Disney Meal Plans

Hey Disney buffs!

Do you suggest getting a meal plan? We were looking at the one that includes 1 table service, 1 counter service, and 1 snack, and were wondering if we should get that, or just pay as we go. Thanks!

Deb

Re: Disney Meal Plans

We did the meal plan that you're talking about, and found that it worked very well for us.

Re: Disney Meal Plans

I don't know if this would effect your decison to get/not get the meal plan, but this is what I've heard:

When you get the meal plan you tend not to get the "best" service possible. Reason being: the tip is a sure thing.

So, if you're the type to notice these subtle differences, I thought I'd point it out.

If that doesn't matter, I see no reason not to get the meal plan -- especially if you're traveling with little ones. DH and I didn't find it necessary only for the reason that together we just don't eat that many times in a day to make it worth it!

Have a great time in Disney!

Re: Disney Meal Plans

Thanks for the info!!!!

As long as the waiter doesn't ignore us completely - we're good

Re: Disney Meal Plans

We have done the dining plan in the past and we had no problem with the service the servers were always trying to help us pick to make the most of our money etc. We did usually leave a few extra dollars if they were really good (even though the tip is included).

I think it definitely can be worth it but it depends on what you eat and how much. We did find it to be too much food though. We would go and buy bars for breakfast so we didn't have to pay anything in the parks or at the hotel. The portions are huge and you get an app, entree and dessert. It is great for tasting things but you will roll out of each restaurant if you eat all that (at least for us we would have).

You should look at the menus at allearsnet.com and look at where you would want to eat, what you would order and what you are spending - it is nice as you can try things you wouldn't normally try or order a more expensive item you might not normally order.

Re: Disney Meal Plans

Re: Disney Meal Plans

also check out www.disboards.com - it is a great posting board with tons of info from transportation, dining, hotels, traveling with families etc - basically is you have a question they have an answer.

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yes, yes, yes. It is the greatest thing ever. For about $35 per person per day you can eat like royalty. If we didn't get the meal plan we would have easily spend over 1K on food in 8 days.

But if there are certain places you want to eat, make reservations now.

Re: Disney Meal Plans

Posted by WannaBeAMommy

I don't know if this would effect your decison to get/not get the meal plan, but this is what I've heard:

When you get the meal plan you tend not to get the "best" service possible. Reason being: the tip is a sure thing.

So, if you're the type to notice these subtle differences, I thought I'd point it out.

If that doesn't matter, I see no reason not to get the meal plan -- especially if you're traveling with little ones. DH and I didn't find it necessary only for the reason that together we just don't eat that many times in a day to make it worth it!

Have a great time in Disney!

Re: Disney Meal Plans

Disney accepts dining reservations 180 days in advance.

We're going late September and I had a hard time getting reservations for the good restaurants at a "normal" dinner time. And I was making reservations for only 2 people.

I had to make some of our dinner reservations for 8:30 p.m. or later.

It's insane how those places book up so far in advance. But the good thing is that you can make multiple reservations for the same day, and just cancel later on if you don't feel like eating at that place or time. (Which is a big reason why it's hard to get reservations for 2 people at this time).

If you do go with the meal plan, I suggest making reservations early on for some of the places you def. want to eat at.

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Oh wow - I think I'll make some reservations tomorrow though - we know of a few we def want!

Thanks for all of the help!

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We used the meal plan and we LOVED it!!!! It was so worth it!!!! We never felt like we got less service like another poster mentioned.

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We use the meal plan and it's a great value if you use the table service for dinner. I have never had less then stellar service because we were on the meal plan.

You definitely want to make reservations in advance -- the meal plan has successfully filled up the restaurants making it hard to get the reservations.

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If you are going to MGM, you MUST MUST MUST make reservations to eat at the Sci-Fi Drive in. so cool, request a car.

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Thanks so much for all of the advice!

I made a few reservations today... and will be making more later in the week.

So far we have:

LeCellier
Fulton's
1900 Park Fare
Wolfgang Puck's

We'll be adding
Sci-Fi Cafe
Kona Cafe
Spoodles


Thanks for all the suggestions, etc.

I'm getting more and more excited!