Does buying the dining option at Disney World really save you money an is it worth it?

Question

We are traveling to Disney with our 3 children and are wondering if the dining option that Disney offers is worth the additional price. Will it save us money and will we get good meals?

Answer 1

The Disney Dining Plan gives you and your traveling party 1 sit down meal, 1 quick service meal, and 1 snack, per person, per day of your stay. I only recommend getting the dining plan if you plan to stay longer than 4 days. The discount you'll receive from the dining plan will really only be worth it if you stay 5 days or longer. The cost is included with your hotel stay and can save you a lot of money. Clients of mine who have signed up with the dining plan for a 5 day stay or longer have been very pleased with it.
Check out this Disney Dining Plan online brochure!
http://adisneyworld.disney.go.com/media/...

Here is an example of a cost breakdown for a Walt Disney World Resort Stay at a moderately-priced resort with the dining plan for 4 days:
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Cost Breakdown for The Magic Your Way Package Plus Dining:
Package Total: $2,240.31

This cost breakdown is based on a standard room choice. More expensive room options include the following: Water View Room (additional $107), Jr. Suite King Garden/Lake View (additional $1210.00), and 1 bedroom suite king (for an additional $3050.00). If you would prefer one of these hotel options as opposed to the standard room choice, let me know and I’ll re-figure the total package cost. Here is the breakdown for a Standard Magic Your Way Package plus Dining Option:

Hotel: Coronado Springs Hotel
Checking in December 17th / checking out December 23rd, 2006
Standard Room (2 double beds, overlooks garden, patio or parking area)

Total cost for hotel stay: $971.49

Park Tickets:
Days = 4Price per guest per day = $48.75Total Ticket Price for Family: $585.00

Total Cost for Meals for 4 days (includes breakfast, a snack and dinner for each person per day : $683.82

Total Package Cost: $2240.31
The price for this offer does not include air or ground transportation, vacation insurance or costs for any other available options.
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According to the Disney Reservation Specialist that I contacted, the dining plan comes out to about $50/person in meals for one entire day. This is a huge savings. A nice buffet meal can sometimes cost $25-$35 for one person. And that is just one meal. While the dining plan will save you money, you will have to keep track of what meals you’ve used up each day or what smaller meals you can trade in for nicer meals. From my experience, this process can be a bit time consuming while you’re on your trip and you have to know at what restaurants accept your plan. However, Cast Members provide you with a tally of what meals you've used and what meals you have left on all of your printed receipts. Here are the pros and cons of the dining plan:
Pros: results in a huge savings on meals; your meals are paid for in advance, provided you follow your plan and the select dining list, and gratuity is often times included.
Cons: This can be quite time consuming. Quite often, families end up going somewhere not on their list because they may not feel like Mexican at the time, although they planned for it days in advance. By not going with the dining plan, you have more freedom, but expect to pay what everyone else (not on a dining plan) does.

If you would like help planning for your next trip or if you would just like to read up on some fun tips and ideas that are updated monthly, visit my Disney Vacation Services Website, at:

http://im-all-ears-disney-vacation-servi...

Have a great time!

Answer 2

yes meal ticket is good. dont bother iwth drink pass tho...they give u one big plastic cup that u are supposed to carry around all day to get free refills. however since u cant carry them on the rides (unless u store in lockers that cost $$) then u have to hide them and hope they dont get thrown away. if htey get thrown away then u are stuck buying ur drinks for rest of day.

Answer 3

If you are going to eat every meal in the parks or resorts--yes it is the only way to go.

Answer 4

here's a link on ebay where they have awesome deals on Disney World vacations.