2009 Dining Plan Poll and Comments About This Page:

[Sue M.]

We just returned from WDW, 2 adults (me & dd 23) on the Basic DDP. We used it before the changes: incl were grat. & appies, now no grat. & no appie. I still like the DDP, & it's still easy to get more than your moneys worth. Without young children we tend to go to the more expensive restaurants. BUT, 2 deserts a day is a bit much for us, and wish for dinner we had a choice of appie or dessert. We found a use for the snack credit (with 2 desserts on the DDP, who can also have a mickey bar too each day?) we use it for breakfast, at the cs restaurant at the resort for a bagel or fruit cup, or milk & cereal. Then when we want that mickey bar or Dole Whip, we pay oop. So, while we really liked the old DDP best, esp. not having to worry about gratuities, we still think the new DDP is good, & will consider getting it in Aug. depending on discounts coming out.

[qesue]

Thanks for all of the input. We haven't used a DDP in the past, mostly because our 2 oldest kids were considered "adults" but at 10 & 12 and 11 & 13 weren't very big eaters. This worked out financially very well for us and we saved at least $200 by paying OOP. We're planning our next trip in 2/2010 and the kids will be 10, 13, & 15. With two teenagers, I may have to rethink the DDP. I think it may be more cost effective now that the kids are older and are eating me out of house and home!

[Gypsy Gal]

We just returned from a trip to WDW and used the basic DP and loved it. This was our first time using a DP and we will do it again. However, I agree with others who wish there were 2 snacks and no dessert with the QS meal.

Why did we like the BDP... We have two teen girls who wanted to do a bit of their own thing. With the plan we didn't have to worry about them having money to pay for food. We also like to sit down for dinner as a family somewhere other than for a QSM. Often we used the QS for a late breakfast and then our TS for dinner with our snack in the middle if needed. Sometimes we would pick out something for a late night snack. We did end up with a few snacks at the end so found drinks etc for our drive home. Actually I think it was DH and I who had the leftover snacks but we shared with the girls.

Helpful hint... Fill a gift card with money that is set aside to pay those tips and food extras. This way you have everything covered. If there is any left over then you are a step ahead for your next trip.

[vince730]

We used the Basic DDP.

Since it was created in WDW, we've been using the Standard (1QS & 1TS & 1S) Dining Plan and it has always suited us very well

The Deluxe would simply be too much food for us -- We could never eat more than a Quick Service for Lunch & One Full Table Service each day.

Breakfast varies for us (Sometimes Sit Down ; Sometimes something quick from the BC like a Pastry) and we would not make the most of a TS for Breakfast even when we do a sit down anyways.

Another one here who wishes there was the option to have 2 Snacks & No QS Meal Dessert.
We always use the QS Meal for Lunch and 1) the meals are super filling to begin with and 2) I don't always want to have a "Dessert" At lunch time :P

I do wish the Refillable Mugs could somehow be integrated into the program however....The Mugs are very nice to have, but when each meal comes with a drink I wonder how much I am really using the refills that are included in the Mug Price..


I would Definitely use this Plan yet again (And will be in April).
It suits us very well & having 2/3 of the day's meals already payed for does make it a nicer eating experience

[Tinkerbelle's Mom]

On our past trips I have used the basic DDP. That has been enough for DD and I as we are both very light eaters. Unless dd is in one of her growth spurts and then she is always hungry no matter what. LOL!!

On our upcoming trip this May we are trying the DxDDP for the first time. My main reason is we are bringing our 12 year old cousin with us. He is quite the growing boy and eats us out of house and home whenever he stays with us. I figure it is best for both kids to have three squares a day. This will also help keep both kids from getting grumpy from being too hungry. (At least that is my hope.)

We are staying for 7 nights but will actually be there for 8 full days as we get in early (6am) on arrival day and leave late on our last day. We have streched our credits wisely and have included CRT as our one "signature" resturant. DD and I could pass on eating there but I want to give our cousin the special experience of eating in the castle on his first trip.

When we get back I will let you know how it went.

[shellybelly72]

Thanks for the feedback

[disneydani]

We have used the DxDP several times and it is definitely the right fit for our family. We usually grab something in our room in the morning, enjoy a CS or TS lunch and then a sig dinner. Due to our DD severe food allergies, we essentially never eat out....except at WDW. And trust me, when we eat there, we live it up! We all have pretty decent sized appetites so the three course dinners are usually no problem. I always save our receipts and we make out with the DxDP....suits our family and our vacation eating habits very well.

danielle

[jenjen1127]

We had the Deluxe Plan last summer and as most people state - it is alot of food! We can eat but this was just too much. And since you have already paid for it it's hard to say let's do a quick service instead of a table service. But even more than the amount of food - I wouldn't do it again because of how much time you spend in restaurants. Table service can keep you in a restaurant for more than an hour - sometimes two. Three times a day that adds up to just too much time out of touring the parks or swimming, etc. This year we are trying the Basic Dining Plan. We should have listened to everyone's comments last year.

[lstigger]

This is fabulous! -- I LOVE hearing how everyone uses these credits -- very helpful to deciding whether to use the QSDP for my trip in June with 2 adults and 2 teens -- had decided against, but am now reconsidering to have it all 'pre-paid'.

[cruznmore]

I have a question. We are doing the Deluxe Dining Plan. Doing a couple of the Signature Restaurants to use up a couple of credits since there will be sooo much food. On the menus at the different restaurants, is everything included with the DDP or is it certain menu items? Is there ever an upcharge for a certain entree?

[Samnalsdad]

Thanks for the great feedback. We've never used a meal plan before, but want to try it. We're having a hard time picking the right plan.

[Chanti]

it's wonderfull to read everyones feedback here. We are going to WDW in December and staying 3 weeks. We're considering doing the basic dining plan. We're definately people who like to sit down and eat in the evenings and relax, so the TS suit us perfectly. With all the enticing choices that will take up 2x TS, it might be difficult to see where to eat and where not *smirk*

[kitkat82]

I have a question although I think I already know the answer, but I'm not giving up hope...
I am waiting to see if they extend the buy 4 get 3 offer again so I can take advantage of it in September. I got to thinking that they might offer free dining too. If by some miracle they offer both at the same time, can you get both deals? I believe the answer is no because you can't combine free dining codes with other codes, but I'm doing a little wishful thinking!
Thoughts?

[Disneybine]

Originally Posted by kitkat82

I am waiting to see if they extend the buy 4 get 3 offer again so I can take advantage of it in September. I got to thinking that they might offer free dining too. If by some miracle they offer both at the same time, can you get both deals?

Even in the unlikely event that Disney will be offering both, you won't be able to take advantage of both. Like you already suspected, you can't combine two discount codes, sorry.

Originally Posted by cruznmore

I have a question. We are doing the Deluxe Dining Plan. Doing a couple of the Signature Restaurants to use up a couple of credits since there will be sooo much food. On the menus at the different restaurants, is everything included with the DDP or is it certain menu items? Is there ever an upcharge for a certain entree?

All items on the menu are included (as far as I know). That's why we love the dining plan - we can go for the most expensive item on the menu without feeling guilty

[karadisney]

Next time I'm definetly going to be using the Quick Dining Plan. It's seems so easy.