What Would a Pixie or Pirate Do?
"We are traveling in July (2 adults) and my husband is set on the Deluxe Dining Plan versus the basic (Plus) Dining Plan. He thinks the Deluxe Plan makes better sense because we like to indulge in great restaurants when we travel. When does it make the most sense to have the Deluxe Plan instead of the Plus?"
-Wendy C.
WWAPD?
Molly L:
No doubt about it, the Deluxe Dining Plan is a lot of food.....but if you're going to eat 3 meals a day and you enjoy signature dining experiences, it could be worth the upgrade. Signature dining experiences are more expensive than your usual Disney meal. The dining plans are designed to save you money, and some people see this savings as an opportunity to indulge in meals they may not be able to afford otherwise. It might be a good idea to plan out your vacation and pencil in the meals you would like to enjoy. Add up the amount of credits you would need to use and see if the "Plus" Dining Plan would give you enough credits. If not, the Deluxe Dining Plan might be the way to go. Happy Planning and have a magical trip!
Lisa R:
I am a big fan of the Deluxe Dining when traveling with adults. My husband and I have used it on more then one trip. I feel if you are planning on eating at some signature restaurants while visiting Walt Disney World it saves you the most money. We are not fans of counter service locations (and by "we" I mean my husband...LOL). Usually we eat something light in the room for breakfast, then we eat a table service lunch early in the day, between 11am and noon. Our dinner meal is then a signature meal that requires 2 table service credits. Once in a while we will do a late breakfast on the dining plan then a signature dinner. It is a great way to experience the Signature restaurants with out paying full price for them.
Laura L:
My family and I are HUGE fans of the Disney Dining Plan and have used it on our last 5 trips in a variety of ways. I love having a majority of our meals and snacks paid in advance, worrying only about gratuity and alcohol while there. Typically we use the BASIC, or Plus plan. While 1 table service, 1 quick service, and 1 snack may not sound like a lot of food, it really is enough, especially in the heat of July Orlando temps. Recently, my family upgraded to the DELUXE plan when we had gotten the basic plan free. While it did allow us to try several signature locations (that require 2 table service credits), we still found ourselves constantly eating and not seeing the parks. We also ended up cashing in many of the snack credits for individually wrapped items that could be brought home. In the future, we will most likely choose to stay with the BASIC plan and pay out of pocket for any extra meals that don't fall into the plan. I would suggest researching the locations you wish to dine, looking at the menus and costs to see which plan would best benefit what your plans are and consider the value of what you choose.
Caitlyn L:
The Deluxe Dining Plan is a great idea, for the two of you, especially if you like to indulge. There are some wonderful 2 credit restaurants as well as dinner shows. The Deluxe Dining Plan will give you the opportunity to indulge in these great restaurants. My husband and I have had this debate as well, and we have decided that the Deluxe Dining Plan makes the most sense for us, when we are traveling without children and want to try some of the higher credit dining experiences that would be wasted on my step-daughter and her best friend who usually accompany us! So indulge and enjoy!
Laura B:
Many people feel that the Deluxe Dining Plan is just way too much food, but sometimes it may be a good idea. Most of the "fine dining" locations require 2 Table Service Credits per person. If you think you may be dining at a few of these locations, then the Deluxe Plan would work well.
Julie B:
I feel that the Deluxe plan makes more sense if you are mainly looking to eat at table service restaurants while you are there. The 'Plus' plan is nice, but gives you the quick service options & just 1-table service option (so you get a 'mix' of both with the Plus plan:). If you have that luxury of being able to indulge in lots of restaurants while you are on vacation, I think the deluxe dining plan is a better fit! You will have more table service credits & there are so many restaurants & dining options with the Disney dining plan, in itself.:) So much to choose from & so much food! ºoº
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