We are returning to Disney12/8/12 -12/15/12 & plan on doing the QSDP. However, my son will be 10, but he doesn't eat much and I hate to pay the adult $. Would it be more cost effective just to pay for our meals as we go?

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Answer 1

Hi Sherrye!

Congratulations on your return trip to Walt Disney World!

We have made a point to figure out whether we spend more on or off the Dining Plan, because my boys, ages 9 and 3, are not big eaters, and neither am I. So, we specifically budgeted our way through our vacation one time, and were very strict about our spending, while still enjoying several fantastic Disney Dining Experiences. (We consider these experiences an important part of our overall vacation experience at Walt Disney World because the food is so fantastic and the service & atmosphere are second to none - not to mention the opportunities for Character Dining!)

We found that we exceeded the amount we would have paid for the Disney Dining Plan by a total of $274!!! And again, we did not eat anywhere NEAR the number of meals, or the amount of food AT those meals, as we would have had we chosen the Disney Dining Plan. We did not do any of the Character Dining Experiences that time, either.

So for us, it's Disney Dining Plan all the way, every time we go!

One important factor for us is that choosing the Dining Plan allows us to budget and pay for our meals on the front end, so we don't even think about how much our meals cost while we are on vacation. That is a huge thing to have off of our minds so we can relax and enjoy without worrying about the bill that will be coming later!

These are just some things to consider as you make your decision. Best of luck to you, and have a wonderful vacation!

We are returning to Disney12/8/12 -12/15/12 & plan on doing the QSDP. However, my son will be 10, but he doesn't eat much and I hate to pay the adult $. Would it be more cost effective just to pay for our meals as we go?

Meet the Panelist: Teronya, Tennessee

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We are returning to Disney12/8/12 -12/15/12 & plan on doing the QSDP. However, my son will be 10, but he doesn't eat much and I hate to pay the adult $. Would it be more cost effective just to pay for our meals as we go?”

Meet the Panelist: Teronya, Tennessee

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We are returning to Disney12/8/12 -12/15/12 & plan on doing the QSDP. However, my son will be 10, but he doesn't eat much and I hate to pay the adult $. Would it be more cost effective just to pay for our meals as we go?