My family is going to Disneyworld in 2009 for 8days/7nights. Is the Deluxe meal plan worth the price you pay?

Question

We signed up for the quick service plan and are thinking of upgrading to the deluxe meal plan. Are the extra benefit of the sit down meals worth it?

Answer 1

If you actually go to all the sit-down meals and get the food, yes, it is price-wise cheaper to do the plan usually.



In my opinion, I don't usually eat at sit-down meals more than once or twice a trip because I don't like to waste that much time eating - I would rather be enjoying the parks. So for me, food is a huge money saver. I eat breakfast and supper outside the parks and only eat a quick lunch.



That is something to consider - do you enjoy meals so much that you want to spend that much time in restaurants each day? If so, that's fine, and the plan is going to be a good deal for you. If not, then it probably isn't worth it.



Also, another thing I don't like about it is that you must have reservations. That means you have to plan out months ahead of time where and when you are going to be eating. I don't like that much structure in my vacation. So you need to think about whether you mind that or not.

Answer 2

I would suggest the Basic dining plan rather than the Deluxe. Unless your family are big eaters it's just too much food for the average person. Besides each sit down meal will take a lot of time away from the main objective for visiting the parks.....the attractions. We've done the basic, deluxe, and pay as we go. The basic works because it's one restaurant meal and one counter service (fast food) plus a snack. It's a good combination of meals especially if you tire from fast food quickly as we do. Your family is going to have a fabulous time! It's a fun place to experience but even more so when you can get a bargain w/o having to break the bank. I won't go any other way.

Answer 3

Our family of 8 just got back from being there 8 days. We did the deluxe dining and people are right, there is a lot of food. However, we booked character meals, ate at the Brown Derby, which used extra meals. I would recommend it. You never have to worry about someone going hungry or needing extra money for more meals. That was the best part for us, having everything including snacks paid for.

We ended up not using all of our meals because sometimes my kids decided they just wanted to share but all in all I think it was the best way to go. We're going to Disneyland next year and I was disappointed to find out they don't have the same type plan.

Answer 4

We went in April and had the dining plan that allows one sit down meal and one quick service with two snack items per day. We felt like it was a good deal financially. Especially if you have kids. However if I was to go back I would use the quick service plan. I personally felt like the sit down restaurants at Disney World where way over rated. I also felt like the sit down meals took way too much time out of our day. We had to be at a certain place at a certain time and it was sort of a pain to plan around. I think the quick service plan would be ideal! We did however really enjoy our meal at Liberty Tree Tavern and the Hoop De Doo Musical Review was awesome as well. The other restraunts we went to where just okay. So I would say to analyze what your family really enjoys and wants to spend their time doing at Disney. If you really enjoy trying new dining experiences then I'd say go for the deluxe plan, but if you want to get the most time you can out of the parks I'd say stick with the quick service plan. Have a GREAT trip and keep in mind that the restraunts book up really early! Make sure you get your reservations in, in advance. There was one restraunt we wanted to go and couldn't get in even a couple of months in advance. I can't remember what it was called now. The Canadian one at Epcot It's supposed to be one of the best.



You can go to www.tripadvisor.com and type in Disney Dinning plan and get others opinions on it. I believe there are also reviews on www.allearsnet.com

Answer 5

well it depends.

its worth it if you use all the meals as table services. but if you do use all meals at table service restaurants you will be taking 4 and 1/2 hours out of every day. cuz it takes an hour and a half for each table service meal.

personally i enjoy the 2nd level dining plan which gives you 1 table service, 1 quick service, and 1 snack per day. and me and my family are never hungry with this plan.



i think you should either stay with the quick service plan or just upgrade to the next level dining plan don't go to the deluxe.



and if you do stay with the quick service plan don't worry you won't be hungry cuz you get 3 meals per day + 2 snacks per day and that is plenty.

Answer 6

I have been to disney several times and have never had the dining plan, we booked our 2009 trip and included the meal plan with one of each meal types, I am looking forward to it because while we are on vacation we like to feel like Kings and Queens, where in our normal life we are far from it, so we always eat at one really nice place most every night, this way we can have all those nice restaurant's and nice meals with out worring about the bill........ plus there are more than just restaurants in the parks to chose from. you can go to any one of the hotels to eat and at downtown disney, like planet hollywood is included in the meal deal. I am hoping it is worth it, but I have made all my reservations for all my character meals way in advance so I can be sure to get the most of it.

Answer 7

We did the dining plan that gave you

One snack

One counter service

One table service

per day.

It was more than enough food.



I think trying out the sit down restaurants are a big part of Disney. It really helps to sit down, cool off and refuel.



We have used this dining plan 3x and would use it again

Answer 8

Quite honestly, when our family went to Disneyland several years ago, we didn't want to waste time sitting down for a 60-90 minute meal. There was too much to see and do!!! However, it is definitely worth it to have the character breakfasts ~ these are sit down breakfasts or breakfast/buffets and with many of the Disney characters coming to visit with you at the tables for one-on-one conversations.

Answer 9

It's only worth it if you make advance dinner reservations and make them really early if you want to go to the popular places (and I mean 180 days in advace).



If you don't make reservations, the upgrade will be completely useless.



If you have the reservations for all the places you want to dine at, it's definitely worth money to upgrade.

Answer 10

yes, because if you dont upgrade, the only free meal you get is breakfast.