Meal Pass

[X_superalien]

I'm sorta new to the whole spending money on food deal...

After doing some research online I saw several people talk about how the Meal Pass is a rip off.

Do you guys know the pros and cons to buying one?

THANKS!

 

[SPOERLX3]

meal pass????

are you talking about the dining plan? Just want to make sure I am giving you my thoughts on the right thing.

 

[X_superalien]

Yepp!

 

[elabron]

I wouldn't call the dining plan a "rip off", especially if you plan on experiencing some of WDW's finer table service eating establishments.
We use it everytime.....and feel like it's a great fit for us......especially since my wife's favorite part of a WDW vacation is the restaraunts.

Figure per person:

Lunch - $8-10 per person
Dinner - $15-25 per person (although you could spend a LOT more)
Snack - $5 per person

Plus, on the dining plan, you get an appetizer, entree and dessert with your table service meal.....you also get a dessert with your counter service meal too....drinks and gratuities included.

To me, if you're not in a hurry and have the time to sit down for a nice table service meal each day.....it's the way to go.

 

[X_superalien]

Thanks!

Thanks For Your Help!:roflol:

 

[ImaYoyo]

If you're the type of person/family that does at least 1 sit-down meal per day, orders appetizers and/or high $$$ items (filet, ribs, lobster tail) then the dining plan can save you loads. If you're family doens't do apps but does high $$$ menu items, or does apps but not high $$$ menu items, you will come out slightly ahead or break even. If you do neither, or just don't do sit-down meals, you're better without.

 

[jesserin]

Here's how I've always explained the dining plan to people:

If you're the type of person who is on a tight budget and eats burgers for every meal in Disney... you will find the dining plan too expensive and as you put it... a "rip off"

If you prefer a variety of options - not just the cheapest thing on the menu, or if you choose to view the disney restaurants as part of the disney experience, and not just a means in which to fill your stomach so you can get to the next ride... then you will likely love and greatly appreciate the dining plan.

The average family (IMHO) does not get an appetizer, entree and dessert for every member of the family. Usually one family would split an appetizer, get a couple of entree's and if there's enough room left over a dessert or two. The beautiful thing about the dining plan is that it costs about the same as the above mentioned menu... except you get far more food.

So is that a rip off? You spend the about the same and get alot more? In my opinion it is a fantastic way to really enjoy the disney restaurants as they are pratically an attraction in themselves.

Again. If you're on a tight budget. Skip it - you'll save a little bit. But if you really want to make a vacation out of it... go for it and enjoy!

 

[SPOERLX3]

I look at it like an all inclusive vacation

I never carry cash, anything we buy is put on my credit card, then we pay it off all at 1 time when we get back. I took out my credit card itemization and added up just what we spent on food and for a family of 2 adults and 2 teens for 8 nights and 9 days, we spent over $1200.00 on meals and snacks and we normally ate at walk up food stands, during our 9 day trip, we only had 3 sit down meals(1 of those was a character breakfast, the other a charecter lunch). Our trip this year is set for the week before Christmas for the same amount of time, same family and when I upgraded my package, it was an extra $1248. About the same amount of money and that includes, tax, tip, everything. My sister just got back from Disney and she did the dining plan~ she said that she would never do Disney again without it. Sooooo much food and they got to eat at the best restraunts in every park. I can't wait and I am making a list of all the places that we need ADR's for as we speak. I hope this helps. Just look at it as an all inclusive vacation!

 

[Aurora23]

Here's how I've always explained the dining plan to people...
So is that a rip off? You spend the about the same and get alot more? In my opinion it is a fantastic way to really enjoy the disney restaurants as they are pratically an attraction in themselves.

Well put, to the "T"! I agree and swear never to do another Disney vacation without some sort of dining plan. I think it's a great value.

I do not use any of the credits for Signature dining, we would pay OOP for those. Other than that, I would choose the plan any day.

 

[X_superalien]

Much Love

I really the appreciate all of the replies! :sohappy:

 

[righttrack]

For $37 a day, you'd be hard pressed to find good food, and timely. When I was a kid, we went to Disney, Seaworld, etc. Our park days were 2-3 and eating a few counter service meals was no bid deal. Today where it makes sense to stay in "the world" for 7 days or more, the meal plan is excellent. You really just need to choose varied food from varied places. A little planning, yes, but a big payoff.