Value of dining plan

[Mommy2Three]

So this will be my 22nd time at WDW 4th time with this kids. Since the dining plan has been available, we’ve usually gotten packages that include either DDP or we’ve tacked on the deluxe dining.

We’re planning on heading out with the kids (3 kids - 2, 3 and 11) again from Dec. 22-29 and this time wondering if the dining plan is worth it? I know our 2 year old doesn’t pay in buffets, it’s only if he orders his own meal. I should probably also mention that we are not drinkers, in the sense that hubby and I won’t really be having any alcoholic beverages.

I had seen a table at some point online on whether the dining plan is worth getting in various situations. Looking for feedback and/or where I can find this table.

Thanks in advance!

 

[imsosarah]

When my kids were all under 9 - it is a no brainer for the deluxe. When only 1 was under 9 - still a no brainer. Now they are both over age - we debate it and usually end up doing the standard ( 1qs, 1ts, 2sn) for a few reasons:

1. We are going out for nicer food or the buffet options which are more expensive anyway (teenagers, eat a lot) and we have found we always come out ahead. We still do 1 character meal per trip...my kids are 12 & 17 and still love it. If we ate burgers all the time or only wanted fast food we likely wouldn't come out ahead.
2. We are smart with the snacks and use them for our breakfast or a giant starbucks in winter.
3. There are some great quick service options that are on the more expensive side (epcot, animal kingdom) that have fun non alcoholic drinks as well - milkshakes, fruity drinks all count and really add up.
4. With the dining plan you often also get a free cup for the resort - its a great souvenir but it also is handy at the pool area


I found the online tables weren't really all that valid as they look at the most expensive option or the average. If you have an idea of where you'd want to eat check out the prices for what you'd be most likely to order - I found my actual estimates were pretty far off (higher and lower) the tables on a number of sites.

 

[JIMINYCR]

Enter in Disney dining plan calculator into your search box and there will be several options that come up. Youll find many calculator sites. You enter in the restaurant and meal and it will calculate your costs to determine if its worth doing the plans.
We rather go through the menu sites and choose the meals we want to order at each restaurant and add up our costs. Then compare to the DDP cost. We never were able to save a huge amount by going with the DDP but even a minor savings is money saved for something else.
Weve also used the calculations sites and found they can vary in comparison with us doing the work ourselves.

 

[JillC LI]

I think there is a free dining promotion for that arrival date. If so, no brainer!

 

[Smiley/OCD]

I've said this before on other threads on this subject...it all depends on your family's appetites...we use the DDP every time we go and it ALWAYS works for us...(family of 4, 2 DD's 17 & 20). We have good appetites and use it to our advantage. If your kids are younger (and not big eaters), you may not find it cost effective. Also, if the kids are picky eaters, i.e. chicken fingers and mac & cheese, again, that probably won't be cost effective. We've always found it worked to our advantage in our food choices and not having to always carry cash or cards...it's all paid for except tips. The bottom line is you should really sit down with the family, look at the menus and figure out if it would work to your advantage. If you're going to lose money, think twice about it.

 

[HwdStudio]

I think there is a free dining promotion for that arrival date. If so, no brainer!

Not necessarily