinner shows and signature restaurants), but may not be.

If you are visitng WDW during peak or holiday times when they add a premium to character and some other dining venues, the DDP could be advantageous. The premium is included in the DDP cost.

Overall, the DDP generally is a prepayment of meals. It can work to your advantage if you plan your ADRs carefully and are interested in the more expensive TS restaurants (remember, some require 2 TS credits and you may lose value on those) and maximize the value with the most expensive dishes available.

You really need know your holiday style and price on site meals to determine if the DDP is a good value for you and your family.

[Slowhand]

I recall Ricardo telling me that he once looked after a party of 8 at the YSH who were on the DDP and thought that all tips were included. As such they left him a $5 tip as a "bonus"!!!
Please bear this in mind folks.
Although tipping is alien to us Brits, "over there" its a way of life and the server`s livelihood depends on it.

[Johnie]

Well tipping WAS included on the DDP prior to 2008. I suppose people could be ignorant about that the fact that it has changed.

We have used the DDP when it's been offered free. It's certainly a nice money savings that way. I don't necessarily think it is saving any money when you pay for it. I suppose you could come out ahead. It's a nice if you like to pay for things ahead of time though. Personally, it is too much food for us.

[BigThunder]

i still cannot imagine getting my food at WDW for FREE!! I mean, how awesome is that??? Maybe one of these days i'll luck into going when they are offering that. I've done the math & for us I don't think it's worth it. We are normally very happy with CS meals. Plus we always stay in a DVC villa with a kitchen & sometimes we just want a lunch or dinner in the room & we always have breakfast in the room. Some people think it's absolutely worth it tho. I personally am not sold yet tho i think this coming trip it may have saved us a little if we bought it because we have more reservations at the nicer places than we normally do & we arent' done yet.

[Johnie]

Free is always awesome ::

[BigThunder]

Seriously, i think the first time i went into a nice WDW restaurant, ate & left with no less money in my pocket i might pee my pants just a bit imagine all the extra money for shopping!!! Oh i really, really, really hope i luck into one of these someday.

[Johnie]

It's typically been offered during the height of hurricane season (aug-sept). This year, they are offering some dates in oct, nov and dec as well. I suspect Disney is being hit hard by the economy.