Save With Dining Plan For Walt Disney World?

[DeniseAck]

We just booked the dining add on for 2 adults and 2 kids for our trip in Dec. I also was dubious of the value, but I believe it is really going to be a money-saver. It also has the benefit of not needing to worry about how much each menu item costs, so you can choose based on what you like, not the price, like an all-inclusive resort. I found a link for the restaurants included in the dining option. Scroll down to see what is available at the parks--I'm particularly interested in eating at Epcot--as they cover the hotel resto's first. Disney Magic Your Way Dining Restaurants - wdwinfo.comAlso, at an Italian resto, the entrees for dinner were from $18.50 to $24 ish. Including tax and tip, that would be $29 just for the entree, and we'll get a drink, app, and dessert, and also Lunch and a snack. I figure we'll have granola bars, and/or cereal in the room for breakfast. Here's the menu. L'Originale Alfredo di Roma Ristorante at EPCOT World Showcase, L'Originale Alfredo di Roma Ristorante Menu I still have to talk to our TA to get her thoughts on where to make res's for dinner as time is getting close.

Just my 2 cents. Have fun either way!

[quinda]

I've heard some debate about the dining plan for Walt Disney World - some people say its not worth it, others say you can save a fortune.

It seems to be around $38 extra per night per adult - for that you get one proper restraunt meal, one 'counter service' meal, and one snack. It sounds to me like you are saving by buying that, so whats the catch? Are the places that you can use the 'dining plan' freebies too limited?

If anyone can explain why people don't think the plan is a good deal, I'd be interested to know.

[quinda]

Thanks for the response DeniseAck (and how come it looks like you started the thread, yet reads like you're answering me - odd!).

It sounds like the Dining Plan is a very good deal from the prices that you describe - I had a look at some menus and I think that if the tickets I buy allow it, I'd go for something like that.

Thanks again.

[45ish]

I don't think the 38 dollar add on sounds much like a value to me. I do think the 18 dollar Italian dinner sounds pretty reasonable. Are there any meal plans at all included in the ticket prices with out adding on. I was wondering about this in another thread that is posted on the board. Just trying to get the biggest Orlando bang for my buck.
I plan to dine on seafood but that may not be the case for my co travelers.

[chriswalker]

You might want to reconsider the dining plan. Go to Disney World - The Largest Unofficial On-Line Guide to Disney World, Walt Disney World and look into ... We saved about $1000 by using the dining plan.