Dining Plan Questions

[WLnTR]

I'm considering adding the DDP to my Jan reservations at WDW. I've always figured I could get out cheaper without the plan but I'm having my doubts this year with my girlfriend and myself (we'll probably eat a sit-down table service meal every night). I've searched the forums, but I still haven't found what I’m looking for. So here goes:

(1) For the TS meals, can you choose from the entire menu (i.e. any appetizer, any entree, and any dessert) or is there an abbreviated menu? If so I really think I could eat my money's worth by looking at the prices on the menus here.

(2) Could the quick snack be, say, a coke and an ice cream or will this only cover one or the other?

(3) Can my DDP balance be paid in full before I go so I can fake myself into believing I'm eating for free while I'm in WDW..?

Thanks for any help, and I hope this isn't a repetitive thread... just want to get my facts straight before I shell out the cash

 

[ClemsonTigger]

If you do sit down dinners in the evenings, the plan is always worth it.

As you said, you get appetizer, entree desert and soft drink. When your server knows you are on the plan, they will often suggest some of the most expensive options (as their tip is based on final price). You have the choice of almost any item on the menu. A few things at a few restaurants are excluded (lobster for example), but there are very few things.

Snack is one thing, so it could be a soda, water, or Dole whip

 

[DABIGCHEEZ]

Be careful...... if you are going to definately eat a sit-down and counter service EVERYDAY(with apps for both) then go for it. But fair warning I know many people who have used the DDP and have not been able to use all the credits in the end and they also said it is waaay to much eating.:hurl: I beleive it has to be paid in full upfront for all in your room for all nights.

 

[OneLuckyMom]

(1) For the TS meals, can you choose from the entire menu (i.e. any appetizer, any entree, and any dessert) or is there an abbreviated menu? If so I really think I could eat my money's worth by looking at the prices on the menus here.

(2) Could the quick snack be, say, a coke and an ice cream or will this only cover one or the other?

(3) Can my DDP balance be paid in full before I go so I can fake myself into believing I'm eating for free while I'm in WDW..?

#1 - Generally the entire menu is up for grabs. In a few places, there are one or two items not allowed on the plan but these are rare.
#2 - No. The snack credit is good for only one item.
#3 - You will actually HAVE to do this. To get DDP, you have to book a MYW package (presuming you aren't DVC). Unlike room-only bookings, where you only have to pay the first night in advance I believe, packages must be paid-in-full 45 days prior to arrival.

 

[Dwarful]

If you think you won't use one sit down meal each day, you can always use two credits for one premium meal, although we always do one sit down per day. You can split one counter service meal for a light breakfast, split one counter service meal for a light lunch, have an afternoon snack and then a big dinner. You can also save your snack credits and redeem them on things to take home..we did this in Dec. and hit Goofy's Candy Shop at DTD on our way out of Orlando. The girls loved having Disney snacks for their lunchboxes once we got home and they went back to school!